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!





237 comments:

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Lisa said...

Beautiful!

lisa8978@gmail.com

Sarah V. (Barf Green Is Best) said...

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

Anonymous said...

This book seems to be very interesting indeed.

Emily said...

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

Kathy said...

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

Monica said...

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.

Clumsy Knitter said...

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. :)

Cami said...

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

Boom said...

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

Kristen said...

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

z said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

a day in the life of a davis said...

Ooh La La!
jm.cldavis@gmail.com

OneOfTheHive (Heidi) said...

WOAH!!! That grey sweater is beautiful!

Congratulations on your wonderful news!!!

oneofthehive at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

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

Kate said...

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

Seraphimgirl said...

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

dixiestitches said...

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!

Suburban prep said...

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

Starry said...

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

K said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Anonymous said...

Looks great!

Joanne said...

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

missmuffetnz on Rav

Debbie said...

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

Carla said...

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

MicheleStitches said...

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

marie-france said...

I'd love to win this book!

Anonymous said...

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

yu lian knits [at] gmail [dot] com

Pheasant said...

wow, this book looks amazing!

troy and christina said...

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

RachelUnraveled said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
RachelUnraveled said...

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

rmr092183@yahoo.com

aliasrlene said...

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

Tammy said...

Would love to win this!

Megan said...

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

Virginia said...

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

Poethead said...

Very interesting! Thank you again for offering the drawing.

Julie said...

Those sweaters rock! ME???

Alexandra said...

No kidding, those do look cozy.

marie.quackk@gmail.com

rinebird said...

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

rinebird@gmail.com

Kerri said...

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

Anna said...

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

JelliDonut said...

So sorry Blogger bit you. I happened to chose that particular time to be a blogging slacker, so I guess I dodged the bad luck.

That book looks really cool. I've been curious about that type of construction. Thanks for a nice giveaway.

SimplyMe said...

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

Kristina Knits said...

I would love this book! Kristiknits@gmail.com

sock lover said...

I love it!!

mary said...

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

Kristal said...

Oh that looks wonderful!

kristi said...

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

ohdessa said...

This book looks beautiful!

odessa.who.rox@gmail.com

RubyC said...

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

Awa said...

what a cool construction!

Unknown said...

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

Unknown said...

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

Unknown said...

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

Suzeq22knits said...

These are beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

Kelly said...

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

em said...

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

Rebekah Pope said...

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

rebekahpope @ comcast.net

Cinnamon said...

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

Angel said...

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

Zeddy said...

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

cindymen said...

This looks like a lot of fun!

cindymen96@gmail.com

Cara said...

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

Lucy said...

What a great giveaway!

Zenitude said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Julia said...

Count me in! Those sweaters are so intriguing!

Erin said...

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

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

Kate (KnitsInClass) said...

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

Merna said...

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

melanie said...

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.

Susannah said...

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

Little NutMeg Productions said...

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

Denise said...

Looks really interesting :-)

cori said...

ooooh, so pretty!

Vanessa said...

These are definitely intriguing!

Kristina said...

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

tea said...

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

Anonymous said...

Wow, this looks lovely!

corinne.fourcade @ gmail.com

Unknown said...

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

Ref said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ref said...

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

Wu said...

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

tw.bonjour@gmail.com

dessi9 said...

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

Margote said...

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

marie-emmanuelle@mageos.com

kristal135 said...

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

Robin said...

I love the idea of a sweater with one seam!

Visa Lisa said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Visa Lisa said...

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

janita said...

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

teresa said...

Uauauau! I want this book, please!

teresanasci@gmail.com

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rachelle said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Estella said...

Love this book! Thanks for another great contest.

Betty said...

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

bgeorge1957@hotmail.com

sara said...

Thanks for the great giveaway!

norabrown said...

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. :)

Little Miss S. said...

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

Teri said...

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

-tmr714@hotmail.com

Kamigaeru said...

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

Katie Lohrenz said...

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.

Suzanne said...

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

Sangeetha said...

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

Carla said...

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

Michelle said...

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

Jen Price said...

Those sweaters look fabulous!

Kristin said...

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

Congratulations!

RAv ID kristinfitzgerald

MotherHenKnits said...

Very cool designs!

Missy said...

Interesting!
mkrids on Ravelry

SillyLittleLady said...

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

Barb Dukes said...

This might even get me to make something for ME!

Anonymous said...

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

autumngeisha said...

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

L. P. said...

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

Unknown said...

Love those fascinating shaped sweaters...so different!

Kim said...

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

lucyinthesky1 said...

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)

Hannah said...

Beautiful book!

pat said...

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

slmiller8 said...

Wow-beautiful sweaters!

slmiller8@hotmail.com

Emily said...

Ooh how lovely!

Natalie Rush said...

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

Sandy said...

OMG! I want one

G. K. Green said...

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

Vicky said...

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

K said...

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

Rachael said...

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!

mhchong said...

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

mhchong@aol.com

Cakewalk Yarns said...

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

BikerChicKnits said...

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

m&m said...

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

mdsmassage@yahoo.com

Lauren said...

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

Raime said...

It looks like a lot of fun

Rav ID: MamaRamelade

Catherine said...

Intriguing concept I'd like to check out.

Andrea said...

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.

Bethany said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Chppie said...

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.

RRM said...

Oh I love the Book hope to be the Winner.

diane starkey said...

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

Diane

Kathy said...

Such an interesting book - these sweaters look amazing!

Jessica said...

Very interesting book!
Jpeled on ravelry

Lisa said...

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

Holly said...

What fun sweaters!

Kathleen said...

This book looks incredible! Please count me in!

Katie L. said...

I really like the longer cream colored sweater.

Katie.lustig@gmail.com

harriet said...

Those sweaters look beautiful. Must be a great book.

Anonymous said...

Interesting sweaters!

Charlenen (keppygirl on ravelry)

Kat said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

Bethany said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Alexandra said...

Wow! Those sweaters are beautiful!

alexandraknits AT gmail DOT com

Elledub said...

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

Abby said...

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

Ana said...

Very interesting and beautiful!
Ana
anahuron@gmail.com

Francie said...

Looks like a great book. Beautiful sweaters!

Thanks for the chance to win.

Francie
francieos@yahoo.com

Brenda said...

what a great looking book!

(goodstuff on Rav)

Unknown said...

Great looking patterns (jocelyng on Ravelry).

Judy said...

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

paigely said...

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

Meg said...

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

Deb said...

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

stephigordon said...

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

Shelley said...

I really really really want this ... eek!

sbengert2003atyahoodotca

Thanks for the opportunity!
Shelley

Anonymous said...

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

knitterlydesigns said...

These are lovely!

knitterlydesigns on Ravelry

Kerry said...

Looks fascinating!

shannon said...

looks like a beautiful book!

kendra said...

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

Kaylee said...

Fantastic!

karisat@gmail.com

Cornelia said...

Wunderful! Beautiful! Bye Cornelia

Unknown said...

Another great contest!

Estella said...

Thanks for this contest!

mjknits said...

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

Linda said...

These patterns are so interesting. They also look flattering.

lbstackow@msn.com

ECarey said...

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

asjknits said...

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

Anonymous said...

Looks really interesting. Thanks for sharing it!

Unknown said...

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

Missy knits said...

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

Anonymous said...

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!

Teresa said...

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

polkaknits said...

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

Twirl Design said...

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

yodafatkitty said...

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

Frankly Beka said...

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

boc1 said...

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

Anglouise said...

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

Anglouise said...

Forgot to leave my email!
Anglouise88@gmail.com

blue said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Millertime Productions said...

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

ravelry: millertime

Pachie said...

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

Larissa said...

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

larissa.amoroso@gmail.com

cksknitter said...

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

KathyR said...

A great looking book!

roseleafibresATyahooDOTcom

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