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”
I love how these sweaters look! What a lovely book.
Hello Anne,
looks like a very interesting book. I will do some from that.
Is it that cold and lousy all around the world this year? We here in Iceland are very very much waiting for some summerlike days, although its never hot here 😉 There I got some connection to the book. Thats summercollection for Iceland 😉
I love your green and colourful picturs from the garden. I miss that from Europe.
Best regards
Corinna
Would love a copy of that book. Your garden is looking great.
Lovely poppies….and the Knit Swirl patterns look just like poppies opening up. Beautiful!
Knit, Swirl! looks absolutely magnificent. I am a big fan of spirals and swirls and would love to attempt some of these sweaters. Lovely post to tide us over to Tuesday, Anne!
Such an intriguing design concept – I’d love to read more about it. It also great to see your garden again- thanks for sharing with us!
The designs are fabulous and intriguing. I would love to learn the technique. I am always learning new things from you. I look forward to all your posts.
The mink looks amazing!
Thank-you for sharing the unfolding of such a beautiful poppy!
The patterns in Knit Swirl appear to unfold in a similar fashion!
Thanks, too, for making a copy available.
Just a submit, and I’m in the running !
this book looks like a lot of fun! thank you for the chance to win 🙂
I was looking for this book at MDSW but what a zoo! And no one seems to be carrying it locally. I love the concept of the design and I would love to own this book. And I totally love your pink poppies!
Love the coat and hope I win the book!
I love your garden.
Your pictures are amazing, thank you for sharing,
The swirling coat is lovely.
I would love to be a winner!!!!
Ooooohhhh! I would love this book. Thanks for the opportunity.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen poppies that weren’t red. Very pretty! As a new apartment dweller with no garden, I really enjoy vicarious gardening through your blog.
The Swirl sweater designs are quite interesting looking. I’ll have to track the book down at the local yarn store and check it out further.
The book looks very interesting. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
I have pink poppies, but they won’t be blooming for another 4-6 weeks! that’s the downside of living in zone 2b. The book is magical–very very original thinking leading to unique and visually stunning garments. I would love the book. Thanks for continuing to supply such interesting blog material.
Well, I’m intrigued. It looks like a really interesting book. I am also quite jealous of your beautiful garden.
What an intriguing looking book…I would love to check that one out:)
Lordy, I would like that book.
Swirl sweaters! What a way to start the summer knitting!
You’re flowers are beautiful! I’m just waiting for the rain to end so I can get out in my gardens.
The book looks wonderful. I’d love to win a coy.
Thanks.
what a great book…and i love your flower pictures
Hi Anne,
Your poppies are gorgeous!! I have a couple of things that have sprung open in the past few days-one of which I cannot name. The lilacs are in peak form and such an amazing scent.
I’d love to be in the running to win this book. I’d really like to knit one of those!
Thanks!
Betsy
I love seeing your garden. Over here everything is growing early, peonies and lupins starting to go over already due to a lack of rain and unseasonally warm weather.
Love the look of these circular jackets too.
That book looks fabulous. Thanks for giving us a glimpse inside!
I discovered this book about 2 weeks ago and put it on my wish list right away only to discover that it is not ( yet?) available in my country…
Wow!
I’m forever lurking for books like that.
Maybe this time I will actually get a chance to win it!
I love watching your garden grow! Thanks for the chance to win what would be a wonderful addition to my library!
What a fabulous construction! Thanks for the chance to win this book.
That looks amazing! I love how the multicoloured yarns effect how this looks!
Your poppies are soooo cool! The most beautiful items from your gorgeous garden. I must try growing some!
What a wonderful book…I would love to own a copy!
I want yarn the color of your poppies. Gorgeous!
Wow! A circular sweater has been on my “to do” list for sime time along with steeking. I think that is a sweater style that looks good on all body types. My orange poppies opened last weekend. They alway make me smile.
I absolutely loved your photographs….they were definitely “eye candy”.
the book is stunning. What a creative idea. I would love to make something from it.
Anne,
This beautiful series of photos could be entitled “Hope”, right? I love this period of the season, when you discover every growing thing around you…
Thank you for a chance to win this awesome book!
What a cool book! I love knitting in the round.
Love how the poppies burst into blowsy life so quickly – and how they echo the “Swirl” sweaters – which look fantastic – I must look that book up, as I love that style of sweater.
We’re finding things are going sloooooooow in the garden in the UK, too
Love your patterns, garden and blog. Thanks for the chance to win this creative book!
Now that’s a book I would love to have! Thanks for giving us a chance to win a copy!
Interesting book! I’d love to win it 🙂
Anne, your poppies are gorgeous! The poppies have been out here (west central Virginia) for a week or so, and they are glorious, but none in the fabulous shade you have.
The designs in the book look to be something most body types can adapt … love the little details and options to make it truly one’s own. I’m crossing my fingers and hope to win your extra copy!
Have a great holiday!
Great blog and wonderful book.
I would be happy to win it.
What a beautiful book. One that I would love to own. I like the architecture! I like to see how your garden is going every time I veiw your blog. Our season is about the same as yours, here in North Central Washngton. My onions are going great guns, we have radishes and what is planted is looking good. I got a seed catalog that has some recipes. Would you like one for eggplant cake?
I am in love with this idea…. I have the perfect fleece to process that I could use too!
LOVE your blog – love your photos of poppies – love the book! Thanks for this chance to win. Hope that you have a GREAT weekend! All the Best-Peg
Oh, I’d LOVE to have a copy of the book! So innovative and challenging!
Those poppies are gorgeous! I would love to win a copy of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to win! 🙂
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