Knit With Me: Blog Tour and Giveaway!

I just had to pinch myself yesterday.... it was my "work" to sit down with this lovely book and a cup of tea to peruse it's pages and write a review to share with you.  Most of you know I am writing a book myself, and so when I crack open a newly published book I am looking at it with a whole new set of eyes.  I'm studying photographs, model choices, technique sections, abbreviation lists AND the patterns.  There is so much that goes into writing an excellent knitting book, and I have to say Knit with Me by Gudrun Johnston, is a STUNNING collection.

The premise of Knit with Me is two fold, on one hand it's a collection of patterns that could be worn by either a mother or daughter, but it's also designed to encourage the next generation to knit with us.  That means that there are projects of multiple skill levels and sizes.  Knit with Me contains 7 sweater patterns, and 6 accessories.

Gudrun partnered with Quince and Co to work on this book, which is a fabulous way for an independent designer to have support when taking on a project of this scope.  Their yarns work wonderfully with her designs as they have a stitch definition that doesn't hide Gudrun's extraordinary design details. (Confession: I haven't knit with their yarns yet... but I have plans! )

One thing that really stands out in this book is the use of multiple models.  There are three different sets of mothers and daughters shown wearing the garments.  This means there are different body types and personalities which helps show the patterns wide range of appeal.  Also, the photography by Carrie Bostick Hoge is GORGEOUS... flipping through this book, looking at the pictures, smelling that new book smell, is almost enough, except that I want to knit a sweater for me NOW!

Which one you wonder?  Well, it's a tie between Ambrosia and Brock... see?  They are both so different, and yet each would fit into my wardrobe perfectly!

Ambrosia

Brock

One reason Gudrun asked me to review the book is she knows I have a teenage girl too! Mine, though, hasn't really taken to knitting, she's more of a amigurumi, duct tape, chain maille maker : )!  I could see her rocking Hampshire, and if I made a Brock in Black I'm pretty sure she would steal it in a heartbeat!

Hampshire

So, want a chance to win a hardcopy of this lovely book?  Leave a comment sharing which pattern(s) in Knit with Me you might be dying to knit.... I'd love to hear which those are!  I'll leave comments open through January 21st, and chose a winner on the 22nd!  Don't forget to leave a way to get in touch with you!

Also, are you looking forward to a weekend of Knitting with Gudrun and myself?  Two retreats were announced this week that we will both be teaching at!  If you are on the West Coast, we'll be at Vogue Knitting Live Seattle April 5 - 7. For those on the east coast we'll both be at the Yarn Cupboard Retreat in Syracuse NY April 19 - 21.