Wednesday, January 02, 2013

Knit with Me - a review and giveaway!

(All photos used in this post are photographed by Carrie Bostick Hoge for Quince & Co. and are from the book Knit with Me.)

Hi, Knitters,
Ahhhhhh, Gudrun Johnston..... what's not to love? I have admired her work for a long time now. She's originally from the Shetland Islands and now lives in the woods in Western Massachusetts with her family. Gurdrun is talented, smart, adorable, prolific, her husband writes novels, she has beautiful children, she makes a fantastic model.... and now she has a brand new collection of knitwear that celebrates mothers and daughters, well, really just women in general. When Gudrun asked if I would be interested in being on the blog tour for Knit with Me, A Mother Daughter Collection, I already had her book in my hands as I had purchased it from Quince & Co. the day it came out. The answer was an easy yes!

The idea for this mother daughter inspired collection came when Gudrun and her teenage daughter knit Agnes (remember mine?) together, one for each of them. Click here to see their mother daughter Anges sweaters. Gudrun was experiencing the same exact thing I have going on at my house with two teenage girls. My own girls, like Gudrun's daughter, enjoy my knitwear, the sweaters, socks, hats, mittens, and cowls and they like to wear it all and often. 

Gudrun decided to take action and help her daughter knit her own sweater while making the same sweater right along with her. Gudrun had so much fun with the mother daughter knitting adventure of making Agnes together that it sparked the idea for this collection made in collaboration with Quince & Co. Gudrun's intention for the Knit with Me collection is to provide knits that mothers and daughters, grandmas and granddaughters, aunts and nieces, or simply friends with friends, can make together. It's a great idea and a wonderful, warm, charming, accessible collection for girls and women of any age.




The collection includes seven sweaters and cardigans that come in a huge range of sizes to fit from the upper 20s to well over a 50-inch bust. The sweaters are simple and doable with elegant and interesting touches. There are also cute legwarmers, hats, a scarf, and a cowl. Every item is classic and timeless which is always a good combination for knitwear.

Let's take a look at a few of the projects together.


The cover cardigan is called Ambrosia. Guess what? I already have the yarn, Quince & Co. Puffin in the Frank's Plum colorway, in my house waiting to be wound and knit into my own Ambrosia. It's a deep, dark and vibrant purple. I can't wait to whip this one up this winter. It will go so fast with the bulky weight yarn on US size 11 needles. Purple delight! I can't wait to start and I'll keep you posted on my progress. I mean, how could you not love this cardigan?

By the way, Gudrun has a very simple sweater included in this collection called, Granny Smith (click here to see it).  This sweater is intended to be a first-time sweater knit for you and/or for your younger knitter. She is hosting a knitalong that starts on January 7th for the Granny Smith sweater and she also has a general Knit with Me knitalong starting for any project in the book on January 7th.



I love this photo in the book. Carrie Bostick Hoge does such an incredible job with the photography. As always, Quince & Co. produces fantastic patterns that use their yarns to the fullest. It's all very impressive.


Here is an example of some interesting detail. On a few of the sweaters/cardigans Gudrun shapes the bottom edge so it doesn't hang in a straight line. I love this design element so much. Braeburn (above), McIntosh, and Brock all have this feature.  


What a stunning color!

The setting for the photos is breathtaking and there are lots of extra photos included in the book.


Gudrun models with her daughter in the book along with several other mother daughter teams. They are all fresh, real and adorable together. I love this sweet cardigan, Empire, above. What a perfect all-season piece for any wardrobe.

By the way, if you haven't noticed the projects in the book are all named after different kinds of apples. That makes it even better in my eyes!


Who doesn't love a chunky cowl? If you don't want to start teaching someone to knit with a sweater Gudrun offers some simple accessories knit on big needles that will do the trick. Instant gratification is motivating for everyone, hands down.


Here is Gudrun with her beautiful daughter both wearing Soay. I am making this little cardigan, too. I love Gudrun's expression of pride and love while looking at her daughter in the photo above. This photo tells a story. Knit with Me is simply a treat, a feast for the eyes, an inspiring sampling.... you can tell that so much love and effort went into this amazing collection.

I love Knit with Me on so many levels. You don't have to be teaching someone to knit to enjoy this book of simple, fast, doable, affordable projects (yes, the yarn is so affordable!). The pairing of Gudrun Johnston and Quince is genius. Quince & Co. makes knitting accessible to everyone with affordable quality yarns and patterns. You can't go wrong, trust me.

I am happy to offer a copy of Knit with Me to one lucky winner today! Please leave one and only one comment on this blog post that includes your Ravelry ID or your email address. Remember to be patient when posting a comment. There is a delay before your comment will appear and is posted on the blog because I have to approve each comment to avoid spam. I will contact the winner in a few days to collect a mailing address so Gudrun can get you your book. 

Good luck and let the comments begin!
best, susie


536 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   401 – 536 of 536
Maureen said...

I'd love to win this book. My daughter just aged out of the teen category, but she still likes me to knit for her. Teachermom on rav

Maureen said...

I'd love to win this book. My daughter just aged out of the teen category, but she still likes me to knit for her. Teachermom on rav

Libba said...

So many cute patterns . . . where to start would be my question! Thank you for this opportunity!

retiredtoknit on ravelry

Tuxbird said...

I love all the projects in this book and they are perfect in the lovely Quince & Co yarns! Thanks for the giveaway! Kristy (rav ID: tuxbird)

Sharlene said...

I would love to knit something from this book and give these yarns a try! :)
KnitterNinjaShar (ravelry)

Camanoah said...

Looks like a lovely book. Thanks for the opportunity to win it!

Camanoah said...

Looks like a lovely book. Thanks for the opportunity to win it!

Kristen said...

beautiful! this will truly be the year of the sweater for me. i have a cart full of sweater quantity purchases! if i dont win, i will definitely be purchasing this book.

mamaholmes on ravelry

L said...

Such a beautiful giveaway and thank you.

Rav: hollyberries

Judee said...

Beautiful!

Twila said...

Love Love Love this book!!
Like you - I love that the names are all apples!!
NCTwila on Ravelry

Donnaj said...

Some of these patterns look great, would love to have this book, thank you.

adodds said...

I agree. It looks like a great book. I love it when my two daughters enjoy my knitting. My youngest daughter has knit a bit and this would encourage her to do more.
Anita
adodds@bresnan.net

Kerri said...

Redheads are so beautiful in greens and blues aren't they. There are already 3 projects I can see for me and more for daughters and even my granddaughters. Possibly it will become the go to granny book for pretty yet sensible patterns.

Kezurina (Rav id)

Carolyn said...

This is such a great book! I have 4 daughters and 4 granddaughters, what fun sweaters to make for all of us.
Rav name: cmjanz

Miriam said...

What an exciting book! I have 2 daughters that I knit for.
Thanks for the giveaway!
knitmim on Ravelry

smozerose said...

Great looking patterns, love how they seem to include a lot of different styles and sizes!

Mary Rose

Rav ID: smozerose

Anonymous said...

Looks Fabulous! I'd love to win and try the great designs!
mamagiff on rav

Lynn said...

I've been excited about this new book since I first heard about it. Being a very petite woman, I'd LOVE to have the option of knitting from either the child's or adult's size range.

--flowerdancer on Ravelry

Sue said...

Me, me, pick me!

sojourner said...

I enjoyed a class with this lovely lady at Vogue Knitting Live Chicago last October...would love to have her book and begin a knit along next week with MY daughter! Hoping to win!

cathylou on ravelry

sojourner said...

I enjoyed a class with this lovely lady at Vogue Knitting Live Chicago last October...would love to have her book and begin a knit along next week with MY daughter! Hoping to win!

cathylou on ravelry

asteride said...

You are lucky! My daughters do not really appreciate knitting, so I mainly knit for my friends and for my husband and me. But this book seems really nice.

KimmyZ said...

Susan, I enjoy your very informative Web site, and I'm with you on the Ambrosia cardigan. The design is a winner for sure! I just LOVE the picture of you wearing your darling socks and Mary Janes (header photo). Your photos are always FAB.
Hugs, KimmyZ

Michelle Martino said...

Beautiful knits! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

Michelle Martino said...

Beautiful knits! Thank you for the opportunity to win!

Jane said...

Pick me!!
jkettlewell on Ravelry

MarieAnge said...

Beautiful book!
I do hope i win it :)

jenbrook96 said...

What a great book. I would love to win it! ravelry id: jenbrook96

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the chance! Love the sweater designs.

Nancy N (n2n on Ravelry)

Carol Perecman said...

Fun concept, lovely patterns, great yarn. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
ceejay on Rav

amyroz said...

What a fun book. amyroz on ravelry. amyroz@hotmail.com

amyroz said...

Fun! amyroz on ravelry

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the chance to win this wonderful book. So many possibilities!

Rav ID. Knitty48

Stefanie said...

What a beautiful concept. The designer looks fabulous and her dUghter is cute.

tjf said...

I really love the idea of this book. I have 4 daughters who all knit - I wonder how hard it would be to get all of us knitting a sweater together!
Tricia (tjfjmj on ravelry)

slmiller8 said...

Lots of great projects in this book, would love to make some of them!

Jenn said...

Love her designs! Knitnlit AT gmail DOT com

Word Lily said...

Looks like a fantastic collection!

I'm WordLily on Rav.

Pat Salvatini said...

And who doesn't love apples? Thank you for sharing this wonderful book.

Pat (plynn)

Valerie said...

Having just taught my daughter to knit, this would be so fun to win. :)

valeriebee - rav id

Valerie said...

Having just taught my daughter to knit, this would be so fun to win! :)

valeriebee - rav id

Colleen said...

What a great way to start 2013! Thanks for the offering :o)

Anonymous said...

Love this book! kholden62 on Ravelry!

Ruth said...

no daughters but i am sure i can find someone to knit along with. happy new year!
Rav id: RLake

Ruth said...

no daughters but i am sure i can find someone to knit along with. happy new year!
Rav id: RLake

Tanya said...

I would love a chance to win. Thank you
Tanya

dorholt on Rav

Laurelena said...

What a fantastic book! I'd be excited to win.

Laurelena on Ravelry

Laurelena said...

What a fantastic book! I'd be excited to win.

Laurelena on Ravelry

Anonymous said...

I agree with your/other comments - what a wonderful collection and a lovely idea to work with a family member for knitting. I'd love to do this with my daughter!

Olywnsdtr on Ravelry


Charlene said...

Designs are lovely. Lots of inspiration! Count me in please!

Juliaknit said...

I love her designs! Thanks for the chance to win.

Juliaknit on Ravelry

tussah said...

Looks lovely! i'm using Quince yarn in a project now and love it!
jamaica72001@yahoo.com

MaryjoO said...

lovely giveaway -- projects to look forward to!
MaryjoO on Rav

Sarah said...

Just got some Quince yarn to try out, the colours are lovely!
RavID - Sarah-Michelle

Kell said...

I've been drooling over these patterns and the book. Thanks for having the contest! It looks like a beautiful book.

Kelley
kellpatt on Ravelry

Mrs.Witt said...

What a great book! I can't wait to teach my daughter to knit!!

Ravelry: Wittknitter2011

Unknown said...

I love the designs and Quince is my absolute favorite! Thanks for the giveaway
EmmaJBurton on Ravelry
emmajoyce34@gmail.com

ruth moira said...

Oh, so gorgeous! (ruthmoira on ravelry)

ruth moira said...

Oh, so gorgeous! (ruthmoira on ravelry)

Julie said...

I have been eyeing this book for myself and my 2 daughters. Love it!

ravelry: jowen

Unknown said...

Love the patterns ! The photography is exceptional. I will end up purchasing this book if I don't win. Thanks for this opportunity!
Rav ID kathy02125

Ann said...

This is a really cute book.

rav: missdeviant

indigoeddy said...

So many wonderful designs...
RavId hutch

rfoster said...

LOVE the Granny Smith sweater! Fingers crossed!
RavID: rfoster515
email: rfoster515@gmail.com

Michelle said...

All of the projects are so lovely. What a treasury!

RavID: RainMomma

rfoster said...

LOVE the Granny Smith sweater! Fingers crossed!
RavID: rfoster515
email: rfoster515@gmail.com

Melissa said...

This book looks fantastic!

MelMcMen on Ravelry

amelia said...

What an excellent looking book!

My ravelry id is ameliabarnaby

Suzy Creamcheese said...

I'd love this book, now that the holidays are over. I'd like to knit myself something :)
rav id: SuzannahJane

andrea said...

Such beautiful patterns in this book, I can't even decide what I would knit first. I would love to win a copy.
Rav name: andiRN

Leslie J said...

Such cute patterns! Thanks for the giveaway. --Leslie, thefinalgirl on Ravelry

stacyaber said...

Wonderful idea. Just finished using Lark yarn and found it was one of the best yarns I have ever knitted with.-Stacy

stacyaber said...

Wonderful idea. And I do love that Lark yarn from Quince.-Stacy

Maegan Beishline said...

Would love to win this book! Thanks so much for the opportunity!

madelinebea on Ravelry

Mary or Woolarious on Ravelry said...

Looks like a wonderful book..I'd love to try some of the patterns for my nieces and their daughters. That would be so much fun! Thanks for the offer. Hope I win!!

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed reading your review! Thanks! My hands are itching to knit some of these beauties... :)

emilyundecided on ravelry

Unknown said...

I love the story and the patterns. Thanks for the beautiful review!
Rebecca in AK - Hickorie on Ravelry

Anna Fuhrmann said...

HOW INSPIRING!!! I would love to dig into these patterns!!! Thanks for sharing such an incredible post. Rav ID AnnieF

sheryl said...

This book looks completely beautiful. I love all of the patterns. My rav name is ImpossiblyAlice.

Anonymous said...

I love all the empire knits - they suit me best. Gorgeous patterns!! :)

mrsskip on Ravelry

Charlene said...

Lovely designs! I'm in!

Patti K Trygg said...

Would absolutely LoVe to have a copy of Knit With Me!!!

Melissa @ Miso Crafty Knits said...

Thanks for the incredible opportunity to win this book! I absolutely love Gudrun Johnston's pattern, they are so easy to follow and spot on. I have yet to try Quince & Co yarns, something I must remedy if I'm going to knit all of these lovely designs in this book!

Rav ID: MisoCraftyKnits

Anonymous said...

Love ambrosia. Would love to knit something from this book. Puppet5 ravelry id

Anonymous said...

Looks like a terrific book with lots of wearable patterns.
EllieA on Rav

beth said...

Thank you for the giveaway!
Beth
Ravelry ID= bethanna2769

Unknown said...

Someday I will may have a grandaughter, but I would love to teach my grandson to knit along with Grandma D. No gender in knitting. (svensond on Ravelry)

Unknown said...

Someday I will may have a grandaughter, but I would love to teach my grandson to knit along with Grandma D. No gender in knitting. (svensond on Ravelry)

kmajor_tyree said...

Beautiful designs! Would love to share this with my two daughters.

Kathleen said...

Beautiful designs - would love to share with my two daughters!

Kathleen said...

Beautiful designs - would love to share with my two daughters!

Carlotta said...

I'd love a copy of this great book! Thanks!

Jess said...

What a great contest! I love Gundren's designs. My rav id is edifyarcane. :)

Theresa said...

Thanks for the great giveaway! I love Gundtun's patterns but haven't tried one yet.
starrynight11 on rav

Anonymous said...

So many interesting and beautiful patterns. I found a few I could see in my closet (and wow, the size options, thank you!) Hard not to think of my four-year-old growing up and sharing some of these with her. (She's learning to knit on a lucet, a good start!

Rachel said...

Looks like a lovely book to have.

I am Dodiraz on Ravelry.

Amy said...

There are so many patterns in this book that I want to make & I have some Quince in my stash ready to go!

Booeyedee on Ravelry

Kathy said...

I was just admiring these patterns earlier. I am kearle on rav

Dawn said...

Thanks for the chance to win! Looks like a great book.

knittedhat on Ravelry

Unknown said...

A book to celebrate women and knitting. What's not to love?

Sando on rav

mzcat said...

Beautiful designs and photos. Thank you for making someone lucky.

rav id: ptreyes

Anonymous said...

I would love to knit some of the beautiful patterns from this book with my wonderful mother!! Thank you for the amazing giveaway!

cupcakegirlie (ravelry ID)

Geri geri_barnes@comcast.net said...

Love the little details on the sweaters! My daughter and I share our clothes and I would love to try these designs.
gerib242 on Ravelry

ruth said...

Oh I have been so excited baout this book. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the chance to win!

Camille said...

Such a great book! Would be perfect for knitting with my friend's daughter.

Camille

Knitopus on Ravelry

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the giveaway. Such beautiful photos. Please enter me. Laura (lauraog@eastlink.ca). Thanks

Jordyn said...

Would absolutely LOVE to have this book!

Anonymous said...

What great book idea! It looks lovely. I taught one of my daughters to knit this summer and the other just asked for a lesson!
Margie
smithmks on Ravelry

Anonymous said...

Love them all, but the ambrosia is my favorite.
~Lexikate81 on Ravelry

Unknown said...

Simply adorable

Rav: gabsdicap

Nancy said...

Happy New Year to you and your cute family, Susan! As always, your blog makes me anxious to try new things, new yarns, new patterns. Would love to win this beautiful book. Thanks to you both for the offer.

Nancy in Carmel
Nanheiner@gmail.com

donnadb said...

Gorgeous and so joyful! I have a knitting daughter and this book would surely inspire both of us. I'm paksenarrion on Ravelry.

csndyrn said...

I missed Gudrun at Green Mountain Spinnery retreat. Love the patterns and photos in this book.

Olivia (sethney on Ravelry said...

The patterns look so wonderful in this book! It will be a knit off between me and my grandaughter, age 13. I think we must begin with the hat.

Kendra said...

I might be too late but this book looks fantastic!

Kendra said...

I might be too late to enter, but this book looks too fantastic not to try!

MNetzer said...

What a great looking book of patterns! I love the idea of knitting something with my daughter or maybe even with someone you are teaching. The patterns look great.

Melody redmelbug on Ravelry

Erin said...

This collection looks gorgeous, and the review is lovely and thoughtful. Thanks for the giveaway!

rav id: ordinerinlee

Natalie said...

How beautiful and touching! As a daughter who taught her mother to knit, this book looks like such a joy!

Lucy said...

Beautiful pictures and knits!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful book. You find such great things. skispinner on ravelry
Imler_sharon@verizon.net

Unknown said...

What a beautiful collection of patterns! Thanks for a chance to win.
javajennie on Ravelry
Jennie

Unknown said...

Thanks for a chance to win. Looks like a fabulous collection!
Jennie/javajennie

mountain girl said...

I just love that little cardigan!
mia@pocoleon.com

Unknown said...

What a cool book! I would knit almost every design. Such cute cardigans! Thanks for making it a giveaway.
Natale
coolwaterhotsun

Anonymous said...

I have just discovered Quince and Co. and can't get enough! You introduced me to knitting and I will always be grateful.
CindyMcD on Ravelry

Unknown said...

this looks like a great book I like the whole mother daughter knitting idea

Unknown said...

this looks like a great book I like the whole mother daughter knitting idea

Aurore said...

I'd love to have this book! Thanks for the giveaway!
zloty on Ravelry

Pixiewear (ravelry name) said...

how lovely! thanks for the chance!

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure if I;m too late but...this book look wonderful.

sanderling on ravelry

Laura T said...

I'm not sure if you have posted a winner or not but this book looks delightful!
LauraT
LauraT on RAV

Anonymous said...

Please enter me in the giveaway!

sigfridpettersen63@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

This looks like a great book, with 3 DDs I'm sure this would last a long time, tho more Big Sis and Me ;)
I would love my eldest to move on to knitting a sweater :)

Rebz on ravelry

KimmyZ said...

Oh, such darling designs. I'd love to knit them all.

Hugs, Kimmy
Rav ID: KimmyZ

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