38 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Fashion Forward Folk Knitting, October 20, 2008
This review is from: Nicky Epstein's Knitting on Top of the World: The Global Guide to Traditions, Techniques and Design (Hardcover)
Since I am a purist when it comes to folk knitting, it was hard for me to appreciate these fashion forward designs (ie. a cape based on two giant Fair Isle tams). It looks like the author/designer really enjoyed making these unique designs and they are beautifully photographed. Most of the colorwork patterns are very simple, some paired with very simple designs - which seemed out of place in the book when compared with the more sophisticated designs. Alternatively, some of the more sophisticated garments incorporated very simplistic color work patterning that detracted rather than enhanced the overall design. Out of all the folk knitting inspired designs, there were only two that I felt combined the best of both worlds, Nicky Epstein's unique, inventive and whimsical flourishes blended with a hint of tradition from the past: the "Tyrolean Leg Warmers" (they didn't look like they were inspired by traditional Tyrolean knitting at all except perhaps the cuffs but the Victorian inspired boot buttons running up the side of the leg look beautiful (very vintage inspired); and the Londonderry Rose Coat based on a cable pattern that is reminiscent of a gentleman's waist coat with a flourish of roses around the collar. There are a few unique designs here that I enjoyed the most that have all the signature features of Nicky Epstein designs which turned out to be designs that were not influenced by Folk Knitting at all - I think these designs showcase the designer's best efforts in this collection: La Belle Cardigan (think Knitting Beyond the Edge, Knitted Flowers etc. etc. all coming together in one gorgeous, feminine and elegant sweater...also keep in mind that the cost of the yarn to make this will be extremely expensive if you use the yarn in the sample), the "Mongolian Warrior Pullover" (honestly there is nothing Ethnic about this sweater, very unique design construction of woven strips of fabric reminiscent of a knitted rug made out of woven knitted strips of yarn), and the "Parisian Entrelac Wrap" which is a wrap and sweater in one, very unique and beautiful. Hai-Riyo, the fire breathing dragon, is also really cute and well done, classic Nicky Epstein. All in all, if you love Nicky Epstein, you'll probably love this book, but if you are looking for traditional Fair Isle or Norwegian/Northern European and Brittish designs, you won't find them here.
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51 of 57 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
I was so disappointed, November 4, 2008
This review is from: Nicky Epstein's Knitting on Top of the World: The Global Guide to Traditions, Techniques and Design (Hardcover)
I own all of Nicky Epstein's books and am a total fan..HOWEVER, the designs in this book certainly do not live up to her prior ones...She is beginning to recycle old designs and that is NOT ok with me...or publish absurd ones like shrugs with no back, etc...so sad...
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28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Awful, November 10, 2008
This review is from: Nicky Epstein's Knitting on Top of the World: The Global Guide to Traditions, Techniques and Design (Hardcover)
Glad I looked at this book in the local bookstore instead of buying it sight unseen. While the cover photo is a fairly attractive design, the rest of the designs are not. I think the book should have been titled Knitting from Other Planets: the Outer Space Guide to Traditions, Techniques and Designs as who on earth would wear these.
How sad for all the work that must have gone into the knitting and the book.
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