Tuesday, January 29, 2013

ISLAND Giveaway

To say I'm a fan of designer Jane Richmond would be a huge understatement.  Her designs are gorgeous and brilliant in their simplicity and if I had just a bit more time in the day I would have her entire collection hanging in my closet.  Needless to say, when Jane and partner-in-crime Shannon Cook (of Luvinthemommyhood.com) asked if I would be a part of the blog tour for Jane's new collection, ISLAND, I answered with a very enthusiastic YES!


The concept for ISLAND came about as a collaboration between friends - Jane and Shannon (if you haven't checked out her blog, you really should) - and focuses on their home, Vancouver Island, as inspiration. It contains five new original patterns by Jane, four of them accessories and one cardigan, all in her signature minimalist style. But to me, ISLAND is so much more than just a knitting book. In the introduction, Jane talks about how excited she was to venture into book-publishing because in this format, there is so much more space to express onesself than in a single digital pattern. She enjoyed being able to show pieces of her personality through things like layout and artwork. And Shannon writes of "the story" behind design being one of her favorite parts of the process.  And, let me tell you, all of this comes out stunningly when you look at the book as a whole.  There is indeed a story in these pages, and everything from the layout and graphic design (both also a collaboration between Jane and Shannon), breathtaking photography, styling, and the knits themselves tell it impeccably.  I think the book's description puts it perfectly here:

Filled with designs & fibers that are true to Jane's classic and modern aesthetic, ISLAND not only makes you want to knit, it also inspires you to lose yourself in an adventure of your own. Be inspired, get lost in the journey, set your imagination free, and ESCAPE to the ISLAND.

Truly, this is something I will look at time and again, to flip through for inspiration, and to escape in when I need a lift.  I don't know that I can say enough good things about it.  So let's take a look inside, shall we? (Ravelry links are included if you'd like to see more about each design.)

As I said before, the book contains five new patterns by Jane Richmond:

Renfrew, a slouchy beanie with a mock-cable stitch traveling up the side that comes with instructions for making it in varying degrees of slouchiness.

Strathcona, a very pretty, multi-seasonal linen scarf with a pointed, shawlette-like center that I'm kind of in love with.

Grace, a timeless cardigan with a little lace on the front and back of the yoke (please do check out the additional photos on Ravelry -- I couldn't resist this great shot, but you really need to see the back and lace detail.)

Arbutus, a cleverly-constructed cowl that only looks like a wrapped infinity scarf (I'll admit to being totally fooled until I actually read the pattern).

and Rathtrevor, the simple mitts featured in the awesome photo on the book's cover.

And, because I just can't resist, here are two more lovelies that make me want to jump into the book's pages immediately.

 

In addition to the "story" pages, there are also detailed pattern photos as well as a nice, clean layout for the patterns themselves.  I'm really looking forward to knitting them...I'm thinking Strathcona first.
 
ISLAND can be purchased in hard copy on Amazon and on Ravelry, both as an e-book and individual patterns.

OR, if you'd like to win your very own signed copy of ISLAND (which includes a coupon code to download the digital version), just leave a comment here telling me which of the five designs you'd cast on first by Sunday night (February 3rd) at 11:59pm Pacific time. I'll draw and announce a winner the following day.

And if you'd like to follow along with the rest of ISLAND's blog tour, here's the upcoming schedule:

J A N U A R Y
 31st - Knitted Bliss
 
F E B R U A R Y
   5th - French Press Knits
   7th - Truly Myrtle
 12th - Noodlehead
 14th - Miso Crafty
 19th - SweetGeorgia
 21st - A Playful Day

114 comments:

Laura said...

All of them? ;-)

I love Grace, but Renfrew is probably what I need most right now. Beautiful patterns and photography! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Renfrew I love it.
Ninnilina on Ravelry

C. said...

Like the 2 previous persons, I'm definitively drawn to Renfrew. I love slouchy hats and cables, so this hat is perfect for me!

Jen said...

Strathcona. It looks like a lovely gift

Anonymous said...

Ohhh, awesome designs, all of them! But I am intrigued by Arbutus...

Anonymous said...

Renfrew would be on my needles ASAP if I had that pattern. Thanks so much for such an awesome give-away!

Jodi said...

What a great book! I'd probably go for Grace first, as I'm on a real cardigan kick these days.

Unknown said...

I'm with you, I would probably cast on for Strathcona first. Love the shape of it and it looks like a fun knit.

Shirley said...

Strathcona would be a great scarf as we (hopefully) move toward warmer spring weather.

Jennifer said...

Hmm, comment was sucked into the abyss. So , again. :-)
Is it ok to name two if one is 'selfless' (if only my friends knew how much I enjoy knitting things for them...some of them, at least.) Strathcona for a friend and Grace for me!

MrsZuvers said...

Renfrew! I love that you can pick your own degree of slouchiness.

Amazonianb on ravelry

Colleen said...

I love the welts on Arbutus, and I could use a cowl right about now.

Jess said...

Ah, how to decide. Probably Renfrew. I generally gravitate towards cowls, but I'm in dire need of a new hat. Thanks!

tngaston said...

Strathcona...my eye was drawn to it, and I have some lovely linen that would be PERFECT.

Retha said...

I'd cast on Strathcona first. I love this book and would love to win a copy. If I had all the knitting time, I would make every single thing.

lisa said...

I would cast on arbutus first, especially after the lovely Mel from single handed knits made me laugh about her funny pronunciation of it due to her Latin teacherly days. Having said that I am fond of the mitts and grace cardi as well. So much to knit, so little time!

Anonymous said...

I would definitely make Renfrew right away. I even have the yarn for it :)

Sara said...

Arbutus, for sure!

Anonymous said...

Renfrew is totally calling my name! I love slouchy beanies, they are just so fun!

Jeanne said...

Grace!

Vivianne said...

Please,I need beautiful and clever knits for gifts !!! Rathtrevor would be perfect for my historian friend who's always at her computer, frigorified !

C. said...

I think I would do Renfrew first.

Jessica w said...

Renfrew! It's beautiful!

Jess said...

Renfrew would be my first pick! :)

Biscuit said...

I am in love with Grace!

Jessica said...

I am so ready to cast on for Arbutus... just need the pattern! I purchased some lovely tosh dk yesterday in hopes of winning.

sylphette said...

Strathcona! I like scarves more than most shawlettes, so the shape is a great way to compromise. It's so fresh looking.

Anonymous said...

Ohhhh. Rathtrevors for sure! Been on a serious mitt kick lately...

Cecilia said...

I'd definitely start with Grace. It's so classic.

Barbara B said...

I'd have to do Arbutus first!

Heather said...

Good Lord! Just worked pretty hard to win a book commenting as "Anonymous". Silly! And now I have to out myself to fix it! hyattheat on Ravelry. Grrr. Tough day at the office.........

Unknown said...

Grace! What a great collection!

Unknown said...

I would have to say the hat. I have been on a hat kick lately and it looks so lovely :-)

Jean Ashley said...

I would say the cardigan (I've been into sweaters lately) or the hat. I really like her timeless stylews.

Dee said...

I would start on the lovely Grace.

Anonymous said...

Darn - lost my first post. Anyway, I choose Arbutus as first choice. Grace looks lovely, too. Thanks for a chance!
Lynn
LynnIL ravelry

Christine said...

I would love to knit Renfrew. It looks like a great book.

Sarah_L_N said...

My favourite is Arbutus :)

peaknits said...

Renfrew is my favorite! Thanks for a chance!

Nicole said...

Grace for sure!

Karalee said...

I think Grace is my favorite - what a nice collection!

marie said...

Renfrew for me too ;)

Anonymous said...

My favorite is the grace cardigan.
naomil1@verizon.net

NanaJen said...

It's a lovely collection, but Grace is my favorite!

Anonymous said...

Arbutus would be my number one choice.

Cheers!

Headspace on Ravelry

cathydebbie said...

Arbutus! Arbutus! Can't wait to learn the secret of its construction!

Anonymous said...

I would really like to knit the Grace cardigan. I also think I could knit Renfrew with some lovely stash yarn! I'd love to win - Zaelia-Blue (Ravelry)

Josiphine said...

Renfrew. That is one pretty hat.

Lynnsy said...

Renfrew is my favorite!

Wendy said...

I would definitely cast on for Strathcona first of all. I NEED this all weather scarf - Perfect for the island weather!

lisateapot said...

I love them all, but would knit arbutus first

Katinka said...

I was scoping this out on Ravelry just yesterday!

I adore Grace, but I would probably cast on Arbutus first. I've got 4 kids, and so I appreciate neck coverings that stay on your neck! Plus, the construction is so clever and it would be almost instant gratification. Then I would succumb to my sweater-lust and cast on Grace. :D

Anonymous said...

I'd start with Arbutus for sure! I live on Vancouver Island so Jane's whole collection is especially meaningful to me :) What a great giveaway!

(SarahVV on Rav)

Barb said...

I would love to make Grace but I think Renfew would the first thing on needles

mhchong said...

I'm ready for Spring and ready to cast on for Strathcona!

Heady Threads said...

The number one cast on would be arbutus. I have some gifts to knit and know my recipients would LOVE this.

Nidhi said...

Grace! Love it.

Amanda said...

Strathcona is going to be a must knit for me. Beautiful patterns!

jessika fleck said...

Renfrew. Definitely. Love love love it.

indigoeddy said...

I love renfrew, but strathcona is calling me too.

CarolynEll said...

Love Arbutus! Plus it reminds me of visiting my brother in Vancouver, we stayed near a street called Arbutus.

Libby said...

Love Grace! Thanks for the chance!

(Also want to make one of your Indicum Pullovers :)

Anonymous said...

Probably Renfrew, I've been in a hat craze recently!

Elo said...

I would cast on Strathcona

Jeanette Kimm said...

I would make the Arbutus. Very pretty and just what I need:)

Ginny said...

I'd cast on Grace, for sure!

Andrea said...

As much as I would love to cast on Grace, I think I would have to cast on Arbutus first. Fast knit and I'd use it a lot more to keep the Dakota winds off my neck! ^_^

juicyknits said...

Oh, Grace!

Robin said...

Renfrew is capturing my attention as well. Yeah hats!

Kim said...

Almost too many good options, but first I think I'd cast on Arbutus!

(BeanerShnump on rav)

sconelady said...

Great choices but I'd start with Arbutus.

Véro said...

I will start with Renfrew and then Arbutus.

Chelsea W said...

Whoa, those are great patterns! I would want to cast on Grace first. Thanks for the chance :-)

Pamela Gibson said...

Strath one would be first!

Suzanne said...

It would be a hard decision whether to cast on the hat or the mitts first. The patterns are wonderful but the photography will equally sweep a person off her feet!

CeltChick said...

I would make oh, about 4 or 5 of the Renfrew hat -- anyone I've shown the picture has decided they need one!

Tiffany C said...

I think I would start with Arbutus ~ and then make my way through everything else!

Meg said...

I would definitely make Grace! It's so cute!

Unknown said...

Arbutus please! I think I want the same color too!

kayteau said...

No question, Arbutus even though I love them all!

The construction intrigues me and I'm dealing with a bout of bronchitis, so things to keep my neck warm are screaming my name (with a bout of coughing immediately afterwards)

Hayley said...

I'd cast on Strathcona! It's beautiful!

Kamigaeru said...

It's a toss up between Renfrew and Arbutus... I love accessories! I think a couple more this winter wouldn't hurt. :-)

Monica said...

I absolutely adore this collection, i would love to own this!

Anonymous said...

I, too, just love this collection and would loe to own it. cynshep on ravelry

carol said...

Lovely collection. My first cast on would be Arbutus. Would love to win.

Inconsolable Underwing said...

The cowl is it--Arbutus! Thanks for featuring these lovely patterns, and I hope that I win. :)

tikuttaja said...

Arbutus for me!

Lucia said...

I'm really enjoying this ISLAND blog tour!! :)
I love Rathtrevor but I'd cast on Strathcona first, I have a perfect yarn for it!

Mr. Puffy said...

What beautiful knitting and designs! So hard to choose but I'd probably begin with a cowl :)

Niki said...

Definitely Arbutus. I loved it from the moment I first saw it!

Dorothy said...

I really like Strathcona! It catches my eye every time I scroll through the pattern pictures.

Marcie said...

Oh it's a toss up between the cowl and the scarf . . . hmmm - I think I'd make any of them :-)

littlekahootz said...

I'd cast on Arbutus

Anonymous said...

I would choose the renfrew. I just love that look, and have been looking for a pattern like that for a while. :)

-Heidi-

Melanie B. said...

I think I will cast on the Arbutus pattern. Also love the color it is made with.

stephigordon said...

I would cast on the Renfrew first (although it is very hard to choose between such gorgeous patterns). Thanks for the chance to win! Stephanie (indigodogmt on Ravelry)

Unknown said...

ios too. definitely would cast on Grace and I have it in my favorites already. What marvelous concept for a book of knitting and great phot

Unknown said...

love them all but would start with "Arbutus"

Kassia said...

Can I cast on 2 things?? Renfrew and Grace! Love them both!

Bogna said...

I'm a sucker for fingerless mitts so Rathtrevor is my pick

Jane tinker-jane on rav said...

The photos are stunning and make me want to jump on the ferry and get to Vancouver Island asap. Hmmm ... no a bad idea...then I could knit on the ferry, and I' d knit Strathcona (my fave).

Franzi said...

Mh, I think my comment was lost somewhere...
The photos are absolutely great! Like the most I think, I'd like to do Grace, but the weather is clearly calling for Renfrew :)

Anonymous said...

Would love to start Grace.....what a lovely classic design....have some TFA sock yarn waiting to be worked up.
lyn41 on Ravelry

Danielle Z said...

I love Grace! zimmerman.dia@gmail(.)com

Julie said...

I think Grace is simple, elegant and I would love to knit it.

Julie said...

I love Strathcona. Perfect for my warm climate!

FlannelJammies said...

My first project from Island would have to be Rathtrevor! My hands are ice cold, all of the time!

zenasmillet said...

Renfrew, then Strath, then Arbutus, ...

Sally said...

These are all beautiful - but I'd start with Rathtrevor.

amchart said...

I would cast on Grace. They're all lovely, but I actually have the yarn (and need) for a great cardi.

Dana said...

Rathtrevor first. Quickly followed by the rest of the collection. Love the whole book! (ddboots on Rav)

Anonymous said...

Renfrew because of the wrapped eyelet. Then strathcona-very lovely! (acmcgowan in Ravelry)

Anonymous said...

I'd love to make Grace—the lace yoke is just exactly what I'd want in a cardigan, and I have yet to make a sweater that is not a pullover.

Lauren Helen said...

Definitely the cowl! My neck has been wanting for a new knitting project to wrap around it :)

lauren_the_cool at hotmail dot com