Wanna Win A Book?
When Fiana Goberstein asked me to be part of her blog book tour, I happily agreed. I’m a knitting book junkie and and was curious to see the book she wrote together with Dawn Leeseman.
The book is called Casual, Elegant Knits and it’s published by Martingale.
When I thumbed through it the first time, I felt like many of the designs were geared toward beginning knitters. After a second, closer look, I’m revising my original conclusion. Most of the designs incorporate clever, slightly advanced techniques that give adventurous beginners or intermediate knitters a springboard for trying something new.
For example, the fingers on these gloves are created with a crochet technique:
And look at the interesting cast on for this hat:
If you’re inclined to make such things, this skirt looks like a great basic. It’s cleverly shaped by changing needle size.
You can see some of the other designs in Ravelry by clicking here.
I also like the glossary in the back of the book. The illustrations demonstrating the various techniques used in the designs are very clear. It’s a very good resource for the advanced beginner.
So . . . who wants to win this book??
All you have to do is leave a comment to this post and I’ll pick a winner at random when I return from California. But there’s a catch. Your comment has to contain a question for Faina or Dawn. The answers to the questions will be posted here in early September.
Have fun!
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86 comments Susan | books, knitting
Nice twist. Where do they draw their inspiration from?
Thanks for the preview of this book it looks like a keeper. My question for Faina and Dawn would be how difficult was it to come up with the patterns for the book? Also the crochet method used for the fingers on the gloves, was that a new idea?
I love the red beret. The cast on is so unusual – how did they come up with it?
Beautiful photography! When choosing to call an item “elegant” or even “classic”, do you also like to use more “elegant” fibers, such as cashmere, linen and silk? Also, a follow-up question, what about substituting yarns? Can an a merino blend be elegant.
Love the style.. and I am dying to make that beret!
How do you as designers keep designs looking fresh yet timeless? I put a lot of work into a handknit item I do not want it to be so trenty I can’t wear it next season.
I love the women’s sweater on the cover. My question is: do you include alterations for queen-sized sweaters? or do you have suggestions for making the alterations yourself? And I love the fingerless gloves!
OK,here is my question – how do you design a knitted skirt so that those of us with waists smaller than our hips can make it look like a decent garment?
Here is my question, more geared towards Faina. How much of your math background do you use when designing knits?
Love the clever hat cast on!
Hey, I wanna ask (and know too!) how does photoshooting work – do they need special (knit) stylist or something like that – like food stylist? lots of safety pins? photoshop??
Looking great, and of course I’m interested in new techniques.
Looks like a great book! Are the patterns written in such a way as to make yarn substitutions easier? i.e. list specific yardage instead of just x balls of specific yarn used, or give a couple of options as to yarns that would be appropriate. Also, what is the largest size that appears in the book?
I do love the skirt, but knitted skirts really intimidate me. While an oversized swater is still wearable, and a sewn skirt can be taken in, what advice can Faina or Dawn give regarding getting a knit skirt to fit properly?
Who taught you/where did you learn some of these techniques? Do you teach classes locally/nationally?
I, too, really like the cast on for the hat & this is a skirt I might actually make. Most of my questions are probably answered in the book, but I am wondering if you created the cast on for the hat or it was adapted from an existing method? and, is there a secret to getting the pleats in the skirt so nicely ‘boxy’ and even?
I like the pictures and most of the questions I had have already been asked. So, I’m wondering if your inspiration comes from (sewn) cloths or do you see the garment you design directly as knitted (the skirt, for example). I often see something I like and would like to “translate” it into knitting but since I’m not a designer, well, the results vary…
Book looks interesting? What inspired you to experiment with different attractive cast-ons?
I agree that’s quite clever to do the crochet chain and start the glove fingers from that. Where did they get the idea?
Hi! Curious to which comes first the pattern or the yarn? Do you see a yarn and think how perfect it would be for ? ?
thanks1
I’m not usually big on knit skirts but that one really tempts me to give it a try.
How do you deal with errors in the instructions in the finished book? And yes, yarn substitutions or alternatives would also be a very useful answer as well.
What are important factors should be considered when designing a classic sweater design (color, silhouette, texture)?.
Do they get tremendous support from their families when they are completing a book?
Do you have any tips on how to keep a knitted skirt from stretching out of shape (“seating out”)?
How did you find out that you were going to write a book togehter?
Did you know eachother or were there someone introducing you for eachother?
And I would very much like to win that book.
I’ve always wondered; do you knit the samples shown in the books or are they knitted by a variety of people? If a variety, how do you maintain a unified look?
I would love to win the book. Are you doing any book tours in St. Louis?
How integral is yarn to the process of designing? Did you choose the yarn first, or the silhouettes first, for the designs in this book?
Here’s a question I always wonder about knitters: What was the first project you ever made that wasn’t a square or a scarf? For me, I attempted (and succeeded pretty well) a sweater. And then another. And another. It was an obsession for a while. Now I’m at shawls and socks. LOVE socks! I almost never knit scarves any more, although I’m making one for Special Olympics. This book looks fascinating. I’m curious about that cast on with the hat!
Love the clever caston for the hat! I would like to know where Faina and Dawn find such clever techniques? Also, what are their favorite yarns to use? And, do they have “fall-back” designs that they use over and over? We all have favorite patterns that we resort to because they are classic, fit well and work with different yarns! How do you determine what is a beginner vs and intermediate knitter skill status? How did you get started designing and getting published? No, I am not a lawyer nor do I play one on t.v.!
Susan, thanks for the contest!
Faina or Dawn, I like the Flirty Skirt, but does it come in large sizes (women’s 28)? Or is it easily resized for a larger size? Thanks!
Was the crochet method used slip stitch? I’ve been using slip stitch more in my personal designing and have been intrigued by the possibilities. I think its one of the most neglected stitches in crochet.
ok, incentive to comment,I am the world’s laziest commenter. i blame bloglines
Ooh, I really like that skirt. But, I have a pretty big difference between my waist and hip measurements. Can changing needle sizes really provide enough shaping for serious curves? Or is there elastic or something else to fit that skirt around the waist?
Thanks! And I’m keeping my fingers crossed for winning the book.
Do men really like fringe on their scarves? I’m knitting a gift scarf and had decided not to put fringe, but then I saw this picture and am debating again.
I like what I’ve seen of this book so far. How many designs did you come up with that didn’t make the final cut for the book? If you had “rejects,” why did you ultimately choose not to include them?
Thanks for the fun contest! I’d like to know, when switching needle sizes to adjust the fit, how far can you take this? I’m considering using this for a wide, split collar, and I don’t know how much larger I can make the needles go. Two sizes up? Three? Thanks!
I like the idea of knitted skirts although I have to admit it always seems like a lot of stockinette. (I’m tall.) For the most part is seems that we’re seeing more classic designs rather than the trendier stuff of a few years ago. Is this a reaction to changing tastes or is it more of an economic issue? I spent half the weekend scanning through 15 – 20 year old fashion magazines. I definitely saw the trendy stuff.
I’m always interested in new books but I’m wondering why they decided to do this book? There are so many knitting books now available so what makes theirs stand apart from others?
- the books looks interesting – I find so many books are geared to beginner knitters – great to get more knitters started , but would sure like more difficult pattern – did you ladies knit up any of the garments , and are there differant yarn choices in the book
thanks pat j
Love the looks of the patterns. Anxious to read the book. Thanks for the fun contest.
LOVE the skirt and I usually hate knitted skirts. This makes me want to take a look at the book, if you can make me love a skirt, what else do you have in there? My question is this: After you know you are going to be published, how much control do you have over the photos and layout of your book?
Thanks so much for a sneak preview.
I’d love to win the book. Gorgeous cover sweater. Does the women’s have a pattern for larger sizes?
I love that hat! The cast on really flows well with the stitch pattern in the hat.
My question is how long have they been knitting? Do they have a project that they enjoyed more than others?
Although a similar question has been asked, I’m getting down to basics: How did both of you learn how to knit? It’s always fascinating to hear an answer to this question.
The styles in the new book are fabulous! I want to make so many of them! My question is: Where do you get your ideas for making your designs different? Such as the cast-on for the red beret? It is beautiful!
Uh-oh, you’ve been outed! Happy Birthday! May your birthday contain warm hugs, thoughtful wishes, joy, and cake!
Happy Birthday!
I’m just going to wish you a happy birthday and high-mindedly NOT try to turn this into an “I want the book!” kind of comment … which, you know, isn’t easy for me!
I am reading it all. Please keep posting. Thank you for nice comments. Thank you, Susan for doing this. It is so much fun!
Happy birthday, Susan! (Margene sent me.) My question for Faina/Dawn: did you know today is Susan’s birthday?
All right, so that probably doesn’t count as a question. Here’s a follow-on to a question (comment #12) asked by Susan: the knock on knitted skirts has always been that they stretch and sag and don’t stand up when the wearer does. How do you prevent or at least mitigate this problem?
I’d like to know if any of the prototype knits are knit to fit the authors. In other words, will you get to add these pretties to your wardrobe, or are they knit for models?
I like the beret!
My question is: How do two people collaborate on a book like this- do you pass ideas back and forth or pick your specialties to focus on? I’d love to know more about the process.
I don’t have a question – just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday
I ree ree like that skirt.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRRLFRIEND!!
xoxoxoxo
Happy Birthday, Susan! Hope your day is GRRRREAT!
Happy Birthday Susan! Hope you’re having an exceptional day!
I hope you are having a great and not to emotional birthday! Wow, a lot of milestones this week.
Mwah!
Happy birthday, grrl. You sure were quiet about this one.
Happy Birthday. You almost let us miss it!
Haaaaaapppy Birthday!
Happy Birthday! I know it’s all about getting the kid off to college, but I hope you are celebrating your success too… now, my question would be- how did they decide what kinds of ‘fashion’ items would be timeless enough to include in a book they wanted to stay on the market for several years?
Happy Birthday, and many more. Have a fun day.
Happy Happy Birthday, Susan!!
Happy Birthday Susan!!!!
I think this book is well over my head..so my question would be..which pattern would be suitable for an intermediate beginner? HEY, it’s a question!~~
Happy Birthday! I always enjoy your blog.
I’m intrigued by the title of the book: elegant and casual. It seems like the colors are more of a European bent. What was your approach to the colors and the two aspects of elegance and casual style?
I love the patterns!
Did the models ask to keep any of the knits? Did you let them?
Happy birthday, Susan!
What an interesting book! I’d like to ask the authors if, in the design process, they settle on the yarn first or sketch out the design first.
As a child I dreaded wearing my mother’s knitting projects, so it’s a wonder I’ve come to find knitting so addictive myself. Another lover of that skirt, and also the drivers cap : my question is this – What elements make a timeless classic ?
hey there! Happy birthday Susan! The pics posted look great. I am a self taught knitter who keeps learning everything I can so my Q is for either one of you…how long were you knitting before you felt comfortable enought to branch off and seriously start designing on your own? How did you go about it? Thanks!
I’m always in awe of people who put out knitting books. How did you get into the biz?
What do you think are the best yarns for skirts so when you stand up, the skirt isn’t still… sitting down in the back.
What are the worst skirt yarns?
Happy Birthday!
Do you include a wide size range for knitters who are larger or smaller?
Here’s my question: what are Fiana’s & Dawn’s favorite knitting books? By “knitting book”, I mean a resource for interesting and new techniques, or stitch patterns, or information on how to construct knitted garments.
And you’re right . . . those things do look deceptively simple. That would be a fun book to read through, and see what the instructions say!
Where did you come up with the name ‘Silver Dawn’? Did you ever imagine when you started knitting that you’d become a knitwear designer? Or were you designers who then started knitting? And did you have any idea that when you published this book you’d go on tour like a famous rock band or something????
Happy Birthday Susan!!!!
Great looking book!! What or who inspired you to design your own patterns?
This looks like an amazing book! Not only are there some beautiful patterns, but there are some interesting techniques that are shown. Are these techniques developed by you personally or are they published elsewhere and simply utilized in these patterns?
And just out of curiosity, are skirts normally made out of DK weight, sport weight, lace weight, or thicker?
I LOVE books like this because of the new techniques involved. We, as knitters, can draw so much inspiration from this and learn how to use these new techniques on other items. I have a ton of knitting books and although I will probably never make even half the stuff that is in them, I keep a little list in my knitting notebook about cool techniques and where they can be found. Looks like a new book that I need to add to my collection is right around the corner! -Liana
Would you consider the beret a beginner project? I love the way it looks. I would love to win a book.
Have you guys tried any of the newer renewable resource yarns like bamboo or hemp? Your thoughts?
Can you wear that darling knitted skirt without feeling fat? What weight yarns were used?
First time on your blog — I like it!
The book looks interesting.
Here is my question:
How many patterns did you have to leave out of the book?
The scarves on the cover look interesting.
I want this book!!!
That book looks really good! I even like the skirt, and I’m usually very suspicious of bucket butt.
This book looks really nice. Do you think it´s possible for a intermediat norwegian knitter to knit up the patterns in the book, without the work endng up as a big UFO, or beeing frogged…
By the way, I liked the sweather he´s wearing in the cover.
That skirt is something I would love to knit. The pleats do and touch of class.