ISBN 0-8069-8638-7, Softcover, 115 pages, $14.95, Sterling Publishing Company, Inc., review copy provided by Helby Import Co.

It will not matter if you are primarily a needleworker, beader, fiberworker or even a polymer or glass beadmaker, this book will be of interest to you.  Celtic Knotwork is packed full of Celtic patterns and includes historical information, black and white photos of antiquities and step-by-step illustrations on how to create these patterns.  In the introduction, Bain explains how this book evolved, some historical facts, analyzing the patterns and his father's contributions.  He goes into great detail about the complexity of Celtic Knotwork and it 's infinite possibilities.  He then offers easy solutions and quick understanding by making grids for each knotwork design that can be constructed in many mediums.

Bain explains how each grid has cells that form the grid and on page 25, Plate 1, is an example of a whole piece with patterns repeated in various areas including areas that curve.  Curves and grids that are not square are explained along with illustrations and examples.  Grid projects are provided to help us with step-by-step comprehension.  Plaiting and interlacing, characteristics, final cords, wide-cord cell and double-interlacing, filling a panel, irregular shapes, full circle panels, triangular and quadrantal knotwork are just some of the subject matter.   There are 8 color plates and black and white illustrations are found on almost every page.  You can go as deep as you want into the nitty-gritty of Celtic Knotwork or stick with the easiest patterns.  If you pick up this book and look through it, you might say, wow, this looks too hard, but if you look a little closer you will find there are several step-by-step patterns you can apply to your own craft without getting real technical.

I like to choose a pattern, use soft-flex wire and seed beads, set the pattern down with t-pins on foam core board and finish with a crimp bead and my own fiber finishes.  I created patterns from the Chinese Knotting book this way and it worked beautifully.  It can be done with Celtic Knotwork patterns too.  Check the Double Coin Knot project in our workshops and you will see how easy it is.  If you are going to try a pattern this way, how about the single interlaced one on page 41, "X" marks the place where you can join with a crimp bead or connect it where ever you choose.  Make a pendant necklace by adding a strap on the upper left and right sides between knots.  The curved pattern on page 33, figure 9 is a possibility.   Page 39 offers several choices,as well as the patterns on pages 60 through 63.   

With the grids broken down into cells, they should be adaptable for patterns in quilting, knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, embroidery and other crafts.  Some great macramé combinations could be created with this knotwork using the newer fibers available today and could be combined in with other bead and fiber techniques.  Try making a three dimensional piece.  Beadmakers will have the more difficult job.  I am sure it is easier to recreate in polymer canes than glass, but those glassmakers can make everything else, so I would not be surprised to see glass beads with Celtic knots in them.  I have already seen polymer examples in bead magazines.  Celtic Knotwork is an excellent reference and pattern book.