I'm a big fan of Kelbourne Woolens. While I adore all their yarns (and used their yummy Savannah in my first book, Knit Local with Kate's hat design on the cover), I think what I like about them most is Kate and Courtney, the two wonderful and charismatic ladies who run the company. I was lucky enough to get to work with them during my time at Vogue Knitting as the Yarn Editor where I got to know them. I always made a point to stop by and say hello at TNNA and other yarny events because I genuinely enjoy their company. When they come to the DC area for events at Fibre Space, I try to run down and see them, the same when we visit Philly. What can I say? Two good eggs, those two, both fantastic moms and wonderful knitters.
I was super excited when Vintage Modern Knits came out and hightailed it to my LYS to get a copy. When Courtney and Kate decided to do another book, November Knits, I was tickled when they asked me to be part of it. I knew without question that it would be another great read with good patterns. I was in.
Let me introduce you to the Market Jacket. You've heard it from me a million times before... I love a good 3/4 sleeved, top-down raglan cardi. I love cables and lace and I love good American yarn. I was happy to receive Green Mountain Spinnery's (also used in Knit Local) Mountain Mohair, a nice blend of 70% wool and 30% mohair in a beautiful golden color that screamed autumn. My description of the cardi reads: "This cardigan brings back memories of cold autumn and early winter afternoons spent hiking in the White Mountains of New England while I was growing up. I pushed my sleeves so I could grab interesting leaves, rocks, and berries to show my dad. The three-quarter-length sleeves in this coat leave your arms and hands free to explore, while the wool/ mohair blend provides warmth. The cable-and-lace pattern reminds me of the vegetation on the forest floor, and the heathered yarn, with its golds, reds, and oranges, evokes the colors of changing leaves." I found some awesome wooden buttons on Etsy made from small tree branches from a farm that only harvests from fallen trees to complete the look.
You can find the book on Interweave's website here or on Amazon here. You'll no doubt be able to find it at your LYS (local yarn shop) as well.
Now for the fun part! Kate and Courtney sent an extra copy of the book to give away here on the blog. Leave a comment here on this post about what you love most about November. Make sure your Ravelry name is there or your email address. A winner will be chosen on Monday, the 29th.
Happy autumn!