Nicky Epstein's Signature Scarves: Dazzling Designs to Knit

by Nicky Epstein

Nicky Epstein’s Signature Scarves delivers what knitting—and Nicky’s—fans have been her hallmark embellished style applied to the simple scarf. Inside there are an array of patterns to delight and a lovely tweedy wrap with appliquéd leaves; a scarf comprised of interlocking bright circles; a deceptively cute piece sporting rows of tiny skulls. Felters will especially love working on the scarf made of interwoven cut felted strips, as well as the one that’s knit-then-felted and adorned with autumn roses. The 35 beautifully laid-out and photographed designs fully display Nicky’s spectacular range and boundless creativity. Ideal as gifts and short-term projects, scarves never lose their appeal—and when they feature Nicky’s special touch, they’re irresistible showstoppers that no knitter will want to miss!

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts

160 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2008

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

[Kristina Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess I am in the minority when I say that I enjoy this book. I can see potential with a lot of these scarves, and create my own looks with them. I admit there are a few where I just don't like at all but for the most part, I really do like these. I guess just more my alley.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting shapes and styles. Many are not my style.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few new ideas in this one - worth taking a look at.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I, at first, didn't think there was much in this book for me but when I went back through, I dog-eared three that I really wanted to do, one being the cover scarf from Vogue Knitting's Silver Anniversary. There are lots of tips and techniques, nine scarf edgings, felting instructions, plentiful photographs, and stitch diagrams when needed. Some of the scarves are pretty kooky (Mouse Trap p. 108, Oak Leaves p. 44) and some look rather stiff, but that could be the way the photograph is styled. I really like Nicky Epstein's work but know she can often overdo her designs but a scarf is a small garment that can, possibly, handle the overload? We'll see.

[Lesley · Rating 1 out of 5]

The crafting book club I belong to sent this as I forgot to tell them not to send the main selection with all of the move stuff going on.

So, this arrived in the mail last week and I opened it up to flip through it - even though I had a pretty good idea how I'd feel about it just by looking at the cover - and it was complete crap. Do people seriously knit this stuff? Seriously??

Needless to say, the book is getting mailed back tomorrow.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some gorgeous designs in this book, but I didn't see any that I absolutely fell in love with and wanted to knit. I liked the use of color and page set-up to make this a very welcoming and friendly book. There were a couple of scarves that were bizarre and I know I would never wear them, but other than that it was a neat book and I'd recommend.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2010...

[Mollie *scoutrmom* · Rating 4 out of 5]

These aren't your run of the mill projects...this is the most creatively unique collection I've ever run across. I won't be knitting any of them, but my imagination as an amateur knitwear designer was stretched by what I read. I think anyone who has ever knitted a scarf ought to look through these. [My library had it as Dewey Decimal No. 746.432 EPS:] Enjoy!

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many of the scarves in here have that 'WOW' factor. I can't wait to make the Classic Shibori and the Bubble Waves scarf (both utilizing hazelnuts, rubber bands, and the washing machine)! Not sure what the Swiss cheese scarf with the mouse on it is all about, but there are enough beautiful pieces in this book to make up for that fiasco. Nickey Epstein is amazing!

[Aquit · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the patterns are really pretty but most of them are just...plain weird and ugly, truth be told. I don't think I'm going to try out any of these patterns. If you want to be funky and have heads turn then you might want to try these.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! The ideas in here are amazing - just really expands my thoughts about what can be done with knitting needles. This book makes me want to retire tomorrow and do nothing but knit. I know I'll never get to all these ideas, but I hope I get to some of them.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this book. the scarves are SO COOL. and the directions are easy to follow, even for advanced beginner-level knitters like me.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The patterns were just not to my taste so my rating really reflects that and not the quality of the book, photographs, or instructions.

[Kristine]

Pretty selection of scarves, both knit and crochet. I also liked the section it talked about different ways to tie scarves.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun fun fun

[Dharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. Not much I would make. The Celtic Glory might be fun. The Oak Leaves look beautiful but not sure I would make it.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been trying to find the perfect scarf pattern to knit. These were all too "embellished" for me.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tudor Lace
Moorish Medallion
Cables Scarf With Unraveled Fringe
Holiday Doves*
Shawl-Collar Cable Point

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book. Some of the scarves were not to my taste but I liked most of them. I think I will make the bullets scarf, oak leaves, bubble waves, into the woods, and carriage cowl.

[Heywu · Rating 3 out of 5]

The scarves are beautiful. The look, style and feel are wearable art.