(Photo from Coastal Knits)Hi Knitters,
(photo from Coastal Knits)
(photo from Coastal Knits)
When I heard that two of my favorite designers were collaborating on a book of knits I couldn't wait to see it. Both are wonderfully talented and with their combined designs they have created a book that is fresh, gorgeous and fun! I have talked about each of these women quite a bit before on my blog and I am sure you already are familiar with them anyway but Hannah Fettig and Alana Dakos are simply two smart, young, and hard working designers who deserve all of the accolades they receive.
The premise of their new collaborative book, Coastal Knits, is simple but yet clever. Hannah lives on the east coast and Alana lives on the west coast so they each took their respective shorelines as the inspiration for their designs. The book includes beautiful photography of each of the coasts and background information on their inspiration and the selected yarns. They also used yarns to create the samples from each of their coasts but they give many alternate yarn suggestions for each of the designs, which is incredibly thoughtful and helpful.
To hear a lot more detail listen to Alana's podcast, Never Not Knitting, where she and Hannah discuss every step of the process and the designs in detail and they answer questions from knitters. It's a great listen. Click here to listen!
There are 10 designs (click here to see all of the designs) that include a sweater, cardigans, a hat, fingerless mitts, a shawl, and a cowl. Each design is special and thoughtful. You will absolutely love Coastal knits. Some of the designs could be worked up in a matter of a few days and others are more involved. There is something for every woman in this book. The pattern collection is only available in book format.
Let's look at a few of my favorite projects in the book. Above is the Rustling Leaves Beret by Alana. Alana is the queen of beautiful detail and that shows in this beret design. Her designs are incredible and thoughtful. Every inch of every design is tended to by Alana so all you have to do is knit and have fun. I love that about Alana. What a talent.
(photo from Coastal Knits)Hannah designed the fingerless mitts, Branching Out. I am making these for sure! I already have the yarn set and ready to go. Hannah has a knack for taking a simple shape or garment and giving it a special twist, something only she could come up with. I love her modern, clean aesthetic so much.
(photo from Coastal Knits)Hannah's Water's Edge Cardigan is so simple and sweet. I could see throwing this on over just about everything in my wardrobe. I love this one and it is knit in a worsted weight so it would be a quick knit. I am making this one very soon!
Alana's Gnarled Oak Cardigan is divine. The detail at the neckline is perfection. Oh, I really want to knit this one up right away! Love it. I would wear this one out. I clearly have to knit my own Gnarled Oak Cardigan this winter.
The Rocky Coast Cardigan is already one of the most popular patterns on Ravelry. I have to make this one, too. The front is worn open, the feel is relaxed and easy, the cable pattern is paired with a wide rib which I love. It really is perfection in every way.
Alana's Gnarled Oak Cardigan is divine. The detail at the neckline is perfection. Oh, I really want to knit this one up right away! Love it. I would wear this one out. I clearly have to knit my own Gnarled Oak Cardigan this winter.
The Rocky Coast Cardigan is already one of the most popular patterns on Ravelry. I have to make this one, too. The front is worn open, the feel is relaxed and easy, the cable pattern is paired with a wide rib which I love. It really is perfection in every way.
(photo from Coastal Knits)
Alana's Wildflower Cardigan is knit in pieces and has subtle feminine details. I think this little cardigan would be a lovely addition to any wardrobe. I want a Wildflower Cardigan in my closet for sure.
I pretty much have my to-do list all set as I would love to have every single design in the book in my knit wardrobe this season. Everything in here is practical and stylish at the same time. Along with the variety of garments there are small knits in the book that would be the perfect gifts for the upcoming holidays, too. It's all here!
The best part of this post is that I get to give a copy of Coastal Knits away to one of you! If you don't win I strongly encourage you to get a copy of your own. I can't recommend this work of art pattern collection highly enough. These are two of the most outstanding new designers in the knitting industry and I guarantee you will love this book.
Please leave one comment on this post to enter to win a copy of Coastal Knits. Please include your email address or your Ravelry name or both so I can easily get in touch with you to gather your mailing address if you win! I'll be back soon to randomly select the winner.
What an honor for me to be included on the Coastal Knits blog tour! I actually asked to be included because I feel so much admiration and love for these two designers. They are taking the knitting world by storm on their own terms and I am enjoying following both of their prolific careers. The future is bright!
Good luck and let the comments begin!
best, susie