Hi, Knitters,
All photos in today's post are provided by Alana Dakos.
I am back today with another double giveaway! The giveaway today features one of my favorite designers, Alana Dakos. A short while back she released the children's book called, Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf. I pre-ordered my deluxe set immediately. This book is a children's picture book that tells the story of a child wanting to learn to knit and how she does just that. At the back of the book there is a knitting instruction section to teach a child to knit. The story is sweet (it is based on Alana's experiences with her own young daughter) and the illustrations are wonderful.
Here is the description from the website:
About the Author
Alana Dakos is a mother of two and a hopelessly obsessed knitter. She produces a unique line of knitting patterns under the name of "Never Not Knitting" and is the co-author of the 2011 hit Coastal Knits. As a former knitting instructor, Alana has enjoyed teaching countless children to knit as well as her own six-year-old daughter, who helped her with this story. Check out Alana's pattern line, blog, and knitting podcast at NeverNotKnitting.com
Alana Dakos is a mother of two and a hopelessly obsessed knitter. She produces a unique line of knitting patterns under the name of "Never Not Knitting" and is the co-author of the 2011 hit Coastal Knits. As a former knitting instructor, Alana has enjoyed teaching countless children to knit as well as her own six-year-old daughter, who helped her with this story. Check out Alana's pattern line, blog, and knitting podcast at NeverNotKnitting.com
About the Illustrator
Neesha Hudson is a freelance illustrator living with her husband in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally from Maine, she studied at Ringling College of Art and Design, focusing on children's book illustration. She now spends her days caring for her beautiful baby girl and drawing everything from knitting needles to nursery art. Find more of Neesha's illustration work at NeeshaHudson.com
Neesha Hudson is a freelance illustrator living with her husband in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally from Maine, she studied at Ringling College of Art and Design, focusing on children's book illustration. She now spends her days caring for her beautiful baby girl and drawing everything from knitting needles to nursery art. Find more of Neesha's illustration work at NeeshaHudson.com
The Deluxe Edition Gift Set includes paper dolls (my favorite thing!), stickers, the hardcover book, and a puzzle. It all comes in a neat and tidy box. The set is high quality and just fun and clever! I love everything about the set.
I'll tell you how to win your own deluxe set for Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf at the end of the post!
That Alana is a speedy one as she has now released another collection called, Botanical Knits, and it is simply lovely. She offers twelve gorgeous designs inspired by trees and foliage. Included are fingerless mitts, mittens, cardigans, sweaters, hats, a scarf, a shawl and socks. As always, each project is thoughtful and meticulously designed, Alana is a master. I especially love the cardigans and sweater and would love to knit them all.
Below are some important links for you about Alana and the Botanical Knits collection:
Click here to see all of Alana's designs on Ravelry! She's so talented.
Here is Alana's description of Botanical Knits and the details on how you can order:
Botanical Knits: Twelve Designs inspired by trees and foliage incorporates the natural beauty of plant life into twelve garments and accessories. Included in the twelve are four sweaters for every occasion, a stylish cloche, a matching pair of textured socks and mittens, and an elegant leaf-bordered wrap. Each botanically inspired piece offers both charted and written pattern instructions that are easy to follow and fun to knit.
Purchase the ebook today OR pre-order the printed book HERE for $22 plus shipping at BotanicalKnits.com.
The book is scheduled to arrive in May, but everyone who pre-orders the printed version will receive a complimentary e-book to download right away. This will allow you to get started on your favorite projects while you wait for your book to arrive. As an additional “thank you” for pre-ordering the printed version, I will include a NEW, EXTRA botanically inspired pattern along with your book shipment.
These Spring Foliage Mitts are so sweet and fun. I love the leafy motifs throughout the book.
Autumn's End is an allover lace pattern sweater with clever shaping panels tucked into the sides. I am planning on knitting this one up soon. It's just beautiful.
The Twigs and Willows cardigan is my personal favorite in the book. It is a simple, classic cardigan with a single branch and leaf motif in the yoke. The cardigan is knit in pieces and seamed and the yarn is Shelter by Brooklyn Tweed.
Alana is an incredibly talented knitter, designer and pattern writer. You will love this leaf-inspired book!
I am excited to be able to offer you a giveaway from Alana. You have a chance to win the book version of either Botanical Knits or Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf - the Deluxe Edition Gift Set. Please leave one comment on this post to enter. You must include either your email address or ravelry id so I can get in touch if you win. I will collect your mailing address so Alana can mail the books directly to the winners. Please only enter once, there is a delay in the posting of the comments so please be patient.
There will be two winners randomly selected, one for each book. Also, in your comment please let me know which book you would like or if you would love either book.
Good luck and let the comments begin!
best, susie
