Book Review: Crocheting on the Edge: Ribs, Bobbles, Ruffles, Flora, Fringes, Points & Scallops by Nicky Epstein

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this book, free of charge,from West Broadway Distribution, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it

When Back to School hits, I always seem to get 'Yarn Fever'.

Suddenly I want to crochet something small- a muffler, a hat, a throw blanket. Big projects vex me, but I feel the urge to make things to give them away. 

I blame it on my grandmother- she crocheted and knitted year round, but come Fall, it was Christmas gift season and she was a whirlwind!

So I was thrilled to be able to check out this new book and see the different edges that I might be able to achieve on my gift items!

Synopsis:

In this welcome continuation of her fabulously successful Knitting On, Over, and Beyond the Edge series, she shows crocheters how to add her signature embellishments to their projects. Nicky has created nearly 200 spectacular edgings, all with written instructions, charts, and photographs, along with amazing projects that showcase them magnificently. A little red jacket, cropped, shaped, and adorned with oversize buttons, features pretty scalloping. The adorable pink t-shirt provides a perfect example of how a little crocheting can transform an existing garment into a one-of-a-kind boutique-quality piece.  Among her other fashion-forward designs: an ecru crystal shoulder cape, hat band and bracelet, and multicolor top. As with all Nicky’s other books, this is sure to be a hit!

Review:

WOW, this book is downright amazing with the breadth of available patterns and designs. There is literally at least 5 edgings that would be perfect for anything you are working on!  As you can see from above, they vary from simple to complex, to advanced.So you will be able to find something for no matter what level you are on!

The diagrams, when needed are very clear and easy to follow along with. Caveat- there is no 'how to crochet' section- the book assumes you KNOW how to crochet. So in truth this is NOT a book for beginners. Once you have mastered the basics, then you can start with the more basic edgings and work your way up. For example, I do not crochet well with the finer thread, like for doilies and tablecloths. Never have. So edgings that require more intricate work (like the green shawl edge in the first picture) will be beyond my ability.

But I did challenge myself to try one of the ruffle edges and expand my known patterns:

I was able to duplicate the ruffled edge from the jacket pretty well, and I was actually quite surprised at how much simpler it was, than I thought it would be. Miss Grace claimed the sample piece for a 'scrap necklace' for one of her American Girl dolls, so the scrap sample didn't go to waste! I actually prefer doing that- working on a small sample piece to practice a new pattern, until I'm comfortable with it, before starting the intended piece/edging. Maybe its a bit OCD, but I like to have my crochet flow with ease- your work is always looser and looks better. Lesson learned from Grandma!

I've found a few edges that I want to try for my Christmas gifts, and I know if you crochet or knit, you'll love this book too! So if you're looking for some new edges, or to break out of your pattern rut, be sure to check out this wonderful book!

About the Author:

Nicky Epstein is one of today's most prolific and versatile knitwear designers, authors and teachers. She has gained worldwide recognition for her artistic, distinctive and innovative work, whimsical sense of style and informative workshops. Her designs continue to be featured in many knitting magazines and publications, on television, and in museums.