the influence of the internet on knitting and knitters over the last decade is almost incalculable. before it, knitters who could afford to travel and study found ways to explore our craft in the outer regions and to meet other fiber artists worldwide. some of us would develop pen pal exchanges with a knitter or two who lived far away. but for the most part, our knitting friendships were limited to a small circle of knitters who lived within driving distance and who had time to share.
if you happened to find them.
and working relationships between authors were much more precious, requiring the ability and funding to travel periodically and to use the the telephone at length, then to further trade files by shipping hardcopy pages back and forth. now two knitting authors can easily get together via email, skype, and file sharing, to create an article, book, or other work project—in fact it can be done without the two parties ever actually meeting in person or using a traditional publishing house. the possibilities make one’s head spin.
and it just such a project that i have to show off today.
coastal knits is a brand new collection of sweater and accessory patterns from bicoastal author/designer friends hannah fettig and alana dakos
one of them lives on the west coast of the united states and one on the east coast. this collection of ten designs celebrates their friendship and is inspired by where each of them lives.
from alana on the west coast, for instance, we have some lovely light sweaters that you could throw on for a walk along the beach or when entering a restaurant, but tuck away in a tote while shopping.
her designs are influenced by light and by the year-round presence of flowers and greenery.
i think my favorite piece in the book is the rustling leaves beret
i love the way the pattern converges to the top point. it’s similar, though not the same as, the beret i’ve been working on during my trip. i might have to knit one of these too!
hannah’s sweaters reflect the dark blue water of the atlantic ocean and the rocky coastline near her home on the east coast.
in addition to the patterns included, we also get a peek at the yarns that inspire these two designers
from the east coast, hannah introduces us to string theory hand dyed yarn.
and from the west coast, we meet yarns from alpenglow and pigeonroof studios.
there is also a short section on how to choose the right size for you, accompanied by tricks and tips for making your way through the patterns included.
my very favorite tip of all???
seee? i’m not the only designer and teacher who sounds like a broken record! it’s good advice.
not only have hannah and alana shared this book with us on the blog today—they have also set aside a giveaway copy for knitspot readers. aren’t we lucky this week?
if you’d like to win it, leave a comment at the end of this post by 9 pm EST on sunday, nov 20th. we’ll announce as soon as possible after that; i’m teaching at a retreat over the weekend and i’m not sure when i’ll be posting (definitely by next tuesday, though).
471 thoughts on “on the edge”
What a lovely book. I can see myself making several of these sweaters.
Everybody is saying wonderful things about this book-would sure like to see it for myself.
Would love this book. There are a couple cute sweaters my daughter would love.
I’ve been reading and hearing so much about this lovely book
sure would love to have it in my library
I’ve been reading about this book and would love to knit just about everything. Thank you for the chance to win a copy for myself.
This looks like such a lovely read…and knit. Would love a copy!
Lovely book! Thank you for hosting a give-away!
Looks like a fabulous book; I admire both designers.
What a beautiful book! String theory yarns are wonderful too!
so many beautiful designs! i would love this book–thank you for the chance to win a copy!
Absolutely love the rustling leaves beret! As soon as I saw the first picture of it, I knew I would have to check this book out. Thanks for the review!
Almost purchased this in my LYS, beautiful patterns to knit!
Looks like a fantastic book! I’m on a coast right now and would love to knit a project from this book!
Thank you for the detailed book review. Looks like a great selection of patterns. I’ll definitely have to check it out at the bookstore!
This book looks amazing! I would love to have it.
Beautiful book. The designs are inspired and I love that these two women self-published their work!
Inspiring book!
Every review I see of this book intrigues me more…definitely one I would love to see in person!
Enticing designs. Beautiful photos. I would love to knit all of the designs.
I would love this book! After my Christmas knitting is finished, I plan to start something new for myself. The Wildflower Cardigan would fit perfectly into my work wardrobe
Love that wildflower cardigan. Gotta knit it!
I’ve heard great things about this book — with one of the authors from my home state! I’d love to have a copy. Thanks for sharing, Anne!
i’ve been lusting after this book since the first review. thanks so much for the chance to win!
Beautiful book. Thank you for the opportunity to win it!
Hope you allow winners from Canada, you didn’t mention if it was US only.
Lovely book, thanks for the chance to win.
This book looks beautiful!
Wow what a beautiful inspiring book- would love to add this to my collection. Thanks for such a nice giveaway.
I am simply in with the cardigans featured in this book 🙂
lovegallagher @ gmail . com
Thanks for sharing this great book with us, Anne.
I had a chance to look at this book in my LYS and just LOVE it. Great review, Anne!
I too, would be thrilled to receive a copy of this book! Thank you for sharing a peek inside.
You always manage to bring. Books to life for us, Anne. This sounds like one that I’d love to add to my library.
Thanks for the review and for holding the giveaway,
Betsy
Another beautiful book and a GORGEOUS new pattern! You’re so talented. I’m so glad I found this blog! I’d love to win that book.
I love the book–would really like to knit the Rocky Coast cardigan!
I have read so much about this book but have not yet seen it in person. Thanks for the preview and review.
Would love to win a copy of this book,
Oh my goodness, another give away! Love it~ I would really use this one. Have really enjoyed seeing the patterns on the web!
That hat is fabulous! Thanks for another great giveaway!
It’s a beautiful collection, I’d be delighted if I won it.
Who wouldn’t love to knit a thing or two from this book? Just wonderful! Thank you for the giveaway and thank you for being a broken record 🙂
Yes, please!!
Hi! Looks like a great book – would love to own it. Thanks for the chance!
I love it, thank you for the chance (internal dialogue: pick me, pick me, pick me, pick me)
What lovely patterns! Makes me miss my East coast childhood home – I’d love to win a copy.
I grew up on the east coast. How fabulous it would be to have patterns from there…..
Have fun at the retreat and please add my name to the list. I’d love to have a copy of that book! Thanks for the chance to win!
Thanks for the chance to win! It looks like a lovely book.
These patterns look gorgeous! Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for the drawing! The shawls are beautiful.
The designs in this book look fabulous. I would love to make some of these designs.
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