Make mock ups
If there is one thing I've learned in knitting and book arts it is to make mock ups. Always knit a swatch with the yarn you will use, in the pattern you are using, the way you are going to knit the project. If you are trying to see if what looks fabulous in your head for a book, really is?... make it in real life. Chances are there will be problems you haven't anticipated or details you have to work out before starting the actual project. I have learned to enjoy this part of the process. Even if your mock up doesn't work out for the final project it was intended for, chances are what you learned from it will come in handy somewhere else down the line. I've been planning how I want to knit the spine. I'm going to do color work and include the title of the book and I'm not sure what else yet. Do I reference Elizabeth Drinker's poppy pattern, or do I use the cornflower pattern inspired by the Pennsylvania Dutch illuminations in choral books we have a...