Knitting Beyond the Edge: Cuffs And Collars, Necklines, Hems, Closures- The Essential Collection of Decorative Finishes

by Nicky Epstein

She's already knitted On and over the Edge - and now Nicky Epstein is going even further! Here, she shares more than 150 one-of-a-Kind embellishments for any type of garment edging. With her signature inventiveness. Nicky provides an abundance of ideas and takes stitchers one step further. They range in difficulty level; some are simple but elegant. others complex and truly extraordinary. There's a bell-sleeve jacket with a Celtic knot closure. a stylish cable-hooded wrap that's textured with unusual patterns and bobbles and a Fair Isle coat with an unusual hem treatment and twisted cord embellishment. All are accompanied by detailed instructions and crisp colour photography.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference

192 pages, Hardcover

First published November 28, 2006

About the author

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".

Reviews

[Haley Mathiot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. It's so inspiring and interesting and exciting. It's divided into four sections: Cuffs and Collars, Necklines, Corners and Edges, and Closures. Each one has pages and pages of different interesting unique ideas.

I would call this book a designer's sourcebook. Yes the patterns can be used to change or alter an existing pattern, or dress up that plain sweater, but they can also be used in and of themselves. Collars can be used as cowls, Cuffs can be turned into wristlets, or even mittens or gloves. I see potential hats and socks in here too for people like me who like to write down the pattern as they go, or design something based off a picture they saw.

There's even a few full patterns thrown in here, all of which I love, and a few of which I'm definitely going to have to knit… especially that fair isle sweater. Goodness gracious it makes me want to jump for joy.

The patterns themselves are easy to understand and concise, and the pictures are very good and show off the project without being distracting.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got WAY too many ideas from this book.

[Emmalee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covered more "advanced" techniques. Colorwork, differnt types of collars, button holes, etc.

[Mollie *scoutrmom* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this better than Knitting Over The Edge: Unique Ribs, Cords, Appliques, Color, Eclectic- The Second Essential Collection of Decorative Borders. The photos sparked some great ideas.

One negative...there were a lot of places where charts would have been helpful.

Definitely a keeper.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazingly creative. The borders, necklines and cuffs and collars are simply astounding. I would love to knit a sweater with all of these designs. The layout of this book is very hip and inviting, the color scheme is a nice accent as well. I was very impressed with this book and would definitely recommend.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicky Epstein's books are wonders, and this one is the wondrous of all, in my opinion! Fantastic new visions of collars, cuffs, corners, and closures. While I find her patterns somewhat futzy looking, I love the design elements she presents so you can use them in your own designs. This book is a treasury of potential. The photography is crisp and clean and beautiful too. I'd like to own this one as a reference.

[notgettingenough · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm at a loss as to whether it is fair to give this only 3 stars. Maybe it's a perspective thing. There is a lot in this book that would only look good on a person who was bereft in the tits department. I look at it, I admire, I move on.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not at this skill level yet, but looking forward to it later in my knitting life.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love knitting, you will LOVE this book. I adore all the photos, it has so many beautiful things in it. Unfortunately my knitting skills may not be up to all the best bits.

[Tisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok and if I was looking for a specific technique, it might be useful. However, just looking through the book, there really wasn't anything that I saw that I wanted to add to a project.

[RB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reference patterns!

[Maylin · Rating 3 out of 5]

on the reference shelf

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting idea of adding embellishments.

[Martine · Rating 2 out of 5]

not one of her best