holiday weekend

Posted on Posted 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. They have this book at my LYS. I originally thought the topic would not merit an entire book, but a closer look has left me lusting after it. I also think these would look great on any body type. Thanks for the contest.

  2. I’ve enjoyed watching the reviews of this book. It’s one of those that are first glance, you aren’t sure if it warrants a purchase but as people start commenting on it and as you see more pictures posted of the pieces, it gets you excited about the concept. Would love to win a copy.

  3. soooo jealous of your poppies. We’ve not even planted yet due to our long, wet Maine spring but my Ziar breadseed poppies are one of my favorite parts of the gardening season!

  4. I wish you were taking the photos for some of the publishers and booksellers, Anne! Just beautiful.

  5. I would love to see this book in person! And I love how well your garden grows. Thank you for sharing it with us.

  6. Anne, the first photo would have inspired Georgia O’Keefe to paint! Aren’t poppies wonderful…layers of taffeta or sheer, crinkly silk with complicated inky centers, a bit like Buddhist temples…or so I think. Your garden photos and swan baby photos have been very soothing to me as I tend a husband who has been in and out of the hospital these last few week. May you have a bountiful garden.

  7. Your Poppies are beautiful!! How appropriate they appeared for Memorial Weekend. Remember years ago that people would wear red poppies to honor our heroes in the service on Memorial (or formerly Decoration Day)? So your poppies have appeared to honor all our brave heroes on this day.
    P.S. The book looks very interesting too! Thank you for sharing with us.

  8. Gorgeous Poppies! Poppies always make me want to bust out the water colors and paint! So beautiful!

    Sweet book too! Wouldn’t mind wining it for sure! Have a great holiday!

  9. Love the poppies! I can never seem to get them to grow here.
    The book is great!

  10. Beautiful flowers – glad they bloomed for you. I would love a copy of the book – I can see that architecture working so well on my mother-in-law and sister-in-law and would love to knit something for them.

  11. Beautiful poppies. I love them even I’v never ventured to plant any.

    Wonderful book giveaway. I’ve checked it out on her website.

  12. The poppies are incredible!

    I have been looking an openwork circular sweater. The book looks really wonderful. Thanks for sharing!

  13. I saw Laura Nelkin’s grey one at Fling….GORGEOUS! I’ve been looking for the book, hope I win!

  14. I’ve had my eye on this book — and Amazon is out of it! Can’t believe which is more stunning: those gorgeous poppies or those stunning designs. Please, please, please!

  15. Your poppies are beautiful.
    The sweaters in the books are, too. I would love to be included in the drawing.

  16. Your garden is so inspiring – we just have tomatoes, citrus, and peaches in ours at the moment. but we’re working on it.

    Would love to have a chance for the book – it’s on my wish list! Thanks for the great preview.

  17. Wow, I’d not heard of this one until now. I’d love to win a copy, thanks for the giveaway!

    PS, your poppies are breathtaking!

  18. This seems like a perfect summer knitting book to sink your teeth into. Please include me in your drawing. I enjoy reading your blog, it keeps me looking forward to each new post, very intriguing indeed!! I especially love when you travel to different places and post pics.

  19. Look at those poppies! So beautiful (and so burgeoning!). I am very interested to hear about that book – I keep wanting to knit myself a sweater like that, because I LOVE the way they look on the models, but then I dither and wonder whether they’d look any good on me. Hmm…

  20. I am drooling on the keyboard over the color of that poppy and the texture. it is heaven. I am really interested in the book! Please put me in the drawing.
    thanks! latifa

  21. The book looks absolutely fascinating – make me want to make a “hug me” jacket/sweater. Always amazed at the thought process of designers like yourself and of course totally awed!!

  22. What beautiful poppies! Have a great weekend and please enter me in the drawing–I know which one I want to make already!

  23. What a great shot of the poppy as it is opening! I am always in awe of the shots you create of the flowers. The poppy makes me want to paint again!
    I would love a shot at the book. It is intriguing to take a simple concept and create such pretty sweaters. Thanks!

  24. hi,
    loving the garden glories that are poppies, only second to peonies I think 🙂
    hoping to be the luckiest winner of the Knit swirl book of loveliness.
    have a great weekend with your friends Anne

    kind regards
    Megan

  25. Poppies…poppies….always makes me think of the Wizard of Oz…lol

    I was admiring this book when it came out and I would love to have a copy!! Thanks!!

  26. I must get poppies – they are so beautiful, especially your pink ones!

    wouldn’t mind a copy of the book either.

  27. Anne your poppies are just lovely! love the pink. Hoping to be the lucky winner this time!!!

  28. I think I left a comment lamenting my lack of poppies for the weekend. Well, guess what–I stepped outside and there was a single poppy in bloom–more to follow! Hope your weekend is glorious! Jo

  29. Those sweaters are amazing looking. And your poppies are beautiful. Thanks for the chance to win the book.

  30. I was just looking at these patterns on Ravelry this morning… This book looks very interesting. I’m crossing my fingers, just in case you pick my post! Thanks for organizing this!!!

  31. Always enjoy your blog; wonderful photos. We are having very hot temps and high winds in Texas. Enjoy your weekend!

  32. Thanks for the offer. I’d love a copy of Knit, Swirl. Your poppy pictures are beautiful.

  33. Thank you so much for sharing pictures of your garden with us – speaking for myself, as someone with no gardening mojo whatsoever, it gives me such pleasure to follow your own flowers and plants through the seasons.

    I’d love to be entered in the drawing – thanks!

  34. Oh, goodie, contest! ;D

    I love the pictures you share, Anne. Love love love love. Seeing your blog posts is one of the highlights of my week!

  35. Gorgeous poppies! It’s fun to see photos of little green berries since our strawberries are over and done here.

    And I think I could definitely make use of that book!

  36. Your flowers are amazing! As Is your photography!! I would love to win the book. It looks so interesting!!

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