Monday

Henry's Hat is here!


Our newest book, Henry's Hat, has arrived from the printer and is now shipping out of our Colorado Studios!

Henry's Hat is a hardcover full-color illustrated storybook which includes a series of knitting patterns which accompany the story.



Henry Chipmunk has lost his favorite hand-knit hat; join him as he follows the trail of the missing hat through his woodland neighborhood. 


The knitting patterns are sized for children 2-12 years old and include: an earflap hat, a raglan-sleeve letterman-style pullover and a chipmunk toy with a matching sweater.


We hope you enjoy sharing our newest book with the little ones in your life!

Saturday

Free Spirit Knits by Anne Podlesak ~book review~




by Anne Podlesak
Interweave/F+W; $25.99

 Arizona Spring Sweater

Today I am pleased to review a new book for you, Free Spirit Knits, by Anne Podlesak. I have had the honor of working with Anne over the years in a variety of capacities. We first met through Interweave's Jane Austen Knits magazine when I was working as an editorial assistant on the publication and she was a contributing knitwear designer. This past summer we were able to meet in person at TNNA, the knitting industry's national trade show, and on our return flights we shared the experience of being delayed in the Columbus Ohio Airport together. I couldn't have asked for a better person to be stranded with, she is intelligent, funny and extremely talented! This fall she was kind enough to invite me to be in her booth at the Salida Fiber Festival here in Colorado. Anne is an amazing photographer, writer, knitwear designer, indie yarn dyer and all-around fiberista. Her technical background in historical fashion design and her love for fiber and color shines through in all of her work. 

 Grand Canyon Coat

Free Spirit Knits, inspired by the dramatic landscapes of Anne's adopted home state of New Mexico, contains twenty stunning knitting patterns for men and women, and includes both accessories and garments. Anne's attention to detail and sophisticated color sensibilities shine through in this carefully curated collection of hand knits. 

 Pottery Shard Jacket

While remaining true to the southwestern inspiration for this beautiful book, Anne has cleverly created a series of deisgns that appeal to the thoughtful knitter everywhere, whether living in the country or the city, on the plains or in the high peaks. The Pottery Shard Jacket, shown above, is the perfect blend of classic design and dramatic detail.

Santa Fe Wrap

Having seen it in person, I can't neglect to mention how gorgeous Anne's independent hand-dyed yarn collection is. The Santa Fe Wrap features Anne's yarn, Wooly Wonka Fibers Nimue DK, in a stunning pallete of southerwestern inspired color. You can see all of Anne's yarns and fibers at her website, http://woolywonkafiber.com.


About Anne:

Anne Podlesak is an indie dyer who also knits, spins, and designs in the mountains of northern New Mexico. Her designs have been featured in Spin-Off magazine, Interweave special publications such as Jane Austen KnitsThe Unofficial Harry Potter Knits, as well as her own independently released designs. Find her online at woolywonkafiber.com and on her Ravelry page: ravelry.com/designers/anne-podlesak.

A review copy of this book was kindly provided to me by F+W/Interweave


Monday

Unexpected Cables by Heather Zoppetti ~book review~


Interweave/F+W; $24.99

I have had the pleasure of knowing Heather Zoppetti for a several years now, and am pleased to be reviewing her new book, Unexpected Cables



Cocalico

This quote from Heather about her book sums up the style of this collection beautifully:

"When many people think of cable knitting, the first images that come to mind are big, boxy fisherman sweataers. This is exactly NOT what you will find in Unexpected Cables," explains Heather. "The goal of this book is to update the cable from heirloom to modern in unexpected ways. By using sleeker garment shapes, mixing cables with lace, and constructing garments and accessories in abstract ways, I hope to motivate the knitter to explore cable knitting in unexpected ways."




 Holtwood


Unexpected Cables is perfect for the modern knitter who wishes to explore the subtleties of cable knitting without the cliche of oversized pullovers. Fine lines, subtle textures, and tailorly details are the main ingredients of this sophisticated collection.



Leola 


A variety of patterns, including garments, shawls, accessories and socks are worked in wool, cashmere, silk and alpaca blends. 


Rapho


What I especially enjoy about this book is that while each pattern is aesthetically beautiful, each pattern also offers up a creative technical stitch as well. I am having a hard time deciding what to cast on first!

A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by F+W media.