flower girl

Posted on Posted in interviews

say what you will about the month of march; so far, it’s been beautiful here—no lions in sight. yes, it’s still cold (mostly in the 20s still), but we’ve had sun and luminous blue skies and breezes instead of wind. breezes carrying that particular softness which tells me spring is approaching.

while we are far from the day when actual flowers might appear—there is still a great deal of snow cover in the yard—this change in temperament does make my mind turn to gardening and my fingers itch for soil.

without the actual cooperation of the season, one must look elsewhere to satisfy the urge to cultivate garden color and, as luck would have it, the solution landed on my doorstep in the form of a new paperback book release from sixth&spring books

nicky epstein’s knitted flowers reads like a very beautiful garden catalog.

the creations within represent a wide range of floral shapes and varieties which are surprisingly delicate and lifelike, with a good dose of whimsy added for fun.

nicky has also used a variety of knitting styles and constructions to produce these little lovelies; techniques such as felting, beading, lace, and i-cord are all represented.

likewise, she has made great use of a range of fibers and yarns here—small amounts of novelty yarns (don’t we all have a tub full of them somewhere?) are transformed into pieces that add a focal point to any plain project.

ribbons, fur, eyelash, ladders, and chenille—you name it, it’s in here.
nicky’s penchant for embellishment is fully realized in these pieces, with many examples showing embellishments on the embellishments with surprisingly tidy outcome.

the book is not just a catalog of flowers, however—many full-scale projects are included as well. some use a single example of floral embellishment to add interest and some are made up almost entirely of floral texture.

in many instances, the reader is led through the construction of single flower projects which are completely attractive on their own

then shown how to use them in multiples to trim a larger project

flowers and projects alike are presented at every skill level

from simple lace to more complex combinations of colorwork and structure,

though i don’t think any one of them requires very advanced knitting skills. patience and a willingness to work in a smaller stitch space are probably most important here, along with good finishing technique.

now, here’s the part you’re going to like: sixth&spring books is offering a free copy of nicky epstein’s knitted flowers to one lucky reader. to be included in the drawing for this book, please leave a comment at the end of this post by sunday, march 7, no later than 9 pm. the winner will be announced on monday morning.

many thanks to nicky epstein and sixth&spring books for sharing this publication with us today.

and hopefully, i’ll be back in business soon with my camera to resume regular blogging (the new spare battery arrived yesterday; i have high hopes that today’s mail will bring me the charger i desperately need . . .)

205 thoughts on “flower girl

  1. What a beautiful book of everlasting inspiration! I don’t particularly LOVE flowers…but some of these are just gorgeous and too good to not put a twinkle in your eyes!

  2. Pretty, pretty! We’ve got buds on our trees and the birds are singing a morning chorus! Bless the spring.
    I’ve cast on the gansey sock. Such excitement!

  3. I’ve been looking for flower patterns for a neat hat I’m knitting. This book has some just perfect patterns!

  4. Oh, what beautiful photos and glowing review of the book! Our weather has been like yours, it sounds like – warm sunny days 😉 Baby lambs will begin arriving here at the farm any time now…

  5. What a lovely book – with gorgeous photos! Some of the bulbs here are breaking through the snow cover, and the sweet williams are out – spring IS coming!

  6. Wow! I have a couple of Nicky’s books already and love them. However, these flowers are simply amazing.

  7. I love Nicky Epstein’s books. I have been looking
    for a book to make knitted flowers as I don’t like
    to crochet. These flowers are beautiful. They
    would complement any garment and they make beautiful additions to holiday wrapping also. Please enter my name in the contest.

  8. What a beautiful book! Flowers, spring, color…. the perfect combination for end-or-winter here in the great northeast! Thank you for your generosity!

  9. I’d love to add the Knitted Flowers book to my Nicki Epstein book collection.

  10. I’ve been a fan of Nicky’s for a number of years and enjoy her books. Always a treat to see another inspirational book from her.
    Even if I don’t win it here, it’ll be on my want-to-buy list.
    The photos literally jump off the pages!
    Thank you for sharing it here KnitSpot, providing a bit of springtime to otherwise a dreary time of year.

  11. Wow. Those are like a garden in a book! How lovely. Thanks for showing it.=)

  12. Thanks for sharing – what a gorgeous book of flowers! I spent a weekend in December snowed in and making flowers all weekend long…they make for such fun, quick projects.

  13. The book looks like loads of fun! The flowers are all so pretty too. Thanks for offering the book!

  14. Nicky Epstein’s books are always wonderful, but this one looks like the best. Such beautiful flowers!

  15. Ooooo, what a lovely book. I think that scarf of blue flowers is to-die-for! Thank you for the opportunity.

  16. Flowers are always a welcome sight, but especially at the end of winter. What a beautiful book!

  17. Wow! What a nice collection. It is cold and rainy today, so a little sunshine in my world for these beautiful pictures.

  18. Wouldn’t it be logical if they sold batteries charged? I love the hat in the book, that is lovely bluey/purply, with the lady-like flower adorning it.

  19. Beautiful pictures in this book; the flowers almost seem to pop off of the pages. Thanks for the contes.

  20. Nicky’s creativity is endless. Thank you for the review of another great book.

  21. That book looks fabulous! As one who hesitates to throw out ANY scrap, this book could really be a beloved resource.

  22. I think the only way I am going to enjoy flowers anytime soon is to knit them! The ones in the book are beautiful. Besides, my knitting fingers are much more successful than my “green thumb.”

  23. I’ve knitted flowers before but–WOW these are fabulous. I’ll be looking for this book for sure.I can just picture a border of the blue flowers on a shawl I have in mind–sigh !!

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