Friday, December 3, 2010

On Edge

Edging and other finishing details can really bring the craftsmanship to a completely new level. I was excited when I came across this different kind of stitch dictionary at the library.


Knitting on the Edge: Ribs, Ruffles, Lace, Fringes, Floral, Points & Picots: The Essential Collection of 350 Decorative Borders by Nicky Epstein

Texture: The book starts with a section on texture. One swatch with leaf designs is knit in 12 different types of yarn. This is a great reminder and a good way to inspire you to try interesting stitches with a different type of yarn.

The pictures are extraordinary. Frequently in stitch libraries you only see the middle of the stitch, edges aren't visible at all. In the swatches shown in this book, you see the entire swatch. (I would have expected some edges, as that is what this book is about, but seeing all is fantastic!)

The different edgings are separated into the following categories: Ribs, Ruffles, Lace, Fringes, Flora, Points & Picots. The swatches in each section have a different base color, which makes flipping through the book an ease.

I find many of these edgings really exciting. I have not really given much thought to ruffles on knitted objects. There is a picture of a handbag with ruffled details over the entire side, and the effect is really fun. The only fringe I ever really use is the traditional single loop knot fringe... I'm feeling very inspired. I like the thought of slipping stitches at the edge of a piece of work to give a looped fringe down the side.

This is a reference book. Although some of these edges are simple, it is not a "how to knit" book, and shouldn't be the first book a novice knitter buys. I love this book. I really want this book, and have added it to my wish list!


Knitting Over The Edge: Unique Ribs, Cords, Appliques, Colors, Nouveau by Nicky Epstein

This book was written due to the overwhelming popularity of Knitting On the Edge. The sections in this book are Unique Ribs, Cords Appliques, Colors and Noveau.

The book begins with a similar textures section, but the swatches are more relevant to this book.

I would have some difficulty with the appliques, as many of these are icords that are sewn on in a particular design. That being said, they are still very interesting. I have always loved Colors, and there are some fun charts in this section that are good for things besides edging. The nouveau are the most unique patterns I've seen. There are so interesting, and I'm not sure how to use them yet.

This review is short, because many of my thoughts are similar to the previous book. This is another book that I want in my personal library!