Knitting on Top of the World: The Global Guide to Traditions, Techniques and Design

I couldn't close my mouth for pretty much the entire time I was flipping through this book for the first time. The sheer amount of information and inspiration is incredible--it could be a textbook, and I mean that in the best sense. This book is so full of magnificent patterns and ideas, I just can't wait to get started. It is definitely NOT for everyone. Thank GOD. The further along I get in my knitting life, the more sick I become of many knitting books with the same basic ideas and patterns that are currently available. The pieces in this book are a bit on the wild side, maybe even just a bit eccentric. Love it, love it, love it! If you're looking for something daring, different, and unique, this book is for you. If you're wanting something typical and traditional, check out any other number of wonderful knitting books out there, if you don't have about 30 of them already on your bookshelf.

The garments in this book are unique and beautiful. They are labelled for different levels of knitting experience: novice, skilled, and master knitters. The text includes interesting background information on the history of the knitting of various regions of the world. The projects have both text instructions and charts. All the projects are beautifully photographed, I think this would be a nice coffee-table book. I particularly liked the knitted flower appliques on some of the garments and scarves, as well as the styling of some of the garments, such as a red matador-styled sweater with curly knitted shoulder embellishments. The projects include sweaters, scarves, socks, mittens, leg warmers and accessories. While most of the garments were for women, I was particularly intigued by 4 sweaters which are of a size to fit a teddy bear or be used as a tea cozy. The author says that these mini-sweaters would be good projects to take up your knitting skills to the next level. If you like this book, I'd suggest you also check out Epstein's other books, as they are also beautifully photographed and have unique styling. Some of these projects look quite challenging---this would be a good gift book for an advanced knitter.

I am rather eclectic and european in my thinking so the designs in this new book inspire me. I have a few favorites in this book. I am a big fan of the victorian period and it so happens the tiered lace coat looks very much like the over-jackets worn in that period. I also was impressed by the piecework poncho scattered with knitted leaves and flowers. I love doing small motif pieces and I can see beyond this one design to link other motifs like hearts and diamonds, pearls and beads. I like one of a kind pieces and I find these wonderful. The fact that many countries like japan (feather and fan scarf) as well as the Shibori scarf are represented here in a small way help broaden my interest of other styles in other countries.

Imagine a creamy, shaped, silk, Aran bodice with large pearls replacing the bobbles and a boa portrait neckline- a fisherman sweater transformed into elegant evening wear (and jaw-droppingly beautiful)! Nicky Epstein has amazing vision. This book has a wealth of gorgeous designs plus tons of background notes and history. This woman continues to top herself and impress. This book is easily worth the money for the patterns, the photography, the history, and the inspiration. I am updating my review after reading some others. Yes, many of the designs are clearly Nicky Epstein. I see that as her signature, not as unoriginal. The designs are inspired by tradition rather than blindly following it. Not every design is a favorite of mine but many are. I personally took delight in the book. It is extremely well styled and presented. The designs can be used for inspiration or you can actually create them as shown. I love to see handknitting elevated to wearable art. And, I believe there is a place for a showstopper in everyone's wardrobe. The book is eye candy!