Tropic House Indonesia
indonesian manufacturer of wooden houses, and exporter of quality wood-made pavilions & tropical bangkirai wood bungalows

Absurd -
I can't imagine spending valuable time and money making any of these designs. The only person that would have a time or place to wear any of these "things" would be a paid professional model on a set. I guess this must be eye candy for fashion designers, so why bother with knitting instructions? The Fair Isle Tam Caplet looks like an obscene Mae West joke. My husband thought they were shields.

Nicky Epstein's Knitting on Top of the World -
As usual a brillant and inspiring knitting book by Nicky Epstein. There are so many beautiful, fresh and way out of the ordinary patterns. It is hard to decide which one to knit. If you want patterns that are NOT your usual run of the mill, then I would recommend any of Nicky's books.

Knitting techniques and folk-knitting traditions from Europe, the Americas, the Mediterranean, Asia, and even the Far North -
Popular worldwide, knitting is a utilitarian craft that can be raised to the exacting and esthetic standards of an art form. The fifty new knitting design examples drawn from all over the world and beautifully anthologized in "Nicky Epstein's Knitting On Top Of The World" are ample demonstrations of this fact. "Nicky Epstein's Knitting On Top Of The World" features detailed designs showcasing classic knitting techniques and folk-knitting traditions from Europe, the Americas, the Mediterranean, Asia, and even the Far North. Each superbly illustrated garment instruction provides a complete list of everything needed for the project, including patterns, finished measurements, and step-by-step instructions for all other aspects. Thoroughly 'user friendly' and wonderfully imaginative, "Nicky Epstein's Knitting On Top Of The World" is an especially recommended addition to personal, professional, and community library needlecraft reference collections.

Very brave designs... that sometimes fall flat on their faces. -
I am in love with this book. There are some jaw-droppingly gorgeous things in here... and some absolutely hysterical ones. I am not a fan of the feathered sweater another reviewer mentions, for instance - I think it looks silly and overdone, as a whole. The breastplate tam wrap is funny too. Etc, etc. But every single one of the designs that comes off as foolish also contains some really inventive elements that can be recycled into one of your own designs. One poorly-fitted sweater features an intriguing false double cuff design that I can't wait to use on a plain, tailored sweater. The goofy open-back lace coat uses a ruffled technique I'd like to employ in a shawl. The no-holds-barred approach that makes so many of these pieces seem so silly also means that virtually every pattern offers an interesting, unusual component that can be reused in a design of your own.

Check this out from the library and give it a good, thorough lookover. Pay careful attention to the construction of pieces that seem stupid - don't just overlook them in favor of the beautiful, knittable-as-written pieces this book also features. You'll find that the more you look, the more you learn and think - about garment construction and the elements of knitwear design. That's this book's true gift, not the patterns themselves.

Maybe not for everyone...but beautiful nonetheless -
I'll be honest...the cover picture alone was enough to win me over. I couldn't wait to see a copy in the bookstores. When I finally did...I really wasn't disappointed.

I see myself as a fairly fashion forward individual...and even I think that most of the patterns in here are a bit frivolous...but that is part of what makes them so wonderful! But don't be discouraged...there are some amazingly beautiful patterns that are wearable. The appendix is full of techniques that could challenge even a more advanced knitter. If you, like me, are tired of finding books that are full of the same old boring, standard, unoriginal patterns, then give this book a chance. I'd recommend to those really uncertain to stop off at a book store or request it from your library (link+) to see if you like it before you commit to the price tag.

On the other hand...I think the history sections and the beautiful illustrations make this volume more than just a pattern book...It's an artbook, a history book, and a good overall coffee table book.

I almost didn't get it...I thought it was a bit much to spend on something just because it is beautiful...luckily my husband decided it would make a lovely early Valentines day present....Get it as a present to yourself. If you love unusual, beautiful, challenging patterns that are not ordinary...this is your book!