ISLAND // Review & Giveaway!!

It's absolutely no secret that I'm a huge fan of both Jane Richmond and of her work.  If you've ever had the chance to meet her or to knit one of her patterns then you already know that they are just lovely.  I've knit and completed I think 7 of her designs and have at least another 3 or 4 more currently on the needles.  I really don't think I have to even say it, but Jane is definitely one of my favourite knitwear designers.

When I found out last year that Jane was self-publishing her first book, a collection of designs inspired by the picturesque island that we both live on, I knew I was going to love it.  And after seeing the sneak peeks and ultimately the beautiful video put together by Jane's partner in crime, Shannon (of Luvinthemommyhood fame), I knew that I was going to have to get my grabby little hands on a book.  If you been reading this blog for a while, then you know exactly what I did when I got a book.  If not, you can read about that llittle tidbit here.

So anyhoo, when Jane emailed me asking if I would like to be a part of her ISLAND blog tour (I squee'd and took the moment to dance a little jig), you can bet that I didn't even have to think about it.  Of course the answer was going to be yes!!

In case you haven't had the chance to take a look at ISLAND, it's a beautiful collection of 5 pieces all inspired by life on Vancouver Island.  This collection contains something for everyone: a pair of fingerless mitts, a cowl, a hat, a scarf, and a cardigan.  Each piece designed in true Jane Richmond style - they all have a timeless, elegant look that will cater to any age group for any occasion.

If the patterns weren't enough, the photography and the book itself are absolutely stunning.  Jane was aiming for a coffee table book aesthetics and ISLAND is definitely there.  I had a non-knitterly friend over for a visit and the book caught her eye, it didn't dawn on her that she was flipping through a knitting pattern book until she reached the last page and realized she was looking at a pattern.  All photography is done by Jane's brother, Nicholas Kupiak, who proves he has an amazing eye for capturing the beauty that Vancouver Island has to offer.  That beauty is only matched by the equally gorgeous model, Kylee Shaw, who exquisitely shows off each piece of the collection perfectly.


:: Rathtrevor ::

A simple pair of fingerless mitts with beaded ribbing detail on the extended cuffs.  Perfect for everyday wear and to whip up as a last minute gift!

:: Renfrew ::

A customizable hat shown in the slouchy style, its reverse stockinette perfectly highlights the beautiful mock cable panel that runs along the side.

:: Strathcona ::

An elegant lace mesh scarf with sloped garter ends.  Knit in a solid shade for a truly timeless addition to your wardrobe, or knit in a tonal or even a variegated for something funky.  Either way, this design is truly a must-have transitional piece for all seasons.

:: Arbutus ::

A uniquely constructed cowl consisting of short rows to create stacks of fabric for the look of a double wrapped cowl but without the bulk.  Seriously, the perfect pattern to knit up using that special skein of DK weight yarn that you've been saving!

:: Grace ::

My absolutely favourite design out of the entire collection!  Grace has all the elements that make it a true Jane Richmond design: it's a top-down classic raglan cardigan that's semi-fitted with enough detail in the simple lace yoke that you can wear season after season.  As with all of Jane's cardigan designs, this one will also be a closet staple that you will find yourself wearing year after year!  

I'm going to let you in on something.  Shhhh!  I secretly wish that Jane will stop publishing cardigan patterns for a few years just so that I can have the time to knit up a Grace cardigan (and a Georgia...and an Audrey) in every colour.  I know that sounds extremely selfish of me to say, but I really do want a Grace in a kelly green, a cobalt blue, and possibly a saffron yellow.  Oh heck, why not throw in a Grace in a heathered grey too.  I was really hoping to have my Grace ready and photographed for this post, but sadly I'm still on a button hunt.  I thought I found the perfect buttons last week, but now I'm not so sure.  It's killing me that my cardigan doesn't have buttons yet as I'm dying to wear it.  Or at least, to wear it out of the house.  Yes, I will admit that I've been wearing it around the house, but should really stop so that it will still look "fresh off the needles" by the time I get around to taking any proper photos of me wearing it!

In the meantime I've got skeins lined up just waiting to be turned into a Renfrew, a Rathtrevor, a few Strathconas (hey, Christmas is only 10 months away!)...and possibly a handful of Arbutuses (do I have to mention how many months there are until Christmas again?).  Has anyone figured out how to get more hours into a day yet?

If you want to get your hands on a copy of ISLAND, you can get print copies through Amazon.ca, Amazon.com, and Amazon.co.uk.  If your LYS doesn't have ISLAND in stock, you should ask them to!

For the eBook and individual patterns go to:

:: Website :: Ravelry :: Etsy :: 

Want a chance to WIN your own signed copy of the book?  Well look no further!  Jane generously gave me a book to give away to one lucky reader, and that reader can be you!!  Yay!!!  Thank you SO much Jane for having me on your blog tour and for giving me the chance to host a giveaway on the blog for your fabulous book!!  ♥

** Giveaway is now closed!  **

** Thank you to all who have entered! **

:: THE PRIZE ::
One lucky reader will receive a signed (by Jane, obviously!) copy of ISLAND.

:: THE RULES ::
:: The giveaway is open to everyone (International readers, I'm looking at you guys!)
:: The giveaway ends one week from now, so Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 12:00 midnight PST.
:: All comments must include either a valid email address, Ravelry ID, or some way that I can contact you.
:: Winner will be chosen via random number generator and will be contacted within 24 hours after giveaway ends.

:: HOW TO ENTER ::
Leave a comment telling me which of these patterns you want to knit...and because I'm nosey but it's not mandatory, tell me what yarn you'd like to knit it in.

Good luck!!

♥ Happy Knitting! ♥


* Please note: all photos in this post are © Nicholas Kupiak.