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:
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.
I love Arbutus, but I think I'm stuck on knitting Grace at some point, preferably in this Sweet Georgia yarn y'all love so much:) hannahr on ravelry
ReplyDeleteI would knit Grace in some Dream in Color Smooshy, Chocolate Night colorway. YUM! Rav amchart
ReplyDeleteDouble ditto on wanting to knit Grace. Love the detail on the back.
ReplyDeletealcbrooks on Ravelry
I also love grace - I am intimidated by an adult sweater having focused on baby stuff more recently but this is so beautiful I am inspired. I would probably look at knitting it with sweet Georgia brown BFL.
ReplyDeleteRavellery ID is Knellie
I would love to knit all the patterns. They are beautiful. Arbutus for my daughters, as well as Grace. Love them all.
ReplyDeleteRavelry ID Mamsy
I love all of the patterns, but I have some Berocco Seduce that I would try to knit the Strathcona out of... it is listed as a worsted weight, but doesn't feel heavy to me... I would play around with needle size, etc. to see if I could make it work - I think it would be lovely! Thank you for the chance to win! Stephanie (indigodogmt on Rav)
ReplyDeleteI have loved Jane Richmond patterns for some time now, and the ones she has put into this book are particularly appealing. I knit many more accessories than sweaters, so I don't know which I would knit first: Renfrew (the hat), Arbutus (the cowl), or Strathcona (the scarf). I'm sure I'll eventually knit them all, but I don't know where I would start. I would LOVE to win this book! Thanks for doing this. Ravelry = suelknits
ReplyDeleteRenfrew is my favorite and a wold perhaps use Jitterbug (colinett) My LYs are about to have a new lode any day now.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the give away, I'm holding my thumbs.
my Ravelry name is Ninnilina
I just love the Renfrew hat! It would be my first pattern on my needles. Then, I woul knit Grace, a perfect Spring cardigan.
ReplyDeleteCecileinIndiana on Rav.
I'd knit Arbutus in Libery Wool. The color changes would be so fun.
ReplyDeleteOooh, so much to choose from! I can´t decide if I´d rather knit the Arbutus in some vibrant green yarn or Grace in black wool cotton. Or green. Or a red one. It seems like a really good cardigan pattern and I live in cold climate so I'd probably make lots... I'm ozelote on Ravelry.
ReplyDeleteRenfrew definitely. Grace absolutely. Probably every pattern in the book eventually. Both in some lovely Sweet Georgia Yarn... Ravelry Zaelia-Blue
ReplyDeleteAnnBan on Ravelry says: I'd start with the Renfrew, and haven't a clue what yarn I'd use. But I'm pretty sure I'll need at 3, so there could be lots of possibilities.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh!! These are all so pretty!! I would obviously want to knit that beautiful cardigan Grace!!! I just knit my first sweater I would love it to be my second one!
ReplyDeleteI'm dropdeadfred on ravelry.
I was actually at a knitting store recently and leafed through this book. It is so lovely. And I started petting some Sweet Georgia Touhg Love Sock in Silver. But they didn't have enough skeins to knit Grace..... so I walked out with nothing. :(
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, one day, this will be mine. :)
Cheryl
I've been really meaning to knit my first cardigan, and Grace is such a lovely pattern! I'm really into Madelinetosh right now, and their Candlewick colorway is so tempting!
ReplyDeleteAnd of course I forget the contact part...I'm princeka on Ravelry :)
DeleteI just knit a cowl in that colourway and love it so much! A cardigan would be amazing!!!!
DeleteIt was love at first sight for Rathtrevor, but this might be the motivation I need to try my hand at sweater knitting...so maybe Grace??? And I would have to do some major research before I decided on which type of yarn, so that is unknown for now.
ReplyDeleteI will keep my fingers crossed!
I would love to knit the Arbutus cowl. I don't really know my yarns that well, so I'm not sure which one I'd use. But probably a soft, lightweight one.
ReplyDeleteI think Grace in Madtosh Pashmina Fathom or some other SQ I might have in my stash.
ReplyDeleteOh I know exactly what I want to knit! :D A whole bunch of strathcona and arbutus for the christmas season! My friends would love them! :D
ReplyDeleteI want to knit them all! I would probably start with Rathtrevor. I have a skein of SweetGeorgia Yarns Merino Silk Fine in boysenberry that would be perfect!
ReplyDeleteRavID: FlannelJammies
I would really love to knit Arbutus, although all the patterns appeal to me! I really, really love cowls though, can't get enough. I might even splurge and knit it in some Sweet Georgia - any base, but I would want the SAFFRON colourway for sure. (SarahVV on Rav)
ReplyDeleteI would start with Grace. Maybe my Brown Sheep Cotton Fine in Parchment?
ReplyDeleteGrace for sure! I'd love to knit it out BT's Loft. I think the woolen spun would give the lace yoke and really lovely rustic feel. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteThose pictures have me pining for the island...
ReplyDeleteI have Grace on my 'to knit' list, and I'd love to knit it using Quince and Co yarn. The Quince yarns are really springy and light, they show stitch definition well, and I love the earthy colours. I think they'd highlight the sweet lace pattern on the yoke, and would really reflect the gently retro vibe that some of Jane's patterns have.
I'd knit Grace..in Madelintosh of some luscious colour! Not just because I need a gorgeous cardigan, but because Grace is my middle name and part of my Rav name, khgracie!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!! I am SO SO SO getting this book! I have a pile of yarn traveling back from NZ as I type!
ReplyDeleteaeronsterner@hotmail.com
aeronsterner on Ravelry
I think I would knit Grace in a Wollmeise (if I lucked into an update). My rav name is janineny2001. I would have liked to see a picture of your Grace even without the buttons!
ReplyDeleteI would knit Grace because I am always looking for classic cardigans with just a hint of interest. The lace detail on top is classic without being stuffy.
ReplyDeleteI am an indie dyer and would love to come up with some kind of sweet and delicate pastel color, either an icy blue or a very soft pink.
OOOOOHHHHHH I think I would attempt to knit them all! Love Grace though! And I'm BarbieWD on Ravelry! As for the yarn....maybe I can finally get to try some Sweet Georgia now that I've tried MadelineTosh! But I really don't know what will speak to me when the time comes....lol
ReplyDeleteArbutus is my first choice. Not sure about my yarn choice, yet. I do like Grace, as well.
ReplyDeleteLynn
LynnIL ravelry
I love the Grace cardigan as well! Lovely book!,
ReplyDeleteI've been ogling these designs since you first posted about them!
ReplyDeleteI love Strathcona, and think it would be gorgeous in Skein Merino/Cashmere Fingering "Savannah" (although I also want to knit one in Springtree Road Moultrie Sock "Blackcurrant Jam"...).
I think I might make Arbutus in Tosh Vintage-- I know the gauge would be off, but I have a skein in Byzantine that would look stunning (I think)!
As for Grace... I think I'd love one in bright red-- "Scarlett" in fact-- from Indigo Moon Merino Fingering. And maybe a second, yellow one, in Springtree Road Julep Sock ("Saffron").
I'm on a hat kick, so I would love to knit Renfrew in either Madelinetosh or Sweet Georgia! Maybe a in a bright green or pink for spring? MissKris545 on Ravelry
ReplyDeleteI love Grace, it's s besutiful one, but lately I am all about accessories, so I would start eith Renfrew in Madtosh, it seems the perfect yarn for the hat, and can you believe I have never actually knit with Madeline tosh yarn?? So you see, I really need this book
ReplyDeleteGrace. Because I am trying to knit more large projects. It really is lovely, too. As for yarn, alas, I have few sweater size quantities in my stash, so I would have to buy more! Which means, I might try something new and knit it in the recommended yarn!!!
ReplyDeleteTishkette on Rav
Well, let's put it this way, Strathcona in sweet fiber would be what I'd like to knit first. Had a lovely chance to flip through the book before gifting it to a friend. At some point I'm going to pick up a copy for myself as well. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLove Renfrew! I'd love to win this book :-)
ReplyDeleteNessa (you can contact me through facebook)
I love this book and I would knit up Arbutus first followed by Renfrew, then Strathcona....Hell, I think I want to knit them all.... I would have to use
ReplyDeleteMadtosh or Sweet Georgia... worthy of Jane's designs.... thank you
Heather, habaylis@gmail.com
I love Grace! I have some Madtosh Sock in my stash that is looking for a sweater that would be delish, or I might just have to go shopping for some sweet georgia!
ReplyDeleterashooray on ravelry
I'd love to make the Grace cardigan. I'd make it out of something lovely and soft like Dream in Color Smooshy.
ReplyDeleteThese patterns are all so gorgeous. I would start with Grace in a cotton or cotton/linen blend. (Veganknit on Ravelry)
ReplyDeleteOh the grace pattern is beautiful! I would have to knit it in something soft and beautiful. Not sure of the brand yet, but something in a dusty teal.
ReplyDeleteLove the Grace cardigan. I'd knit it in the Plucky Knitter yarn... primo.
ReplyDeleteI really love the coffee book idea! I'd knit the Grace cardigan with the 3 skeins of Mal Sock in Eggplant that I've been hoarding forever. It's the perfect mix of casual dressy, exactly what's missing in my wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting this give-away!
I too really love the cardigan patterns that Jane has released. My first knit would the the Grace cardigan. I'd probably knit it in Malabrgio, because that is my favorite yarn, but I might consider Sweet Georgia yarns as well.
ReplyDeleteravelry id: micami
Looks like a fabulous coffee table book - I'd love to make the cowl, it's amazing!
ReplyDeleteYou can contact me through ravelry @ tiffsknits
Would looooove to win this book! The Grace cardigan is so perfect. And I love the model's tattoo! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletelibby dot bloom dot hunt at gmail dot com
I need a couple pairs of Rathtrevor for walking the dogs....and then a couple Grace cardis in super cute colors: kelly green, cobalt blue and fuschia. Love these patterns!!
ReplyDeleteravelry id: missywks
Love love these patterns! I would start with Grace and then Renfrew!
ReplyDeletepadgettknitwitATgmail.com
DeleteLove Jane's designs!! Have been trying to get a copy of Island but it has been sold out everywhere :( I want to knit them all but especially Grace. I have some Sweet Georgia yarn in my stash that would be perfect for it. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteWoollyMomma on Rav :)
P.S. Congrats Melissa on the release of your first pattern!!
I think I would knit Renfrew in something soft and squishy
ReplyDeleteI live in sunny FL, which really effects how often you get to enjoy the great knits you've put so much effort into so I'd love to knit Strathcona. It's a light and airy scarf that I can still enjoy wearing even in the FL weather. I'd use the opportunity to test out Knit Picks new yarn, billow.
ReplyDeleteRav ID: redpineapple
I love Grace - and I would knit it in Knitpick's Gloss yarn.
ReplyDeletegreyowl60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would like to knit Arbutus in Cascade 220, either in Shire or Turtle.
ReplyDeleteRavelry id: ladyanaely
I have my eye on a skein of Anzula For Better or Worsted in One Red Shoe that I think needs to be a Renfrew hat :-)
ReplyDeleteRav ID ride2fly
I love Grace, but would love to knit them all!
ReplyDeleteStaceyKnitsIt ravelry
I've been in love with Grace for a while now...I love the simple design. You're right about it working in every color. I'm not sure I could choose! I'm not much of a hat person, but Renfrew is so pretty. I could be a hat person for that hat (in Tosh Vintage in a nice woodsy green, oak or moss).
ReplyDeleteRav ID: Torsaporsa
They are all great, but I really like the Strathcona. I have no idea about the yarn at this point, though - too many options!
ReplyDeleteRavelry: ssarraf
Definitely Arbutus in Madtosh DK in tart. I love that my iPhone knows to capitalize Madtosh!
ReplyDeleteI would definitely knit Grace! I actually already have the yarn for it and it is Sweet Georgia tough Love Sock in the colourway "Mist". Hope I win!!
ReplyDeleteSarah (aka hotcheese on Ravelry)
I love the Grace cardigan. I might knit it in some of my stash- like the pomegranate Quince and Co finch or some blue Artyarns, or I might splurge for a new yarn in which case I would try some Sweet Georgia.
ReplyDeletenaomil1@verizon.net
I want to knit scarves and the fingerless gloves, would love to win.
ReplyDeleteOh, I want to knit all of them, but given that I'm a pretty new knitter, I think I'd start with that gorgeous slouchy hat.( I'm hannehanne on Ravelry)
ReplyDeleteI'd start w/Arbutus in some malabrigo silky merino that I've got in a yummy brown…after that I'd think I'd have to knit Grace! Such a gorgeous collection of patterns, thanks for the giveaway! I'm BeanerShnump on rav.
ReplyDeleteI will definately make a Grace (SweetGeorgia Fingering in Lucky) and a Renfrew (MadelineTosh Vintage. These are all such lovely and classic projects. Jane writes a darn fine pattern too!
ReplyDeleteI would really enjoy this book and look forward to making more than 1 of the projects.
Thanks for the chance to win.
You can find me at: jacflash on Ravelry.com
I love all the patterns but would start with Arbutus!
ReplyDeleteI love the Grace cardigan, so elegant and so wearable. I'd love to use Sweet Georgia yarn.
ReplyDelete(goodstuff on Rav)
I Love the Grace Cardigan! Just started knitting it about 10 days ago, but I would love to get going on other of her patterns! (agrumalicious on Ravelry)
ReplyDeleteI would love to make the Grace Cardigan. I love it's graceful simplicity. I would like to use Sweet Georgia yarn. I've wanted to try that yarn for some time now. I just can't get my hands on any locally. With shipping costs what they are, I need to buy local. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI really do want to make several of the items from this book, but I think I would start with the Grace Cardigan. It is absolutely beautiful. My email is sdavis05401 on yahoo.
ReplyDeleteStrathcona is my pick. So pretty!
ReplyDeleteArbutus would be a perfect project to start now as we are about to head into autumn in Australia. I would knit it in Cascade.
ReplyDeleteWow – hard to choose! I would say the Grace cardigan, I just love how delicate it is. I would love to knit it in SweetGeorgia BFL – I've long admired her yarn from afar but have yet to knit with it! Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteMLEKropper on Rav.
Every one of these is going to make it into my wardrobe, but I would cast on for Arbutus first. I have a skein of TFA in Teal that is begging to become this cowl!
ReplyDeleteknursekettle on Ravelry
I love Grace, the cardigan :-) I would use Quince & Co. for this.
ReplyDeleteI was completely won over by your Arbutus and now I'll just buy the pattern if I don't win the book! I will like the Renfrew hat, too, though.
ReplyDeletelizakessler on Rav.
I'm divided between Grace and Arbutus....and well, I'll pick the yarn when I've decided because I'm determined to only buy yarn when I'm sure I'll be using it. I've never tried Sweet Georgia, but it looks lovely...
ReplyDelete~ swirleeicecream on Ravelry
Hmm, it's a tossup between Arbutus and Rathtrevor. I love the length of the fingerless mitts, and the construction of the cowl looks like fun! I have a few skeins of Sweet Fiber Yarns I recently purchase so I'd like to give that a try.
ReplyDeleteI love the scarf. I mean, all the patterns are drool worthy, but the scarf looks really different to other scarves. I wouldn't know what Yarn to use, Id have to wait to be inspired ;)
ReplyDeleteIt is very hard to decide what I'd want to knit first from this collection! I think my top choices would be Arbutus or Renfrew. Probably in Madtosh.
ReplyDeleteGrace cardi and Renfrew for sure!
ReplyDeleteI would love to knit the Renfrew hat in my Cascade Soft Spun royal blue yarn! And thanks for hosting this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI love Grace! I've wanted to try Brooklyn Tweed yarn for some time now, perhaps winning a copy is the good occasion I've been looking for?
ReplyDeletesorry, RAV ID is laniamore
DeleteI have four gorgeous one-off sort of mahogany colored skeins of Dream in Color Stardust that I got at the first Sock Summit that have been waiting for the perfect project. I now think they desperately want to be the Grace cardi! My Rav ID is RichelleCK.
ReplyDeleteI love your Arbutus and am pretty convinced that would be my first pick. I'm not sure one the yarn - probably something tweed-y, Shelter perhaps? I'm linnerbox on Ravelry.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, I can enter even if I have the book and give to a friend. The small preview video totally convinced me to pre-order the book. The first things I knitted was the Rathtrevor, with some malabrigo yarn I had. Then I knitted the renfrew hat, in madelinetosh, and last week I finished the lovely Arbutus cowl, it was so much fun to knit. Since I just started knitting last summer, I am a bit intimidated by Grace, and I think I will knit some pullover first. But I find this cardigan perfect, and if I was an experimented knitter, I am sure that I would have started with Grace :) My Ravelry id is : mmeforest and I hope I will be able to put some pictures soon. :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely knit Grace first! I'm hoping I have some yarn for it in my stash. If not then I'll just have to buy some Sweet Georgia! Rav id NicKnit
ReplyDeleteStrathcona - and I have beautiful hand dyed sock yarn in red, yellow and orange to make it. I already bought the pattern on Ravelry. thanks!
ReplyDeleteI would have to say rathtrevor in Madelinetosh because my hands are just freezing lately in the office!
ReplyDeleteoooh, grace looks gorgeous!!
ReplyDeletemy rav account is: taggi
Which will I knit? Uhm, all of them. Some more than once, like an Arbutus to start. Madelinetosh Steam Age? Or perhaps a Zealana Rimu in teal? I can hardly wait!
ReplyDeletehaving just finished 'big' projects (a cowl neck jumper for my husband and a lacy summer cardigan for my daughter) i'm keen to get a few quick projects on the go (also necessary with a 5mos old!). i love the arbutus cowl and have a few skeins of dk wieght kid mohair that i bought from a local producer at our county fair. it's been sitting in my stash waiting for the perfect project...arbutus might be it! Rav id somethingsmissing
ReplyDelete