Nicky Epstein is well-known as a prolific knit and crochet designer with a penchant for embellishment. Her Kniting On, Over and Beyond the Edge books (there's also one for crochet are classic references for those who want to add a little something special to their projects.
Epstein took a little time out of her hectic schedule to talk with us about her inspiration, favorite projects and which craft she prefers.
About: How and when did you learn how to knit?
Nicky Epstein: As a young girl in West Virginia I learned from my Italian grandmother and a Spanish neighbor -- it may explain that I knit in a European style with one needle under my arm.
About: You're such a prolific knitting (and crochet) designer. Where do you get inspiration from?
NE: I get my inspiration from everywhere: nature, art, color, yarn, a toy, fashion ... if it catches my eye, it usually takes form in my designs.
About: How would you describe your style?
NE: Well, my work has been described as everything from whimsical, to innovative, to artistic, and I’ll go with that.
About: Do you prefer knitting to crochet or vice versa?
NE: I much prefer to knit but I love designing for knitting and crochet.
About: Do you have a favorite book of yours or project from a recent book?
NE: I honestly like all my books . . . they are a labor of love for me, with the accent on the “labor.” But, I do have a special feeling for Knitting On Top Of The World because the designs in it encompass knitting history and techniques from around the globe, subjects dear to my heart.
About: Do you ever knit just for fun, not for a book or magazine pattern?
NE: Not any more . . . I just do not have the time. Although, I consider many of my projects “fun.”
About: What other designers do you admire?
NE: All of them! We work very hard!
About: What are some of your favorite types of projects to knit?
NE: Unique knitted embellishments, of course. They are to knitting what spices are to cooking.
About: What's next from you?
NE: My Knitted and Crochet Flower books have just come out in paperback. Knitting On The Edge will be coming out in paperback. I’m doing a booklet for Aslan Yarns for fall [2010], and I’m very excited about my new book, Nicky Epstein’s Knitting Block By Block, to be released in November. And you can check my website for upcoming travels, knitting shows and knitting tours.
