Introducing: Weekend (and a GIVEAWAY!)

I've been anxiously awaiting the release of WEEKEND: Simple, Modern Knits by Jen Geigley this fall, and I'm so excited to share ithis new book with you today!

It seems like indie publishing is where it's at right now - some of my favorite collections have been self-published (or are slated to be self-published, pending their crowdfunding campaigns). I love that designers are taking it upon themselves to make the projects they want to make and overseeing all aspects of the process to fully realize that creative vision. It's a lot of work from start to finish, and seeing it turn out so well is always exciting.

For WEEKEND, I was fortunate to play a small role in helping it take shape - I was the tech editor for several of the designs. At the time, the concept of a book seemed really esoteric to me, and seeing the finished result of all of Jen's hard work (and her photographer friends Joelle Blanchard, Geof Fischer and Joey Leaming) is really incredible.

Aside from that, I am just really excited as a knitter to have an entire book of wearable patterns that can be knit up quickly, just in time for the return of cooler temperatures - most can be made in just one weekend!

Undone

Each project in WEEKEND is knit using bulky and super bulky yarn to create sweaters and accessories that are casual, contemporary and wearable handknits. Jen's goal was to create pieces that can serve as foundation pieces in anyone’s wardrobe - and I say, mission accomplished! The photo styling is crisp, modern, and perfectly shows off each unique aspect of the pattern. As a music lover, I enjoy a lot of the titles of the patterns: Undone, Sliver, Debut, Valhalla - just to name a few.

Floor

I decided to knit the Sliver hat from WEEKEND with a skein of my handspun yarn. It's been a while since I've knit with US 15 needles - this hat practically flew off the needles! In fact, I knit it in just a few hours' time from start to finish. Not bad! With Spinzilla just around the corner (and a HUGE bin of handspun yarn begging to be knit with as it is), I am really excited about using these patterns for more of my handspun yarn. They are a perfect match!

You can visit Jen's website to purchase hard copies of the book (which includes a free e-book copy); WEEKEND is also available as individual pattern downloads and PDF ebook here on Ravelry, or you can snag it on Amazon.

Giveaway Time!

One lucky reader will win a hard copy of WEEKEND: Simple, Modern Knits and a Nova Platina Chunky Interchangeable Set, perfect for knitting projects from the book (it's what I used to make my Sliver hat)!

To enter, leave a comment on this blog post saying which pattern is your favorite from the book. Be sure to also let me know your Ravelry ID or email address so that I can get in touch with you in case you win. For bonus entries, be sure to follow my blog via Bloglovin or follow any of these 3 Instagram accounts:

....then leave a comment here telling me which action you performed.

I'll randomly select 1 lucky winner to announce next Friday, October 30; please note, this contest is only open to the US and Canada. Many thanks to the nice folks at Knitter's Pride and to Jen Geigley for their generous prize donations!

ETA: Giveaway reopened! Since the first winner didn't claim the prize, I'll be announcing a new winner on Friday, October 30!