A few years ago I stumbled upon a beautifully designed book called "Itty Bitty Hats." The concept and design of the spiral bound book was sweet, colorful and very well done. My interest was peaked because I hadn't ever heard of the author - Susan B. Anderson. I had been in the yarn biz for years. How could there be someone out there who was so super talented and who I didn't know? And then the next year, there was another Itty Bitty Book - this one on toys. I was dying to meet the author and as fate would have it, one evening at a TNNA show, Susan and I were seated next to each other at a publisher sponsored dinner with some book wholesalers. We hit it off and have become friends since that dinner, running into each other at different functions and keeping in touch by phone and email.
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| Photo Jim Mueller |
Susan writes an incredibly cheerful and popular blog full of wonderful knitting, spinning, crafting and family. She also curates the Spud and Chloe Blog for Blue Sky Alpacas. She is Mom to four beautiful kids and lives with her husband and family in Madison, Wisconsin (knitting country for sure!). In person, Susan is exactly as you would hope - kind, smart, funny, pretty and a fabulous knitter/designer. I feel honored to count her as my friend. When Susan asked me if I would like to be part of her blog book tour for her next book, I was so happy to help her spread the word. Today I present to all of you Susan B. Anderson's uber-cute Spud and Chloe at the Farm.
To say Susan has done it again would be an understatement. The book is based on the adventures of two knitted toys - Spud (a knitted sheep) and his friend Chloe (a little girl with red hair and Mary Jane shoes). Along the way, they meet different knitted farm animals including Mother Hen and Chicks.....
Piglets.....
and many more super cute knitted farm inhabitants. The instructions are clearly written, gorgeously photographed by Liz Banfield, and a story weaves its way throughout the entire book. I really think this is the kind of book that many knitters will knit their way through, building an entire farmyard for a special little friend or even to keep for themselves. I think it would be a great project for a group of knitters to make for an expectant friend and to base a baby shower on! I want to point out that these toys are simply shaped and very straight forward. If you are new to toy knitting, Spud and Chloe at the Farm is the place to start. The most difficult thing to me looks to be Spud's wool but even that isn't hard.
Watch the incredibly cute 30 second Spud and Chloe at the Farm book trailer here!
And now for the good news.... I have a copy of Spud and Chloe at the Farm to give to one lucky winner courtesy of Susan's publisher Artisan Books. To enter the contest, answer the following question.....
If you could be any farm animal, what would you choose to be and why?
Contest is over. The winner is Jennifer who wrote: First I thought sheep...because well they are probably my favorite. But then I realized I'd rather be a sheepdog, any variety. They have the fun job and they get to sleep in the house ;) Thanks for yet another awesome giveaway!
318 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 318 of 318I'm going to say the barn cat. I think that fits my personality better.
What a great book. I can't wait to get my hands on it.
I would be a border collie. We have a lovely girl named Pearl that the kids and I adore. If I could be an animal lived that much, that's who I would be!
Daniedb AT yahoo DOT com
First I thought sheep...because well they are probably my favorite. But then I realized I'd rather be a sheepdog, any variety. They have the fun job and they get to sleep in the house ;)
Thanks for yet another awesome giveaway!
jlbixleratgmaildotcom.
Too hard to choose. All animals are beautiful and precious in their own ways. I think I'd rather stay the human animal so I could take care of and love all the barn critters.
prairiegrrl@yahoo.com
I would like to be the cow on the farm; I simply love cows; I would be a Friesian Hostein variety. I love the spots on the cow & they are so cute.
Sheep! But what kind???? I do not know
Love Spud & Chloe! I would want to be a horse on a farm - who doesn't love horses?
Rav name: suzehil
i would like to be a cow. Don't they say, "milk from contented cows" ? p.s. i am Goodstuff on Ravelry...
I would definitely be a cat and find a nice sunny spot to hang out in.
I would love to be a family's faithful dog - especially a farm dog - would try my hand at herding sheep and would have to chase a chicken or two. Thanks for the chance to win! Stephanie stephi_gordon@yahoo.com
I would definitely start with the little lamb. This is such a great book. Thanks for the chance to win!
I think I would be either an angora bunny or a hardworking farm dog. Something with a funny personality, maybe a Komondor because they are so fun to look at. I think I'd like to be a farm animal with a bit of affection but also lots of utility!
I would be a horse. They are just so beautiful and strong!
Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful book!
kellytrunnelle@gmail.com
Pig,I always think of Wilbur from Charlotte's Web when I see the pigs.
If I get a choice to return to earth as whatever I choose, I think it would be a hen. Cluck, cluck.
Susan
Elora, Ontario
I would be a lamb, of course. I would be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. My owner would make grea things for loved ones from my wool and it would be like me hugging them!
ScottieGirl1 ~ Ravelry
I would be the dog. Good food and loving friends I could be dedicated to; I could work hard and rest hard.
And I would never be eaten for dinner.
A sheep, of course!
Louise
louknits(at)gmail(dot)com
Forget the farm animals - I want to be Spud! Glamorous photo shoots, book tours, what a life!
A wool-bearing sheep. What else could a knitter choose? :)
I would love to be the baby chick. Thanks for the give away. I just found your blog. It is great Andrea in TN
The dog for sure! Maximum chance of getting to sleep in the house. I never have been a fan of sleeping outside.
Would love to win the giveaway: ali_lyddall@yahoo.com
I would want to be a cow. They have such cute eyes and looooong eye lashes....
I would be a sheep, I love their sounds and their beautiful warm wool...and they get to do whatever they please! Penni from Indy
jpct89@sbcglobal.net
I would be the guard Llama - becuase they are in charge. They take care of their herd and always are aware of what is going on - on the farm. amyroz on Ravelry.
I would totally be a horse!
Slippers44@live.com
I'd be a baby chick. They are so adorable.
I would be a peacock!!! They are so colorful and beautiful...just like yarn! I'd hang around the farmhouse, greeting and displaying my plummage for all to see. Would love to win Susan's awesome book so I could knit those precious animals for my grandchildren. HAPPY EASTER! martihobson@aol
I would have to be a dog - my favorite pet!!!
Thanks,
kimberlybreid at hotmail dot com
A bossy hen-I love to rule the roost!! And Susan's new book looks awesome! Thanks for the opportunity to win :)
Everything you say about Susan is so true... authentic, fun and delightful. I love following her family and her creativity...
Me? I am definitely the (grand)mother hen with all my chicks. My daughter, a Capricorn, is our goat. Her home is called The Goat Palace! My grandson is Little Piggy.. although he is almost 12 he is all things pig depending on his mood... Pork Chop, Ham Bone, Piglet... to when he is full of it, then he is Lard of my Heart! And now she is pregnant with identical twin girls... Hmmm? Two little kitties? Or lambs? Or bunnies? We shall see...
I would be a mouse. I love to nibble cookies and cheese. . and I do not like cats.I am a big fan of yours and susan
I would have to be a cow. Anything that's black and white is stylish, right?!
This book looks so cute! I would love to be a horse so I could run around and walk on trails through the woods. Plus, they're so beautiful :)
I think I would like to be a horse, getting to work the cows and no worries about being supper someday!
definitely a farm dog, I'm fairly certain I WAS a dog in an earlier lifetime! run like mad, corral the sheep, chase the cat, howl at the moon, it every meal as if it's your last - what is there NOT to love about that? Oh yeah... no opposable thumbs for knitting, guess that would be a drawback to being a farm dog! from mauismuti on ravelry.com
I think a sheep, since they are one of my favorite animals and I envy the way they leap about, not to mention their cozy wooliness!
I'd have to say the working dog. If you are a dog you'll get lots of exercise and be able to boss the other animals around, but still get to sleep in the warm house. Also no one will want to eat me or my babies.
A sheep. My grandchildren think sheep are good only to provide yarn so Grandma can knit toys and sweaters for them.
If I were a farm animal, I would like to be the sheep herding dog. I have been told that I am bossy, so ordering sheep around sounds like its just my style.
I love sheep!!
I love all the wool that can give!
I think I'd be a cow. I've always liked cows...their relaxed way of doing things, never in a hurry. That's pretty much me.
Both of you are very talent! I have been following Susan's blog ever since I entered the knitting cyber world and was introduced to your work by Susan!
I forgot to say what I would be....A Mother Hen of course!
I would have to choose a dog or cat. That way I wouldn't be eaten or used for human consumption. When I get old my owners will give me a place by the fire to rest my weary bones.
A fluffy baby lamb because nothing is cuter and more needy.
:) I would want to be the farm dog, to me they have the best situation all around!
I think I would be a sheep so my wool could be used to keep people warm. But my REAL ambition would be to be a horse...running free, with the wind in my mane...and, of course, helping with chores where possible :)
mmarriner@comcast.net
I would have to be a cat because my two Himalayan's have the 'life of Riley'. All they do is play with their toys, eat, poop and chase each other and then when they are 'in the mood' curl up next to me so I can pet them until they purr to sleep! :)
That's a cinch- I would be a wee lamb!!!! I could then, of course, use my lamby hairdo to then create lovely knitted pieces, right?
Neat book.
I want to me the mama hen ... that is my personality in life ... always loved the littles and had lots around me ... so i would be the mama hen in the chicken coop
aafphotography at gmail dot com
Most definitely, I would be a sheep because I think curly fleecy hair is cute, I think hanging out with a bunch of my friends in a snowstorm would make even the cold bitter winds a bit more bearable and I've always wanted to say things like "That's waayyy baaaaaaad". Yup. I'd be a sheep for sure.
Stoney Monte
stoneymonte@hotmail.com
Oh I would so love this book! I think I would like to be a farm cat. But not a mice eating one.
:) Tera
TeraRowe@gmail.com
I love the chicken knits the best, so I'd have to say a chicken!
I would be a piggy, because I could play in the dirt, instead of stressing about cleaning it up all the time. I am on ravelry as beckyknits.
I would love to be the pig. How cute is a piglet and then to have all those cute babies!
I would be a PIG! They're pink, can eat what they want, be dirty and not care, and are very intelligent. Plus they say you are what you eat, and I love bacon!
the Cat... outdoors when you want and indoors to cuddle
atareen at yahoo dot com
Farm dog. You get to chase sheep, lay in the sun, spend time outside, and roll around in the hay.
Rav ID: DeliaMae
This is a hard question. Of course i would be cat... but if not a cat, then it would have to be the lamb, because (a) it's adorable; and (b) his name is Spud and I love potatoes
;-)
Martha
ravID=knit3purl2
definitely the farm dog - they get to be involved in just about everything, but get to sleep in the warm house at night!
I would be a cat and catch up on my sleep!
I would be a pony, because the children would love me.
Thank you for this fun opportunity!
I can be reached via email at dawn0405@gmail.com, or at Ravelry as txdawn.
PIGGIES!!!!!!!Definetly
mleejeen@bellsouth.net
I would be a merino sheep with the softest fleece. Joanne momandad13@aol.com or Ravelry ID Hedgiesyarn.
I would be a duckling because I love the story Make Way for Ducklings. As a preschool teacher I love reading this to the children in my classroom.
I would want to be a barn cat. You're free to roam and chase things!
I don't know if it's an official farm animal, but I would be a duck (they are on some farms). I would love to be able to fly and swim. Also, I love how they bob down and stick their butts in the air to get food. april.maston@gmail.com
Hi,
I would be a goat. They are so smart and tricky. Always trying to get extra food or sneak out of their pasture.
Beth
philogirl128@yahoo.com
I think I would like to be a horse... then I could help the cowboys all day long :)
I love lambs but have had chickens and love
Caring for them. Susan (as usual)makes
Everything so cute and I would need to knit everything
Pls pick mr
Raverly: Missellen
Red3sewingfanatic@yahoo.com
I wouldn't want to be eaten, so I think I would want to be a horse. They're so beautiful.
I would be a guard llama, like my daughter has on her farm, to guard the sheep and cattle from crittes.. and the llama wont be sluaghtered to be someones dinner. And llamas are tall and lean, which I am not!!
I, too, would be a barn cat...the fenceless freedom to wander about the whole place wherever my curiosity leads me, making lots of friends always on the lookout for that perfect spot of sun for my several daily naps.
Hafta be the pig; all that mud would be so good for the complexion :)...I would love a copy of this book and to make every animal multiples of times! Can you imagine what beautiful baby shower gifts these would make! and you could keep adding more with each occassion, i.e. birthdays, holidays and special events. In fact, giving the book along with the knitted animals to a baby shower for a knitter; need I say more!! Oh would I ever be so lucky?
Well, being a guy, I guess I'd choose to be the bull. Pretty good job, at least until BBQ time. Thanks for the giveaway.
I would be a dairy goat. The milk I produce would be fed to orphaned sheep, children with a dairy intolerance, and used to make yummy cheese, yogourt and I would play, run around, hop over the dog and the cat, harass the ducks and piglets :)
I would also love my human owners very very much.
MariAngel (ravelry id)
PS. Thank you for hosting this lovely giveaway!
I would be a goat. They have fun all day long, getting into everything, and they have as much personality as any good farm dog.
I'd want to be a goat. They're stinking cute; they provide milk for drinking or making cheese or making soap (very useful!); they spend their days in the fields in the sun eating whatever they find (and don't worry about being fat); and they can play and not worry about getting dirty or stinking! I'd be a goat!
I would be a sheep. Then I could give my mistress/master(?) more wool to knit with & maybe come up with a new pattern or two!
I would so be a duck. There just seems to be something quirky about them. Thanks for the giveaway!
I would be a sheep. Curly hair, provides a sweater and sweet. Thanks for the chance!!!
I would have to START with the cat.
Hmmm... if I were a farm animal what would I be? I would want to be a horse. We have horses, and they are beautiful to watch when they run.
I would be a sheep, always chilly:-) Fingers crossed--I love knitting animals!
A sheep dog! I am helpful and earnest and okay, a little obsessive. Definitely a herding animal.
I think I would be a horse. Thanks for the giveaway! I love Susan's books.
hilarypeterson (at) gmail (dot) com
I think I'd choose the chicken -- very colorful feathers, and in the breakfast scheme of of things I'd be a bit less invested than the pig
go chickens, the gift that keeps on giving!
(and that would be the first animal I'd make out of the book!)
webspinner51 AT yahoo DOT com
Thanks for this wonderful giveaway! I'm a HUGE fan of Susan B. Anderson and subsequently, your blog, too! She speaks v highly of you.
Everytime I see her new book, I know I must own it. Maybe I'll even win! Hmmm, farm animal? I'd love to be a horse!
Rav I.D. treblemaker aka Kim
I would be the cat,supervising all that goes on in the barn! Love Susan's work!
lamb,they are cute,and so calm.
Thanks for the giveaway! I think I would like to be the farm dog! I can't think of any better way to spend a day than running around the farm, and napping in the sun! ravelry id is kimmielevilila
I would be mouse. There would be a warm barn or house to sneak into when the weather gets cold and the great out of doors to enjoy when the sun is shining !
i'd be a little black sheep! Just because they are so cute and sweet, and don't get lost in the crowd. Baa!
I would be the farm Border Collie. I exhibit remarkable stamina, follow directions well, enjoy working outdoors and being in control of situations and people and have been known to control a classroom with just one look. At the end of the day I enjoy curling up by the fire after eating a eal I did not have to prepare.
I would be Charlotte, the spider. She was friends with the whole lot and watched over everyone from high up in the rafters.
Rav- love2read
I would be the piglets. I grew up reading Charlotte's Web and adored Wilbur (who didn't).
SMCchic2005@gmail.com
I would be a purple martin bird. I love purple in any shade and I love his/her song.
imler_sharon@yahoo.com
I think I would be a lamby too. I could kick up my heels and play in the fields under the momma lamby's watching eye :)
I love the chickens and the sheep, but I'd have to with being a farm dog. I've always envied a dog's life. ;)
I would want to be a cat, free from being used for food..independent and having fun running after mice. I'd love to have this book.
I would be a pig. I can't wait to knit Oink!
I would be a cat. I'm a sleep-deprived mama of a 7 month old and would love to sleep all day long in the sun. I would end up missing my boy too much to stay a cat for long, though!!
I'd be a spider - weave my web all day and help out Wilbur the pig. Can't wait to get my hands on that book!
Ravelry ID eekknits
I don't really want to be a farm animal. I'm happy being a mom to my three little kids. But since they are so much work, I think I'd probably be best suited to be the farm dog. Keeping all the animals safe and in line. Kinda like a mom right?
i'm tbmccarthy on ravelry
A lamb always in need of her Shepherd!
Kathy
kbmcgee@aol.com
sheep. what could be better than wallowing in wool?
knittergirl at hadeler nospace dot nospace net
I would be a horse...there are graceful and beautiful :)
tricher@ ravelry
Nice article, thanks for the information.
Nice article, thanks for the information.
I may have missed the deadline as I'm just seeing this but if not, I would like the be the border collie that gets to herd the sheep around all day!
Thanks for the heads up on this wonderful looking book! I think the piglets are adorable.
I'd be a goat. I like sheep, but goats have that edgey thing.
Not looking for anything.
I think that she must be such a genuine article:Lovely, positive and so creative. It is always so refreshing to read about what she is doing.
Well, the same holds true for you. I feel the very same thing when I visit your blog and read and learn all about you and your family. Thanks, Kristin..you and she are an inspiration.
Happy Spring and Easter.
Im sure I would be a lamb. They are just so cute!
Sharon Snelling
craftysbs@juno.com
I would be a sheep. Serene and happy, I would provide warmth for folks with my wool. What a good life that would be.
i think i would like to be either a farm goose or barn cat. The goose wanders freely roaming, swims, hangs out and can investigate, etc. Although i guess for the same reasons i like the cat! I drooled over this book last week and so want it, saving my pennies!
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