The Finer Edge: Crocheted Trims, Motifs & Borders
*Starred Review* Certain needlecraft designers trigger an immediate go-buy recommendation. Omdahl is a new addition to the cadre, joining the likes of her contemporaries Fassett, Epstein, Mably, and others. It’s hard to imagine crochet BK (Before Kristin) because her creative and skillful use of its best qualities—lacelike, intricate stitches and modularization—defines every one of her previous books (e.g., Wrapped in Crochet, 2008; Crochet So Fine, 2010). In her new title, she reexamines edgings—used singly, in multiples, and as stand-alone projects—in terms of their making: top down, bottom up, side to side, and the always welcome miscellaneous. Each of the more than 40 patterns includes a chart, written directions, a color photograph of the finished swatch, and very frequent tips (e.g., the mermaid scales could be used as an overall fabric). Names are picturesque and somewhat descriptive: deco scallops, pinecone, open leaf, and circle coins, for instance. Rarely are all the patterns in this type of reference book appealing, yet from the wonderfully draped Ephesus cowl to the fun-and-funky Petra wrap skirt, every one of the 10 projects is a winner. --Barbara Jacobs