holiday weekend

Posted on annePosted in book reviews/events, food and garden

i’ve been holding my breath, waiting to see if the poppies would bloom at the usual time—everything else was late coming in this year and i expected these would be too (they usually bloom a day or two before memorial day).

i had pretty much given up, due to the chilly, rainy, and dark week we’ve had, when last night as i pulled out of the garage, there was the first one, opened up in the most perfect way. it was red.

and this morning, these lovely pinks joined it if i stand there long enough, i can watch them open, one after the other.

around the corner a sea of cranesbill blossoms crowds the dye bed, but we don’t mind . . .

more and more sprouts are joining the ranks of the up and coming—today i see squashlets and beanlets

and the berries—wow (everything is the most amazing green right now, too)

these aren’t even close to being ready to eat this weekend, but theya re still awfully pretty . .

as with the other day i have no knitting i can share; plus, we’re having company for the weekend so i won’t be back to blog til tuesday (i KNOW!)

but i have something else to share that i think you’ll like—a little surprise to tide us over . . .

a new book, knit, swirl! by sandra mciver

in this book, ms. mciver explores variations on a single architectural theme—the sweater constructed from a single circular piece.

the book begins with the simplest welted versions

including this luscious one in mink/cashmere from our friend craig at great northern yarns

where the virtues of gorgeous fiber are shown off to great advantage.

there is a section for tips and techniques to help you understand and navigate the unique construction.

patterns include both written and charted instructions

though for the most part, the stitchwork involved is not complicated.

mciver explores a variety of fiber combinations as well as the effects of self-striping and hand-dyed colorways

as well as variations on edgings and finishes to set each style off.

there are a few styles with some openwork, too

for the most part though, the stitchwork does have to be such that it has an attractive reverse side; thus the simplicity in the motifs.

all in all, this is an interesting foray into a unique sweater architecture that some of you may want to try.

now here’s the holiday celebration part: i have an extra copy of knit, swirl! to send one lucky reader. if you would like to be in the running to win it, please leave a comment at the end of this post by 9pm EST on monday, may 30th. i’ll announce the winner on tuesday morning, when i’m back at my desk.

368 thoughts on “holiday weekend”

  1. My twenty one year old daughter would look fantastic in one of those sweaters. I’d love to win the book!

  6. Too cute. I’m thinking I would love to wear one of those. Like wrapping up in the living room blanket. These unique constructions are catching my eye these days too. Pick me!

  8. Hi Ann,
    Thanks for sharing the book with us – I especially like the pattern knit in the red Silk Garden. Have a great weekend.

  10. Wow, that book looks stunning. Wishing my poppies were ready to bloom, but the cold has held them back here.

  11. I was pleased to find a review of this book from a trusted knitter (!) since I’ve been eyeying it and thinking it has some really nice patterns, but maybe the whole swirl thing is too difficult for me. But if you say it’s got good instructions Anne then I trust you!

  12. When I was a kid, I judged my skirt on their swirliness – the ones with the best swirl were the most well loved. And I have to say that that kid still lives in me, and isn’t buried very far… So you might imagine that the title of that book really grabbed my attention! I’d totally see myself knitting and wearing that kind of sweater.
    Those baby strawberries are promises of good things to come! Lucky you!

  14. Thank you! What a lovely book. I can think of about 5 people that need one of these sweaters. Count me in!

  15. I love the photos of the fledgling strawberries–it makes me want to follow up on a wish (resolve) to plant strawberries on a berm in our rather small back yard. I live in the Denver area anmd love hiking in the mountains. On one magical day, I found tiny wild strawberries on one of the trails. Beyond delicious–a memory never forgotten.

    And, oh yes, I obviously would love to win the book.

    Have a great weekend! Jo

  16. What lovely poppies! You garden is just lovely!
    The sweaters in the book remind me of the circular shapes of the flowers!
    It’s knit swirl all around!

  17. Love the book. The sweaters are stunning. Also love the pictures of your garden.

  18. Sometimes I swear that the garden area is inhabited by alien spore, but it’s fascinating and amazing to see how, over time, they mature into things more recognizable and easily identifiable. It’s just *awesome*. I love the garden posts, and hope that I’ll be able to get a copy of that book sometime soon!

  20. Your garden is amazing, and I would love to make a happy home for the book, should I be lucky enough to be selected!! Have a terrific holiday weekend!!

  22. Wow what a wonderful book, and Anne I must say I also enjoy pics of your gardening just as much as I enjoy the knitting pics 🙂

  23. What great looking sweaters. They look like they’d be good for any body type.

    Also, the poppies look wonderful.

  25. Wow – I had read about this book and would LOVE a copy!!! We’re going into Winter, here in the Southern Hemisphere, so it would be a welcome diversion. 🙂
    Love the poppies also – again a relief from all the damp and dreary leaves lying on the ground here in New Zealand.

  26. Your poppy pics are wonderful! We are a few weeks ahead and the kids and I can’t keep up with all our strawberries. Made strawberry ice cream to kick off the weekend. The projects in Knit Swirl look wonderful. Love the orange project featured. Have a wonderful and safe weekend. Thanks to all the soldiers and their families that have sacrificed so much for our freedoms.

  27. I would love this book – am just knitting the Travelling cardigan which is along similar lines and it is such fun. Thanks Anne for the opportunity.

  28. These sweaters look very intriguing. Would love to win the book and have a chance to try to knit one.

  29. Those really do look interesting, especially since they look like they would be relatively easy to adapt to someone overly-endowed in some areas… I think I hear that book saying it wants to come visit Arkansas!!!
    >8-D

  36. Ooo, that book has been on my wish list for a while – thanks for sharing some pics – would love to win!

  38. Perfect strawberries! I have always loved poppies but never lived anywhere that they thrive. I was driving down the street in Boulder and there was a bed of them. Made me smile ’cause I am going to have a huge swath of them next year 🙂 Those AND a wall of lilacs.

  39. Your garden is looking fabulous…guess all that rain is the best thing after all. LOVE the greens of the baby strawberries! And the pink poppies…words elude me!

    Oh! And that book looks cool, too. I’d love to have a go at that.

  40. Loving the poppies in your garden. I’m so used to the bright red ones, I was bowled over to see such delicate pink ones.

    The ‘swirl book’ is such a clever idea. I’d love to curl up in one of those sweaters. (I’d *love* to be able to afford a whole jacket in Great Northern mink blend!)

  42. Delurking to say how much I enjoy your blog, your photos are inspiring, & I enjoy watching your garden grow.
    The book looks wonderful too !

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