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. I love the way the sweaters are constructed. This looks like a fascinating book. I would love it…I always enjoy how your garden grows and marvel that you can get so much done..Have a wonderful weekend Anne.

  3. I would love to win a copy of this book. My sister would look fantastic in this type of sweater.

  4. This book has some fantastic designs — our group at my last knit night was going through it.

  7. I’ve seen other reviews of this book, and it looks great. Thanks for the chance. Have a great weekend!

  12. I’ve looked at this book on various websites, and the construction and textures are interesting. It would be fun to win one.

  14. Love the look of the circular sweaters! also your garden photos are wonderful. You are a constant inspiration

  15. Wow! I would totally make at least one of those sweaters! They are awesome!

  16. I have always wanted to grow poppies. Sadly I live where poppies fear to tread, so your pictures bring me much joy (as do your fiddlehead pics).

    The book looks most interesting. I would love to be in the running. Thanks for offering it. Happy Long Weekend! Enjoy your company.

  17. Ooh please pick me! My favorite store bought sweater is knit this way…I would love to knit the sweaters in this book!

    Your garden is fabulous. Thank you for treating us with so many pictures.

  20. Happy holiday week-end! And please put my name in the pot for that very interesting looking book.

  21. The book review was insightful, making me want to try this type of pattern. However, the garden shots are a pure joy to view for someone whose garden suffers from an abundance of deer and rabbits.

  22. There’s nothing like the joy of watching the ground wake up – unless it’s a new knitting book ; )

  24. Gorgeous poppies – I love the color, and the delicate nature of their petals…

    The book photos look great too!

  25. I would stand in that garden all day, watching those poppies open up. Then at dark, I’d head inside and pore over that lovely book. Delightful posting.

  26. hmm this looks like an interesting one to add to the library. The garden looks lovely Anne, so happy to see everything blooming again!

  29. My grandfather used to like to set up his camera on a tripod and focus on a flower bud, trying to catch emergence. His most prized photo was of a milkweed pod bursting open – the yang to the emerging flower bud’s yin.

    I love the look of this book, and expect it will be on my bookshelf one way or another eventually. Thank you for hosting a giveaway!

  30. Those poppies were gorgeous! …a beautiful color. The sweater book is so intriguing…would b a great knit along class with friends. 🙂

  34. Thanks for hosting a give away:) I really realy like the orange sweater in the book!

  35. Thanks for the opportunity to win. This looks like something my daughter might like.

  36. Oh yes, please count me in for the book. I love the poppy photos too. Gorgeous.

    All the best for the weekend,
    Dawn

  37. I’d love to win a copy of this book. I’ve never seen it before and I’m totally charmed by the sweaters and the construction ideas. Thank you for the chance!

  38. Hi Anne! I hope you have an amazing weekend and get all rested up!

    I’d like to ask for you to do some designs for some small shawls/scarfs – something lacy to wrap around your neck. I LOVE your lacy designs but don’t have months to spend knitting – how about some some small options of your already beautiful designs!

    Thanks sweetie!!! See you back on Tuesday!

    Michelle

  39. Most interesting construction. I would love to have this book. Your pink Poppy is beautiful!

  40. I love poppies! (We have an Oz-stravaganza in my village since the author of The Wizard of Oz was lived here. We have poppies growing all over the village.) This book looks so interesting. Thanks for offering it!

  41. I love poppies! (We have an Oz-stravaganza in my village since the author of The Wizard of Oz lived here. We have poppies growing all over the village.) This book looks so interesting. Thanks for offering it!

  42. I love poppies! (We have an Oz-stravaganza in my village since the author of The Wizard of Oz lived here. We have poppies growing all over the village.) This book looks so interesting. Thanks for offering it!
    Eek–sorry for the extra post!

  43. Looks like a really beautiful book.
    Must be wonderful to have a garden in full blooming process… I miss having a garden, and never more so than when reading your blog 😉

  44. I think it’s funny that your garden is always at least six weeks ahead of ours. But we do have some sprouts and greens, and have eaten some asparagus already. This is a great time of year.

    And I’d love to take a look at that book.
    Thanks!

  48. Your review had me putting this book on my wishlist – maybe I’ll win it instead and release knitting-book funds for another title!

    The poppies are fabulous. You take lovely plant portraits.

Comments are closed.