By Nicky Epstein Knitting in Circles: 100 Circular Patterns for Sweaters, Bags, Hats, Afghans, and More [Hardcover]

by Nicky Epstein

You won’t believe what you can make with knitted circles!
 
One circle can become a stylish hat or an adorable shrug. Two, and you have a unique handbag or cover-up. Knit more circles, and you can make show-stopping scarves, capes, sweaters, afghans—even a stunning lace dress.

Only Nicky Epstein, always on the cutting edge of knitwear design, could dream up these innovative garments and accessories that all start with a simple shape. In her bestselling book Knitting Block by Block, Nicky elevated the humble block to outstanding fashion, but that was just the beginning. Now she takes on a new challenge and shows you how to make a statement with circles.

Mix and match to your heart’s content with 100 circles and 20 inspiring projects that feature everything from cables to rich colorwork, delicate lace, and over-the-top embellishments in Nicky’s signature style. You’ll find step-by-step techniques on how to knit circles, both in the round and flat, plus expert guidance on customizing the projects, with unique cut-and-paste circle templates to design your own styles.

With this groundbreaking book, you’ll never look at circles the same way. Once again, Nicky Epstein has outdone herself, opening up a world of creative possibilities with a gorgeous knitting reference that will have you knitting in the best of circles over and over.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Education

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Nicky Epstein is a knitting designer and author of numerous books on knitting. She is known for her creative combinations of knitting stitches, and for the colorful patterns often found in her sweaters, especially involving applique of separately knitted motifs.[1] In 2005, she was given a prestigious award by the National NeedleArts Association. In 2006, her work was featured in a retrospective fashion show at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City. Since the (winter) Holiday 2005 issue, Epstein has written a regular column in Vogue Knitting called simply "Nicky Epstein".

Reviews

[Katharine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stars mostly for the creativity of the author! Wouldn't be caught dead in the creations but quite amazing nonetheless. Advanced knitters who are bored???

[Tyler Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful circle designs but not sure i like the way they are used for clothing designs

[Polly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Visually stunning circles, but very impractical applications. I admire the technical skill required to make these pieces, but they are not my cup of tea.

The only wearable item I would make and wear personally is the hemisphere shrug (pg. 181). Brunhilda's whirl (pg. 190) is also intriguing, but I would make it for my girls.

If I had the time, I might turn a few of the circles into a pillow. A very beautiful pillow I would hide from my dog, cat and kids.

Still I wouldn't mind having this book as a resource in my knitting library.

[Ligaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fabulous book by Nicky Epstein. Most of the patterns are dependent on the circle format, a couple aren't at all—just a stitch pattern within a circle. Many of the circle-dependent patterns are very inventive. But there is not one of the 18 projects that I would want to knit up, and some of them are just fugly (Entrelac Capelet, Illuminator Fringed Vest, Circulate Cape). It looks like some circular forms are just plopped onto the body. The photography is excellent. I haven't sampled any of the circles so I can't speak to the correctness of the patterns. There is lots in here to inspire.

[Kym · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are so many circular knitted patterns! I loved all of the patterns and the clear instructions. I liked some of the patterns for garments and afghans. Most of the constructed patterns are ones I have no interest in. It's me. They are just not my thing. The circles, however? Those are wonderful!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

such a range of circular samples. I was not as into the patterns but a place to return to if wanting to knit creative circles.

[S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicky Epstein has done it again! I say that every time I open one of her amazing books!

This is the fourth book I own written by Nicky Epstein and I have to say, each one is more spectacular than the next. Although this is not a newly released book, I snatched it up when I saw it offered at a great price.

As a seasoned knitter (experienced level) and crocheter (intermediate level) , and a fan of all crafts in general (sewing, quilting, cross-stitch, jewelry making, polymer clay fanatic, etc.) , I love when someone goes against the grain of what is acceptable and usual. This book (and Nicky's techniques) show that you can be ultra creative when you think "outside" of the box!

I plan to make at least 10 things in this book- hopefully, I will get to keep one for myself!

Thank you to Nicky Epstein for keeping us knitters challenged, and please keep on designing and writing books for those of us that love to see what you come up with next.

[Jaq · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Wow, Wow.

This is an incredible knitting book - I was blown away by the innovation of the circle. Epstein has managed to reinvent how I look at the possibility that is inherent in knitting. I loved this book so much that I've had to go out and purchase it, it is THAT good.

What I love is how ingenuous this book is, it takes relatively simple ideas for projects and turns them upside down by making them out of the most glorious patterns I've seen in a long while.

Fantastic, cannot recommend this highly enough.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all of Nicky Epstein books, the patterns in here are fabulous. Hard to understand how much she accomplishes! Beautiful circular ideas - but I gotta say that I don't think I'd ever knit these. The clothing looks uncomfortable and odd. The afghans look too detailed and annoying to knit! Love the inspiration, and the circular celtic designs. Glad to know this book is at the library, but I don't need it in my home.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is not actually much to read in a knitting book. The appeal is in new techniques that one can apply to inventions in design. This one is good for that with lots of old ideas presented freshly and more clearly than usual. This book is great for the tops of hats and berets; how does your circle grow and look good while growing? Epstein shows you how. It is beautifully done.

[Steph. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lady amazes me on all the creativity she has. I have read most of her knitting books and they have many designs, techniques in them for all. Although you do need to have a knitting background for some of them but it wasn't a problem to grab a basic techniques book. Enjoy knitting.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping that this would be a book about knitting in the round but it was actually about knitting actual circles. Beautiful patterns but not what I was looking for and the patterns were far too difficult for me. Advanced knitters only!!

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book filled with lovely patterns. I can't wait to use some of these as samples for my textiles degree. It makes such a nice change knitting in the round and the book is filled with huge beautiful photo's! I look forward to buying this authors block by block knitting book too.

[Cayenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epstein is brilliant.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

100 circles from easy to harder than I want, with 20 patterns made from them. As thorough & detailed as one expects from Epstein.

[Rebekka Steg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good collection of different circular patterns and motifs, but I didn't like any of the actual patterns and I'm not sure I would find it that useful.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful and nicely written patterns

[lk]

Interesting book if you'd like to knit with circles; good book for circular patterns.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting but I'm not going to knit any of these. Stitch patterns.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

But this book for the medallion patterns.

Eternity Dress