pretty edgy

Posted on annePosted in book reviews/events

by the time you read this i’ll most probably be in london, but i already know i’ll be way to knackered to write a blog today—i’ll have spent nearly the whole last day getting here.

so i thought it would be fun to fill my recovery day blog slot (try typing that five times fast!) with some bookish fun.

the hot weather we’re having and the need to spend more time outdoors may have already put a dent in your knitting time or caused you to change the kind of project you turn to when you do feel like picking up the needles.

this can be a good time to experiment with something quick and different that you’ve been putting off—such as edgings, which serve several functional purposes in garment construction but have the added advantage of being very pretty or unique. and therefore, fun to work.

since they are generally narrow, edging repeats flow off the needles very quickly and, alone or in combination with other stitches, can make a beautiful little project such as a bookmark or scarf, when knit up in varying weight yarns.

i own several books of edgings, but one of my favorites is nicky epstein’s knitting over the edge, which was made available in paperback earlier this year.

i’ve had a hardcopy version of this book for years and i find it a delight to look at when i need a refreshed viewpoint on edgings. ms. epstein has divided edging and border stitches into a number of categories, mostly based on the type of stitchwork involved, but also on the type of edging or border those stitches produce.

so, while these examples are not technically edgings, these familiar knit/purl combinations do form borders that would be very attractive along the bottom of a piece. what i like about these examples is that we are shown a few ways to think about stitch patterns differently and hopefully, inspired to come up our own combinations as needed.

here is an example of a stitch pattern used to accent the hem of an otherwise very plain stockinette sweater. and beaded, to boot. the result is a complete transformation of the sweater and is extremely effective, yet does not overpower the beauty of the yarn.

and nearly the same sweater again, this time with a different treatment, which proves how effective a change in border can be.

when it comes to styling the edging/border categories, ms. epstein does a terrific job of showing numerous variations of edging types in a variety of fibers and yarn weights. let’s look at the ruffles category for instance—there are a couple of pages of typical ruffle styles (above), the kind that change stitch count drastically to form multiple folds along a garment edge. these are executed in lighter, more delicate yarns.

but she also shows us what this effect might look like in a heavier yarn, in case we are contemplating that. this is really helpful in making a decision and weeding out the possibilities that won’t work.

and finally, she shows us some options for flatter ruffles that might work better in a heavier yarn weight and still look very interesting. i find this sort of progression quite helpful.

of course there is a wonderful section of lace edgings that are knit in the sideways direction, where once again, we see a generous swatch example of what the pattern will look like in various yarn weights. what i love about this part is that it leads my mind directly to scarfs and neckwarmer ideas; i can see which ones have a bias and which ones would spread nicely along the bottom edge. very helpful.

and for more delicate projects, i can also get a sense of how wide a given edging will be (they tend to knit up a lot wider than you’d think; often falling out of proportion to the piece they are joined to, which is a challenge for the designer).

even though i rarely, if ever, use them, haha, my favorite section of all is the one on fringes.

i really feel like ms. epstein gave in here to her whimsical sense of humor for knitting as well as her quirky, fun taste.

the possibilities are wide and varied and lots of fun. some of these take a bit of doing in the execution but the results are totally worth it, when it suits the project.

now here’s the best part—sixth&spring has generously offered to send one lucky reader of today’s review a gift copy of knitting over the edge. if you’d like to be in the running to win it, please leave a comment at the end of this post by 9pm EST on sunday, july 17th. we’ll announce the winner as soon as i can after that (i’ll be in the middle of knit nation; there may not be a lot of time to post).

have a wonderful week; i’ll try to be back with a london post very soon!

273 thoughts on “pretty edgy”

  1. Love Nicky Epstein’s work, with her interesting use of color, pattern and texture. Hope I’m lucky enough to win this inspiring collection of edge designs!

  2. I’m surprised at myself that I haven’t purchased this book before now. Would love to add it to my knit library.

  3. I wpuld love to win this book. I have a couple of her other books and find them full of fabulous ideas.

  5. Edgings are always good in Louisiana where it is almost always hot! Yes, even in winter! This would be a great book to have down South!

  8. This is one of the books I’ve been wanting for my library. Now that I’m retired, think of how much time I’ll have to work on techniques!

  9. I remember when this book first came out, I had no idea what I’d do with it… now that my knitting skills have made progress, I wish I had picked up a copy. I think it would be a great reference to have in my library!

  10. I have gotten so many of Nicky Epstein’s books out of the library, and each one is a keeper. She’s such a master of design, and a lovely person in real life. I met her briefly at a convention once, and she was just so kind and gracious.

    Besides, today’s my birthday, so I feel lucky.

  11. Oh I have to throw my name into the hat for this one. I have wanted this book long before I even learned how to knit from instructions! Keeping my fingers crossed:)

  13. please add my name to the hat! This book would make an awesome birthday present for me. 😉

    enjoy your trip!

  15. Winning a copy of ths book would make my week! I am looking forward to meeting you at Sock Summit…I really got lucky and got all the classes on my wish list. Yours was at the top! Jo

  16. Anne – have a wonderful time in London! Thank you for the kntting edging advice – I learn so much from your blog. I’m reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle now and keep thinking of your garden and allllll your vegetables. All the Best.

  17. Have a great trip! I’ve picked up that book often but never acquired it for myself. I probably should.

  20. Nicky inspires me! I would like to be in the running for her book. Wish I could go to London for Knit Nation, too. Looking foward to your posts, so I can live it through you.

  24. Wow, I can’t believe I’ve never seen this book before. Please add my name to the drawing.

    Enjoy your time in London.

  26. Hi Anne,
    I hope you are having a great time at Knit Nation. I’ve been wanting this book since it came out several years ago- I love Nicky Epstein’s books. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book.
    Betsy Pratt

  27. fine embellishments elevate a knitter’s delight to an artist’s dream
    Nicki Epstein is a genius

  31. I would love to have this book. Thanks for introducing us to some cool books about the craft!

  32. I remember being amazed when I saw the hardcover edition; so many lovely patterns. But, I’ve never had occasion to use any of them–yet.

  34. Thanks for this great review Anne. It helped me to see how to use edgings for a pleasing completion to a piece, instead of thinking “I don’t need extra edge adornments.” I enjoyed your recent podcast and wish you a great trip. Appreciate the opportunity to win NE’s book.

  35. This would be a nice book to have in the library. What are my odds? Not great, but then if you don’t even try they are worse. Thanks Anne!

  36. Have a great trip. I’ve had that book on my wishlist for a long time and your review was great. Might have to treat myself.

  38. I don’t have this one, so it would be great to win it. Thanks for the nice tutorial about how you use it. I always appreciate your thoughts on designing your patterns. It’s fascinating to realize all the things you have to think about when you do this.

  39. Fabulous! I’ve wanted to get this series for ages – thanks for the opportunity.

  42. We have not been so lucky with our weather here on the west coast, lots of rain, not a lot of sun. I wish I had a hand knit sweater close at hand but am working on a little strip of lace that will be a Wedding Garter for a young women in my knitting group. Won’t keep my lap warm but is so very pretty. I would love a copy of Knitting on the Edge to add to my small but growing library.

  43. I would love to have a copy….It would help me take the edge off of life……..

  45. Your selection of pictures has made this one look great.
    Hope you are enjoying your trips.

  46. Hi, Anne!

    That looks like a terrific book – I love the beautiful cabling on the cover. I’d be pleased to make a happy home for the book, should I be selected. Thanks to you and to sixth&spring for the opportunity!

    Cheers…
    Carol

  47. Please be our “fly on the wall” in London and give us a taste of what it was like…sigh! mary in cincinnati

  48. Oh my, these are amazing and inspiring and my head is now too full to really be thinking clearly but I would absolutely love to try a frilly one or two!!! Please please please pick me!!!

  49. I was just thinking about what type of edging to put on EZ’s circular shawl!
    Thank you for offering the book.

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