Nicky Epstein Celebrates 30 Books
Nicky Epstein Celebrates 30 Books with the audience of the Yarn Thing podcast hosted by Marly Bird. It’s possibly the fourth visit 
Nicky has made to Yarn Thing, we have proof of three! And THREE seems to be the magic number…
Nicky says she was taught to knit when she was very young. When saw that the third prize was a set of knitting needles in a contest from McCalls, she entered and was DISAPPOINTED to win the First prize. They asked if she had other designs, and passed her name on to other publishing companies like Vogue Knitting.
To borrow her bio from her website: Nicky Epstein is a world renowned knitwear designer, teacher and author of over 20 bestselling books. Her knitting and crochet books range from highly original resource books, to historical books, to travel books, to Barbie Doll books, to amazingly creative design fashion/pattern books. Her books are “must haves” in the libraries of designers and knitters alike, and she has won the National Independent Book Publisher’s Award for Best Craft Book Of The Year…three times!
Her innovative, fashionable, whimsical and award winning designs have appeared in every major knitwear magazine, in museums and on television, and she has taught classes to knitters around the world and hosted many Vogue Knitting Tours overseas as well as others.
So, it is not an unknown thing that Nicky creates fun with toys for us. When Nicky did the block book (Knitting Block by Block), she created 3 animals in it, and in class people started throwing out suggestions for her for other animals, which really couldn’t be 
done in class, so later she took those suggestions and made a book proposal out of them. Knit a Square, Create a Cuddly Creature: From Flat to Fabulous, a Step-by-Step Guide is the result and is the newest book, the THIRTIETH book that Nicky has authored. They asked for 25 animals to include in the book. Once she got started and added different animals, she ended up included 35… Such an overachiever! Rather than recreate the book for crocheters, too, she advises us to crochet a square and go! In one of her classes, a student showed up with a piece of felt and still they were able to complete the class project. The animals can be made in different sizes, some very small ones can adorn the Christmas tree as one lady is doing with the sheep. There is so many unique kinds of yarn that can be found to make various animals.
There is a time-lapse video of the Raccoon from the book being assembled, CLICK HERE to download.
Since she was on the Yarn Thing last, Nicky published a knitting book called 
Enchanted Knits for Dolls which is a collection of costumes and accessories for the 18″ dolls (not to name one brand specifically because they didn’t give permission to use them), as with many of her books, the detailed pieces and portraits of the dolls make it a fantastic book just to have and to look at, to gaze upon. There isn’t another book in production (she lost her father recently and took a little break), but Nicky is working on new book proposals and considering bringing some other books out to publish again.
The last time Nicky visited Yarn thing was prior to Stitches South 2015, where she gave a special presentation, here is the link to those show notes. You can also listen to that visit HERE and her visit in 2009 HERE.
Watch for Nicky at the various teaching events, including the upcoming Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool event, Vogue Knitting in New York in January and later in Texas.
Nicky Epstein can be followed through her website: www.NickyEpstein.com, she has a designer page in Ravelry, and a Group. Also, she has a Facebook page, is on Twitter, her books are available at this link.
There is also behind-the-scenes video available on the Marly Bird Facebook page. This was a special episode as Marly’s Mom sat in, which makes the video lots of fun to watch as well.
Categories: Podcast
I soooo agree that knitting should be fun!! I have to remind myself of that with all the deadlines these days. Love all the cute animals in the book. Thanks for a great podcast. (And your mom is so cute and she looks so young!)
I love Nicky’s enthusiasm and all of her books. Her latest book epitomizes the saying knitting should be fun. I cannot wait to knit one or several of the creatures. I am inspired because I just found out that I’m going to be a grandmother. This will be a baby surrounded by all things knitted.
I am dreaming about how knitting should be fun when I’m making one of these very cute creatures. I love that you can make them from yarn scraps and can modify some of them to pillow size. While listening to this podcast I was on Ravelry looking at your amazing designs. Amazing! I am pretty sure my boys will love the shark and penguins! This book is on my amazon wish list now! And knitting is always fun while listening to Marly…you and your Mom made my day…such a fun duo you two are! Marly, I have some of your books on my wish list as well. Wondering if we could hear a podcast where you are being interviewed (maybe by your Mom??). I would love to tune in to that one! 🙂
Knitting is (should be) fun. Thanks for another great interview!
I’m starting to sound like a broken record–another great podcast but they’re just all so good. So enjoyed you having your mom on the show. I can’t wait to get Nicky’s newest book. I agree with her when she says knitting should be fun-and I think it is!!
Knitting should be fun and for me it is. Especially when making your doll clothes or a sheep or sheepdog from your new book, Nicky!
Knitting should be fun but I’m making my first knit project which is a cowl with yarn and a pattern my mom picked and gave to me. Not a pattern or yarn I would have chosen but I’m getting through it. The creatures from Nicky’s book are cute and would be fun to make!
I have as always had fun with crochet. With Nicky’s new book I’m certain knitting should be fun! Great show ladies.
Knitting should be fun! Sometimes its stressful and mind boggling, but I still enjoy it!
Knitting should be fun, is right! I’m so glad I know how to do interesting things with sticks, hooks and string because otherwise I might be in jail or a sanitarium. 🙂 I loved the mutual admiration I could hear in Marly and Nicky’s voices.
Nicky is right. Knitting should be fun and it is if we can make cute things like I am seeing in Nicky’s new book. Thanks!
Knitting should be fun and for me it usually is, especially sitting with my friends around the big table at The Perfect Blend. I’m sorry I missed you, Nicky, but I saw some of the animals my friends made and they were adorable. I have 4 grandchildren who would LOVE some.
Knitting should be fun, and with Nicky’s new book and super cute animal patterns, it definitely will be!
Loved the podcast. I fell in love with her so cute animal patterns. I’m not a big stuffy knitter, but hers sound very doable and plan on doing some of them.
Knitting should be fun and I’m sure it will be with her animal patterns.
I agree with Nicky that knitting should be fun. I love her books, and both she and her books are quite inspirational.
Knitting Should Be Fun…. and it totally is. Now that I’m recently retired, and have 3 Grandchildren, Age 3 and under, I can’t wait to try some of Nicky’s cute designs to use up my stash. Wonderful Podcast, look forward to them each week.
I love Nicky Epstein and her books, I have her Knit For Dolls book. Knitting should be fun, it is also relaxing and a wonderful way to show your creativity. Thank you Nicky for all you have done for knitting and crocheting. Thank you Marly for having such wonderful guests.
I am a new listener to your podcast so what a treat it was for me to listen to your interview with Nicky Epstein. I have drooled & marveled over Nicky’s designs for a long time and love the elegance she brings to her designs with her details. Knitting should be fun and Nicky provides the inspiration.Thanks for a great podcast.
Knitting should be fun, but for me often times it’s frustrating and disappointing. But I keep on trying and learning from my mistakes. Thanks for a great interview.
I definitely agree that knitting should fun. It’s my therapy. This book also sounds like lots of fun and I would give these creatures to my loved ones.
I agree, crochet and knitting should be fun, otherwise, why do it? Great interview, dynamite personality.
I have knit so many of Nicky’s designs. Nicky, you are my favorite designer of all time. I have taken several of your classes and have even purchased some of your knits on a charity runway at Vogue Knitting Live in NY. I have several of your books signed. I think I might be your number one fan. I hope I am the winner but surely will buy anything you create anyway, so no worries. Knitting should be fun, but it should also be perfected with the details that you give it. I think you do that like no other designer. You are amazing!
Thank you Marly for entertaining us again with the most wonderful designer!
I can’t wait to see Nicky’s book & try some of the cute animals. She is so right, ” knitting should be fun” and it is for me everyday. Happy Knitting!
Knitting should be fun, and always is with Nicky’s designs!
Such an enjoyable podcast. You ladies live the idea that Knitting Should be Fun!
I love this!! Patterns like these really do embrace the fact that Knitting Should Be Fun!!!
Nicky’s designs always make me want to knit more. Knitting should be fun and is.
Knitting should be fun. So True, so true.
There are so many benefits to knitting but the best reason is it’s fun. Knitting should be fun and I think I can achieve that if I get a copy of Nicky’s book Knit a Square and Create a Cuddly Creature.