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Giveaway! New England Knits

by

What do you think of when someone says “New England”? Myself I think of storm swept beaches and rocks jutting out into the ocean, snowy landscapes, rolling hills in every color imaginable, big red barns, and of course cozy fisherman sweaters.

This book has all of that and more.  And not just sweaters but  vests, hats, bags and mittens too.

Cecily Glowik MacDonald and Melissa La Barre have teamed up to bring us 25 patterns with classic wearability and contemporary style for knitters of all skill levels.

This book is available over at Interweave Press on July 1, so you’ll be one of the first to get this. To enter, tell me what you think of when someone mentions a “New England Knit“. What’s the first thing that pops into your mind?

Leave me a comment! This giveaway is good until next Friday, July 2, 2010 (yes, I know, July already… deal with it!), when I will, with the help of my 65 lb lap-puppy pick a winner.

Ready, set, go……

Next Pattern:

Comments

  4. I would so love to know some of the wonderful patterns that this book includes.

  6. I think of the Newhart show, becasue of the sweaters Joanna and Stephanie wore, and lots of caps, scarves and mittens also come to mind.

  7. I definitely think of fishermans sweaters and cables. And though a little non-traditional, I think of cotton yarn.

  8. I love New England and knitting, so I’m sure I’d enjoy this book. What I really want to know is…how is your dog going to help pick the book winner? I’m picturing choice by drooling, LOL!

  9. Hee! I’ve been ogling the patterns in this since they went up in Ravelry.

    Honestly? I think of mittens, mostly because I’m in one of the adjacent mid-Atlantic states, and when I think of cold weather knits, my mind automatically turns to everyone’s favorite snowball throwing, sidewalk shoveling, frostbite fighting winter accessories, and what oddball things I can do to make them more interesting. 🙂

  12. When I think of New England Knits I think of “fisherman’s wool” sweaters.

  14. I think of that first cold day in the fall when it’s really crisp and you see your breath for the first time. The dogs are wild in the cool air and your coffee tastes soooo good and that great sweater is just the right thing for a morning walk.

  15. I’d love a chance to enter – I’m thinking of warm sweaters and accessories 🙂

    Thanks!

  17. Knitted goodness is my FAVORITE thing about living in New England. Mittens and scarves and sweaters, Oh My! This book looks fabulous. What a cool giveaway. And for those of us who are snails-pace knitters, now is the time to prepare 🙂

  20. Wow! The book looks great. Even though it is very warm outside I think it is time to get out the needles and get ready for the cold. brrr. I know these patterns will keep me busy.

  23. One can never have too many knitting books! I’d like to add this one to my stash. Thanks.

  24. I think of Fall and a New England knit sweater….I’d love to win that book…. :o)

  25. I think of walking along stone scattered sand on a cool windy day wrapped in a hand-knit shawl in the perfect blend of purple and gray.

  26. New England, storms, rocky coast, beautiful old homes..they are all Katherine Hepburn movies to me. I live in Australia, so just have to imagine what such a place really feels like. The jumper on the front of the book is snuggly but stylish, so perhaps that would be a good place to start an imaginery roadtrip!! Thanks
    Jane

  28. When you say New England Knits – I think of crisp white cotton and blue or red accent – sailor style – soft cotton knit tops with lovely style and border knitted patterns

  30. I think of a lovely warm gansey with mittens and a toque. I’d actually love the sweater on the front cover! Thank you for a chance to win!

  31. I think of clam chowder and light houses. I’m originally from New England and would love to win – thank you for the give away!

  32. Ooo I just saw some of these patterns on Ravelry and they look terrific – thanks for the opportunity to win the book! 🙂

  33. After living in New England for many years I would have to say that fisherman sweaters jump straight to my mind. What a lovely idea for a book!

  34. I immediately think of all beautiful fall days I would spend sitting on my front porch knitting in New Hampshire. I lived there for two short years and miss it dearly!

  37. New England Knit makes me think of a nice warm sweater for a cozy winter. Thanks for the chance!

  38. I think of navy blue wool, either in a classic raglan crewneck sweater, or in a bulky Aran style knit. This book looks great!

  40. What first comes to mind
    is a warm, cuddly sweater
    to put on when the wind
    blows, while by the sea.
    Thank you.

  46. Oh wonderful. I love Melissa’s designs, so I’d love to win a copy of this book =)

  47. I think of fisherman sweaters, like the ones grandma would knit for my grandpa (he’s a legit fisherman, away for weeks at a time).

  49. I think of fall, colorful leaves, warm beautiful sweaters, and long walks along the beach with my dog. Then starting a new sweater from the book that I just won! Wow! Have a great 4th of July!

Have you read?

Knit a Garter Stitch Blanket with a Twist

When I first started knitting again after a long absence from the craft (which has now been almost 25 years ago!) I really didn’t like garter stitch that much. I found it super boring, somehow even more boring than knitting stockinette stitch in the round, even though it’s exactly the same thing.

Over the years I’ve softened my opinion, and even grown to like garter stitch. There’s nothing wrong with being plain, and actually the texture of garter stitch is more interesting than stockinette.

Also there are fun things you can do with garter stitch to make it more interesting if you want to, such as adding stripes, working on the bias, or doing fun effects to change the look.

That’s the way with the Bernat Twist My Way Garter Knit Blanket. Using combinations of casting on and binding off creates what they call a Swiss cheese effect along two sides of the blanket. This is a lot of fun in the self-striping ombre yarn they chose for the pattern, but it would also be fun in a solid color or making your own stripes.

Despite the dramatic effect, this pattern is rated easy. It’s worked from side to side (if you consider the “cheesy” edges the top and bottom) and has an eight-row repeat that involves binding off and then casting on again to make the holes. They’re kind of like giant buttonholes.

Once you get the hang of it it’s a pretty easy repeat to remember, and it will be smooth knitting as big as you want to make it.

You can download this pattern from the Yarnspirations website for free, or you can buy a kit direct from them that includes the yarn you need (and knitting needles if you need those, too). Bernat Sport Ombre Twist, which is what is used in the pattern, comes in 12 self patterning colors and is a DK weight acrylic yarn.

[Photo: Yarnspirations]