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. Ooh, I’m always interested in books that explore variations on techniques and this one looks wonderful. I would love to win a copy, otherwise I wil likely purchase one for my very own.

  2. You are one of my favorite designers and I would love to win a copy of the book. Thanks

  4. I love the signs of spring you share on your blog! I love seeing the blooms!

    A beautiful book with lovely designs 🙂

  5. I would love to win that lovely book. Your poppies are beautiful – I can see those colors as a soft, cuddly yarn.

  6. I’m just here to admire the poppies…augh – they are so wonderful…we don’t have any of these hybrid ones but have a plethora of poppies grown from seed collected at The Somme in France. This is a very special area where so many men from all over and in particular from Northern Ireland were killed in the First World War…and why we use a poppy over here for Remembrance….we have given these poppy seeds to so many folks….poppies of any kind are wonderful and yours are lovely. Please don’t include me in the drawing for the knitting book…I couldn’t wear any of those gorgeous garments, they would not look good on a 5′ overweight mature woman!!! LOL!!

  7. I’m having withdrawls – need to see your projects, Anne. Me no like secrets. Do like the poppies. They are beautiful.

    I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

  8. Looks like an interesting book…

    Love the pictures of your pink poppies…I just assumed they only came in red. Goes to show how much I know. 🙂

  13. Wow I would love to try one of those in a mink yarn. Maybe it would look good on me.

  14. Hmm…. intriguing book… but what’s on *your* needles? That lovely Sweet Georgia riptide must be progressing….

  15. Beautiful poppies and I love the green strawberries. The book looks very interesting too.

  16. Your garden looks terrific. I”d love to win a copy of that book. Different ways of constructing knitted garments is one of my favorite things to ponder. Thanks!

  17. Looks like an interesting book with some lovely designs. Thanks for a chance at it!

  18. Hi Anne:

    Hope you enjoyed your company over the long weekend. The garden pics are great and the book looks very intriguing. Thanks for offering an opportunity to get the book.

  20. Gorgeous poppies! The book looks really interesting – I can see several that I want to knit – right now!

  21. I love the sweater ideas and would enjoy giving one a try. However your flowers are also wonderful and I love the opening poppies.

  22. I wish that I had a garden this year, but alas, we are building a house and just sold the house we are in so… no garden. I would love to have your copy of the book to console me. 🙂

  23. How I love those poppies! Wish they did better down here in hot Florida-thanks for the photos! I thank you,too, for a chance to get the book.

  24. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity! “Knit, Swirl!” looks like it is right up my alley 😉

  26. Your photographs of the garden are just gorgeous! Please enter me in the drawing… that book looks fascinating.

  27. Oh my, I have to have that book. Thanks for the great giveaway. Lovely poppies. I can never seem to get them to grow here in my garden. :0(

  28. Hi Anne,

    I would love to have a copy of this book!!! I love your pictures the flowers are beautiful.

    Gert

  29. That you for the opportunity to win this lovely book. Your garden is looking absolutely beautiful!

  31. OMG your poppies are gorgeous! I love the spring green colors too. I wish I could bottle them and dye yarns to match.

    I would love a copy of this book, so pick me!

    Have a wonderful long weekend too!

  32. Such beautiful poppies. spring is so wonderful. I never get over the excitment of flowers blooming.

    What a wonderful book! It is a great idea. I look at it and imagine some handspun knit this way.

    thanks for the give away, enjoy your weekend

  33. Ooh, I saw a lovely pattern from that book a couple of weeks ago, but it’s not yet available from Amazon UK, so please add me to the list.

  36. The poppies are wonderful! And the book looks great too. I love working on circular objects. Count me in.

  37. Your poppies are incredible. I love that beautiful salmon colour of oriental poppy. What a sweet taste of spring! My poppies are still a month away before I can enjoy them. Until then, I’ll live vicariously through yours!

    This book is very beautiful. I’d love to have a copy of this book and knit one of those incredible sweaters.

  40. The color of the poppies is spectacular!!
    It would look good on that sweater too!
    Have a great, sunny weekend.

  41. I do love the poppies. The book looks lovely, one of the first to tempt me in a while.

  43. Lovely lovely Poppies! Lucious looking strawberries! And a wonderful book giveaway! Yay Anne! Have a great holiday weekend.

  44. I just love the concept and the way that the jacket line is maintained around your body. Gorgeous yarns too 🙂
    Poppies well they are one of my favourites and yours are just wonderful
    Have a great weekend
    Cheers

  45. Oooh… Spectacular jackets! I’d love to have a copy of the book. I’m thinking handspun.

  47. That poppy is beautiful! I’d love a chance to win the book, it looks ver interesting! Happy Memorial Day…

  48. Your garden looks so great!

    Knit, Swirl looks great, too! Would love to have a copy for my library.

    Enjoy your holiday weekend.

  49. Thanks for keeping us up to date on new releases and interesting tidbits. I really like the appearance of these sweaters and would like to try one. Please enter me!

  50. I am so jealous of your poppies! They are my absolute favorites and growing them in Virginia is not that easy. At least I have never had good luck with it! And such a beautiful colour pink. Wow.

    The book looks like an interesting read too!

  51. The first picture of the poppy took my breath away. Such amazing colors, it would be beautiful for yarn!

  54. I would love to own this book. I have been drooling on it over at Ravelry!!

  56. My husband bought a similar garment for me made in Peru. There were slits for the arms, but there were no sleeves. The slits were placed so that the garment could be long or short. It is 30 years old, and still going strong! I would love to knit one (mind is loosely woven) and maybe not include the sleeves.

  57. Looks like a great book. Love the sweaters. Would love to own it.
    BTW—–looking forward to meeting you in Rochester, NY in Nov.!!!!!!

  58. Looks like a really intriguing book and the garments look gorgeous. I’d love to win! And your poppies are gorgeous too.

  62. Hope I win–can’t wait to cast on the one with the pin and the fringe.

    The poppy pictures were beautiful.

  63. That’s something I haven’t tried to grow yet…wow, those poppies are amazing! I would look forward to them every year too….

  64. I enjoy your writing so much. The book reviews and give-aways are like frosting on the cake! The book looks amazing.

  65. I have never made a sweater, as there are so few days in south Louisiana when one can comfortably wear one, but these look enticing!

  66. These are so fascinating! I love that orange one and can’t wait to see more of these projects popping up.

  67. I was just reading about this book today in a Ravelry thread! The patterns are so interesting and look very wearable. How kind of you to give away a copy!

  69. Those jackets make me think of bedcoats – I’ve wanted to make one for myself for a while. Maybe I’ll stick to socks for now… unless I win, of course! 🙂

  72. Knit, Swirl looks like a fantastic book — the poppies are absolutely gorgeous!

  73. Oh my beating heart, be still. Those poppies are absolutely gorgeous. Do you have any meconopsis in your garden? If anyone can cultivate the Himalayan blue poppy, it would be you and David. I love the garden. (The book is okay, but I’m drooling over the flowers).

  75. Sigh…how luscious is that book? Will have to pick up a copy when it is back in stock!

    Have fun with this weekend and look forward to hearing about your adventures next week.

    Cheers, Barbie O.

  76. I love the interesting construction of pieces like these. I’ve been wanting to try a sweater like this for a while and even have some in my queue on Ravelry. I’ll probably buy the book if I don’t win it, which would be really, really cool!

  82. Your garden is gorgeous. The book looks interesting, would love to have a copy to add to my collection.

  83. I am so jealous of your garden right now. My poppies have not come up yet. It’s just been too wet and cold. The book looks like it would be a great addition. I think it would be fun to at least try to make one of the cardis.

  84. I love your photography and your sense of life as much as your incredible patterns. I am so excited to be in the club. I hope you have some sun this weekend. We are getting more rain. Enjoy.

  88. I would love to win the book. I would love to knit so many of the models you posted!

  89. I’d love to win a copy of that knit, swirl book
    Beautiful poppy photos

  90. What a great sweater-would love to knit it to add to my “simple” wardrobe. I continue to find creative inspiration from your blog. Thank you.

  92. oooh. Pick me, pick me please? I am so very intrigued with this construction. 🙂 And I need something to take my mind of an impending move to a new state.

  93. I wish my gardent was big enough to grow fields of those poppies, they’re just gorgeous! I too would love the book, that mink/cashmere jacket has me drooling.

  97. I could really see my youngest daughter wearing something like that. It would suit her perfectly. I will have to check out that book sometime.

  101. My twenty one year old daughter would look fantastic in one of those sweaters. I’d love to win the book!

  106. Too cute. I’m thinking I would love to wear one of those. Like wrapping up in the living room blanket. These unique constructions are catching my eye these days too. Pick me!

  108. Hi Ann,
    Thanks for sharing the book with us – I especially like the pattern knit in the red Silk Garden. Have a great weekend.

  110. Wow, that book looks stunning. Wishing my poppies were ready to bloom, but the cold has held them back here.

  111. I was pleased to find a review of this book from a trusted knitter (!) since I’ve been eyeying it and thinking it has some really nice patterns, but maybe the whole swirl thing is too difficult for me. But if you say it’s got good instructions Anne then I trust you!

  112. When I was a kid, I judged my skirt on their swirliness – the ones with the best swirl were the most well loved. And I have to say that that kid still lives in me, and isn’t buried very far… So you might imagine that the title of that book really grabbed my attention! I’d totally see myself knitting and wearing that kind of sweater.
    Those baby strawberries are promises of good things to come! Lucky you!

  114. Thank you! What a lovely book. I can think of about 5 people that need one of these sweaters. Count me in!

  115. I love the photos of the fledgling strawberries–it makes me want to follow up on a wish (resolve) to plant strawberries on a berm in our rather small back yard. I live in the Denver area anmd love hiking in the mountains. On one magical day, I found tiny wild strawberries on one of the trails. Beyond delicious–a memory never forgotten.

    And, oh yes, I obviously would love to win the book.

    Have a great weekend! Jo

  116. What lovely poppies! You garden is just lovely!
    The sweaters in the book remind me of the circular shapes of the flowers!
    It’s knit swirl all around!

  117. Love the book. The sweaters are stunning. Also love the pictures of your garden.

  118. Sometimes I swear that the garden area is inhabited by alien spore, but it’s fascinating and amazing to see how, over time, they mature into things more recognizable and easily identifiable. It’s just *awesome*. I love the garden posts, and hope that I’ll be able to get a copy of that book sometime soon!

  120. Your garden is amazing, and I would love to make a happy home for the book, should I be lucky enough to be selected!! Have a terrific holiday weekend!!

  122. Wow what a wonderful book, and Anne I must say I also enjoy pics of your gardening just as much as I enjoy the knitting pics 🙂

  123. What great looking sweaters. They look like they’d be good for any body type.

    Also, the poppies look wonderful.

  125. Wow – I had read about this book and would LOVE a copy!!! We’re going into Winter, here in the Southern Hemisphere, so it would be a welcome diversion. 🙂
    Love the poppies also – again a relief from all the damp and dreary leaves lying on the ground here in New Zealand.

  126. Your poppy pics are wonderful! We are a few weeks ahead and the kids and I can’t keep up with all our strawberries. Made strawberry ice cream to kick off the weekend. The projects in Knit Swirl look wonderful. Love the orange project featured. Have a wonderful and safe weekend. Thanks to all the soldiers and their families that have sacrificed so much for our freedoms.

  127. I would love this book – am just knitting the Travelling cardigan which is along similar lines and it is such fun. Thanks Anne for the opportunity.

  128. These sweaters look very intriguing. Would love to win the book and have a chance to try to knit one.

  129. Those really do look interesting, especially since they look like they would be relatively easy to adapt to someone overly-endowed in some areas… I think I hear that book saying it wants to come visit Arkansas!!!
    >8-D

  136. Ooo, that book has been on my wish list for a while – thanks for sharing some pics – would love to win!

  138. Perfect strawberries! I have always loved poppies but never lived anywhere that they thrive. I was driving down the street in Boulder and there was a bed of them. Made me smile ’cause I am going to have a huge swath of them next year 🙂 Those AND a wall of lilacs.

  139. Your garden is looking fabulous…guess all that rain is the best thing after all. LOVE the greens of the baby strawberries! And the pink poppies…words elude me!

    Oh! And that book looks cool, too. I’d love to have a go at that.

  140. Loving the poppies in your garden. I’m so used to the bright red ones, I was bowled over to see such delicate pink ones.

    The ‘swirl book’ is such a clever idea. I’d love to curl up in one of those sweaters. (I’d *love* to be able to afford a whole jacket in Great Northern mink blend!)

  142. Delurking to say how much I enjoy your blog, your photos are inspiring, & I enjoy watching your garden grow.
    The book looks wonderful too !

  151. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  166. 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.

  167. 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.

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

  171. 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.

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

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

    The book photos look great too!

  175. 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.

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

  179. 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!

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

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

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

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

    All the best for the weekend,
    Dawn

  187. 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!

  188. 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

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

  190. 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!

  191. 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!

  192. 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!

  193. 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 😉

  194. 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!

  198. 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.

  204. what an interesting book! thanks for the giveaway…and thank you also for the breath of spring…loved the poppies especially…cheers!

  206. Beautiful garden, beautiful book! Of course I would love to have it in my hot little hands!!

  207. Love the photos of the poppy! Beautiful!
    I saw the book the other day and thought the patterns were very intriguing. Thanks for a chance to win it!

  208. I have drooling over the prospect of that book for some time now! They are kind of related, aren’t they- the swirl jacket and a poppy, looking rather different when they are flattened out!

  210. Happy Holiday to you as well. I have a red poppy patch I call my garden of Oz. Lovely lovely lovely. thanks for sharing your pics and the offer of the swirl jacket book, so clever and intriguing. Liz

  211. What a beautiful post!! The book, knit, swirl! by sandra mciver, is intriguing. I love the idea and am excited by the seemingly endless possibilities. Thanks for featuring it. Nydia

  212. I made the Travelling Sweater last year. As I was knitting it, I wondered if you could make it from the center out instead of going around — and here’s the answer. So cool … and lovely poppies too!

  214. I’d love to knit some of these sweaters. It is a style that looks great on everybody! Thanks for sharing.

  216. So pretty. I recently made a very simple circle shrug for the shop. The shape is alway attractive, I’d like to explore it some more.

  218. lucky you to have had rain! we have some flowers but nothing else will come up. the book looks good too. lucky us you’re sharing
    .

  219. I would love to win this book! I’ve been thinking about a circular sweater for some time now. …and your poppies are gorgeous!

  222. I’ve been eyeing this book since I saw it on Knitter’s Review. I think it offers an interesting take on jacket architecture – would love to win it! Thanks for the opportunity.

  224. Thanks for the chance to get an interesting book. You always have such great things to share on your blog, it’s a pleasure to read.!!! Love it!!!

  225. It is so much fun to explore your garden from a distance! Lovely poppies, gorgeous color (and the book doesn’t seem so bad either….)

  226. I love your poppies, the contrast between the deep, dark centres and the delicate petals is what makes them so beautiful.

    That looks like a lovely book, I’m into exploring this type of constuction at the moment and I have a STR Travelling sweater on the needles – to be finished for next winter

  229. Beautiful garden shots as always, Anne.

    I have been seeing this book all over the place it seems over the past couple of days and it is intriguing. I would love if you picked my name.

  230. The book looks wonderful. I’ve had the pinwheel jacket in my queue for ages. It’s always appealed to me.

  231. I would be intrested to find out if this style works for short and round women too.. and get myself over my fear of knitting sweaters!

  232. happy holiday! How wonderful to have the poppies to help with the celebration! And, of course, I want to be entered in the drawing. Thanks!

  234. The swirl jackets look very flattering! I also like how creative you could get.

  236. These types of sweaters always look so snuggly.. what a fantastic collection!

  237. I’m seeing this book all over the blogosphere- very intriguing. All fingers and toes crossed that my number comes up.

  239. A circular sweater construction is so interesting! Lots of inspiration in the book.

  240. Love the poppies – I may have to try growing some. I have been wondering about that book, I didn’t realize it had so many variations in it.

  241. This is my first glimpse of this book, and it looks really interesting. I’ve been tempted by a bunch of the circularly constructed sweaters, but have never taken the plunge.

  242. Gorgeous patterns! I thought I had my favorite one picked out, until I scrolled down and decided that they’re all my favorite!

  244. Wow – those poppies are gorgeous! I hope I win, I have some lovely handspun that I’d like to use for one of those patterns!

  247. The minute I was the pictures in this book, I knew I had to have a copy. Hoping, Hoping!

  248. Your poppies are beautiful. A route we traveled through SC often years ago had poppies between the highway lanes. It was an amazing sight! We may be going that direction soon, hope they’re still blooming.

    And that book! Would love to understand and knit something like that. They are all very pretty.

    Enjoy your weekend. The weather is suppose to be g.r.e.a.t for a change!

  249. What amazing creativity in those sweaters! And what amazing flowers! I love poppies, but haven’t enough sunshine in the yard to grow them. Thanks for sharing the pics of yours!!

  252. 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

  254. Lovely poppies….and the Knit Swirl patterns look just like poppies opening up. Beautiful!

  255. 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!

  256. 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!

  257. 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.

  259. 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 !

  261. 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!

  264. Your pictures are amazing, thank you for sharing,

    The swirling coat is lovely.
    I would love to be a winner!!!!

  266. 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.

  268. 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.

  269. Well, I’m intrigued. It looks like a really interesting book. I am also quite jealous of your beautiful garden.

  273. 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.

  275. 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

  276. 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.

  278. 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…

  279. Wow!
    I’m forever lurking for books like that.
    Maybe this time I will actually get a chance to win it!

  280. I love watching your garden grow! Thanks for the chance to win what would be a wonderful addition to my library!

  282. That looks amazing! I love how the multicoloured yarns effect how this looks!

  283. Your poppies are soooo cool! The most beautiful items from your gorgeous garden. I must try growing some!

  286. 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.

  287. 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.

  288. 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!

  290. 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

  291. Love your patterns, garden and blog. Thanks for the chance to win this creative book!

  294. 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!

  296. 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?

  298. 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

  300. Those poppies are gorgeous! I would love to win a copy of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to win! 🙂

  301. 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.

  304. 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.

  306. 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!

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

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

  312. 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.

  313. 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.

  314. 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!

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

  316. 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.

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

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

  319. The poppies are incredible!

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

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

  322. 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!

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

  324. 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.

  325. 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!

  326. 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.

  328. 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…

  329. 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

  330. 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!!

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

  332. 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!

  333. 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

  334. 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!!

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

    wouldn’t mind a copy of the book either.

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

  338. 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

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

  341. 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!!!

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

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

  344. 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!

  345. 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!

  346. 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!

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

  351. I saw myself wearing one of those swirls during our hard WI winters…really, a vision! hehe

  352. those poppies are such a lovely color!!

    oh, that book looks fun! count me in!

  353. Can’t you just see those poppies as a glorious swirl.

    Loving your garden colour as we head into winter on the other side of the world.

  354. Just stumbled across your blog while perusing a few garden blogs and knew the connection of gardener & knitters was pretty universal! This book looks so interesting and innovative! And because today is my birthday I thought it would be pretty amazing if I won this book!

  358. Looks like an interesting book–thanks for the opportunity to win it!

    Love your beautiful garden posts–thanks for them, too.

    Carol

  360. Wow! Wouldn’t I give anything to have that book? YES…Please count me in.

  362. Love all the flower pics and things that grow just peeking out of the ground. Thanks for the opportunity to win the knit Swirl book.

    Ruby

  364. those poppies remind me of the ones I used to grow. I think I need to plant some more.

  368. Just looking at your poppy photos revived me and made me feel as though all things are possible — including my knitting one of those luscious sweaters…

    Thanks!

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