Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Nicky Epstein is a knitting genius. I think we call all agree on this simple statement.

This is another volume of embellishments for knitting amazing garments. I love the other two volumes, and so was surprised that this one isn't as attractive to me. The collars are just not the type of thing I would ever put on a garment. They are very reminiscent of clown and jester collars and I don't care for that look. The cuffs may be helpful in the future, but at this moment, they remind me of something I've seen in fairy tale books on the princess' dresses. The neckline section strikes me nearly the same. There are several nice designs there, they are not much different than what I've worked with in my mother's old Work Basket magazines.

The corners and edges section is very nice and I appreciate Ms. Epstein taking the time to walk the reader through turning a perfect corner in pattern. The edgings are good as well. Many are adaptations of what you'll find in Barbara Walker's books.

I thought the closures section majored more on using unique buttons than unique techniques. Most of what I saw in this section was covered in some form in the previous two books.

OK, all that being said, I think this is a helpful book and can be inspiring for some knitters. Once again, the photography is amazing and the projects offered are amazing, although slightly intimidating for me--I've been knitting for many years. As I said above, I'm disappointed that it wasn't as fabulous as the first two books, although there is a short, but very good section on altering necklines, fitting a neckline into a pattern and altering patterns.

I am still giving this book four stars because the positive outweighs the negative by far. Because a certain look doesn't appeal to me, doesn't mean it won't prove to be terrific for another knitter. Perhaps I'm just on knitting overload...

I was disappointed with this book. It is nice to look at and beautifully presented, but for me, the majority of finishes represented here are too fussy, frilly, and over the top for everyday wear. I'm just not a frills and flounces kind of person, so apart from one or two sleeve finishes, I don't think I will ever use the patterns in the book. This is a very personal thing though. Just because I'm not into frills and high necklines, doesn't mean that someone else won't adore every single one of the patterns here. But, if you sound like me when it comes to style tastes, I'd recommend avoiding this one.

In the previous two volumes in this series, Nicky Epstein looked at decorative finishes "On" and "Over" the edge of garments. The new volume Knitting Beyond the Edge, the perfect topic to complete a knitting reference collection.

Designed with her trademark style, the more than 150 designs for decorative finishes will help knitters move their sweaters to the next level. Knitters are no longer limited to using the cuff or collar design provided with a purchased pattern, for Epstein has provided enough variations to please even the most finicky knitter. In the final pages of the volume, Epstein includes information on adjusting patterns and necklines to utilize these finishes.

The main part of the volume is divided into four sections, one for each type of finish. The swatches are knit up as they would be used (cuffs, collars, etc.) and in many cases shown incorporated into a garment. Each section is assigned its own color range and all swatches are shown in a yarn from that range: cuffs and collars in purple, necklines in pink, hems in green and closures in blue. The same color is then used to mark the outer edge of the pages, enabling knitters to quickly find the appropriate section of the volume.

The finishes cover every level of knitting from novice to expert. The photos are a decent size and show details clearly. By having each section limited to a single color range, the eye isn't distracted by the yarn and is able to focus on the design. The only complaint I have is that patterns are provided only as text. While for most of the designs this isn't an issue, it may limit knitters who prefer to work cable and lace from charts.

Nicky Epstein has also included five patterns for garments modeled in the volume. The Belle Epoque jacket shown on the front cover is a true masterpiece and something to which novice knitters can aspire.

Armchair Interviews says: Another book for the knitter.

I agree with fiber farmer's review. I was very disappointed when I saw that I would use very few of the designs in the book. Most of them are just not reasonable for fashion today, and techniques for these designs must be difficult. I would not have bought the book if I had been able to page through it in a store.

This book is horrible! I have never seen so many ridiculous ideas in one place in ages. Nicky Epstein usually has wonderful and very creative ideas for knitting, however, no self-respecting person would even contemplate using these patterns on their project. The majority of the book consists of collars (and cuffs) for turtleneck sweaters. They're ugly and literally reminded me of adult bibs. Yikes. Borrow it from a library before buying it, you'll be glad you didn't fork over your money. KNITTING OVER THE EDGE IS A MUCH MUCH BETTER BOOK!!!

I own both of Nicky Epstein's previous books on knitting above, below and beyond the borders (smile). I was very impressed with this edition. She actually shows what the collars and sleeves look like on a sweater. This is a keeper. I love her designs. She inspires me to no end. Please buy the book, worth every penny.

I found the author's previous book Knitting Over The Edge: Unique Ribs, Cords, Appliques, Colors, Nouveau: The Second Essential Collection of Decorative Borders quite interesting, although some of the suggestions there were a little fussy and some just bulky and unnecessary. Those recommended in this book are also variable in their composition and effect--in fact some are quite ugly--but I did find the notion of taking a simple sweater and adding a different cuff style or collar/neckline interesting. I've done some experiments of my own with patterned front bands that I've enjoyed, using the designer Fassett's book Kaffe Fassett's Pattern Library: Over 190 Creative Knitwear Designs as a guide or knitted edging/lace directories like the The Knitters Bible among others but have tended to use them to treat streight edges. I look forward to trying some of Ms Epstein's suggestions on fitting and shaping necklines/collars. I certainly enjoyed the book enough to add her book Nicky Epstein's Knitted Embellishments: 350 Appliques, Borders, Cords and More!,to my wish list.

Ms. Epstein continues to give us techniques that challenge how we have "always done it." This is not a pattern book per se, but a book that helps create that unique look to the pattern you are already working on. Now that simple crowl neck sweater becomes the wow! lattice looped sweater that absolutely nobody else is wearing.

I can't believe Nicky Epstein keeps coming up with new stuff. Does she have an elf workshop inventing for her? Lots of good ideas here from the fancy to the basic. Some I will probably never use such as pompons on a collar or sequins and beads, but there are several cuffs and necklines that are very nice. You need to have the ability to manipulate patterns for this book to be really useful. Includes a few sweater patterns incorporating some of the ideas in the text. If you own her other books, this one will not disappoint.

This book still has some new ideas and if you are a collector of her books you should get this one too. These ideas are definately for a more experienced knitter, not for a novice because the best in the book are the more difficult patterns. Really this book is just beautiful to look at but if one is being frugal wait until you have exhausted the ideas in volume one.