botanical knits

Posted on annePosted in book reviews/events

fellow knitwear designer alana dakos is in the process of publishing her third book, this one a collection of garments and accessories inspired by plant life, entitled botanical knits.

leaves, vines, berries, and branches twine over and travel across the surfaces of  twelve pretty pieces—four sweaters, fingerless mitts, hats, scarves, and socks.

the color palette featured within the book’s pages is autumnal, a composition in rich greens, rust, gold, and taupe—a look that is warm and comforting when the weather drops in the brisk zones it has been lately (right now, it’s much too cold for springtime where i live).

but if i squint my eyes, i can totally see these pieces working equally well in all natural colors, such as the palette in our collection of bare naked wools.

or for springtime, an array of garden colors like celery, apricot, wheat, and sky blue, knit in soft cotton or silk for more temperate weather.

with botanicals, you just need to choose a season and look around to find a set of alternate colors that would work.

everyone who loves leafy motifs will be pleased by the designs featured on these pages—from the simplest application to ones that get more elaborate, there is something for everyone.

deep texture, sheer openwork, eye-catching trims—sometimes a little and sometimes a lot; they are each interpreted in a way that makes you want to reach out and touch (i like that in a book, don’t you?).

alana is one of a whole wave of contemporary designers who is comfortable producing and promoting her own compilations. as with her earlier books, this one is self-published, which means you can purchase it directly from her (a nice win-win) in hardcopy or eBook format.

hardcopy may be preordered now and will begin shipping in mid may. for a limited time, early birds who pre-order the book will immediately receive a free eBook copy with their reservation (this bundle offer ends in may).

purchasing the bundle will also entitle buyers to a free additional garment pattern as a thank-you from the author. the eBook is available for purchase by itself, for those who prefer a green option that does not require expensive shipping.

preorders are a crucial component in the self-publishing equation; with some idea of how many knitters are interested in buying the book and what version, producers can make informed, cost effective decisions about how many copies to print. preorders also help fund the print run and initial promotion work, providing the author with income during these stages, as well as the ability to plan and budget the distribution of the work.

and if all that wasn’t enough, here’s some awesome sauce to go on top:

alana has offered a free eBook version of botanical knits to one lucky knitspot reader. leave a comment at the end of this post by 9 pm EDST on sunday, march 24th. we’ll draw a winner on monday or tuesday morning and let you know the results.

david and i will be on the road most of today (friday); when you next see us, we’ll be transmitting from upstate NY and have we got a weekend planned for you. not only a look at alana’s beautiful designs, but tomorrow the release of the next installment of bare naked wools—our new stone soup blend, in both fingering and DK weights, which would be lovely in a number of the patterns seen here.

so don’t wander too far—you don’t want to miss the excitement!

287 thoughts on “botanical knits”

  1. Those are beautiful! A whole book of such wonderful nature inspired designs! Wow! I’m in love!

  2. Wow! So gorgeous! I saw two or three things that belong on the knit list right away. And sometimes, when I see what others have done, that can also persuade me to add something. Just love how natural the botanical elements feel in these pieces.

  5. So many beautiful patterns that I totally see in bare naked wool! I would love to win a copy, thanks for the giveaway.

  10. That red sweater is so beautiful! I’d love to win the e-book. Thanks for the giveaway!

  11. Gorgeous patterns. LOVE that cardigan in the second picture from the bottom. And I agree, they would look great in natural colors.

  14. This is one of the best book of patterns I have seen in a while. Of course, I am a gardener and love anything plant related so this one is a keeper. Would love to have a free ebook but this is one I will be purchasing if I don’t win it.

  15. This looks like a great book. I’ve purchased and knit several patterns from this designer and found them really easy to follow and fun to wear. I’ve knit her Cedar Leaf Shawlette 3 times! Can’t wait to see if I won.

  16. Beautiful book. I have drooled over these patterns on Alana’s website and you have done a lovely write up here, Anne. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of these delicious patterns – very inspiring.

  19. I love leaf motifs. And the photography, colors, patterns, textures are beautiful. Memememememe

  21. Pick me! Pick me!
    These are thrilling they are so beautiful. I have a niece studying ecology, so green leafy anything for her. Thanks for the opportunity to win this lovely book. And as someone mentioned, if I don’t win, it’s a preorder! Thanks.

  24. Love all the leaf motifs. I can see myself making quite a few of these patterns.

  27. Oooh la la , aren’t those beautiful patterns. Please toss my name in for the drawing. I can’t wait to see what you’ll unveil this weekend.

  29. I never understood the concept of pre-ordering a book until you explained it. Thanks, Anne! These are beautiful patterns.

  33. Totally interesting patterns. I love the sweater and the socks. Thanks for the opportunity!

  35. I love everything that I see in this book, nothing like the patterns I have now.
    I would love it!

  38. I am constantly amazed by the work of knit designers. It’s so good to see such excellent patterns for hand-knitters.

  44. I have been looking at these patterns on ravelry for a while now. I would love to win a copy of the e-book, however I will probably end up buying the bundle if I don’t. 🙂

  46. Beautiful– could bring a touch of spring to this desolate never ending Minnesota winter!

  47. Alana’s design aesthetic is wonderful. I loved Coastal Knits and I am sure this book will be equally beautiful. Thanks for the contest!

  49. OOOOOOOO – Pretty! I love the idea of twining leaves and branches incorporated into designs. It seems to just be a classic look that wears well with everything, in any color.

  50. I admire Alana’s work. Her designs are beautiful and her patterns are easy to follow. There are a number of designs from this book that I want to knit.

  54. I have been in love with these designs since I first saw them. I am SUCH a leaf lover 🙂

  56. I can imagine knitting some of these beautiful patterns for my lovely daughter – and I can also see them in yarns by Sweet Georgia. They are beautiful patterns – and I’m a man who will not get to wear any of them. But I would be happy to add this book to my collection.

  61. Quelle belle inspiration végétale, qui donne tellement envie de maille en maille de rendre hommage aux feuilles et de s’en couvrir. Merci pour ces beuax modèles

  62. Oh, these patterns! I’ve been drooling over them every time I see them pop up somewhere. Every single one is so gorgeous! Thanks for the chance to win!

  64. Love, love, love these patterns. Hoping I win. Thank you for the opportunity. Have a great weekend.

  66. I can totally see all of these designs with your wool Anne, love those
    fingerless mitts, heck I like every design ;0) would love to win!

  69. Is it odd that this book has me longing for fall when spring is just around the corner – what a beautiful collection!

  74. Beautiful book! Perfect timing with spring just around the corner (well, maybe a little further around the corner up here in Alberta)

  79. There are so many lovely patterns in this collection. I am an avid outdoors person and find the use of leaves in so many of Alana’s patterns very much to my liking. I would love to own this book.

  80. What a beautiful book. Love the colors, textures and can easily see how these would work well in your yummy yarn.

  82. I love everyone of the patterns in Botanical Knits, Alana has really out done herself with the designs! It would be fabulous to win a copy!
    Thank you.

  90. I would love to make all of the patterns in this book starting with the Pressed Leaves beret!

  91. I have been enamored with this collection for weeks! Alana actually lives in my home county that I miss so much. The botanicals in her collection are the ones I grew up with and the pictures look like they could have been taken on my parents’ property. Thank you for doing such a lovely review, and for offering the contest. It’s so generous of both of you. I will be pre-ordering for sure if I don’t win!

  92. I would literally kill for this book…. Ok not kill but maybe stab somone with my knitting needles lol

  93. Oooo… I’ve been watching for these patterns to come out for a while on Ravelry. Whether I win or not, this collection will become part of my library 🙂

  96. An amazing collection. I love seeing the generosity of designers supporting each other, and I would love to win this book.

  98. Awesome all around! Thanks to Alana for the drawing and you for sponsoring it. Please put my name in the hat!

  99. Wow, what an amazing group of patterns. Good for her for self publishing!
    i would L.O.V.E. to have this in ebook format. or in whatever format you choose to hand it to me…thanks to the generosity of the artists!

  100. These lovely patterns remind me of the virgin forest behind the house where I grew up in New England. So familiar and comforting. Can’t wait to knit and wear these designs.

  110. This is a gorgeous book, the photography is aimed at knitters, you can see the way the patterns work.

  112. I love designs inspired by nature. thank you for a chance to win this lovely collection.

  113. these patterns would be so beautiful in Bare Naked Wools! Thank you for the chance to win this lovely set of patters!

  114. The best part of spring is seeing the trees start to leaf out – the patterns in the book are wonderful at showing leaves.

  116. I would love a chance to own this beautiful collection of patterns, thanks for sharing.

  123. Stunning collection. Seldom do I find a book where I want to knit every single pattern..this is one of those books.

  127. Beautiful designs! I love the mix of simple and more complicated/busy designs… truly something for everyone and for every mood.

  128. I love those sweaters. It’s a cold early spring here in the Midwest–warmth and a promise of leaves making an appearance soon.

  133. What a collection of simple yet sophisticated patterns! Another designer, like you Anne, who really gets it. This is a book I will add to my collection soon.

  134. Wow, every one of the designs is beautiful. Thanks for the introduction to this designer.

  139. These patterns are so lovely! I would love to add to my wardrobe with a few of these pieces.

  140. What a gorgeous book! I would love to knit several of these designs up in BNW yarns. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I win!

  145. I really like the bright red lace sweater. Several of the other designs really caught my eye, also. Great job with the designs – very appealing.

  147. Count me in! Love the colors and the designs. Leaves especially. I like the beret with reverse stst and leaves. Have a great time in NY. Glad David is going as well. Hard to wait to purchase some stone soup, but I’ll try.

  149. The designs look wonderful – I can see myself wearing them – particularly the sweaters. Would love to win! Thanks!

  153. love Alana’s designs, and I’d love to win a copy of the new ebook!

    (and I can’t wait for the next BNW “reveal,” even though I am on a no-buying-new-yarn diet for the rest of the month!)

  154. The designs in this books look amazing – thank you for the chance to win a copy. Happy travels.

  156. I’d love a chance to get the Botanical Knits ebook. Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures.

  157. I really love the Pressed Leaves and Oak Trail hat! I also really like the Autumn’s End sweater (maybe in a nice green or beige?) Thank you for the opportunity!

  159. Yes, Please! I would love to have this collection of patterns with all the leafy designs for spring.

  160. It is wonderful we have these contemporary designers. We need to support their work. Thank you for the offer of the e book. Lovely designs!!!

  167. Love the designs! I see several that I would love to make. Also love the idea of an ebook; very ecological. Thanks for highlighting this new resource here.

  168. These are lovely patterns and would work very well with BNK ….if I can ever catch up would love to make several items.

  169. I love Alana’s designs, and I would love to win a copy of her patterns! Thank you for hosting the giveaway!

  170. I would love a copy of this wonderful book…and so excited that more yarn is arriving! I will get my order in early this time. Thanks, Anne!

  179. What a beautiful book. Thanks for the opportunity for an e-version.
    And I appreciate your explanation re: preorders and some of the business behind the product.

  184. I am such a big fan of Alana’s and would certainly be honoured if I was able to win this ebook! Thanks to you, Anne, and also Alana for this opportunity!

  189. The designs are breath-taking! I didn’t see any that I wouldn’t want to begin immediately. Choosing a first would be much more difficult.

  191. Why is it that leaf designs are so appealing? I simply love them and it seems I’m not alone. These are beautiful!

  193. I’ve been thinking about purchasing this book since I first learned about it — unless I win it here, of course! The designs are beautiful.

  194. I keep seeing more and more about this collection. I think I will probably end up convinced to get it by the time the hardcover version comes out.

  195. great looking knits! i can’t believe this is the first i have heard of this book. thanks for sharing.

  196. Wow! I think also the Bare naked wool could deserve a lots of paterns in this book

  197. What a beautiful collection! I have a copy of Coastal Knits (Alana Dakos’ collaboration with Hannah Fettig), and it’s a lovely book with great, well-written designs. I’m sure this one will be the same–thanks for sharing, Anne!

  199. Oh, there are so many lovely patterns in that collection! I particularly like the sweaters… and the accessories are great too. Really, it’d be hard to choose what to knit first!

  200. I would be very excited to win a copy of the book. I would definitely start with the golden cardigan.

  202. Thanks for sharing with the readers. Looks like a very interesting book indeed.

  205. I saw these sampled at Stitches West last month and was wondering when they would be available! Gorgeous.

  207. Oh my goodness . . . the botanical knits book looks lovely! HOWEVER, what got me in to your blog was a desire to comment on the Inky Dinky Hat and Sweater! Absolutely adorable! I love it! You are so so talented!

  208. Love Alana’s impeccable designs and attention to detail! Having already knit one of her sweaters, I can vouch for her wonderfully written patterns…

  210. What a beautiful collection! There isn’t a single project here that I wouldn’t want to knit.

  214. Such lovely and thoughtful patterns! The kind of book that is a pleasure to read, gaze and then dream about the patterns and yarns that go together.

  217. Well, of course I’d like to win these beautiful patterns! Wouldn’t even know where to start, but I’m sure I’d manage.

  227. I love your suggestions for how to update these patterns for spring; hope I get the chance to try them out…

  229. Beautiful patterns! As knitting herbalist I think I should make a few of these! I thank you for the chance to see them and possibly win. 🙂

  231. Totally stunning; love it so much that I have already pre-ordered the book. And…I am contemplating which item(s) to knit with bare naked wools!

  233. Love the designs- so interesting to look at. I would really like to knit some of them.

  236. DH is a botanist. This looks perfect for me. Thanks for the draw, I’ll cross my fingers!

  237. This would make a wonderful birthday gift for me! Alana’s designs are consistently beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win!

  238. What beautiful patterns. Yes put me in for a chance to win this. If not I will put it on my to do list.

  241. What a beautiful collection. My favourites are Autumn’s End & Twigs and Willows. Thanks for the chance to win ♥

  242. This one is for sure going into my library! I love every pattern that I see in your blog!

  244. Goodness! Soooo beautiful! I haven’t seen such a ‘must have’ collection for a long time… If I don’t win, I’m buying 🙂

  246. I adore Alana’s patterns! This would be a special addition to my knitting library 🙂

  247. Such beautiful patterns! I’d love to have this set of patterns in my stash. Thanks for such a fab review and the offer.

  249. I’m going to have to knit that mustard cardigan one way or the other – thanks for alerting us all to the coolness that is this book 🙂

  255. Alana has such beautiful designs! Their simple, organic lines remind me of another favorite designer of mine…

  256. I have been following this book around the blogosphere. It is definitely on my must-have list. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful patterns.

  257. I love the new patterns! They would be a great pairing with the new BNK yarn line. I am in love with “nature” designs.

  262. What a Lovely collection of patterns ! I would love to win a copy . Thank you!

    Suzygirl on ravelry

  263. My favorite sweater is Autumn’s End. Looking forward to starting it soon.

    cibola on Ravelry

  264. I love all of Alana’ work. This would be a great addition to my knitting boks and a great birthday present. I’ll keep my finger’s crossed for some good luck. Thanks for the opportunity!

    Letterlady on Ravelry

  265. BEAUTIFUL – – just the perfect time with Spring here to dream of botanical knits!!!!

  266. Beautiful collection! Having a super hard time deciding on a project to start with. Might have to cast on more than one project at the same time. =X

    Rav ID: kellknit

  269. The colors used in the patterns are all my faves. Count me in on the drawing. Can’t wait to begin a project!

  270. What an enchanting collection of knitting. I love bringing designs of nature into a knitting project knit with natures best yarns dyed in exciting but natural colours. I can see these patterns would be used over and over again.
    Brenda

  271. This is a pattern book where I would knit everything in it. Alana’s designs are always so beautiful Count me in on the drawing.

  273. Count me in for the giveaway 🙂 What a great collection of patterns for the lovely new Bare Naked Wools!!

  274. Oh my gosh!!!! I so WANT this book! It is gorgeous! I’m going to cross my fingers……..

  275. I would love to have that book in e book format. So many of the patterns just call out to me.

    Have a wonderful time, Anne.

  276. I’d love this book, too. What beautiful patterns and photos! I love the hats and mittens.

  278. I have always loved Alana’s Cedar Leaf Shawlette and this is a whole book of similar designs! Truly lovely. What a great giveaway!

  280. I love all the patterns in this book and want to knit every single one! If only I had time…..

  281. Just gorgeous! would love to win the book – thanks for the chance to do so – just love lacy, leafy knitting designs!

  282. I love botanical prints and stationery, and now knits, too! This book looks wonderful.

  285. This book is on my wish list! There are several patterns that I have my eye on to make ASAP.

  287. What beautiful patterns and I’d love the chance to win her patterns. Thank you so much.

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