Nicky Epstein has a new book out: Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch: Creating Gifts for the People You Love.
You may know Nicky Epstein from her many designs that have appeared in Vogue Knitting and other magazines over the years, and from her fabulous edging and flower books. I own a couple of her knitted edging books and the knitted flowers book. (There are also crochet edging and flower books for you crocheters out there.)
This new book is a collection of projects to knit as gifts for loved ones — perfect timing for holiday knitting. It is divided into chapters according to recipients: kids, girls, guys and special friends.
The kids’ chapter has several adorable hats, a baby blanket, a cute little hoodie, and some girly beaded socks. All of these projects are fairly quick knits, so you could whip a couple out as last minute gifts. My favorite project from this chapter:
The Meow Kitty Cap. How cute is that?
The girls’ chapter includes several pretty wraps and a scarf, some bags, a hat, legwarmers, and mitts. I love this tote:
The Cable-and-Leaf Tote, with an appliqued leaf that makes it distinctively a Nicky Epstein design.
The guys’ chapter includes gloves, scarf, socks, a throw, and a cap.
The gloves are Fisherman’s Gloves:
Great for keeping the hands warm while maintaining dexterity for fine motor tasks, perhaps tying a fly?
The Special friends’ chapter is my favorite. It includes a lovely afghan knit in blocks, so it would make a great charity project for a group to knit. There’s also a microwavable neckwarmer, footies and socks, spa cloths, a doggie hat/scarf combo, travel tags, and a scarf. And this:
A kitty play mat, complete with knitted mice. You can felt the mat, or leave it unfelted. Most cats love wool so this is a great idea for a present for your furry little friend. I’m betting Lucy would enjoy snuggling up on a mat of her own.
In the back of the book there’s a guide to organizations that accept donations of knitted items. There’s also a nice glossary of abbreviations, techniques, and sources.
My overall impression? This is a great book for someone who wants to knit for others. You will find something for everyone on your gift list (as well as for yourself) within its pages, and the projects are all original and fun.
As a bonus, here are a couple of tips from Nicky Epstein:
Tip 1: Simple Storage Solutions
Use an empty “Altoids” or any candy or cigar tin for storing T-pins, stitch markers and any other knitting paraphernalia that will fit in the tin.
Tip 2: Yarn Tracking
When using the long-tail cast-on, pull off the extra yarn for the tail to prevent running out of yarn and having to start all over. This extra yarn can be tied up and used for sewing seams later. Also, place a marker every 25 stitches in case you lose count of the cast-on stitches.
Now, I was sent two copies of this fun book — one for me, and one to give away!
Want my second copy? Leave a comment on this post by 4:00pm Eastern time on Monday, November 16, and we’ll draw a name at random to receive the book.
It’s been cold and rainy here for that past couple of days, which means this is what Lucy looks like most of the time:
When she is not in my lap, that is.
Wow, it’s looks like I’m first to throw up my hand and say that I would like a copy of Nicky’s newest book.
Our two kitties agree with Lucy…it’s definitely getting colder and we want heat!
Diane´s last blog ..November is Variable
gorgeous book, once again Nicky works her magic
Keep that kitteh warm!
kmkat´s last blog ..Thankful Thursday, the second (oops!).
OMG i love the kids hat! I have to make that for DD!
sounds like a great book! Add my name to the drawing.
I’d love to win a copy! Thanks for the opportunity.
The book will be on my “Pressie” list for DH unless I win one before Christmas. Thanks for the chance.
That looks like a cute book. It would be great to win it, in the meantime I will put it in my amazon queue.
Cute book!
Looks like a great book.
And Lucy is just adorable! All that floofy fur *love*
I’d love a shot at that book. I love gift ideas.
Also, I have the same point & shoot camera you do (the 770IS) and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I don’t use the viewfinder, but after realizing that I could stabilize the camera against my face, I might. The battery life has to be the absolute best out there.
Kristen´s last blog ..Ounce eleventy poses on the ballwinder while Packet continues to ignore
Kisses to Miss Lucy! Would love to have that book arrive at my house. Thanks for donating a copy, Wendy!
Love the kitty hat – too cute!
I want to win a book!
Lovely looking book. So nice of you to give one away.
My granddaughters would love the hats! I love the tote. Looks like a fun book.
what a neat book! i’d love to have a copy to refer to, especially for upcoming holiday gift-giving and such. how generous of you to donate a copy to a lucky blog reader!
mzundercover´s last blog ..no knitting today
BOOOK!!
I need this book. You and Lucy keep safe and warm. I saw that the weather is really bad in the NC, VA, DC areas.
Please enter me in the extra copy drawing. Thanks.
What fabulous ideas – I hope I am the lucky one!
I am sending some CA sunshine for you and Lucy.
I’m drooling over the book! Ooh, I’m hoping I’m lucky
Thanks for sharing!!
Great looking book. More importantly, I can’t wait for my SOCK KIT from Dye Dreams to arrive. Did anyone else receive theirs yet?
I love love love that tote! And Lucy is so precious. Thanks for being so nice and donating a book! I’d love to have it come stay with me!
Hats and scarves and mitts – oh my. Please let me win the book.
I love making things for others, in fact, this is the topic of our next Guild meeting. How perfect would that be? Give loves to Lucy.
Wow! What a lovely book…we always benefit from your first look, Wendy! Hopefully I might end up as the lucky owner of copy #2
Very cute patterns. Thanks for sharing your bounty!
Sounds like such a fun book! Thanks for sharing it with us. I think it will be on my “list.”
leah´s last blog ..Baby Blanket #2….Done!
Lucy’s not the only one that curls up like that!
I’d adore one of those books :0)
Puddytat purr´s last blog ..Yarn destash
Cool book!
That hat is absolutely adorable!!! Sounds like this book has lots of good gift ideas.
Yes please, my kitty would love that mat!
Thanks
Nicky Epstein’s books are great. I have 3 of them and use them often. I LOVE the meow cat. Must make it!
I love Nicky Epstien. And she hardly knows I’m alive.
: ) Beautiful book! Thanks for the chance at it!
Looks like a great book. Please toss my name into the number generator too! Very generous of you, Wendylady.
Looks like a nice book! Thanks for the giveaway!
Even here in California–well, the north part–it is getting colder. My Abigail, new to the area, doesn’t know what to make of it and it’s still early. She’s been spending a lot of time on my bed or in my lap. She’s from the San Diego area which has pretty temperate weather–she had never experienced an air conditioner either. I can only imagine what will happen when I finally turn on the heater.
Ooh, I love that Cable-and-Leaf Tote too! Thank you for giving us a great preview of this book!!!
This book sounds wonderful! You always give away the nicest books!!
Cathy´s last blog ..actually posting on a Saturday!
I was just trying to think of other holiday ideas! This book looks like just the ticket, thank you for the preview and your enthusiasm for giving away many great gifts!
I love the “cable & leaf” tote and the fisherman’s gloves. Great review of the book.
Count me in! The cat play mat was pretty cute and the cat hat is adorable!
It’s been cold and rainy here as well; wish I could curl up like Lucy!
I think Nicky’s book would be a perfect house-warming gift…..for me!
Love the kitty hat and would love to have a copy of this book…..count me in.
Please add me to the list. The book looks inspiring.
That bag looks amazing! And that hat? So cute. I’d love to win!
Word Lily´s last blog ..The Hidden by Tobias Hill
How wonderful that you have a book to give away, but still have one for yourself! Thank you for your generosity.
Looks like a great book!
I’m in. I know some people who could use some knitted kisses!
I’ve been thinking about getting this book (I have both of her flower books, since I knit and crochet), and the descriptions and photos you posted have made up my mind…thanks for offering one up for a giveaway!
I hope you can stay dry up there in this deluge, Wendy! It is pouring for the third day here in Richmond.
I would be thrilled to be the lucky winner of the book –
Ali
Lucy looks totally comfy! The book looks fab…and I totally have Droid envy. I have to wait until next August before I can get a new phone. ARG!
The kitty hat is adorable. I’d love a copy of the book. Thanks for the chance.
Looks like a great book. Thanks!
Ok, that kitty hat is precious! I need to get this book, either by hook (giveaway) or by crook (purchase)! Thanks for your review, Wendy. I always learn about neat knitting books and tricks and accouterments from you!
What a great addition to my book collection this will be! Hope I win a free one.
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the review. Think I will slip over to Amazon and add it to my wish list just in case I’m not the lucky winner here.
True? To know Lucy is to love Lucy?
I would love to have that book!
How fun to have a chance to win a copy of this great book! I think the kitty hat is adorable and would look even finer knit in Lucy’s colors.
So glad you do reviews!
love that kitty hat–do want!
kristen´s last blog ..Rapid fire update
Wow! I think I would like to make every project you featured. It will go on my wish list next week if I am not the lucky winner. Thanks, Wendy.
Oh yes please, I would love a copy of Nicky’s book. Thanks for the opportunity to win it.
What a cute book! On my Christmas wish list as of right now!
I’ve been waiting to see the inside of this book and it looks like it will not disappoint. I agree; it’s just in time for Christmas. I agree, it will be on my wish list!
Looks like a super cute book!
Would love to knit the kitty hat or mat!
Looks lovely!
Great looking book.
Great book and so useful. I would love to this book because it would get so much use.
Definitely would love this.
Lovely book! Love the kitty hat!
Love the bag! You are so good to share with us!
Awwww, I love the way Lucy’s curled up. My cats send her love
That looks like a great book. I love the idea of putting a kiss in every stitch. I believe that you really can (and should) spread love through knitting. I’d love to get the book. It sounds like the kind of thing I could really use.
Anne´s last blog ..NaKniSoMo Update–Day 10
Fabulous book! pick me pick me! lol
thank you for the opportunity to win the book. Sunday is my birthday, so that would be an awesome bonus to win the book from your blog! I love your blog, thanks for all the interesting information!
That kitty hat is adorable! I’m going to have to add this book to my Christmas wish list!
It’s cold in my office today (the heat is just blowing cold air) and my hands and feet are like ice cubes. The book sounds lovely!
Wow, what a cool book. I am always looking for gift ideas. And Sunday is my birthday, too!
oh, pick me, pick me, wonderful random number generator!
That cat hat is just adorable. So cute. Looks like another best seller for Nicki.
I’ve just started my Christmas knitting – this book is just what I need!
I’d love a copy of this book. Heck, if I don’t win I’ll probably get it anyways. It looks great!
Ooh, I’d love a copy of that book!
Virginia´s last blog ..
Aww, fluffy Lucy
Some day I’ll knit something for myself…meanwhile, that book would come in mighty handy!
Looks like a great book – thanks for the great review, as well as the opportunity to win a copy. I think Lucy has the right idea for these dreary days.
Nicky Epstein is so creative! I definitely want a copy of this!
Heather S.´s last blog ..November already?!?!
What a cute book! Thank you for sharing! And I love cold weather — it’s the only time some of my cats are cuddly
Michelle´s last blog ..Christmas Knitting Update (Keeping me honest)
Lainey might like the cat chapter too
Logan Culwell´s last blog ..Just Breathe
I’d love to make the microwaveable neckwarmer for my mom. Thanks for giving one of us lucky readers your second copy!
I use Altoid boxes too!
Grr. I wish I liked Altoids. That’s a great idea, and I’m looking for a way to corral all my little bits and pieces. Maybe I’ll bribe my kids with Altoids if they’ll give me the tins afterwards…
Love that book.
Sounds like just what I have been waiting for. Thanks, Wendy.
I would certainly love a copy of this book. It sounds really cute and I can certainly find some worthy recipients (including four very spoiled kitties in my own house) for some of the projects.
Hey that book looks great – I need that pattern for men’s Fishermen’s gloves for my favorite fly fisherman! Thanks for the opportunity Wendy!
Random number generator: please pick me. It sounds like you are having the kind of weather I call “four Kitty night”…because when it cools off, all four of my spoiled kitties snuggle in bed with my husband and me.
Kitties on laps seem to be the thing on these cold rainy days. I am flanked by 3 of them right now. I would so love that book! I have some stash busting to do for the holidays!
I love it when gift books include things for our furry family members!
KozyKitty´s last blog ..The power of music!
I saw that book at the bookstore recently and I just LOVE the patterns, so please put me in the running as well!