Monday, July 28, 2014

Review & Giveaway :: Knits that Breathe by Julie Turjoman

Well, hi there! It's been quite some time, hasn't it? I didn't realize quite how long it had been until I logged on today and -- wow -- over a month has gone by since my last checkin, and that was just a pattern release! So how's everyone doing?!

This summer has been quite the busy one Chez Yarniad, with swimming lessons, play dates, baseball, and, oh, growing a person in my belly. :) I'm happy to say that my second trimester has been lovely, but I'm just getting to that point where the heat is starting to get to me and I'm feeling kinda large. But I will say this for being pregnant in summer: stretch jersey dresses. The high temps mean I can basically wear the equivalent of a nightgown all day every day, and it's completely acceptable. I don't know how I made it through my first pregnancy in winter -- the last time I tried wearing a pair of pants, I just gave up and took a nap.

Anyway, this is a knitting blog, so let's talk about some knitting, shall we? I have some very exciting projects in the pipeline that I unfortunately can't share at this time, so today I'm going to talk about someone else's knits!

Back at TNNA in May, I had the pleasure of meeting up with Julie Turjoman, author of the awesome Brave New Knits, who gave me my first published-design opportunity and who I am now lucky to call a friend. She recently came out with a stunning collection of knits that utilize light, non-wool fibers. The focus is pretty, easy-to-wear, flattering pieces that are looking awfully tempting to me as we climb towards 100 degrees here in Turlock. And while true that these are fantastic knits for summer, the right color choices and layering pieces would make these great the rest of the year as well. For whatever reason, not everyone needs wool underlayers, even in winter.

So, let me introduce you to Knits that Breathe:


Knits that Breathe is a book of 12 light pieces, all done in fibers such as cotton, linen, bamboo, and silk. The collection includes tops and cardigans both, all styled and photographed beautifully. Want to take a look inside?  Here are a few of my favorites, with links to Ravelry design pages included.

Flutterbye is a beauuuuutiful top with a handkerchief hem and fluttery short sleeves. Isn't this knit the definition of pretty?!


Haven is ultra-chic -- I can see this with leggings or jeans, with a camisole underneath (as shown), or layered with a long-sleeved tee in cooler weather.


Iced Frappuccino is another extremely lovely top. I love the decorative stitch patterns and am obsessed with that eyelet-y yoke.


Splash is one of the cardigans of the book. An open-front cardigan is always a great idea.


That's only four of them -- the additional 8 designs in the book are all just as pretty, easy, and flattering.

There is a group on Ravelry dedicated to Knits that Breathe if you'd like to chat with others knitting these projects. All patterns are on Ravelry here and purchase options (including the e-book, paperback version, and combo package) can be seen on Julie's website here.

OR....if you'd like to WIN a (signed!!) copy of this stunning book, simply leave me a comment with your favorite design from the book and your contact info (email, RavID, Twitter handle, anything) and it could be yours. You have until 11:59pm Pacific time next Sunday (August 3rd) and I will draw a winner next Monday morning. Good luck!

© Zoe Lonergan 

43 comments:

old lady said...

Oh my - Iced Frappuccino is my favorite!! My knitting needles are crossed for good luck!! Please pick me!

Hayley said...

Iced Frappuccino is my favourite too! It looks so comfy and breezy for a warm summer afternoon.

Josiphine said...

Pochette is so beautiful! I'd like one in every color scheme, please.

Jess said...

This is great. I think Haven is my favorite of the few you showed. Thanks! thecraftyroach[at]gmail[dot]com

Jenne said...

Splash is my favorite one!
mmyheartishere@gmail.com

Eunice said...

I like the sorbet cardi. A lot of these would be great for our TX weather.

Debbie said...

I love Flutterbye. Thanks!

Ali said...

Iced Frappuccino is so pretty, and I think it might even be flattering on my body types so yay!

Unknown said...

Love the Flutterbye Silk Tunic
JavaPurl on Rav

adodds said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
adodds said...

The Sirena is lovely as they all are. It would be hard to choose a favorite.
Skibum on Rav

Kate said...

Oh, what fun! I love the breezy lace hem tunic. Fingers crossed!

chalimar16 on Ravelry

Unknown said...

I love Iced Frappuccino. I would love to win a copy of this book!
Rav ID: marshatf

Anonymous said...

My favorite is Iced Frappuccino!

LindaR said...

I'm torn between Iced Frappuccino and Splash, both are gorgeous summery designs!
lindarumsey on Ravelry

Susan said...

It's a toss up between Pochette for its modern design and Pacific Coast Tunic because I could see myself wearing it all the time; guess I'll go with Pacific Coast Tunic as my fave!! All of these designs are lovely and I like that the patterns use yarns that are widely available. -- LeoKnitter on Ravelry

lmecoll on Ravlery said...

Still Waters is my favorite. I'd think it would be so awesome to win. Thanks for the chance.
Lmecoll on Ravelry

Anonymous said...

Flutterbye is gorgeous! Thanks!

Tori said...

The Zephyr pullover is lovely, but all of the patterns are great...hard to choose. Awesome book.
Rav ID: lilwestie

Anonymous said...

I would definitely love to knit Iced Frappucino. I have some linen yarn just begging for that pattern.

Suzanne said...

Congrats on the body building you are doing!

I really like flutterbye and the pacific coast tunic. Thanks for sharing about Julie's book.

Anonymous said...

Splash! But it was a hard choice :)

cwmom. ravelry.

Rebekah Evelyn said...

I like Zephyr.

RebekahEvelyn on Ravelry

Kim said...

Still Waters hands down. BeanerShnump on rav. Glad to hear your pregnancy is progressing well!

Sara said...

I can't decide between the Pacific Coast Tunic, Still Waters, and Zephyr! RavID: bibliophibian

Sheila said...

I love the Zephyr top.

Doula Mommy said...

Love Flutterbye! And congrats to you!
-Jessica, Ravelry ID MonkeyButtBabies

Paula Ravelry ID miloco said...

I think Stll Waters is a great piece. Simple but with enough lace to be interesting.

Anonymous said...

I do best with cardigans, so Splash is my favorite. Love Julie's eye for detail and her imagination. And congratulations on your expected arrival!

fishgirl182 said...

I don't usually do knit tees but I love Iced Frappucino. Thanks for the giveaway!

Fishgirl182 on rav

Lyn said...

I really like Sirena and Still Waters. Thanks for the giveaway!

Rav ID: BritKnittingMama

Hind DP said...

I can see myself knitting a few of the pattern in this book. My favorite is Iced Frappuccino. Thank you for the giveaway!

mamamustknit on Rav

josephine said...

Flutterbye is my favorite! Thanks for the giveaway.
Best Wishes,
Jo
Jamf on Ravelry.

melanie said...

There are so many great patterns, but the first in my queue is Zephyr.
qtpieknitter on rav

janice said...

I love love love Iced Frappuccino! Thanks for the giveaway! (Alifealoft on rav)

Jyb said...

I love Splash!! And this whole collection!

Jyb said...

Oops, forgot my ravid - janiceyao

caroline aka FiberTribe said...

oooh, Splash is my favorite. I could be I'm seduced by the color, though. I'm missing the ocean terribly these days. Anyway, thanks for the lovely giveaway! Rav handle: FiberTribe

Tish S said...

Flutterbye is my favorite.

Anonymous said...

I love Splash and Haven.All the patterns in this book are lovely .

Rav id...zan1st2000

Trisha R said...

Totally in love with Iced Frappuccino!

Kelly said...

I love the light and flowing look of Flutterbye! Can't wait to see the rest of the patterns! Thank you!
kelzac2298@aol.com

Susan Wetherall said...

Still waters and Serena are both vying for my attention.Lovely designs.