Nicky Epstein has done it again! Her latest book (November 2010) is filled with portable blocks, 150 of them. She has divided them into categories beginning with basic building blocks. The basic in this phrase does not mean that they are easy, though some are simply horizontal stripes or swirls made by decreasing. Others use i-cord, garter stitch triangles and scallops for frames.

The categories continue with appliques, embroidery and i-cord for more elaborate designs; colorwork, which has a lot of intarsia; special designs such as entrelac and drop stitch; and cables and counterpanes. Many of the cables are old favorites with a different twist (no pun intended). The last category in the book is eclectic style and the patterns certainly are varied and interesting. Beads nestled in pods and twisted seed stitch strips along with a tree knitted with cables beckon to the knitter looking for something different.

Each block is shown in full color. The images are crisp and clear and large enough to see each stitch; this is very helpful when the knitter wishes to compare his/her work to Nicky’s. The patterns are given row by row and are clear. Each pattern also has an accompanying graph with it.

Seventeen projects are included to get the knitter started in using these blocks to complete items. Thumbnails are in full color and can be copied and then cut out to assembly a diagram for the individual’s own projects. A full list of abbreviations used in the book is provided. There is an index. Instructions to put the pieces together are on one page called “Joinings.” This book will make a worthy addition to almost any knitter’s library.

Hardcover, 240 pages
$29.99