Gudrun Johnston's new book, Knit With Me, focuses on a theme very dear to me - the idea of mothers and daughters being creative together. Gudrun was inspired to write the book after her daughter knit her first sweater. She wanted to create a collection of designs that both moms and their teen-aged daughters would want to make and wear.
I'm sure it comes as no surprise, if you know Gudrun's work, that she succeeded with a collection of designs that has a perfect blend of classic sensibility and modern styling. These are sweaters that you will turn to again and again. And since she collaborated with Quince & Co all of the patterns call for beautiful Quince & Co yarns, which come in an impressive range of colors.
The 7 sweater designs in the book are all worked in one piece - both top down and bottom up are represented. Soay, shown in the photo above, looks like it has set in sleeves but this pretty cardigan is worked from the bottom up with sleeve stitches picked up around the armhole edge. The sleeve cap is then worked with short row shaping. This is a technique that I have read quite a bit about, but have never tried. Gudrun's Soay might be my perfect opportunity.
One of my favorites in the book is Brock. This cardigan is deceptively simple, yet has wonderful details - a lovely chevron pattern at the yoke, sweet 3/4 sleeves with just the slightest gather at the cuff, and a hem that dips down in back.
Knit With Me also gives knitters 5 simple accessory patterns - perfect for beginning knitters. My daughter Sofie started knitting when she was home from college last month. I know she would love to make this pretty hat, Rubens, to wear with the cowl she made. Or perhaps she'd like to make a pair of cozy Cortland leg warmers. I think it's about time I teach her to magic loop. (Have no fear DPN users, Gudrun calls for DPN's in the pattern.)
Gudrun sent a copy of Knit With Me to give to one lucky winner. To enter for your chance to win the book, simply leave a comment on this post by the end of the day on Wednesday, February 13th. I will draw the winner using a random number generator.
All photos copyright Carrie Bostick Hoge used with permission.
I've been lusting after the Ambrosia hoodie since the pictures were released, it is gorgeous! Brock is really cute too, it would be perfect over a little sundress.
Posted by: Valerie | January 30, 2013 at 10:08 AM
This book looks beautiful! I'd love to have it!
Posted by: Sara M. | January 30, 2013 at 10:09 AM
Oh what a wonderful idea..How many of us mothers would love to have our daughters knit with us..I love it!!
Posted by: Ruth Georgina | January 30, 2013 at 10:15 AM
I wish this book had been available years ago when my girls were younger. I think the three of us will still enjoy it now tho!
T
Posted by: Teresa | January 30, 2013 at 10:15 AM
A friend is knitting Soay and now I'm obsessed
Posted by: Jocelyn Grayson | January 30, 2013 at 10:25 AM
I have been eyeing this book since it came out. It's at the top of my wish list!
Posted by: Yolande T. | January 30, 2013 at 10:28 AM
Wow. Those designs are amazing. I hope my 7 and 4 year old daughters will want to knit someday.
Posted by: Christy | January 30, 2013 at 10:29 AM
I love so many of the designs in this book! Ambrosia is m favorite.
Posted by: Kristin | January 30, 2013 at 10:31 AM
Looks like a beautiful book !! I'd love to own it !!!
Posted by: Barbara Russo | January 30, 2013 at 10:36 AM
Such pretty photos and patterns! I love how wearable all these designs are.
Posted by: Maggie | January 30, 2013 at 10:37 AM
These designs look lovely and thoughtful, like all of Gudrun's work.
Posted by: Bonnie | January 30, 2013 at 10:46 AM
I always love Gudrun's designs. Thanks so much for offering a free copy!
Posted by: Andrea Rangel | January 30, 2013 at 10:56 AM
I have knitted a couple of Gudrun's patterns and the directions are very easy to follow. I made Audrey in Unst and it uses the short row technique for the sleeves. I was very pleased with the results. Soay may be my first projest from this book!
Posted by: Dawn k | January 30, 2013 at 10:59 AM
Whath a beautifull book! Thanks for the game!
Posted by: Lilo | January 30, 2013 at 11:00 AM
Oh gosh, a collection designed specifically with teenaged girls in mind? Count me in!
Posted by: anna in atlanta | January 30, 2013 at 11:02 AM
What a great book! I have two teenage daughters that I am teaching to knit. Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Kathleen | January 30, 2013 at 11:16 AM
The book looks beautiful. I'd have a hard time deciding what to knit first. Thanks for offering the giveaway.
Posted by: Karen R | January 30, 2013 at 11:19 AM
That's a lovely collection! I love the cardigan pictured on the cover.
Posted by: Jessie | January 30, 2013 at 11:23 AM
Those socks!! I MUST have those socks!!
Posted by: Bonney | January 30, 2013 at 11:28 AM
What a neat idea! So glad to see some of the beautiful patterns in this book.
Posted by: Susan V. | January 30, 2013 at 11:31 AM
BEAUTIFUL!
Posted by: Ash | January 30, 2013 at 11:45 AM
Lovely! I especially love the little cardis. My cousin is getting married in August and while I have a dress picked out, I don't have an appropriate shrug to go with it. Either of those would be perfection!
Posted by: Katie Lynn | January 30, 2013 at 11:50 AM
Brock is indeed gorgeous! My daughter is still too young to knit but I can live in hope!
Posted by: Natasha | January 30, 2013 at 11:51 AM
This is a nice idea. love those hoodies on the cover :)
Posted by: Denise | January 30, 2013 at 11:54 AM
I love the idea of that book, and I also agree that Brock looks like a lovely sweater. My daughter is only 6 months old, but I'm already dreaming of things we can knit together someday. I'm quelling my desire for matching outfits right now with some sweaters in Coastal Knits and Coastal Kids. I hope more designers take this direction.
Posted by: Cassy | January 30, 2013 at 11:58 AM