A Kiss in Every Stitch

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NICKY EPSTEIN

Cover photography by Rose Callahan Author photo by Jack Deutsch Studio

Creating gifts for the people you love

An imprint of Sixth&Spring Books 233 Spring Street, New York, New York 10013

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sixthandspringbooks.com

Nicky Epstein Books

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Nicky Epstein Books

“’Tis better to give than to receive,” the old saying goes, and what could be nicer to give (or receive!) than hand-knit gifts from the heart? Nicky Epstein’s Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch will provide you with all the inspiration you need to create something special for everyone on your list.This collection of more than 35 patterns for all skill levels includes: ● fun caps and hats for babies, kids and teens ● stylish bags and wraps for the ladies ● scarves and socks for your favorite guy ● projects for charities—plus an extensive list of organizations that accept knitted items With full-color photographs of every project and clear, step-by-step instructions, creating gifts for your favorite friends and family has never been easier, or more rewarding.

Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch

is one of America’s most acclaimed and popular knitwear designers. Her designs have appeared in major magazines and on television and in museums. Nicky’s informative and entertaining classes are widely sought after, and her award-winning books have been hailed by critics and knitters.The three books in her Edgings trilogy, Knitting On the Edge, Knitting Over the Edge and Knitting Beyond the Edge, have become classics.The lavishly beautiful Knitting On Top of the World continues to be a bestseller, and her unique knitting design/travel book Knitting in Tuscany has won acclaim in the press and from knitters everywhere. Nicky loves knitting, and her passion for the art has never been more apparent than in Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch, which comes straight from the heart.

Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch

NICKY EPSTEIN

NICKY EPSTEIN

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crafts knitting

$19.95 US $25.95 CANADA

NICKY EPSTEIN

Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch Creating gifts for the people you love

NICKY EPSTEIN

Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch In this gorgeous new collection, award-winning knitwear designer Nicky Epstein sets her needles—and her boundless creative energy—on handmade knitted gifts. She’s created more than 35 unique gifts for all your loved ones, and for any occasion. Inside you’ll find: ● an adorable reversible baby hoodie ● a beautiful carry-all adorned with cables and leaves—perfect for your favorite knitter

● a cozy boyfriend scarf in three variations ● a stunning bride’s bag embellished with knitted flowers, cables and pearls ● a colorful patchwork afghan a group can make for a friend or for a charity ● and many more designs that are sure to become heirlooms

There’s also a comprehensive list of charities that will accept the fruits of your labor, so get set to give the gift of handknits to everyone in your life.

And don’t forget, when you do, you’ll be Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch.

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Nicky Epstein Books

An imprint of Sixth&Spring Books

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knitting a kiss in every stitch introduction

Giving Gifts It’s nice to receive a gift, but it can be even more gratifying to give one. And as a knitter, I can’t think of a more wonderful gift to give to loved ones, friends or those in need than a gift that you’ve knit yourself, with a kiss in every stitch.

When my stepson Scott was bravely recovering from a series of chemotherapy treatments, I knitted a cashmere cap for him to keep his handsome but bald head warm. He loved the cap, and I loved knitting it for him even more.

A handmade gift is so much more personal than a purchased gift because of the thought, time and affection that you’ve put into it. In this book there are gifts for babies, toddlers, boys and girls, teens, men, women, pets and friends, as well as gifts for charitable giving. For those of you generous knitters belonging to the thousands of groups worldwide who knit projects for charity, there’s a list of organizations on page 118 and instructions on how to contact them.You’ll learn what knitted gifts they accept and any special requirements for donating your projects.

When I was recently recovering from back surgery, I received a number of hand-knit gifts from friends and well-wishers and was genuinely touched by their thoughtfulness, because I knew how much work went into their creations.

As I was designing and knitting these projects I kept thinking of the beautiful Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts.” I hope that these gifts will carry your message to that special person in your life, or make a person in need feel special.

Give of yourself…make someone happy… it’s all about caring!

Nicky Epstein

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Contents Introduction 7 The Kids 8

Baby’s First Hat 10 Woven Baby Blanket 12 Go Girl Beaded Socks 14 Li’l Knitting Angel Hat 16 Reversible Hoodie 20 Travelin’ Man Hats 23 Curly Q Hat 26 Heidi Hat 28 Meow Kitty Cap 30 Creatures of the Nightcaps 33 Slouchy Bow Hat 36

The Girls 38

All Heart Shawl 40 Bride’s Purse 43 Cable Delight Hat 46 Diamond Rib Wrap 49 Summer of Love Bag 52 Legwarmer Trio 54 City Lights Beaded Scarf 58 Cable-and-Leaf Tote 60 Lace Friendship Shawl 63 Ruched Mitts 66 Easy Opera Wrap 68

The Guys 70

Fisherman’s Gloves 72 Boyfriend Scarf 74 Bad Boy Socks 77 Gentry Lap Throw 80 Serious Skull Cap 82

Special Friends 86

A Charitable Gift Afghan 88 Family Footies 97 Pampering Spa Cloths 100 Kiss Me Wrap-Around 103 Sweet Socks 106 Knitty Kitty Play Mat 109 Barkley’s Hat Scarf 112 Jet Set Travel Tags 114 Wish Upon a Scarf 116

Guide to Giving 118

A list of charities and organizations that accept knitted gifts

Resources 122

Abbreviations 122 Techniques 122–126 Glossary 123 Yarn and Materials Sources 126 Acknowledgments 127 5

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Become a part of nationwide or local knitting charities and enrich the lives of others with your time and your skill.

SOCKS FOR SOLDIERS INC. S 2892 State Route 96 East Shelby, OH 44875 (419) 342-2486 www.socksforsoldiersinc.com groups.yahoo.com/group/ socksforsoldiers

Socks for soldiers sends handknitted superwash wool socks in special care packages to soldiers serving in the Middle East and Afghanistan and operates from a Yahoo! group rather than a website.

Items accepted: Black socks in simple patterns.

Special requirements: Socks must be black, knit in a wool or wool-cotton blend and high enough to go over the top of a boot by several inches. ●

STITCHES FROM THE HEART 3316 Pico Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405 (877) 985-9212 www.stitchesfromtheheart.org

● More than 1,400 volunteers strong and growing daily, Stitches from the Heart sends handmade clothing, blankets, and love to premature babies all across the nation.

Items accepted: Booties, blankets and layette items.

Special requirements: Use soft, washable yarns; do not use 100% wool. Measurements and size requirements can be found on the website.

WARM UP AMERIC A! Craft Yarn Council of America 469 Hospital Dr., 2nd Floor Suite E Gastonia, NC 28054 (704) 824-7838 www.warmupamerica.org

● Warm Up America! volunteers create handmade blankets that are distributed to those in need. These items provide warmth and comfort to people who have lost their homes, fled abusive relations, or are being cared for in hospices, shelters, hospitals and nursing homes.

Items accepted: 7" x 9" knitted blocks or completed blankets.

Special requirements: None

WARMING FAMILIES One Heart International P. O. Box 400 Orem, UT 84059 www.warmingfamilies.com/mission. aspx

● Warming Families, a project of the One Heart Foundation, distributes blankets, warm clothing and other items of comfort to the homeless and displaced.

Items accepted: Blankets, bears and dolls, gloves, mittens, hats and headbands. Project needs vary by local chapter.

Special requirements: None y

WARM WOOLIES 5572 E. Mansfield Avenue Denver, CO 80237 www.warmwoolies.org

● Volunteers for Warm Woolies knit for children living in orphanages in Russia, Kazakhstan, China and Mongolia, and on reservations throughout the northern United States.

Items accepted: Items most needed, in order, are socks, sweaters, vests and baby blankets.

Special requirements: Items should be at least 75% animal fiber, with 100% animal fiber strongly preferred; baby blankets may be made with acrylic yarns.

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1. Urban Scarf