Rating: 
Summary: Look over first...
Review: For some reason, whenever I saw this in a bookstore, it wasshrink-wrapped. Luckily I was able to check it out from thelibrary. Some of the designs were interesting, but quite a few of the designs did not photograph well, particularly the ones done in chenille yarns. It would be nice to see stitch details. The instructions are both in chart and written form for the most part, which is nice. She did have some really nice examples of what to do with the embellishments, but no patterns. As another reviewer said, where's a list?This book is overpriced by about a third, so buy used.
Rating:
Summary: In agreement, but....
Review: I do agree with all the comments about this as an invaluable resource - many things, especially the I cord and knitted embellishments - aren't usually gathered together for reference as they are here.
My only disappointment was that the lace patterns photographed in color on the chapter heading page (and one of the specific reasons I purchased this book) do not have charts included.
All in all, I have no intention of returning the book and will probably wind up using the pictures as inspiration and another lace knitting book I have and swatching until they work out.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful ideas to create one-of-a-kind clothing
Review: I have this book in hardcover (it IS available, Amazon.com should look into that), and I love it. Unlike the other reviewer, I greatly appreciated the many different leaf styles and detailed flower instructions. The book offers hundreds of ideas that can be combined into easy and highly original crafted clothing. The author gives easy-to-follow instructions. I give this book a solid 5 stars -- I just wish there would be more such books out there! S_EFW@compuserve.com
Rating:
Summary: Love it!
Review: I love this book. It inspires so many cute ideas for making your knitted projects special and your own. The book also includes a bunch of projects you can make individually, like knitted flowers.
Rating:
Summary: I recommend this to EVERYONE who knits
Review: If you have a favorite pattern that you do over and over, this book can help. I have two or three baby sweaters I love to make as gifts, and I customize them with appliques, and other ideas from Nicky Epstein's wonderful embellishments. For example, I made the Cottage Creations Babies and Bears Sweater yet again, this time in a beige wool, and put an applique faux pocket with embroidered initials on it, a contrast red and loden edging and I had a lovely Bavarian style sweater for a co-worker's new son. I also adore the section on what to do with I-cord. If your kids like to knit this by the yard, here's ideas to use the cord. For example, you can make stunning Celtic-style knotwork by applying the cord to a plain knitted ground on a pillow or afghan, or even the pockets or front of a plain pullover. (If you are just learning to knit and doing plain raglan sweaters, and can do I-cord, you can make some things that will make you look as if you are a master knitter.) This book is also fun just to browse. Don't be without it!
Rating:
Summary: Rare find, one of a kind Knitting
Review: If you love to knit and love embellishments, you need this book. I borrowed a copy from the library and could hardly wait until to order my own copy. It is excellent and the only one of its kind in our large library..
Rating:
Summary: Useful beyond your wildest dreams
Review: If you thought this book is just for those who want to spice up their knitting with a bit of embroidery, think again. This book is packed with ideas to not only customize, spice up or otherwise personalize a knitted project, but it can also give you ideas for designing. My favorite part of the book deals with i-cord; this is a clever little cord made by knitting three stitches only on double pointed needles; you push the finished row to the end of the needle and begin again without turning the work. Voila, you get a cord like from those knitting spools we all had as kids. You can make closures, frogs, fringe, celtic knotwork and more with just this cord. If you have a favorite pattern like a baby sweater, afghan or socks that you knit over and over, try some of these trims to make them new, special and different. This is one one the most fun books on knitting, and a good companion to the Deborah Newton book on designing knitwear. In fact, this book, the Deborah Newton book and a stitch pattern library (like the Barbara Walker treasuries) and a color pattern book like The Tap Dancing Lizard form a good set for anyone who likes to make their own knitted designs.
Rating:
Summary: Nicky Epstein kicks knitting up a couple of notches!
Review: My initial impression of Nicky Epstein was a good knitting designer who mired herself in lace, and bows and teddy bears--kind of technical genius in a world of knitting that is not my own. Well, was I wrong! This book has inspired me more than any current knitting publication--and has me designing and knitting my own work with confidence in her tips and ideas (the I-cord is an epiphany!! from flowers to Irish knots, to buttons!) developing truly original things that have my friends and relatives looking twice! I have been almost evangelical amongst my friends and the poor lady at the knitting shop about this book--carrying it with me, and giving it as gifts. Granted, it is for a fairly advanced level of skill and ability to design--but an inspiration for every level of knitter and a great gift for any Knit Wit in your life. Her explanations, illustrations and photographs describe her trims and treatments in a straightforward, easy to follow manner. The book is chock full of ideas that one can find in older knitting publications (such as Barbara Walker's books)-- but compiled in the manner and spirit that she has makes them special and new to today's knitters. Buy this book and knit yourself a flower, some leaves, a celtic cross. You better have plenty of scrap yarn on hand to try these marvellous ideas out--or Nicky Epstein will have you running to your closest yarn store to start a project to try these ideas out.
Rating:
Summary: Not for the faint of heart
Review: Ok so not everything in this book needed to be included, like how to work stripes. But for the knitter who is truley devoted, this book is a required reference tool. There is a wealth of design inspiration here and a lot of information.
Rating: 
Summary: Good embellishment ideas to dress up simple designs
Review: This book provided a number of ideas for embellishment on what might normally be relatively simple sweater designs. Although I found ideas that might be of use to me, I thought too much space was spent on hearts, leaves, and trees -- not of primary interest to me. I was very disappointed to find that this book was available only in soft cover. My opinion is that any reference book that will be handled numerous times should be available in hard cover. I would rather spend a few $$ more and get a book that will stand wear and tear. This book is a good addition to my library but not essential.
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