5.15.2011

Week 8: Book Review: Knit, Swirl!



Thank you so so much for all of the kind comments that everyone left on my last post!
Unfortunately Blogger has been strange the past few days and temporarily took my last two posts down. 
They finally got them back up but all of the first comments that were left are now gone. :(

I wouldn't have minded on any other post, but the last post was so special that I would have really liked to have kept all of your comments there. So disappointing!

Anyways, I'm back with a final book review before the beginning of my next podcast season. Originally I was only planning on reviewing seven books but I was sent this book during the past few weeks and I liked it so much I thought I'd add it on!

This is a brand new knitting book just hitting the shelves now... Knit, Swirl! by Sandra McIver.



This book contains patterns for beautiful, one piece circular shaped sweaters.
I think that the information on the inside jacket of Knit, Swirl! sums up the premise of this book very well.

It reads:

Elegant Design
Flattering Fit
Flexible Sizing
Versatile Styling

Basic Knitting Skills
Minimal Finishing
One Piece, One Seam

Eighteen Patterns 
In Four Dramatic
Silhouettes


Sounds like the perfect sweater doesn't it?
I want one!


Although each pattern follows the same theme, each sweater is different. 
The book contains lots of options regarding shape, measurement and style.

If only I had more knitting time, I would honestly love to knit one of these! 
The construction seems unusual and fun and the finished sweater itself seems so cozy and flattering.

The first thing that really attracted me to this book were the beautiful large photographs.
Here are a few of my favorite sweaters pictured.





I highly recommend that you check out this book. Its a gorgeous publication and the sweaters seem very wearable and easy to make. The style of these sweater looks like it would be flattering on a variety of body shapes and sizes.

Also.. this particular book that I will be giving away is autographed by the designer!


If you would like to enter to win this copy of Knit, Swirl! please leave a comment under this post.
Remember to please include your contact information and only one comment per person please.

Ill announce the winner of this drawing next week!

I already mentioned this on the blog, but as a reminder.. the winner of last weeks drawing for the 
Vogue Knitting Knitopedia was Susan J. Congratulations!





236 comments:

  1. Beautiful!

    lisa8978@gmail.com

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  2. What a neat looking book! I'm surprised at how wearable and versatile the sweaters look. Lovely!

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  3. This book seems to be very interesting indeed.

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  4. Wow! This looks like a fantastic book. I am so glad that you showed it to us, Alana. Congrats again on your "works in progress"! :)
    emily.falke@gmail.com

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  5. I've had my eye on a sweater like this. Would love the book!

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  6. These are totally my kind of sweaters...I would LOVE to knit these....
    And I think my comment was one of the ones deleted by blogger..so here it is again.....CONGRATS! and I hope to see some boy-knits now....I need some inspiration.

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  7. Just in case it disappeared before: Congratulations on your big news!!!

    Also, that book looks amazing. I'm going to be keeping an eye out for it. :)

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  8. This looks very cool! Thanks for the contest, Alana! artlikebread(at)gmail(dot)com

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  9. I like the swirl knits and the circular design. I think this looks like some fun to knit up.

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  10. Congrats on the big news of the baby boy on the way! i am expecting my first baby in september and completely relate to the first three months in bed :). this book is so gorgeous and interesting. I would love to get my hands on it!
    k-knits on ravelry

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  11. Book looks really great! Would make a great addition to my wrap sweater knitting!

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  12. Looks like a very cool, unique book! I want it!!

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  13. WOAH!!! That grey sweater is beautiful!

    Congratulations on your wonderful news!!!

    oneofthehive at gmail dot com

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  14. Congratulations! and thank for the opportunity to try to win this book. mimoknits@gmail.com

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  15. Wow...love the longer length sweater/coats!
    lpmkate@yahoo.com

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  16. This book looks like a dream! I would so love to make these gorgeous creations for gifts as well!

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  17. This book looks fantastic! I've had a "swirl" item in my queue on Ravelry forever and this book would get my going immediately! Thanks!

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  18. The book looks so great. I think it could teach me a lot and the patterns look so spot on.
    msgb245 at gmail dot com

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  19. I really like that and it's not often I say that about a garment for myself.

    I really hope I win!

    You can contact me through @ moosaidthecow (at) hotmail co uk or via blogger

    Thanks for the chance

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  20. Those look amazing! It would be a great first sweater project for me! Love it!

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  21. Could you please stop posting books that makeme wantto run to the bookstore? :). So cool! I would love a copy! Reikimom on ravelry

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  22. Great book - unique and flattering designs of a range of shapes and sizes - brilliant!

    missmuffetnz on Rav

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  23. I would love to win! It looks like a wonderful book. Debbie in Alaska
    gussek at hotmail dot com

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  24. Would I ever love to win! Please put my name in the hat!

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  25. Lucky you to get books sent to you for review. Lucky us that you are willing to give them away! Pick me, please.

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  26. I'd love to win this book. Thanks for the chance to win.

    yu lian knits [at] gmail [dot] com

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  27. I made a child's version of this style of sweater. I really liked it.
    -christina
    bowie on Ravelry

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  29. I am very intrigued by this construction method and I definitely want to check this book out!

    rmr092183@yahoo.com

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  30. The sweaters are awesome and photograpy amazing! I would love to own this book! Thanks Alana!

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  31. One seam, sign me up!! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

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  32. love the sweater construction-certainly would make for an interesting knit

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  33. Very interesting! Thank you again for offering the drawing.

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  34. No kidding, those do look cozy.

    marie.quackk@gmail.com

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  35. I would love to have this book.I have been looking for sweaters that cover.Thank you

    rinebird@gmail.com

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  36. I'd love to win this book. I am especially love the semi-sheer yellow sweater. Absolutely beautiful! Also, congrats on your two WIPs :)

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  37. Those sweaters look really cute and cozy. I'd love to win. Thanks for the giveaway. aasinanna (at) gmail (dot) com

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  38. These sweaters look great! I think one of these would be perfect for my mother-in-law.

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  39. I would love this book! Kristiknits@gmail.com

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  40. At first I didn't think it was my kind of sweater, but after looking at the pictures, I can't wait to make one for myself!

    Marybeezo(AT)aol(DOT)com

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  41. Looks great! I've admired that type of sweater before. Would love to win!

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  42. This book looks beautiful!

    odessa.who.rox@gmail.com

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  43. This book is on my Amazon as I want it so bad. I love the style in this book. I want this book.

    Thanks Alana. And Congrats on the new little one that will be blessing your home soon.

    Thanks for sharing with us.

    Rav: mzcruse
    mzcruse(at)gmail(dot)com

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  44. These sweaters are beautiful! Another one to add to my Amazon cart...

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  45. Oh Oh Oh I MUST HAVE THIS BOOK!!! I love that sweater and the fact that the variations would allow me to make multiple sweaters from different yarns and they would all look unique. Love it
    Also, congratulations on adding to your family! As many have said before me, can't wait to see what this little man will do to inspire you in the children's clothing arena! nire58@aol.com

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  46. I just saw the ad for this book yesterday, and here you have it. Great taste! I want this book.

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  47. These are beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

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  48. The patterns look interesting to knit and wear! My e-mail address is on my blogger profile.

    Thanks for the chance,
    Kelly

    all-about-knitting.blogspot.com

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  49. Someone else mentioned that book on their blog recently, and I had a looksee. I would LOVE to have a copy.

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  50. Wow! What a pretty book. I would love to knit one of these sweaters.

    rebekahpope @ comcast.net

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  51. I just saw this book on Knitter's Review and liked it immediately. I would love to win a copy!

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  52. Oh what an amazing book! Please add my name to the list of interested knitters!
    Thank you for telling us about this book!

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  53. I love how the sweaters fit a variety of body types!

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  54. This looks like a lot of fun!

    cindymen96@gmail.com

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  55. I've been wanting to do a circular sweater... now would be the perfect time so I could get it done by autumn :)

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  56. I love how easy going those jackets look. They remind me of the Pinwheel sweater I knitted for my grand daughter.
    Ravelry: zenitude

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  57. Those look lovely. Lots of knitting, but so worth it.

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  58. Count me in! Those sweaters are so intriguing!

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  59. how fun! I would love to give one of these patterns a try.

    erin (dot) a (dot) lombardo (at) gmail (dot) com

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  60. I'd love to knit one of those sweaters! Thanks for the great giveaway.
    knitsinclass on Ravelry

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  61. Congratulations! Thanks for these interesting book reviews too.
    Mstrauch at gmail dot com

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  62. It's the first time I see this book, and I must have it! I've been wanting to make a cardi like this for a while now, and the selection is great.

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  63. I'm not much of a sweater-knitter, but this book looks like it might convert me! I would love to receive it!

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  64. Hot Dog that book looks great! Thanks for the chance to win it! :)
    anythingbutsnow-at-gmail-dot-com

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  65. Looks really interesting :-)

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  66. These are definitely intriguing!

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  67. Absolutely, totally in love ♥ The most inspiring I have seen in a long time. Kristina in sweden

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  68. Just what I've been looking for! My daughter has wanted a swirl jacket for a long time...

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  69. Wow, this looks lovely!

    corinne.fourcade @ gmail.com

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  70. So pretty and unusual! Thank you for another great "Give Away" Alana :)

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  72. I've already seen photos from this book and I really want it! So pretty and interesting sweaters!

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  73. I am so fascinated by the patterns.
    Thank you for introducing this gorgeous book.

    tw.bonjour@gmail.com

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  74. That sweater is a dream!I whish it was my dream.

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  75. It's look fantastic ! I'll go to discover it !

    marie-emmanuelle@mageos.com

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  76. Swirl me away !! This book looks great fun. Congratulations again to you and your family such lovely news. Best wishes Kristal135 xx

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  77. I love the idea of a sweater with one seam!

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  79. Ohhh wouldn't wanna miss this chance! What a Great Design Idea!
    visalisa (a) gmail (dot) com

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  80. wow! i really like this book---the sweaters actually look wearable.
    latifa

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  81. Uauauau! I want this book, please!

    teresanasci@gmail.com

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  82. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  83. That looks absolutely beautiful!
    sable at xtra.co.nz

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  84. WOW!
    WOW!
    No really.....
    WOW!
    What an inspiring knitting concept!

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  85. Love this book! Thanks for another great contest.

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  86. Those look great! What an interesting concept- thanks for sharing it with us!

    bgeorge1957@hotmail.com

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  87. Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  88. I've already been drooling over this book. I'll end up getting it, but my pocket book would be happier if I won it. :)

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  89. I hadn't seen the book before, but it makes me want to knit things for autumn already :)

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  90. Those sweaters look so comfortable! This book looks like it would be a great addition to any library.

    -tmr714@hotmail.com

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  91. I've always wanted to make one of these circular jackets, but I didn't know there was a whole book on them. Neat!

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  92. That sounds like a sweater that I could actually make. I get so intimidated with keeping gauge and worrying about fit. But these look great.

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  93. Those look wonderful--kind of like a spin on a pinwheel sweater. I am totally intrigued and will definitely look for this book.

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  94. these look cool and challenging - would like to give one of the patterns a swirl

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  95. Congratulations to you! And that book looks great! So creative and cozy at the same time!

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  96. well this answers a question for me!!! I weas in anthropologie last week and saw this big circle vest thing.....and made a sketch in hopes of figuring out how to knit it....now I know. This book would sure make my quest much much easier.

    THanks,

    Mickerr on RAV

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  97. I love the idea of 1 basic design, and then being able to make it the way you like!!

    Congratulations!

    RAv ID kristinfitzgerald

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  98. Interesting!
    mkrids on Ravelry

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  99. I *LOVE* circle sweaters!! This book would be such a perfect addition to my knitting collection, I would definitely cast on for one of those designs right away :)

    sillylittlelady(at)gmail(dot)com

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  100. This might even get me to make something for ME!

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  101. I've been looking for a good circle sweater pattern.

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  102. Gorgeous! These sweaters look like so much fun to knit. Love the minimal finishing, too.

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  103. I LOVE the big pictures. The long coats are especially flattering. I think I like the grey one best.

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  104. Love those fascinating shaped sweaters...so different!

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  105. Beautiful pictures and congratulations on your new addition. Love, love, love babies!
    kdmead10@gmail.com

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  106. This looks like a fascinating book! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Also, congratulations on your "other project"! One can tell you are really excited about the extension of your family. All good luck for the rest of your pregnancy!

    Juliane (Llule on ravelry)

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  107. Those sweaters look like lots of fun. Talk about a one of a kind!

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  108. Wow-beautiful sweaters!

    slmiller8@hotmail.com

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  109. Looks like a great book!! Thanks for the review. gnatchat@gmail.com

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  110. Please enter me in the book giveaway. How nice of you to keep on with these, too! Thank you ...

    G. K. Green
    gkgreen on ravelry.com
    g_k_green@hotmail.com

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  111. That book looks beautiful! I'm definitely adding this one to my list of books to buy :) Also, congratulations on the new addition!

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  112. This looks great - I'm always trying to challenge my knitting :)

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  113. What gorgeous sweaters! I just got a vintage shawl pin with a cameo on it and I've been looking for something to knit that would need a pin to hold it closed, and it looks like some of these would fit the bill nicely!

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  114. Interesting construction. I'll need to win this book for further evaluation. :)

    mhchong@aol.com

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  115. Gorgeous! I love the construction. Its back down in the 50s again here so I NEED a big cozy sweater..

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  116. I would never have seen this at my LYS. I love the gray one!

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  117. These look so interesting! I would love to try and make something like this!

    mdsmassage@yahoo.com

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  118. Wow, those are gorgeous. I hadn't heard of this book and I'd love to get my hands on a copy!

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  119. It looks like a lot of fun

    Rav ID: MamaRamelade

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  120. Intriguing concept I'd like to check out.

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  121. There are a couple of these examples that look like they deserve a closer look. I would love to win this book. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  122. I just added that book to my wish list this morning.

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  123. These patterns look like they would be a lot of fun to knit!

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  124. The sweaters have a nice, easy to knit and comfy to wear quality about them. Glad you posted the photos so we could really see them up close.

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  125. Oh I love the Book hope to be the Winner.

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  126. I'm swooning! I want to make those sweaters!

    Diane

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  127. Such an interesting book - these sweaters look amazing!

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  128. Very interesting book!
    Jpeled on ravelry

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  129. Beautiful sweaters! I have really enjoyed all of your book reviews.
    Keeping fingers crossed. . .

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  130. This book looks incredible! Please count me in!

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  131. I really like the longer cream colored sweater.

    Katie.lustig@gmail.com

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  132. Those sweaters look beautiful. Must be a great book.

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  133. Interesting sweaters!

    Charlenen (keppygirl on ravelry)

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  134. I have been loving the pinwheel pattern on Ravelry, but it wasn't quite what I was looking for, but I see so many that I love in this book! Thanks for the great giveaways, and looking forward to your podcast.

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  135. What beautiful sweaters! I want to knit one for the fall!
    danettefoster at yahoo dot com

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  136. These sweaters are gorgeous! Would love to win a copy of the book!

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  137. Congrats!! The sweaters in the book are beautiful....jaedoe@yahoo.com

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  138. Wow! Those sweaters are beautiful!

    alexandraknits AT gmail DOT com

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  139. This book looks like a must-have! The designs are beautiful, the materials used are very tempting, and the photography is gorgeous, too.

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  140. I love sweaters! And congratulations- looking forward to boy knitwear...

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  141. Very interesting and beautiful!
    Ana
    anahuron@gmail.com

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  142. Looks like a great book. Beautiful sweaters!

    Thanks for the chance to win.

    Francie
    francieos@yahoo.com

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  143. what a great looking book!

    (goodstuff on Rav)

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  144. Great looking patterns (jocelyng on Ravelry).

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  145. Looks like a great book and I would love win it. Love the podcast and your designs. Judy from Kansas

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  146. ooooh, i would so love to win this!! gorgeous sweaters, especially the yellow one you featured!

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  147. What a wonderful book! I'm dying to look through it and would love to try some of those patterns - they look so original. Thanks for showing it to us:-) Also, congrats on your "work in progress"! I empathize with your last 3 months and I sure hope you are feeling better now!

    mjminn1(at)gmail(dot)com

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  148. I LOVE these sweaters! Thanks again for your great reviews and the giveaway!
    Bennettdebo@gmail.com

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  149. Wow - this book looks amazing! Would love to win! Thank you for the chance! Stephanie (stephi_gordon@yahoo.com)

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  150. I really really really want this ... eek!

    sbengert2003atyahoodotca

    Thanks for the opportunity!
    Shelley

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  151. After hitting the WEBS tent sale on Saturday, I definitely have enough yarn in my stash to knit up one of those. What a fun idea.
    Thank you for opening my eyes to so many different ideas in knitting. Your podcast has renewed my faith in my own knitting more times than I can count. I'm SO looking forward to next season and hearing lots about that little project due in November. I have two little boys (4 and 1), and I'm not seeing any "cast-off" in the foreseeable future! :)
    Thank you Alana!
    KITTY

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  152. These are lovely!

    knitterlydesigns on Ravelry

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  153. Wow! The sweaters look amazing! Maybe with bulkier yarn you and I will both have time to create one of these? It's almost like magic right before your eyes...wearable magic!
    kendraja

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  154. Wunderful! Beautiful! Bye Cornelia

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  155. Congratulations on your new "WIP"! Hears to smooth sailing until November:)There are some beautiful sweater patterns in this book. I'd love to win it... maryjn@earthlink.net

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  156. These patterns are so interesting. They also look flattering.

    lbstackow@msn.com

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  157. Beautiful book! I'd love it. ecareyincville@gmail.com

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  158. I would be so happy to win this book! asjknits@sympatico.ca

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  159. Looks really interesting. Thanks for sharing it!

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  160. I would love to wrap myself in one of those sweaters!

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  161. Wow, those sweaters are amazing! And, no seaming--could it get any better?

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  162. Fantastic looking book. It's the first one you've reviewed that I went immdeiately onto Amazon to order... but they're out of stock. I'll try my hand at winning a copy! Congrats on your news!

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  163. Those swirls look so interesting and wonderful on the models. I would love to knit one for myself!

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  164. I like that from one scheme you can make so different looking sweaters. I'd love to have this book!
    morganah on ravelry

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  165. oooh la la a book after my own heart! It would totally make my day if I won this one....

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  166. Beautiful and functional! haha..I'd love to knit one of these too.

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  167. I can totally see myself rockin' a sweater like those. Maybe with a flouncy scarf ans a baggy berret. I'll cross my fingers and hope to be casting on soon.

    combatboots7[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  168. I would put this book to good use. I am a new knitter and can use all the help I can get. Thank you.

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  169. I just saw this book last night at my LYS. What a beautiful book! These sweaters are absolutely gorgeous!!

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  170. Forgot to leave my email!
    Anglouise88@gmail.com

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  171. looks like something even i could do...
    splendidgibberish@hotmail.com

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  172. I have to admit that when I saw the first picture I thought, "here's another book I'll pass on." I'm glad I kept looking because I think that grey sweater is absolutely fabulous. It looks so cozy and perfect for a walk on the beach.
    bigblueice@yahoo(dot)com

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  173. "Knit, Swirl!" is soooooo my sweater-wearing style! I can't wait to check it out :)

    ravelry: millertime

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  174. I would love to try to knit these beautiful sweaters! Congrats on the news:)

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  175. I'd love to be entered in the drawing. Thanks for the opportunity!

    larissa.amoroso@gmail.com

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  176. What a beautiful book. I'd love to go for a swirl!

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  177. A great looking book!

    roseleafibresATyahooDOTcom

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  178. Thanks for highlighting this book. It looks like a lot of fun!

    Explodingpinecone on Ravelry

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