Signatures...

What's your signature??? Everyone's is different for sure and each signature tells the world something about who you are. When I was a child, my father told me that when I started to write my name in cursive, it should be unique and different in order to make it harder for people to copy. I thought that cool at the time and now I know that truly my father was paranoid. Regardless, I took that advice and my signature is just three letters and a symbol. No one has ever tried to copy it, but someone did try to fire me once because they didn't like the way I signed my name. This woman was a very controlling individual that typically liked to re-make people in her own image. In the end,I kept my job and taught her a lesson about individual rights.

In the world of knitting or any form of art, the artist typically has a signature style, or color, or idea that is specific to them. And this week's artist/author has a signature style like none other. Today the Knitty Scribe is going to review a book by the well known author and knitwear designer, Nicky Epstein. Many of you may have Nicky's books already, but this weeks entrant is worth reviewing just in case you don't. Or maybe it will jog your mind and you'll pull the book out and have a go at another unique creation. It just so happened that a dear friend of mine asked me to help re-imagine the cover scarf of this book into a crocheted version (see the Green Girl Blog for that story.) So, here goes:

My re-imagined Yo-Yo Scarf - info on the Green Girl Blog.

Nicky Epstein's Signature Scarves: One thing I know for sure is that Nicky thinks outside the box and I believe that is one attribute that makes her a good designer. In this book, published in 2008 Nicky brings the knitting universe 33 spectacular scarves. Want to try your hand at felting a scarf, there's a couple to choose from. How about turning a cardigan pattern into a shawl scarf, Nicky's done that as well. Want to practice your Fair Isle before taking on that massive sweater, this book has a majestic offering (Majestic Fair Isle). And then there is the Yo-Yo scarf on the cover, the very scarf that I re-imagined in crocheted form. This book does not just throw some scarf patterns at you, I mean what would be the point of that. As someone that designs a lot of scarves myself, I know better that to try and pitch a six inch wide knitted piece of fabric without adding a little extra oomph to the idea. Nicky knows this even more. Her designs are for beginner to advanced, but there is nothing mundane about any of them. Each is truly a work of art and you can make that piece of art in your own image. As a special touch in the back of the book, Nicky shares ten of her favorite edges and trims. If you have her book Knitting on the Edge (a complete book of trims and edgings) then you'll understand why this is such a nice addition, if you don't know this book, you'll want to add it to your list for your next knitting book purchase. Nicky's edges and trims are fun, fascinating and down right fabulous!!! Back to scarves, Nicky does not leave anything for granted, she even spends four pages showing you different ways in which to tie a scarf. Now that's attention to detail.

In my very humble opinion, I think everyone should have this book in their knitting library. It's a great reference, helps you practice your skills, and in my case gave me so many new things to think about in regard to my own style, it was a real encouragement.

Enjoy the adventure to your own signature style
Knit on, Read on.....
The Knitty Scribe.