Book Review Knitting over the Edge by Nicky Epstein

This is the second book in a 3 part series published by Sixth & Spring Books in 2005. I picked this second book in the series because I thought I already owned the first book, Knitting on the Edge. But no, I own a much earlier book published by Interweave Knits called Knitted Embellishments.
The publishers describe this book as 350 decorative borders, but there is much more than border stitches. Every pattern has a symbol telling you whether the pattern is knit from the top, bottom, or the side.

Each section has a very attractive garment incorporating the techniques in the section and the patterns for these 5 garments are included at the end of the book. The first section is devoted to unique ribs including a few pages on various fringe endings. Many of the rib patterns look great for sock tops as well as sweaters. Since everything is knit flat without charts, it would take conversion to knit them in the round. This is my only nit pick about this book, I wish they had included some charts. I love books with both charts and directions. I usually knit from directions (not charts), but charts make it easier to see the complexity of the knitting and convert to circular.

Fortunately the book has wonderful pictures, attractive colors, and attractive yarns that make me want to use these patterns. For this I almost forgive them for no charts. The section on cords include some very usable corded edges including new ones to me such as running a thin decorative ribbon through the cord. I can so see this on a baby garment or the front trim on a sweater or vest. Some of the hanging down I cord cords used seem less usable to me. I do love the circles and would love to incorporate them into something more contemporary looking.

Next comes a small section on appliqués. The shawl on front shows a great use of appliqués and opened my eyes to appliqué border possibilities. My favorite section is called “colors” and is 50+ color patterns in slip stitch, fair isle (which do have charts), and other cool techniques. These patterns are not for borders. Most of them would be great in any part of a knitted project. Some of the stitch patterns I have seen before, but Nicky’s colors and use make them come alive. The Fair Isle patterns mostly say children’s knitting to me which is helpful to me with 8 grandkids.

The last chapter is Nouveau. I expected these designs to be too out there for me. Not so they are just new ideas that Nicky shares and many are quite immediately useful. I enjoyed this book very much and if you want to spice up your knitting a bit, make sure to check it out. This book has intrigued me enough I have to go check the other 2 books in the series. Spinning Linda