Nicky Epstein's Knitted Embellishments

I have Ms Epstein's other books,Knitting Over The Edge: Unique Ribs, Cords, Appliques, Colors, Nouveau: The Second Essential Collection of Decorative Borders which I enjoyed and Knitting Beyond the Edge: Cuffs and Collars*Necklines*Hems*Closures - The Essential Collection of Decorative Finishes about which I was somewhat less enthused. I decided to get this book, because I was looking for ideas for embelishments, and there it was: "Embellishments," just what I was looking for, so I got it. I think some of the appliqués are quite imaginative, particularly some of the leaves and pieced flower designs as well as many of the knitted cord appliqué designs, like the Celtic knots and most of the closures in the last few pages of the book. (I do love "frogs.") I will certainly try the technique myself. The appliqué cord technique was also used effectively for faux cables, and although I enjoy tackling a complex cable from time to time as an exercise, I could see the appliqué system for cables as a very effective way of getting a project completed. It would also allow one to experiment with a design to decide what type of cable looks best on a completed sweater, and just where on the sweater it will most enhance the wearer--and all this without having to rip apart the sweater and do it over again! The integration of beading into some of the edgings was also interesting and not something I would have thought of myself, because I'm not (yet) a beader. I could imagine the technique making something very special from something quite simple. However some of the designs for heavily beaded tassels seem just way too over the top. I also like the way cross stitch and embroidery in flosses or yarns could be added to a finished sweater to give the piece the look of fairisle, intarsia, entrelac, and tapestry without the bulk and carryovers that occur with the first two. I am not, however, a great fan of "bobbles" or raised edgings. I enjoy the technique of the former for its cleverness, and have added bobbles to things like purses, but they tend to make knitted and crocheted products look bulky and awkward in places that should probably not be emphasized on some individuals. (My figure, for instance, is bulky and awkward enough thank you.) Maybe on a very slim person, but definitely not a decorative technique I'd use for the more "mature" shape. The designs are well illustrated and enlarged enough for the reader to see the techniques displayed. The author uses the method of charted instructions, which I usually find somewhat difficult to follow but which I can see as very useful for visualizing the finished product and its construction. Most of my objections, though valid from my own perspective, might not be true of others. Maybe one likes heavily beaded tassles, maybe someone else enjoys bobbles. As one of the other reviewers notes; there's something for everyone in this book. All in all a book well worth the price to add to ones cra

This compendium of embellishments is a must have for every knitter. There is a wealth of information contained therein about leaves, flowers, I cords, fasteners, closures, and the list goes on. I have been making leaves and flowers with scrap yarn. I am going to felt some of them and see how they look. I have an old jeans jacket that is dying for some embellishment. Using any of the combinations in this book is guaranteed to fire up a knitting heart that has waned. Have an old beret that needs a lift? Simply knit up a few flowers and apply them to the beret... and save the $95 for the adorned beret you would find at the upscale boutiques and department stores. Enjoy

My initial impression of Nicky Epstein was a good knitting designer who mired herself in lace, and bows and teddy bears--kind of technical genius in a world of knitting that is not my own.Well, was I wrong! This book has inspired me more than any current knitting publication--and has me designing and knitting my own work with confidence in her tips and ideas (the I-cord is an epiphany!! from flowers to Irish knots, to buttons!) developing truly original things that have my friends and relatives looking twice! I have been almost evangelical amongst my friends and the poor lady at the knitting shop about this book--carrying it with me, and giving it as gifts. Granted, it is for a fairly advanced level of skill and ability to design--but an inspiration for every level of knitter and a great gift for any Knit Wit in your life.Her explanations, illustrations and photographs describe her trims and treatments in a straightforward, easy to follow manner. The book is chock full of ideas that one can find in older knitting publications (such as Barbara Walker's books)-- but compiled in the manner and spirit that she has makes them special and new to today's knitters.Buy this book and knit yourself a flower, some leaves, a celtic cross. You better have plenty of scrap yarn on hand to try these marvellous ideas out--or Nicky Epstein will have you running to your closest yarn store to start a project to try these ideas out.

This is pretty much the ultimate do-it-yorself knitters book. The whole idea is to give ideas that will spice up a ho-hum project and turn it into something amazing. I am a fairly new knitter and am progressing well but some projects are beyond my present skills and it is encouraging to have a book with easy, attractive details.I agree that the I-cord section alone warrants the purchase of this book but I am also partial to the embroidery section. These two chapters are interesting in that you can use them to beautify existing knitted pieces and possible be able to cover damage that would otherwise ruin a garment.There were some complaints that the book includes knit 1 purl 1 ribbing. I see nothing wrong with this as some newer knitters may not know this and since you have to start somewhere.This book is invaluable especially if you are starting to design your own knits. I am knitting a purse using techniques described in this book and I am already getting complements on it! New knitters: this book provides a fast, easy way for you to create advanced looking knits. Advanced knitters: it's a good deal of fun in the bargain. You simply can't go wrong!