The Stitch Collection
I love stitch dictionaries. I have quite a few that I turn to again and again for inspiration. So when I got an email from the nice folks at Lark Books offering to send me a copy of their new stitch guides The Stitch Collection, by Debbie O'Neill to look over, I was happy to accept.
If I didn't know better, I'd think they designed The Stitch Collection just for me. I'm on the road a lot with my kids. I sit in cafes & coffee shops working on new designs. In the past I've always had to make copies of pages from my dictionaries only to find that the four or five stitches that I'd brought along just didn't quite work with the yarn or the design. This nifty collection is scaled so that I can toss the whole box or just one or two of the five separate books in my bag and go. Perfect.
Another feature of this set that I really like is the description given
for each stitch pattern. Debbie O'Neil includes notes on specific
details of the individual stitch patterns and ideas for projects where each might
work well. There's even a key on every page with simple symbols for "drape" and "level" - very helpful.
I figured the best way to get to know the collection was to create a design using it. I had a wonderful time pouring over each booklet. I chose two stitches, one from the Lace collection and one from Rib, made a few quick adjustments for knitting in the round and knit up a beret. The lovely stitch pattern I used is called "Snowdrop Lace". I combined it with a fun "Rickrack Rib" which gives the brim a good bit of stretch and a lot of textural interest.
Leave a comment on this post by Sunday, August 1st at midnight EDT and I'll draw one winner using a random number generator to receive a copy of The Stitch Collection. I'll also draw 5 winners who will each receive a copy of the pattern for the beret and matching mitts (not pictured, my hand model is still asleep. ETA: For those who asked - the model woke up. Photos of the mitt below.). The hat and mitts use Quince & Co's Osprey in "Snap Pea" so I'm calling the pattern "Snowdrops & Snap Peas".
You design the most lovely berets!
Posted by: Laura | July 24, 2010 at 11:19 AM
A very beutiful beret, I like to make also it.
Posted by: Yogiela | July 24, 2010 at 11:21 AM
Terrific hat and mitts! And a great review of the books.
Posted by: bunny | July 24, 2010 at 11:23 AM
Love the beret!
Posted by: Beth | July 24, 2010 at 11:25 AM
Lovely! I'd love to win the dictionary!
Posted by: Kristen | July 24, 2010 at 11:26 AM
Those look beautiful! I'd love to win the stitch dictionary (aka the stitchionary), but what I really want are the patterns, haha!
Posted by: Ambrrr | July 24, 2010 at 11:27 AM
How delightful, patterns and books. I think I know what I'm asking for Christmas...
Posted by: Jen. | July 24, 2010 at 11:28 AM
Oh how lovely! I agree, one can never have too many stitch dictionaries
Posted by: Laura | July 24, 2010 at 11:30 AM
How beautiful the beret and mitts are. (Of course!) I'd love to have a good stitch dictionary on hand.
Posted by: Serena | July 24, 2010 at 11:31 AM
I've heard so many great things about this dictionary set. And your resulting hat is very cute!
Posted by: Amy P | July 24, 2010 at 11:32 AM
I love stitch collections too. And that hat is very pretty, too. :)
Posted by: wakenda | July 24, 2010 at 11:36 AM
oh just send the collection to me. don't bother with the random number generator ;)
i love a good stitch dictionary myself and use the ones i have a lot.
Posted by: maryse | July 24, 2010 at 11:41 AM
So cute! I love stitch dictionaries!
Posted by: Krysta | July 24, 2010 at 11:41 AM
great design! what a fun way to review a stitch dictionary.
Posted by: Tracey | July 24, 2010 at 11:43 AM
Love that shade of green!
Posted by: Nicole | July 24, 2010 at 11:44 AM
Love the new hat design!
Posted by: melanie | July 24, 2010 at 11:45 AM
so pretty! the stitch books look great.
Posted by: andrea | July 24, 2010 at 11:46 AM
OMG! What a treasure giveaway! And lovely beret and mitts you created :))
Posted by: MiA | July 24, 2010 at 11:50 AM
Always read, seldom (never?) comment until now. Would love either of those prizes. Am eager to try the new Quince & Co. yarn, too.
Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport | July 24, 2010 at 11:50 AM
The name fits the pattern perfectly! I love the color.
Posted by: Emily Margaret | July 24, 2010 at 11:52 AM
Beautiful patterns. Thanks for the fun giveaway!
Posted by: Kim | July 24, 2010 at 11:53 AM
I love your designs and would love a chance to win :) I love the color you've used too.
Posted by: Denise | July 24, 2010 at 11:56 AM
Have been poring over stitch patterns and find you can never have enough dictionaries!
Posted by: Linda | July 24, 2010 at 11:57 AM
I would love to win the pattern for the mitts and beret. So cute!!!
Posted by: imene | July 24, 2010 at 11:59 AM
oh, how fun! i'd love a copy of the patterns or even of the book!
Posted by: robyn | July 24, 2010 at 12:00 PM