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Nicky Epstein's Knitting on Top of the World: The Global Guide to Traditions, Techniques and Design
written by Nicky Epstein
Studio : Nicky Epstein Books
by Nicky Epstein Books
Publisher : Nicky Epstein Books
Released : 2008-11-04
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Number of Items : 1
EAN : 9781933027678
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 19 reviews)
List Price : $34.95
Our Price : $19.36
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Product Description |
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Nicky Epstein’s blockbuster Edge titles have sold more than 125,000 copies; she’s a needlework star whose every book is eagerly anticipated and snatched up. Now Nicky’s giving devoted readers her most important and wide-ranging collection of patterns yet: a worldwide tour of knitting traditions and techniques, including colorwork, cables, lace, intarsia, and more. She explains the origins and traditional uses of each one, and then goes on to reinvigorate and recombine all these beloved styles in her inimitable way. The result: more than 40 all-new, innovative designs collected in an attractively designed book with a handy ribbon marker. There’s a Celtic Pullover with braided twisted rib strips; a Snowflake Tunic from the Far North; a Felted Tyrolean Capelet with appliqué, cord, and balls; a Spanish Rose Pullover with lace accents; a colorful Peruvian skirt; and an oversized, zipped Navajo Blanket Jacket.
Colorful maps and historical photos make this collection a visual treat, as well as an invaluable tool for knitters seeking new inspiration. |
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Too weird for me... |
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I peeked into this one at my local library because I wanted to see what Epstein did with supposedly traditional inspiration. I liked the first 'edge' book but the 2nd and 3rd ones were full of stuff an ordinary person with an ordinary life wouldn't wear. Well, the same goes for this book. Designs are too eccentric for a regular person to want to make and wear. I heard a podcaster reviewing this book say, "How come there are so many designs with no backs?" which gives you an idea of how useful they are. I am a pretty square knitter, I like items I can wear and use. This is not that. |
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Somewhat disappointing! |
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Some of the patterns in the book are beautiful, but others leave a lot to be desired. |
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Interesting but impractical |
I agree with other reviewers who find some of the designs in this book to be bizarre. Epstein is creative for sure, but her designs can be impractical. If I'm going to spend the time making a garment by hand, I want to wear it often. That means the garment I make has to fit into my wardrobe in many ways. Several garments in this book don't fit that description.
Furthermore, the knitwear designs often look appealing only after being dressed up with accessories and/or paired with spectacular garments, such as the outfit on the cover. And that brings me back to the bizarre pieces in this book. The Edwardian lace coat on the cover has an odd open back, which is just one of a few strange, open-back garments in the book. Sometimes Epstein's efforts to be creative come at the expense of good design.
If you can get the book at a deep discount as I did, then go for it. Otherwise, I'd pass on it. |
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Hits and misses |
This book isn't nearly as bad as some of the reviewers indicate, but it's also not Nicky Epstein's best. Epstein is best know for her distinctive and often creative use of embellishment. That's visible in all the patterns here. If you like her overall style, you're likely to appreciate this book. However, if you prefer plainer knits with less "in your face" decorations, you'll be disappointed.
The subtitle states that the book draws on ethnic knitting traditions, but its designs are by no means traditional. Some of them tend toward high fashion, as other reviewers have pointed out, but not all of them are so haute couture as to be unwearable. The problem is that the styling of the book makes it very difficult to figure out which is which. There is so much clutter in the pictures that it's sometimes hard to get a real feel for the designs.
There are some nice designs here (the cover pattern is one), but they won't be to everyone's taste. As with all pattern books, check this one out at the library before you decide to buy. |
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The Tams! OMG! |
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I love Nicky's work and own almost all of it. I usually buy sight unseen. I saw this in a bookstore and sat down to review it. Nothing spoke to me. Some of the items looked oddly amateurish. But the capper was the Big-Tams-as-a-Breastplate. Holy smokes, who dreamt that up? I'm still laughing. But not buying. |
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