Interweave just released a new book by Amy Christoffers, called New American Knits!

The designs are beautiful, and would be proudly worn to work, school, or out on the town. The book has a thoughtful mix of techniques, and I am confident that almost anyone will find a project in this book they might want to make.


My one criticism? There are no designs for men in the collection. There's one or two hats that guys would love, and while I see the reasoning behind not adding a third model to the book (cost/etc.) it's worth noting that there's a lack of brotherly love in this book.


But... what is here is beautiful. I have a couple favorite pieces to share. First, I really like the Tanner cowl because of its bold lace pattern.

...now some people might disagree, but I think this cowl would be great on a guy. It's just enough lace to make it interesting, and the nice solid color of the yarn keeps

I have a copy of New American Knits to give away to one lucky reader! To enter, simply post a comment on this post by midnight, Monday, July 28, 2014. I'll do a drawing on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 and announce the winner!

A new book by Andrea Jurgrau is out, featuring a collection of lovely lace inspired by knits of the past. More than patterns, she takes the time to guide the reader through her design process; explaining how she interprets an antique pattern into something new, different, and oh-so-lovely.

New Vintage Lace is available now from Interweave, and features shawls, scarves, wraps, and hats that Andrea designed based on original lace doily patterns. 

A nurse and wonderful lace designer, Andrea has a structured way of working that I find inspiring. The book is beautiful, and the projects timeless. I had the pleasure of interviewing Andrea as I explored the pages of her book. 

Read through the interview, and then find out how you can win your very own copy of New Vintage Lace!

[KW]:    If you could have a retreat weekend with 3 knitters/fiber artists (living or dead), who would you invite, and what about their work inspires you to learn more from them?
[AJ]:    Only three? That is tough.  Elizabeth Zimmermann would be right up there. How about Herbert Neibling? Maybe Marianne Kinzel? But I would also love to chat with Hazel Carter and Evelyn Clark.  EZ was the knitting author I first found as a teenager and I loved her approached.  No spoon feeding. Knitting is for thinking people.  She taught me that there are no rules knitters have to follow.  I would love to chat with Mr. Neibling about his design process and charting.  But if I think more about it I could continue on with the list of knitters I want to meet! 

[KW]:    How do you store/catalog your vintage patterns?
[AJ]:    I keep them in binders on a shelf, but have started to scan them and have many stored on my computer/CDs now.  I have them in folders by style and or probable designer. 

[KW]:    Any plans for another book?
[AJ]:    Indeed.  I already have more than half of the pieces knit and out with  test knitter!  Say no more!

[KW]:    Is there a "purl of wisdom" that you'd like to share with other knitter/crocheters out there? 

[AJ]:    I like to remind people that knitting is a pleasure.  I knit as the "zen" in my otherwise hectic and often emotionally draining professional life as a healthcare provider.  Knitting is about the process for me.  I also spin yarn, for the same pleasure.  Try not to get hung up on the product and live more in the process.  It works for me!

I have a copy of New Vintage Lace to give away to one lucky reader! To enter, simply post a comment on this post by midnight, July 1, 2014. I'll do a drawing on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 to announce the winner!

Thank you to everyone who posted a comment about Andrea's book! There were 10 comments before the deadline for the drawing, and the random number generator chose #8 as the winner!

Congratulations, Sara Greer - you're the winner!

I sent you an email to get your mailing address so that I c

There's a really great new book on the market for weaving using the rigid heddle loom! Woven Scarves features 26 different scarves and explores a number of different techniques among its pages.

Jane Patrick was the editor of Handwoven for years, and also worked as VP for Schacht Spindle. She knows her stuff when it comes to warp and weft!

Stephanie Flynn Sokolov has published and coauthored a number of books, and today (in addition she teaches in Bolder, CO).

The history and innovation of these two makes this book so special. Taking time to provide clear instructions on these techniques (and then branching out into other more unconventional fabrics) is what makes this book coveted.

3/21/14 - a day later than I hoped, but here are the results!

Congratulations to Nancy! An email has been sent to her giving her the good news. A copy of this great book is on its way to her!

Thank you to everyone for your comments and help sharing about this new book.

Kyle

Kristin Omdahl has written the kind of book I can wrap my imagination around. Knitting Outside the Swatch spends half the book explaining all the different motifs, and then the second half shows examples of motifs in ten different projects!

I love the special bind off Kristin used for the motifs in the Shania medallion hat for the book cover!

Kristin is known for imagination and talent with mathematics... and it shows through the pages of this latest title. She's created a lot of really interesting patterns for this book, and I believe that this resource is well worth adding to your library. Over 40 motifs are included, and with clear instructions on each piece, it's like having Kristin right there with you, showing you the way!

As a lover of freeform knitting and crochet, I think of this book as an inspiration library. These small motifs use only a little bit of yarn, and they are creatively designed. One of my favorite motifs uses yarn wraps to hide a join, creating a beautiful finish. It's also a great chance to use up leftover yarns or for sample skeins. My plans include using this resource to knit up bits to include in a freeform wrap that I started a while back... These patterns are really a breath of fresh air!

I also believe that motif collections like this help us to come up with new motif variations on our own. Work a few new pieces, and add them to your freeform scrumbles. See how these new bits might inspire new experimentation in your other work.

The book is available in paperback or by digital download. Click the image above or button below to get yours right now, or head to your LYS to pick up a copy.

If you'd like to dive right in, Interweave has a solution for you!  Take your choice (digital or paper) and go ahead and order it now:

Want a free copy of Knitting Outside the Swatch? I have one to give away to a very lucky reader.

Here's how to enter -

Post in the comments, and tell me what is your favorite thing to knit?  It could be one of her designs from the book, or it could be some other project... as specific as a certain pattern, or as generic as "socks!"


Post your comment by 11:59PM PST Saturday, November 16, 2013 to enter.

Be sure to include your email address when posting your comment so that I can contact you if you're the lucky (random!) winner.

Thank you for sharing this post with your friends on Facebook or other social media sites!

As always, thank you for taking time to read the blog. If you have any questions or comments for me, feel free to send me an email using the comment tab on the website!

CONGRATULATIONS! to Cheryl! She won the copy of Knitting Outside the Swatch, and I hope she has a wonderful time working the new motifs!

I am so excited to finally hold in my hands Knits of a Feather (Sellers Publishing, Inc.) by Celeste Young! This first (hopefully of many) book by Celeste honors our feathered friends with a collection of well-conceived, classically-inspired designs. Featuring fibers from Cascade Yarns, this book is beautifully written, and promises to introduce you to a myriad of projects that must be immediately cast on or placed in queue.

Stranded knitting, cables, duplicate stitch, lace, embroidery, beading, steeking... there are many techniques flexing their muscles in this collection, but it's all done in a way that's not threatening. Celeste gently guides the reader through each step, and even explains the why behind the notes (which helps us all become better at our craft!)

My favorite project in the collection? The Bird on a Wire Cowl. It's whimsical, graphic, and allows for a bit of practice at stranded knitting. It's the first piece out of this book that I'll cast on. 

The second favorite project is that incredibly beautiful Peacock Tam! WOW what a stunning design. 

...and that cute beaded bracelet is a perfect style choice for knitted jewelry. It's a clever concept, and I believe that it'd be a great introduction to beading for those who are curious about that technique.

...and I also love the Cardinal cap. (OK, OK... I should just say the projects are all really cool!)

Knitting books seem to follow the same basic layout. Learn to knit instructions, background information, patterns, then resources (or sometimes the tutorial information is here at the back of the book). Knits of a Feather does something that I don't remember seeing elsewhere: the hints and instructions relevant to a pattern are located right next to the instructions! 

GIVEAWAY!
I have an autographed copy of Knits of a Feather to give to one of my readers! Post in the comments and tell me which project in Knits of a Feather is your favorite and why. I'll randomly choose a person from the comments on this post. Entries deadline 12:01AM PST on Monday, October 14, 2013.

If you can't wait, or want to buy a few copies for friends, the book is also available through the designers website (where you can get an autographed copy!), your local yarn shop, book stores, and online retailers.

Here's a peek at the projects included in the book. Click on each image to be directed to the corresponding Ravelry page (where you can add it to your favorites or queue!)

UPDATE

CONGRATULATIONS! to Vivian who won the autographed copy of Celeste's book! I have sent out an email and as soon as I get a mailing address, this great book will be on its way!

Thank you, everyone, for taking time to read and comment!

Kyle