I bought this book today at Michael's (with a 40% off coupon of course!), and just had to write a review about it. I just love it......so far. I own at least 4-5 other crochet edging books, but this is certainly the most creative out of the bunch. I especially like the "flora" section where there are numerous edgings with flowers, leaves, etc...that you just do not see anywhere else. There are some typical, or as the author puts it "classic" edgings in here that you will find in other books, but for the most part the edgings are pretty original. This book also features 9 original patterns created for this book, although I cannot say that I will make any of them becuase they are not my personal style (two jackets, a vest, two capelets, a scarf, a "hatband/bracelet", a t-shirt with an edgining, and a "medallion medly" (which looks sort of like a freeform style small lapghan) it was an unexpected surprise to find them at the back of this book.
I would like to mention that there is not a "how to" section in this book. While this is not a problem for me, for those of you out there new to crochet, or for Nicky's knitting fans, who just have to have all of her books, if you do not know how to crochet, make sure you pick up a book on how to crochet along with this book. Because unlike many crochet books which will at the very least contain some illustrations in a "refresher course" type section, to remind you of how to do crochet stitches, this book does not have that. She does however, provide a small explanation of special stitches at the beginning of patterns that use them (i.e. the popcorn stitch, etc.....). There is a photograph of a swatch as well as a chart for each pattern, which I really like. The symbols can be really helpful at times.
I would also like to say that having just purchased this book today, I cannot comment on how the directions are written, or if there are any errors. A lot of customers who reviewed her crocheted flowers book (which I do not own), complained that her directions are not well written. I cannot comment on this, so take this review for what it is....someone who has looked through this book several times, but has not made any projects from it.
My only "complaint" at this point is not the fault of the author, or even the publisher, but rather whomever printed this book. When I got home to go through this book I found that pages 49-59 are pretty messed up. They all have significant creasing, and ink spots, and places where the text is quite blurred. It looks as if there was a mess up during the printing process, so alas, I will be going back to Michael's to exchange this book for another (hopefully better) copy. Whatever company actually printed this book should have better quality control, especially for the $30 price tag of this book!
But so far, just from looking at all the unique edgings in here, I am really quite impressed with this book, and cannot wait to add an edgining to something.....anything!