| Nicky Epstein’s Enchanting Collection |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
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Author: Nicky Epstein Date Published: 2010 Review Date: June 21, 2010
Who is this book for?
Award-winning designer Nicky Epstein’s interpretative designs for AslanTrends Yarn Company are as enchanting as the title of this new book asserts. This book is a delightful lesson in how a designer draws on her impressions of the yarn to mine inspiration for new patterns. When asked to create a series of designs, Nicky responded to the beautiful AslanTrends yarns by imagining gardens, seasons, flowers, leaves, and styles and shapes of the word “enchantment”. By interpreting her reaction to the yarns, Nicky was led to yet another fabulous collection of unique and wearable designs. Nicky tells us she hopes knitters will hear friends exclaim, “Oh, my, did you knit that? It’s gorgeous!” We agree with Nicky and AslanTrends: this collection is enchanting.
What Yarns does it Feature? Created exclusively for AslanTrends natural luxury yarns, Nicky Epstein’s designs showcase the colors, textures and versatility of the line, which includes sumptuous fibers in weights from fingering to super bulky. Peruvian alpaca, Patagonian merino wool, Argentinian angora, and Pima cotton are but a few of the luxurious fibers used to create AslanTrends alluring yarns. In turn, these yarns are translated into fashionable garments that are sure to be noticed. Nicky Epstein uses shape, line and texture plus clever detaining to their fullest advantage in these truly enchanting garments.
What’s Inside? You’ll find 13 fashionable designs suitable for any season or occasion. Two stunning crochet patterns will open your mind into possibilities for this resurgent craft. Nicky introduces the collection by saying she tries to design unique but functional, wearable pieces. Each piece is designed with one of Nicky’s trademark flourishes. Well known for her books on embellishments, Nicky employs ingenious extras including a clever patch pocket, floral corsage, knitted bow, beaded flowers, corkscrew tassels, lace panel edging, cord and button closures, knotted cords and free-form embroidered flowers. In the Beguiling Empire Jacket, Nicky refreshes a swing style cardigan with a gathered empire shape and elbow length sleeves. She adds a contrasting horizontal-striped shawl collar, I-cord corsage and an unexpected bow at the back center. Completed in four easy-to-knit pieces and assembled to show two completely different shoulder treatments, this cape is an eye-turner. Using It Take the time to read the editor’s short descriptive introduction for each pattern. It calls your attention to the unique features of each design. These are not simply gegaws, but integral elements of the garments that add complexity and interest. Like all good design, they are part of the whole and could be overlooked with a too-quick glance. Study the designs to learn how you can make practical application of embellishments to add allure to basic knitting. Also veiled in the designs are buttons, clasps and a lovely shawl pin offered on Nicky’s website (www.nickyepstein.com). The patterns are not skill rated, but many are easier than they look: duplicate stitch adorns the lovely Romantic Autumn Pullover. The Captivating Canterbury Capelet is based on a simple edge trim writ large in bulky yarn, and free-form embroidery is used on the Delightful Brocade Jacket. All of these fairly simple garments take on a more complicated, couture look with a few simple embellishments. You’ll find the instructions simple and straightforward for all 13 designs. However, beginners may need coaching in how to assemble the knitted pieces as the patterns assume this knowledge.
Best Pattern Surprising construction details stand out in the Enchanting Collection. The Magical 2-Way Capelet uses four counterpane blocks assembled in an inventive way to create a cape that can be worn two ways. It’s another example of easier-than-it-looks design combined with fine finishing details like a corded edging and appliqued flower. Ingenious is the only word to be applied to the Charming Leaves Shrug/Scarf. Knit in fingering weight yarn, the knit in the round tails of the scarf transform into sleeves when worn as a shrug. The Bedazzling Wedding Ring Bodice will stop your audience in its tracks whether worn in a traditional manner as bridal attire or as a casual top, with or without the faux bustle in the back.
Recommendation
Explore shape, design and the pleasure of knitting with luxury fibers in Nicky Epstein’s Enchanting Collection for AslanTrends. You already admire the yarns, now knit one or more of these enchanting garments and listen to the praise. Overall Recommendation Life is too short to do without a little luxury and a few smashing fashion accessories. Knit up the styles in this book and enjoy hearing compliments like “It’s gorgeous!” Nicky Epstein’s Enchanting Collection rates #8.
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