I still get a thrill getting packages in the mail, and my most recent delivery was no exception. 50 Sunflowers to Knit, Crochet and Felt by one of my knitting heros, Kristin Nicholas. In my opinion Kristin was responsible for bringing knitting out of the dark ages when she was the creative director of Classic Elite Yarns. She introduced new fashion forward colors –her hot pink was sensational– her work was (and is) lively and ethic-textile-influenced. Her styling for advertisements was fantastic…she used supermodels like Gail Eliott and Indian inspired clothing…and she never has never stopped creating influential exciting work!
Kristin’s new book is just what we all need right now, whether you are living where it is full blown Spring and especially if you are in an area like mine, here in Maine, where spring is reluctant to arrive. 50 Sunflowers to Knit, Crochet and Felt will not disappoint! In fact I just had to sit right down and knit one. I chose a funny little one called Cherry Twizzler (#7). I followed the directions, but being me I didn’t follow the yarn suggestions, I used Quince & Co Chickadee in Glacier and Snap Pea. For needles I used a US3 (3.25mm). Is it not a darling Dr. Seuss Happy Whoville flower? Clear directions, easy to follow, the result – totally satisfying and joy producing. Really, instant pleasure does not come much more easily. It makes me smile just thinking about this little flower….and the book is not just sunflowers, there are bugs! Ladybugs and Bees (which I would probably knit in black for ants) and butterflies. Birds too!
You can order 50 Sunflowers to Knit, Crochet and Felt at Kristin’s website. You’ll want to read her blog while you’re there Getting Stitched on the Farm which details the life of an artist on a sheep farm…sigh….
But guess what? You were all so fantastic with your stories of apples and mom & daughter knitting and your thoughts on gingham and chickens during Gudrun’s Knit With Me soiree, that I’m going to do it again!!!! You’ve got a chance to win a copy of the book, right here right now!!!!
Leave a comment about spring or bugs or sheep or how Kristin has inspired you. Comments will be open until Sunday March 24, 2013 until midnight!
I’ll read each and every one of your entertaining comments and randomly choose the lucky winner!
Next week I’ll contact the winner and get your mailing address.