Rethink traditional knitting with this groundbreaking collection of 25 sophisticated patterns for beautiful sweaters, jackets, and accessories from one of the most influential voices in knitwear design.Award-winning author Nicky Epstein offers knitters of all skill levels adventurous, wearable projects that showcase innovative and clever construction and garment details. From a tunic created by weaving sections of knitting to a pullover featuring braided sleeve details, these patterns all offer interesting new twists on classic handknit designs. The stitches are easy, but the eye-opening results will challenge the way knitters think about this age-old craft. Each chapter focuses on one type of treatment, including innovative shaping, weaving, and braiding, directional knitting, or cutting-edge ways to use edgings and colorwork. Distilling her more than 30 years of knit design know-how, Nicky shares all the tricks of her trade in this gorgeous volume.
Nicky Epstein is a knitting designer and author of numerous books on knitting. She is known for her creative combinations of knitting stitches, and for the colorful patterns often found in her sweaters, especially involving applique of separately knitted motifs.[1] In 2005, she was given a prestigious award by the National NeedleArts Association. In 2006, her work was featured in a retrospective fashion show at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City. Since the (winter) Holiday 2005 issue, Epstein has written a regular column in Vogue Knitting called simply "Nicky Epstein".
Another book bu the incredibly prolific Nicky Epstein. I believe that she must design these patterns and then hand them off to knitters without really thinking about who might actually WEAR them. One of the patterns is called "je ne sais quoi". Aptly named, as I was thinking "I don't know what" while I was looking at these patterns. But on the bright side, at least I didn't add more to my already over-full queue.
Surprisingly, not a lot in here that I really liked. There was a cape that I would adjust and a tunic. As well as a super chunky long sweater that I really liked. Other than that, everything was like it was trying too hard to be different… There were little Bits on some of them like one had a drawstring on one side that I would love to incorporate elsewhere, but not a book that I would want to buy
I love Nicky Epstein’s imagination in thinking outside to box of traditional knitting to create show stopping looks. I will probably never actually make any of these patterns, for two reasons: first, they are sized only from S-XL. Second, the garments are a bit beyond my comfort level for wearing in public. What I intend is to delve into the techniques themselves and adapt them to my own designs.
Another excellent book by Ms Epstein! I really adore her creativity, as well as her constant admonishment for all knitters to think & knit outside of the 'box'. Many beautiful projects to test your knitting muscles & ingenuity with. The one tiny flaw, which is probably more to do with me being a novice is the instructions could be a touch more concise. If you love knitting & enjoy unique pieces then this is one for your bookshelf.
So excited that my review copy of Nicky Epstein's new book, Knitting Reimagined, arrived today! My first look through has shown me that it is gorgeously photographed and laid out. I can't wait to dig in and and read some of the patterns in detail. I am going to try and knit some of the patterns so that I can let you know what the real world "knitability" of the patterns is.
A while back a knitting instructor once warned me about patterns in magazines and books by saying to be wary of those where the person modeling the garment is posed funny or looks uncomfortable. That is a sure sign that the design of the garment or the fit has a problem that will only be made worse on "real" bodies. My first glance at the photos revealed to me a couple of the garments in the collection are likely for serious fashionistas only and not likely to be very flattering on anyone above a size 2. But I will tell you more when I've actually had a chance to read the book, study the patterns, and try my hand at knitting the stitches! Until then, knit on!
Knitting Reimagined - Part 2
In the Introduction to her newest knitting book, Nicky Epstein writes, "My goal was to fill this book with chic, wearable, but uniquely atypical garments that will appeal to knitters of all skill levels." This reader would say that she has, for the most part, succeeded in her goal.
The patterns in Epstein's book are very well written and easy to follow. One of the fun aspects of the book is the "Reimagine It" box on the introductory page to each pattern. There Epstein gives knitters ideas for thinking outside the box and for changing up her patterns and designs to add a sense of personal style or design to the garments. As an experienced knitter, this part really strikes a creative chord with me and I appreciate a designer who not only acknowledges that readers may play with the pattern, but encourages them to do so!
As I went through the book more slowly I came to better appreciation of some of the patterns I had first thought no one in my small, rural community would likely ever wear. (I confess to still being fairly certain that no one is going to look good/feel comfortable in the "Glory Rising Circle Cardigan"--it may just be too far in the deep end of "uniquely atypical" to fit a human form.) The Cool Construction section along with the patterns in Stitch Impact provide some of my favorite garments in the collection. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of styles Epstein designed using basic rectangles--a knitting feat even beginning knitters can easily pull off. (I may have to create the Renaissance Castle Tunic before fall and my planned trip to a neighboring state's Renaissance Festival!)
Another thing I really like about Epstein's collection in Knitting Reimagined is the fact that it contains items from casual to classic to elegant/formal. There really is something for everyone! I also like the fact that she includes a time gauge as part of the pattern--letting newer knitters have a realistic idea of which projects are bound to take more time/effort than others.
Thanks to Blogging For Books for allowing me the opportunity to read and review Nicky Epstein's Knitting ReImagined!
I'm on a Nicky Epstein binge lately. I am a fan but I also know that she sometimes goes overboard and seems to throw everything that can fit onto her garments. Like the cover piece: Fair Isle, fur yarn edging, cables, funnel neck, and tunic length. Enough for ya? She does give suggestions to simplify but these sometimes kooky creations definitely spark more ideas. Beautiful photos and not a lot of knitting technique stuff, so you should know your knitting.
A super-creative companion to Epstein's Knitting Block by Block. Patterns are invitations to think differently about the way knitted garments are imagined, created, and worn. While the novice knitter is sure to be overwhelmed, the experienced knitter will find much to satisfy.
Some nice tunics, including the castle pattern. I had the same problem I always have with sweater books: no bust darts. In all the decades I've been knitting, I've not found a single book (that wasn't actually about bust darts) that included them.
This is a great book, but I am unsure of how many of these patterns would be great outside of how they are photographed in the book. Still, it is inspirational.