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Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Book Review - New American Knits; Giveaway; Special of the Week



UPDATE: The winner of the Giveaway is Rachel McKinney, 100Creations on Ravelry. Congratulations, Rachel!

I’m delighted to have received a copy of the new book by Amy Christoffers,  New American Knits.


I’ve been an admirer of Amy’s for a while. Her style is crisp, modern and very wearable. The new book extends her style into the realm of classic sportswear, the kind of sweaters that you can throw on every day and look polished and put together.
The photography is lovely, and the layout is clear and readable. It's a pleasure to leaf through it.
Here are a few notable pieces:

Let’s start with Nevelson, the cover photo. It has that look, simplicity plus sophistication, that is so hard to find. Very pretty.
Benton is a lovely cardigan with a shawl collar and attractive cables.
 
Benton
Moses is a classic hoodie. While simple, it has some nice detailing, with pockets and textured stitches at the shoulder.
Moses Hoodie

Edmonia  has a fresh modern look with its wide neckline and attractive lace trim. This piece is a top-down seamless design.
Remington is one of my favorites. The lace trim on this fitted cardigan is fresh and original.

Remington



Tanner Cowl - a very pretty cowl done in worsted weight lace.

 
Tanner Cowl









Some pieces were not to my taste:
Evans tunic was a bit too plain and simple. It lacked the eye catching details that make the other designs special.
Georgia is really pretty with a big embroidered flower on the front. But I was disappointed that there were no instructions to execute the embroidery except for “using the photo as a guide…”. There should be a stencil or some further detail provided.
Wyeth Shrug seemed too shapeless and loose for me.  It’s meant to be slouchy but it didn’t seem in line with the polished sophisticated look of the other pieces.

All the pieces have good schematics and the lace where applicable is charted. All in all, the majority of the 20 patterns included here are wearable, pretty and interesting to work. What more could you ask?

How about a Giveaway?

Would you like to win a copy of the book? Just leave a comment on the blog telling me why you want the book. Also please sign up for my newsletter, if you haven't done so already.
I'll pick a name on Sept 3. Please make sure to include an email ID or your Ravelry name. Good luck!



New American Knits  - By Amy Christoffers; Interweave / F+W; $24.99


I received a review copy from F+W Publications; photos used with permission.

Special of the Week

This week I'm offering 40% off one of my top selling patterns, the Richmond Mitts. Just use the code "RICHMOND" (without quotes) to get the discount. 
Act fast, it expires on Sept 1. 
 
These pretty fingerless mitts use an unusual zigzag rib combined with a single cable on the top of the hand. The palm is decorated with 2 sets of zigzag stitches with a stockinette stitch background.
They use less than half a 100 gm skein, so treat yourself (or someone special) to something beautiful and practical.

See you next time!



33 comments:

  1. I would love to add this beautiful book to my library so that I can knit every pattern!

    JKnits51 on Ravelry

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  2. I need this book to make the Moses Hoodie! I love it!

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  3. I love the Remington Cardigan. I'd love to win a copy of the book. Thanks for the chance.
    Lmecoll on Ravelry

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  4. I love the Nevelson sweater, the open work would keep it light and good for layering! I've knit a few of Amy's sweaters and love them.

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  5. The Benton cardigan is a classic I would wear all year round!
    lindarumsey on Ravelry

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  6. The Benton cardigan is my favorite...it is beautiful and would be an interesting knit.
    bdgrammy on Ravelry

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  7. I'd love a copy of this book. I would knit for my family as gifts. They are beautiful patterns.
    Thank you -

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  8. I would love to knit several of the patterns, benton has great cables. 100creations on ravelry

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  9. I would love a copy of the New American Knits.And the very first thing that I would knit is the Wyeth Shrug for a family member, wheelchair bound. It would be perfect for the cooler fall days coming soon.

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  10. I would love to win this book because the designs are so stylish. I really like Nevelson. It's right up my alley!

    I'm vernalequinox on Ravelry.

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  11. Love the mitts! I have a soft spot for fingerless gloves/mitts :P

    The book patterns are gorgeous. I'm always looking for sweaters/cardigans/vests that give that neat, tailored, put-together look that's great for business casual, or just going out on a Saturday afternoon.
    Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

    Pagecsa on Rav :)

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  12. I simply don't have enough knitting books, that's why I should win! Kidding! Would just be lovely to add to the collection taking over my bedroom! Rav amchart

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  13. I love the sweater Benton so would love to get the book for that.
    wahoomerryf on Ravelry

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  14. I looked this book over in the bookstore and saw a lot of pieces I loved. (But I agree with you so hard about Georgia. I thought it was really pretty but as soon as I saw the "copy the flower from the photo" instructions, I became immediately aware of just how bad my embroidery would look. I'd have to call the sweater Pollack.)

    Being as I'm on such a cowl kick lately, I'm betting that the first piece I'd try would be Tanner.

    And I'm Rooie on Ravelry.

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  15. I want this book because there are so many fabulous patterns in it that I just must knit!

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  16. Love Amy Christoffer's patterns. They always fit so well!

    Thanks for the fantastic give away!

    You can find me on Ravelry as PrincessMommie

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  17. I love knitting classics and I think that Benton would look good on a curvy (small, but curvy) woman like me.

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  18. I would like to knit the Tanner Cowl

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  19. I would want the book for the lace charts. alcbrooks on Rav

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  20. I would love to win because they are all beautiful designs worth knitting.

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  21. I would love to win this book! Knitting Remington cardi or the hoodie might help me get my sweater knitting mojo back.

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  22. I would love to add this timeless book to my knitting library! It contains many beautiful designs! Thanks!
    Mamagiff on ravely

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  23. I would like to win a copy of this book, not only to drool over the gorgeous knitted garments, but to knit a Moses Sweater of my own. It looks like a comfy, cozy hoodie but it still looks feminine. Tonia2000 on Rav

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  24. I would love to win this book to make the Benton for myself after making the hoodie for my beautiful daughters. Rav ID mahootak

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  25. This book has just the right style for me. Would love to start with the Benton and then on to the Remington.

    sherryglover1 on Ravelry

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  26. I love to knit garments and this book is incredible! I would knit most of the patterns from it and I have never knit any Amy's Christoffers patterns yet, so it is about to start!
    Ravelry: Jessehelen

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  27. I'd love to knit the Tanner cowl and Benton Cardigan!
    KnittinCarri on Ravelry

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  28. I would love a copy of this book, these patterns above are beautiful, especially the Benton cardigan and the Tanner cowl.
    MicheleLouise on Ravelry

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  29. This book is scrumptious! Being on a fixed disability income I cannot afford to purchase beautiful books like this one. I would so love to win it!

    schwipknits@gmail.com
    schwip on rav

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  30. I love looking at new knit designs!

    tktl on Ravelry

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  31. Looks like a lovely book with some really nice designs for fall!

    rosyretro on Ravelry

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  32. I would love to win this book because it looks like classic knits with a twist. They are wonderful patterns!

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  33. I would love to win this to make the Moses Cardigan--it's something I'd wear all the time! Flossieknits on ravelry.

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