*knitting beyond the edge* by Nicky Epstein

Cuffs & Collars * Necklines * Corners & Edges * ClosuresThe Essential Collection of Decorative Finishes

This book recently made itself known on my bookshelf and I've already browsed through it several times. There's just so much to look at here! Like Nicky's other two books, Knitting On the Edge and Knitting Over the Edge, this one is chock full of different applications to the edges of knitted garments.

Focusing on the neck area, cuffs, and closures, all types of decorative details are included. Some are rather extreme, Bobble Diamonds for one, on page 123, to a rather sedate, prim and proper V-neck Horizontal 1X1 Rib on page 75. All tastes are covered in this book. The varieties and possibilities are inspiring!

Directions follow each featured edge, along with a large picture with bright yarns. Some of the colors are not what I WOULD WEAR, but with different weights of yarns and colors--seeing beyond the example given--there are some definite treasures here.

I would like to note that some of the directions are very straight forward, this is NOT an instructional how-to book. For example, on the Single Angle-Line Mitered Corner, there are 3 rows of directions, not a "how to do" a mitered corner. I have never done a mitered square, so looking at this, I would not instinctively know how to make this corner. It might take me awhile to actually figure it out just by row by row directions and the picture.

There are several patterns included in the back of the book. The Belle Epoque Jacket featured on the cover is included. Large, colorful, easy to follow charts and graphs along with detailed pattern directions look inviting to make some of her unique and beautiful creations. The Faux Fair Isle Jacket caught my eye and I have it bookmarked.

The attention to details given in her patterns are extremely "beyond the edge" and for those that like finishing details on your projects, this book is a MUST HAVE on your shelf. Lots of frilly edgings, beads, buttons, ribbons, flowers, leaves, lace and embroidery. Nicky hasn't left anything out. Who needs jewelry?

After browsing this book and seeing her other books from the library, I didn't notice any repeats in this one, nor a feeling that I've seen this design element somewhere before. They are fresh, unique and inviting.

This book is geared to those that like a reference dictionary of sorts, those that want to change an element of their project to suit more their own "style" or those out on the designing road that are looking to make something different than the norm. I would recommend this book to those types of readers. Those looking for step-by-step directions on different knitting techniques to make these edgings, will have to look to a different knitting how-to reference book first.

Feeling alittle bit decorative?

Then check it out!