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.
Thanks for giving us a chance to win a copy of Nicky’s new book. Looks great!
This looks like a great book with a lot of wonderful ideas for chirstmas gift knitting.
Thanks for always giving us an opportunity to join in the give aways!
Looks like a great book for someone who usually knits for others – I mean me. Thanks for holding the contest.
This is one that I would like, too! Thanks for sharing the wealth, so to speak!
I love that tote, in that exact color.
Are you kidding? I’ve been daydreaming about her books. Would love to have one of my very own.
.-= GerryH´s last blog ..Sewing Fanatic Cork Necklace =-.
Pick Me! Pick Me!
I would love a copy of the book…and I hope you’re on the mend and feelling better…its making a run through our family ….
Looks like a great book. I would love to have it.
What a fun looking book, thanks for offering to share
Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. I LOVE the Meow Kitty hat! How cute that would be for my little niece, Claire.
What a great book. Thank you for reviewing just in time for Christmas knitting for others.
Lucy looks so comfy!
Count me in for the drawing. That book would be a great resource for our charity knitting group, the K4s (Krazy Kool Knitters & Krocheters).
.-= PlainJane´s last blog ..The Stars Finally Aligned… =-.
I love the tiger hat; I can imagine a doggy version for my dog loving son
Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
What a cool book! Count me in!
My daughter has been asking for hats, so this would be great!
I must make the tote! Please enter me as well!
I would so love to be lucky enough to win this! My sister will love it! She is always knitting for others. Thanks for making this book available to a lucky winner.
(Hi Lucy)
I should have started my Christmas knitting two months ago! Need quicker projects
I would love to have this book. Thanks Wendy!
oh! too cute!! would love to win a copy
Oh, let’s see if the overloard of random numbers picks me
.-= Karen´s last blog ..So much to say =-.
Sounds like a great book. I’m in.
Put me in the running, too. I love Nicky Epstein books and patterns. Thanks.
.-= Sue Johnson´s last blog ..Thank You! =-.
How awesome! I love the book! Thanks for the great review and the chance to win. =]
Oh please, Great Random Number Generator, pick me!
I’d love to win Nicky’s book!
It sounds like you’re feeling better. I hope Miss Lucy doesn’t get sick.
Me please! Too cute for words
I’d love to win this book, please add to me your list.
I do love that Kitty hat. It looks tigerish enough for knitting some Bengals gear here in Cincinnati now that they are winning. Thanks for the chance to win.
I would definitely love a copy of that book. My cat, Ruby, wants me to get it, too!
.-= Claudia´s last blog ..Taking a few steps backwards =-.
Thanks for the heads up on the book and for making the offer. I rarely win anything, but it doesn’t hurt to try
What an adorable hat. It looks like their are alot of cute knits.
I loved the kitty caps – our twin granddaughters would love those since they have 3 cats. And now of course, I’m thinking the grand-cats would love those felted pieces for yet another place to snooze. So glad to read your blog and get my mind off the horrendous nor-easter storm that’s coming through my area (8+ inches of rain so far/wind gusting to 60 MPH). Thanks for the review. I’m going to put it on my Amazon wish list too.
Sounds like a great book – sign me up for the drawing!
I was just looking for a hat pattern for my granddaughter. Nicky has such good patterns. I would love to have this book.
Adore the child’s hat! Thank you for sharing Nicky’s book with us! Love to own a copy!!!!
I’d love to win the book…looks like good stuff. Thanks!
That book would be perfect for homemade Christmas this year. Please, please let me be the one the random number generator picks.
Throw my name in the drawing for the book too!
Love your review of the book. I’ll probably have to go buy it b/c I never win giveaways – but here goes! Thanks!
I’ll admit that I’d love to have a copy of the book, but really, I just have to comment about your Pretty Kitty. I have one, too, but she’s named Peaches and is a gorgeous, well, peach tiger….ssssooooooooo soft. I wuv her! Cats and knitters have a great kinship!!!
I’d like to put my name into the hat. I really like that tote.
Ooh, that looks like a lovely book & really useful at this time of year!
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..FO’s like WHOA! =-.
I almost ordered the book tonight before reading your blog. Please consider me for the drawing. From the pictures I saw of the book, there are a lot of items I would like to knit for charity.
It looks like a wonderful book! I am looking forward to the Cloisters Socks pattern, too!
Love this book! That tiger hat is so cute, just adorable
Nicky’s books are all beautiful, I see several things I want to make now!
It looks like a great book I’d love to have a copy.
Sounds like a pretty awesome book! Looking forward to seeing who (hopefully me?) gets your additional copy!
I too love the patterns in this book. I keeping eyeing it, so I’ll keep my fingers crossed
I love Nicky Epstein!
.-= Kristen´s last blog ..Candy Stripes hat =-.
Thanks for the real knitter review: I’d love to own a copy of this book.
We need some knitted mousies here. Our kitty, CB, would love them. Looks like a great book!
would love a shot at the book – have too many holiday gifts to crank out between now and then. some folks might be getting single socks as deposits.
Love the book….please enter me in the drawing!
If I don’t win, I’ll have to buy this one. Love the meow kitty and the fishermen’s gloves.
.-= southparknitter´s last blog ..This weasel won’t pop =-.
Oooh that book looks so awesome.
We’ve had a couple of gorgeous days this week and I’m hoping winter continues to conveniently forget that it is in fact soon to be gross weather here.
Cute hat – love it.
.-= LadyO´s last blog ..Socktober 09 – the First =-.
I have a great niece who would love the kitty hat. Please!!
I just love the kitty mat, I’ll have to make one for my two little gals if I’m chosen.
Sounds like a great book loaded with the types of knitting projects I love! I hope I win!
.-= Liz aka FiberGeek´s last blog ..Saving Mr. Greenjeans =-.
I’ve heard so much about this book. Wouldn’t everyone love to have it? Thanks so much for offering the second book!
Thanks for sharing!! My fingers are crossed I’ll be the lucky one.
.-= Sue H´s last blog ..I’m tickled PINK about my latest finish! =-.
I love, love, love books with cool projects for gifts. It’s cool they gave you one for a giveaway!
Seems to be a nice book. Thank you for your offer.
Another Book is just what I need to share with my daughter during christmas break – so please put me on the list…
My “kiddens” look like Lucy, mainly because I’m still using the a/c. Southern Arizona is expecting a cold spell… tomorrow highs are expected to be in the low 70′s, overnight lows only down to 59 degrees (cold cover keeping the warmth in) Weekend is expected to be in the 60′s! Since I’m affected by SAD it’s for the best that I’m in a city that gets 340 days of sunshine a year!
Oh yeah….. oh mighty random number generator… pick me please!!
Tina
I would love to have this book. I need some quick projects to help me feel productive.
Both the cat and the book look adorable!
Oh yes, yes, yes, this is a book that I would LOVE to have. Thank you for sharing! And Lucy knows that laps are always better….and warmer!
OOOOHHHH – I’d love the book! I’d also like to add that I love your blog and look forward to reading it 5 days a week!
Are the little creatures in the comments amoebas? They’re cute!
I have people to knit for.
Oh, that Meow Kitty Cap is beyond cute. I hope you send your extra book in my direction. If I’m not so lucky, I can see a book order in my future!
Oh, me, me, me…that would be a wonderful book to have. Nice, they sent you two, so you can keep one and share one.
And throwing my name into the hat!
As a new knitter I covet all Nicky Epstein books.
I am taking a class at Brooklyn General and we are using your toe-up guidelines form Knitty.com…easy to follow. Just great. Thank you.
love love love the tote…how great is that!
lynn from skippack
Looks like a super book! And, November 16 is my birthday so if the random fairy is on track I’m hoping for a win.
Loyal reader. Enter me in the contest!
Thanks for the heads up on this book, sounds like it’s worth owning, and winning one would be really great!!!
What a terrific book!! I’m waving my hand wildly. Both hands!!!
Sounds like a great book. Hope I win it. It’s nice you’re so generous and share with us.
I love the thought of a kiss in every stitch. Sometimes it really does feel that way, when it’s someone you’re in love with.
Thank you for sharing information about this book. It looks like a great book!
I would love a copy of Nicky Epstein’s new book.
Speaking of books, I’m about to start my first toe-up sock, using your own lovely book. I’m looking forward to it.
And greetings to your lovely kitty from a furry-tufted compatriot (that would be one of the cats that owns me, not me!)
I would love to have a copy of this book. Thanks for offering.
so love the tote and the gloves….please pick me
My daughter would love that kitty hat! Thanks for the chance to win.
I think Lucy’s got the right idea.
P.S. I am halfway up the foot on my first every knitted sock – a Lacey Rib. The instructions in your book are so clear and easy to follow. I’m bracing for the, er, excitement (I hope it won’t be *too* exciting) of turning the heel.
Oh, I would so love that book. W/ a brand new granddaughter whose household includes 2 cats, I must make that hat!! Thanks, Wendy.
Especially love Lucy. Please enter my name for the book drawing. Your daily blog lights up my day.
Joan
I love the georgous tiger hat. Please put me in the running for the book!
My cats would love that kitty mat! I hope I win!
What a good looking book! How are you liking the new Droid, too? I got one Friday and just love it!
Cool book! Snuggles to Lucy…
That book looks perfect!
I need this book! Why? So it will make my ‘Nicky Collection’ mostly complete!
Looks like I want that book too…
I love the cabled tote. Beautiful!
.-= Lynneth´s last blog ..Another FO! =-.