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Friday, October 17, 2014

Catching Up + Entrelac 2 by Rosemary Drysdale Giveaway

Did you ever have one of those weeks when you got absolutely nothing done? It has unfortunately happened to me this week and last. Julia has been out of school with a nasty cold/strep/cough for 8 days. As much as I try to keep up with projects I have going on, I had to concentrate on taking her to the doc, talking w/ the doc and school, making her tea, getting to the pharmacy.... She is getting better now and has gone back to school - even with a hacking, no longer contagious cough. I have a list a mile long that needs to be done and then the list of what I want to get done. On the list is a pop-in to my (recently neglected) blog. 

The ewe flock grazing a hill on a gray day
The colors have been stunning here in western New England. The weather has been gray and cloudy and perfect for taking photos.

A newly harvested cornfield
I've been sharing some photos on Instagram and Facebook but thought those of you (like you Mom!) who don't do those things - and I know there are many of you - might like to see those photos here. New England really shines in the fall. I do love playing with the Instagram filters. It is so much fun to take an Iphone photo and turn it into a piece of digital art - all in a matter of a couple minutes.


Stunning color all around
This is our woodpile for the upcoming winter. We have a wood/oil combination furnace and this will hopefully get us through the winter. I look at that pile and think about all the toting, dragging, tossing, and shoving I am going to do this winter. Will help me exercise some which is a very good thing.


Our woodpile for heating our house this winter!
Today I have a have a photo review of a fantastic new knitting book by Rosemary Drysdale. Entrelac 2: New Techniques for Interlace Knitting has just been published by Sixth and Spring Books. It is a follow-up to Rosemary's first very popular entrelac book called simply "Entrelac: The Essential Guide to Interlace Knitting."  





Rosemary is a longtime veteran of the needlework industry. I first met her when she was authoring stitchery books. More recently she has been mostly involved in writing about knitting. Some of us like to switch between subjects and crafts (like me and Rosemary)!


This book - with its striking rainbow-hued cover - blew me away. It is packed with all kinds of ways to knit entrelac. I really never thought about adding cables to entrelac - but Rosemary did!




It is packed with many, many stitches - sort of like a Stitch Dictionary for Entrelac. This is one of those books that will remain in your library for years. I love these holes - this stitch screams scarf, doesn't it?




There are lots of ideas for garter stitch in entrelac - including these striped variations.




And for all you "in the round" knitters - here Rosemary teaches how to make circular pieces of entrelac. Gorgeous. You can see how clearly the techniques are explained and how the instructions are written by the next two photos.






This version of entrelac produces diamonds. Really nice. I do love those seed stitch squares alternating with stockinette.




Entrelac 2 also includes many patterns for projects. Isn't this sweater stunning?




These entrelac scarves are very doable and would look great this coming winter.



Would you like to win a copy of Entrelac 2 by Rosemary Drysdale donated by the fine folks at Sixth and Spring Books. Here's what you do... 

Answer the following question in the comments section of this blog post...... 

Have you ever worked entrelac? What did you make? Or would you like to learn? 

AS ALWAYS, PLEASE LEAVE AN EASY WAY TO GET A HOLD OF YOU. No easy way, I pass onto the next person after the Random # Generator gives me a winning number. Email address, blogger ID, or Ravelry name (although if you never check your Rav mail, don't bother to leave that name!)

Contest ends Monday October 20th at 11:59 p.m. Contest open to US residents only. 

56 comments:

  1. So sorry you had a sick little lady to take care of, so happy she is doing better.

    No I have never done, but would love to learn entrelac,


    Fracksmom on Ravlery

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  2. I have often admired the Entrelac knitting, I would Like to win this book, so I can learn. Thank you for the offer.
    Carol in East Lansing Mi.

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  3. Kristin, I have never attempted entrelac, but am particularly interested in trying it in thr round. Love the scarves too. Chris
    Chrisgoudeau64@gmail.com

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  4. As part of a Guild challenge I knit an entralac shawl - hopefully you can see it at this link. I dyed the yarn so it would come out this way - even though these are not my favorite colors (it was the guild challenge!) http://www.ravelry.com/projects/fuzzylogic/dianna

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  5. I've never tried (too timid) but this may be the push I need! Thanks for the chance to win!

    Happy leaf peaking!

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  6. I knitted an entrelac hat, which I gave to my daughter. Unfortunately, that is the only entrelac project I have done but would like to do more.
    Wendy
    wenkruger@gmail.com

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  7. I have made a scarf out of entrelac. It's been years. It would be fun to learn some of the techniques in this book. Thanks!! Cami
    camipaul@comcast.net

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  8. I've been enjoying your Fall pics on Instagram! I have knit a few squares using the Entrelac technique while working on my Great American Afghan, and it's so fun! I'd like to do a pillow cover next :-)

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  9. I have knit two sweaters using entrelac for the bodies. One was done in three different colors and one was knit with a variegated yarn that ended up striping the blocks. Both were fun.

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  10. I have done entrelac in a class and want to do a scarf. I have to have this book soon. Rav:MzCruse
    MzCruse(at)CruseCreations(dot)net or MzCruse(at)gmail(dot)com
    Ruby

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  11. I knit the Danica pattern, a scarf that was on knitty. But I would really love to learn how to do entrelac in the round and am really interested in the stitch patterns you pictured. Win or not this is a book I am going to check out!

    sarahland on ravelry

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  12. Gorgeous pictures! I think I took an entrelac class years ago but really can't remember ever doing anything with it again. I have a few patterns stashed away but have been afraid to try again.

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  13. I've never tried entrelac, although 2 other knitters in my meet-up group are making a scarf and a blanket. I love the looks of the technique and would like to learn.

    knitterbeader on Ravelry

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  14. I love doing entrelac, and tried to come up with some variations on my own. Epic FAIL! I'd love to have this book, thanks for the giveaway. KittenWhiplash on Rav

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  15. I've been crocheting blankets for DECADES that have an Entrelac-"look" - however, I only come across the Term just a few years ago! And my "method" was one that I developed on my own. -- I've yet to try it via Knitting...

    BTW, your "week" sounds like my last 3 months! - Minus your "fauna".

    ah... "Logistics"!
    :-D

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  16. I'm not sure if I've done entrelac. I made a Diann shawl last spring in which the needle position looks a lot like the entrelac pictures I've seen. It has always intrigued me but I've never picked up book on it. :)
    Helen
    helendotmathey-hornatpacdotdodeadotedu

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  17. Entrelacc has been on my 'must learn' list since I first ran across the Eleanor Shawl years back. Would love to try in the round :-) How gorgeous! Thanks for a chance to win a copy of this book!
    RavID: LannieK

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  18. Good morning Kristin,
    Glad Julia is on the pend. Take a deep breath as you look at your "to do" list.
    I have not yet tried entralac- it looks quite intimidating, tho based on your tagged photos (love it!) this book does look to de- mystify! Great clear photos- looks like a great book to curl up with during the start of a snow storm when all there is to do but honker down and curl up with a book and project.
    Thank you for your review and giveaway-
    Johalley on RAV

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  19. Hi Kristin. I hope your daughter is on the mend. I have never tried entralac knitting. After seeing the page that you referenced that would be a great scarf pattern, I was sold! And the cover is just so pretty! Heather_estudinan@hotmail.com. Thank you for your pictures of New England. I live in Colorado now and just swoon over every post. All the best, Heather

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  20. I was just given the first book and am itching to try. This book looks like a great follow up.

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  21. I have made an enteric scarf. I really enjoyed it and would love to learn more. Your pictures are beautiful.

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  22. I've never done any entrelac but the basket weaving effect is beautiful and I've wanted to try. Thanks.

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  23. I love to do entralac. Several years ago I made project bags for our Guild sale. They were fun to make and use. This book has super ides for new ways of doing entralac.

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  24. I would love to learn, though it looks really hard. I'm not sure if I have the skills to do it!
    lizzylyn@gmail.com

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  25. What a beautiful book. I've never done Entrelac, it looks difficult but beautiful. The circular pattern would be a must. Thanks for the opportunity.
    Casey@ ashefamily(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  26. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be the lucky recipient of this book!!! I've never tried entrelac, altho it's very near the top of my 'want to knit this!' list!!!

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  27. Would love this book! Have never done entrelac but love the looks of those scarves

    Lesa
    laspin@charter.net

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  28. I love entrelac and it was not as intimidating as I thought . I made a colorful, loved and much used market basket. Hope all is well on the farm.

    Kamknits@yahoo.com

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  29. Many years ago I made some entrelac babu blankets...I would love to learn some new techniques.
    As always, I am bagatelle@comcast.net....I would love to win the new book you are offering.
    Leslie

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  30. Poor Julia - sending her our love and wishes for a speedy return to full health. Stunning photos, Kristin - capture your beautiful fall and make me want to knit! Some wool arrived here on Friday following a request from my daughter for a scarf/shawl like the one I've just finished. She wants SCARLET!

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  32. I love entrelac. My first project was a bookmark made out of crochet thread. I love it and use it every day. Thanks
    gussek on Ravelry

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  33. I tried Entrelac once. Perfectionist me wasn't happy with the way it looked where I picked up the stitches. I keep meaning to try again and this book looks like it would provide the perfect inspiration to do so!

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  34. Dear Kristin,
    Sorry to hear that your lovey was ill.
    I have her first book and have been eyeing the second. I have knit scarves in entrelac and I get a lot of compliments!
    Fondly,
    Nancy
    nparis62050@gmail.com
    ps- I received your re release of the stitchery book and I can't believe how much information is in it. I am reading it cover to cover.

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  35. I've never tried it but it looks amazing!
    flgirl1987 AT yahoo DOT com

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  36. Entrelac looks so cool and the options to change it up look great! It must be time for me to learn. I'd love to win the book.

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  37. I love the look of entrelac but have never tried it. I have learned how to knit backwards which I understand it a helpful techique so maybe I am ready to tackle entrelac. Looks like a great book. gnlmutti at gmail

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  38. I recently found a swatch wherein I attempted entrelac, seemed to get the hang of it and then mysteriously quit. I also saw a BEAUTIFUL shawl in entrelac which renewed my interest. Hoping for a win.

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  39. I've never tried entrelac but have always wanted to learn. I've seen lots of really cute projects. Thanks. Savannagal on Rav.

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  40. I love your fall photos - you do such a nice job capturing the light.

    I have knit two entrelac pieces. The first was a scarf, using a 'how-to' type pattern. It turned out nicely, but all the flipping back and forth drove me a little nuts.

    Then, my husband gave me Rosemary Drysdale's first book, and I learned to knit backwards. It was life-changing. :) I then tackled my second project, a simple entrelac blanket.

    I would love a copy of her second book!

    RobinV on ravelry

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  41. I've only done entrelac swatches in a class. This book looks amazing!

    lisa@lisaknits.com

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  42. I have knit for many years but never tried entrelac. This looks like an exciting introduction. <3

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  43. Have you ever worked entrelac? What did you make? Or would you like to learn?
    I haven't done knitted entrelac, although I'm working on a pair of Tunisian crochet entrelac socks. I'm returning to knitting after years of thinking I didn't have the time to renew the skill. I'm intrigued and inspired by the use of textures in this book! I would very much like to learn to knit entrelac. ivernamac2@gmail.com

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  44. I haven't always like entralac--but the cover photo is beautiful and enough to make me into a convert! its just lovely, and i want to learn how to do this!

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  45. I made a Lady Ellinor a few years ago but I'm very intrigued with the new ideas for entrelac.
    gayletorrey on Ravelry

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  47. I've been wanting to learn entrelac. I love the pattern on the cover of the new book! dcruze0422@gmail.com

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  48. Glad to read that Julia is back at school, and I hope she doesn't have to go through any more contagious stuff for the year, but that's probably hoping for too much.

    Entrelac looks like the kind of challenge that would be just right for perking up my winter knitting. I like to do new techniqes, in hopes they'll spark some creativity (that's a joke, not a creative bone in my body), but it's always fun to see what yarn and needles can do.

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  49. Wow, love the photos from around the farm and I love the cover of that book. The inside photos are a real tease to the creative possibilities!

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  50. I have the yarn, book, needles....just need some time! I love the look of entrelac and will try it out this winter. (The foliage everywhere has
    been absolutely incredible!!)bonnieanne on Rav.

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  51. I have knitted entrelac with Rosemary's first book and it is one of my favorite books and ways to knit. I knitted a scarf and have another in progress. Would love to have book number 2!

    Elaine

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  52. I love knitting entrelac and would love to have Rosemary's 2nd book! Thanks for the great giveaway! I knit an entrelac shawl from a scarf book. saradenbo on ravelry

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  53. What a wonderful book for a giveaway. The colors and textures look lovely. Sharon Feeley themadknitter1@hotmail.com

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  54. I've never tried my hand at Entrelac but your photos from the book look really interesting!

    Rav name: rosebufton

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  55. I have never knit Entrelac. Would love to try. Having this book might make it not so scary. Thank you for the giveawy.
    Rav Id dianeellis2012

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Thanks so much for taking the time out of your busy day to leave me a comment. I love hearing from you.

Have a great day,
Kristin