Meet Elvira Woodruff - Author/Knitter, Her New Book To Knit or Not To Knit + A Giveaway

Once in a while I find something relatively undiscovered and I get to share it with you all. I love that because it seems with the internet - books, yarns, patterns and trends go around so quickly that things become old news before they are even printed! I really hate that about the internet because so many good things get overlooked and die before their star has even risen.

Today meet Elvira Woodruff. Don't you just love that name? Elvira Woodruff is an award-winning children’s book author of twenty-four books for young readers, including picture books and middle grade historical fiction. Elvira is also a passionate knitter and she has written her first knitting book called To Knit or Not to Knit: Helpful and Humorous Hints for the Passionate Knitter (published by Skyhorse Publishing, Hardcover and eBook). 

I love this book! It is cleverly written in the voice of Mrs. Wicks who is like a Dear Abby for knitters. The format is that a knitter sends Mrs. Wicks a question. Mrs. Wicks aka Elvira answers the question with humour, honesty, and the wisdom of a long-time knitter. 

So how did I find out about this book? A while back, I got an email from Elvira who evidently was familiar with my work. She asked if she might include one of my photographs in the book she was writing. I agreed and we started a bit of a back and forth conversation. I told her that Julia was interested in writing and Elvira sent Julia a fabulous note of encouragement. I sent off the digital file and a few months ago, I received a signed copy of To Knit or Not To Knit.  

Sometimes I agree to things and then wince when I see what happens to my work. It is difficult to let my work go and and then not have any control over what happens with it. (I have learned to be careful!) Not so here. My photo is in the good company of a painting by Vincent Van Gogh. 

It took me a while to have the time to sit down with To Knit or Not to Knit (it was gardening season and there is always so much to do!) A few weeks ago, I sat down to see what Elvira had produced. Once I started reading, I started laughing and smiling and just plain enjoying this little book. There are many knitter/bloggers who have become published authors. Sometimes I just shake my head and wonder WHY? HOW? In Elvira, we have an honest to goodness author who has come out as a knitter. How cool. (Elvira's novel George Washington’s Socks has sold over a million copies and is used in school curricula throughout the country.) 

 

I especially enjoy all the comparisons to literature that are included. Here's a short list of some of the famous writers that Elvira quotes from - Emily Dickinson, Queen Victoria, Napoleon, Van Gogh, Virginia Woolf, and many more.

Throughout the book, there is art sprinkled that features knitters and stitchers. I love these connections that Elvira has found. She uses history, literature, art, and photography to craft a book about knitting and being a knitter that is really funny to read.

To Knit or Not to Knit is full of helpful advice for the new knitter or the advanced knitter. Elvira also includes many of her go-to patterns which she makes for gifts including a baby hat, simple sweater, thrummed mittens, cat toy, tea cosy and more. 

So check out To Knit or Not to Knit. And welcome Elvira to the world of knitting authors! Hint, hint - To Knit would make a nice Christmas gift for any knitting friends of yours. 

Would you like to win an autographed copy of To Knit Or Not To Knit? Elvira has donated one copy to one of my lucky readers. Here's how to enter.......

Answer the following question in the comments sections:
Share your favorite knitting book and tell us why if you have the time and energy! 

Contest ends Monday, November 17th. I'll pull a number by random # generator shortly thereafter.
U.S. Residents only PLEASE. 
As always leave an easy way to get a hold of you - blogger id, email address or Ravelry ID (only if you check in there please!) 

Contest is over - winner has been notified. Thanks everyone for entering.