One of my favourite activities is checking out the bargain tables at bookstores for knitting books. Occasionally, gems will turn up that are too good to miss. Recently, the Chapters/Indigo book chain had a huge discount for Nicky Epstein's Knitting Over the Edge. It was priced about 75% off from its regular price. However, it was so close to Christmas and I hadn't gotten that far with my Christmas shopping. So I hinted (well, if you define hinting as taking a picture of the book with a cell phone and showing it to a significant someone) that this would make an absolutely wonderful Christmas gift.
On Christmas morning, I was delighted to find this book under the tree. In fact, since then, every time I glance at the book, I feel excited. The book is about a decade old already; it was originally published in 2005, but it contains a lot of knitting patterns that could be used and adapted for decorative borders. In this way, it is rather like a stitch dictionary/encyclopedia for edgings. This collection contains over 350 patterns, categorized into the headings of Unique Ribs, Cords, Appliques, Colors, and Nouveau. At the beginning of each of these five sections, a photograph of a sample garment that utilizes these edgings is shown. Within each section, there are photographs showing samples of the knitted borders along with instructions on how to create these edgings. Towards the back of the book, instructions are given for making the photographed garments that were shown at the start of each category. The patterns are for a rib and bobble sweater, a cord and circle scarf, an appliqued rose capelet, a floral wrap, and a coat.
The blurb inside the dust jacket claims that novice knitters as well as experienced knitters will be able to carry out the instructions provided by this book to make these edgings. I would agree that a novice knitter may be able to find a number of patterns that they will be able to use easily, but in my opinion, many of these patterns may be more comfortable for an intermediate knitter. However, a novice knitter might be inspired to try their hand at cabling and intarsia just by viewing all the lovely possibilities. Also, because the book is a stitch dictionary, a knitter will need to play around with a bit of math and gauge so that the patterns can be adapted into whatever projects they will be utilized for.
I love looking at the examples of ribbing, fringes, cording, flora, loops, bobbles, cables, ruffles, flaps, intarsia, lace, and shapes. I am floored by the ideas that the author has come up with. The book is a source of inspiration for making unique creations, and that's what excites me. This is a book that I am glad to have as part of my reference library.
