Book Review: Knitting Block by Block by Nicky Epstein
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aprice12
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Book Review: Knitting Block by Block by Nicky Epstein
About the Book:
Synopsis:
Create gorgeous sweaters, bags, afghans, and toys just by knitting the simplest of shapes—a square!
No one forgets the sweet victory of completing their first knitted block, but most of us quickly move on to more complex constructions, only making swatches for guage. In this comprehensive volume, celebrated designer and innovator Nicky Epstein reimagines the humble block with 150 new patterns and masterfully demonstrates how to mix, match, and easily combine them into stunning one-of-a-kind garments and accessories.
Inside you will find:
150 original block patterns, from simple textures to embossed pictorials, intricate lace to cables, colorwork, double knit, and more, all with Nicky’s signature wit, verve, and style.
More than ten exclusive project designs that will make you say “I can’t believe that is made out of blocks!”
Detailed guidance for creating exciting pieces out of block knitting, without using increases or decreases.
Exclusive cut-and-paste project design pages. Simply cut out the printed blocks and arrange them to help create your own masterpieces.
Blocks are quick to knit, portable pieces perfect for group and charity projects, and now not limited to just afghans! Knitting Block by Block gives you the tools to unlock a world of creative possibilities and confidently build your own design “blockbusters,” one block at a time.
About the Author:
Beloved knitwear designer NICKY EPSTEIN is the bestselling author of numerous books, including Knitting on Top of the World, Knitting on the Edge, and Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch. Her designs have also been featured in Vogue Knitting magazine and many other knitting publications, on television, and at art exhibitions. She currently resides in New York City and travels extensively, teaching and lecturing.
My impressions of the book:
First of all, I was really impressed with the photography. Each picture really captured the stitch definition perfectly. I actually looked to see who had done the photography for the book, which is rare for me! There were two photographers for this book. One for the swatches and one for the fashion. I think both women did an excellent job.
Next are Nicky's patterns. I really like the both the variety of skill level and textures. The patterns for the blocks are easy to follow. They range from very simple to pretty complex, so there are blocks in the book that are great for a wide range of skill levels. There are many types of patterns for the blocks so anyone should find something they like. Do you like skulls? How about panda bears? Flowers? Maybe you are looking for a great texture or an eye catching pattern. Maybe you want knights or a dinosour for a blanket. There are many exciting blocks to choose from.
As for the projects in the book, they are pretty interesting. They all look like fun to make. I can see myself making several of them in the future. I love the Scarfosaurus pattern and think it would make a great gift. I would probably knit the Winter Solstice hooded scarf or the Cuffed Shawl Sweater for myself. Just sitting here thinking about the different projects makes me want to cast one on right away. If I didn't already have way too many projects going I think I would cast on the Tree-X Tote Bag or maybe one of the toys.
My Review:
So what rating would I give this knitting book? Well 5 out of 5 stars, of course! The photography is wonderful, the patterns are truly inspiring, and the projects look like a lot of fun.
Would I knit anything from this book? Yes, I would. While not all of the blocks are something I would knit, there are quite a few that I would. As for the projects themselves, I would knit most of them, and probably will at some point.
Is the book worth the price that you pay for it? I think so. You get patterns for 150 fun, unusual, pretty, or pretty spectacular blocks as well as 15 beautiful projects. That seems like an amazing amount of patterns for the price of one book! Nicky also gives you different ways to join your blocks and different edgings for whatever projects you decide to make with the blocks. This book will be a great resource for me for years to come.
Would I recommend this book. Absolutely! I can see everyone, from beginner to advanced knitters, finding something to love in this book. You could probably even help yourself get even better at your craft by knitting your way through this book, from the basic block up to the more advanced blocks.
I am happy that I decided to review this book. I feel that, at the very least, it will be a source of inspiration for me for years to come. I hope my review has helped at least one person find this book. Or maybe you'd been looking at it for awhile, not sure if you would use it. I hope I have helped you decide.
Synopsis:
Create gorgeous sweaters, bags, afghans, and toys just by knitting the simplest of shapes—a square!
No one forgets the sweet victory of completing their first knitted block, but most of us quickly move on to more complex constructions, only making swatches for guage. In this comprehensive volume, celebrated designer and innovator Nicky Epstein reimagines the humble block with 150 new patterns and masterfully demonstrates how to mix, match, and easily combine them into stunning one-of-a-kind garments and accessories.
Inside you will find:
150 original block patterns, from simple textures to embossed pictorials, intricate lace to cables, colorwork, double knit, and more, all with Nicky’s signature wit, verve, and style.
More than ten exclusive project designs that will make you say “I can’t believe that is made out of blocks!”
Detailed guidance for creating exciting pieces out of block knitting, without using increases or decreases.
Exclusive cut-and-paste project design pages. Simply cut out the printed blocks and arrange them to help create your own masterpieces.
Blocks are quick to knit, portable pieces perfect for group and charity projects, and now not limited to just afghans! Knitting Block by Block gives you the tools to unlock a world of creative possibilities and confidently build your own design “blockbusters,” one block at a time.
About the Author:
Beloved knitwear designer NICKY EPSTEIN is the bestselling author of numerous books, including Knitting on Top of the World, Knitting on the Edge, and Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch. Her designs have also been featured in Vogue Knitting magazine and many other knitting publications, on television, and at art exhibitions. She currently resides in New York City and travels extensively, teaching and lecturing.
My impressions of the book:
First of all, I was really impressed with the photography. Each picture really captured the stitch definition perfectly. I actually looked to see who had done the photography for the book, which is rare for me! There were two photographers for this book. One for the swatches and one for the fashion. I think both women did an excellent job.
Next are Nicky's patterns. I really like the both the variety of skill level and textures. The patterns for the blocks are easy to follow. They range from very simple to pretty complex, so there are blocks in the book that are great for a wide range of skill levels. There are many types of patterns for the blocks so anyone should find something they like. Do you like skulls? How about panda bears? Flowers? Maybe you are looking for a great texture or an eye catching pattern. Maybe you want knights or a dinosour for a blanket. There are many exciting blocks to choose from.
As for the projects in the book, they are pretty interesting. They all look like fun to make. I can see myself making several of them in the future. I love the Scarfosaurus pattern and think it would make a great gift. I would probably knit the Winter Solstice hooded scarf or the Cuffed Shawl Sweater for myself. Just sitting here thinking about the different projects makes me want to cast one on right away. If I didn't already have way too many projects going I think I would cast on the Tree-X Tote Bag or maybe one of the toys.
My Review:
So what rating would I give this knitting book? Well 5 out of 5 stars, of course! The photography is wonderful, the patterns are truly inspiring, and the projects look like a lot of fun.
Would I knit anything from this book? Yes, I would. While not all of the blocks are something I would knit, there are quite a few that I would. As for the projects themselves, I would knit most of them, and probably will at some point.
Is the book worth the price that you pay for it? I think so. You get patterns for 150 fun, unusual, pretty, or pretty spectacular blocks as well as 15 beautiful projects. That seems like an amazing amount of patterns for the price of one book! Nicky also gives you different ways to join your blocks and different edgings for whatever projects you decide to make with the blocks. This book will be a great resource for me for years to come.
Would I recommend this book. Absolutely! I can see everyone, from beginner to advanced knitters, finding something to love in this book. You could probably even help yourself get even better at your craft by knitting your way through this book, from the basic block up to the more advanced blocks.
I am happy that I decided to review this book. I feel that, at the very least, it will be a source of inspiration for me for years to come. I hope my review has helped at least one person find this book. Or maybe you'd been looking at it for awhile, not sure if you would use it. I hope I have helped you decide.
