Thursday, April 19, 2012

An Interview with Tanis Gray, Author of Capitol Knits and a Giveaway

Today I am really happy to have a special interview with Author/Designer/Editor and Mama to Callum Tanis Gray

Tanis Gray and her little sweetheart Callum
I met Tanis it seems years ago when she was the Yarn Editor at Soho Publishing - the umbrella to magazines Vogue Knitting and Knit Simple and the sadly departed Knit.1 (which Tanis co-edited). We developed one of those business/phone friendships which I am happy to say has continued due to the internet and both of us moving on professionally and personally. Tanis has been to one of my "Getting Stitched on the Farm" Retreats and since then, we have shared the woes and joys of book publishing, designing, and motherhood. Last spring Tanis and her husband Roger welcomed little Callum into their family and their lives have not been the same since. That's him in one of her handknits above.  Tanis and her family live in Washington, DC.


Last year, Tanis's book Knit Local was published by Sixth and Spring Books to rave reviews. This winter, she self-published her second book. Tanis is no stranger to having her work published. Her designs have been featured in gobs of books and magazines, many of them ending up on the covers. Today, Tanis is spending some time with all of us and she is sponsoring a Giveaway of her new book Capitol Knits.



Tanis' new book Capitol Knits
For all you locals, Webs is sponsoring a trunk show of Capitol Knits right now and through the next 2 weeks in their store. I have splashed photos of many of the projects from Tanis' Capitol Knits through this post. Check out Tanis' website here. You can listen to a podcast with Tanis here.


KN: Hi Tanis. Let's start with the age-old question most knitters want to know.....When and how did you learn to knit?

TG: My mom taught me when I was 8. She had always been a wonderful sewer and knitter but got busy with my brother and I and didn't have much time for it. She decided to get back into it and make me a sweater. I was absolutely enthralled with the process and would do any little thing I could to help, whether it was to wind her yarn, help her pick out buttons or just sit and watch. She taught me after finishing that little mohair cardigan for me and I've been addicted ever since.


KN: You know, my mom made me a little green mohair cardigan. She saved it and for awhile Julia wore it. Such nice knitting memories for us both! I know your mom has been rather influential in your creative life. She is a painter, isn't she? How has her work been an influence on your creative life?

TG:  Yes, my mom is a very talented painter and pastel artist. You can see her work at www.patriciamgray.com. My mom taught both children's and adult art classes and growing up I'd come to all her classes and "assist." Between going to class with her, volunteering at the local art centers, coming home from school every day to find her working in her studio and sitting there watching her while we rehashed our days to each other, or going on one of our many, many museum trips, she taught me to appreciate art, find beauty everywhere, understand and utilize color and respect other people's visions. Both she and my father were supportive of my going to art school, which changed my life.


KN: What is your best knitting tale.... either personal or professional? One of the most memorable things that has affected your knitting and real life simultaneously?

TG:  I went to RISD for college and freshman year is referred to as "foundation year." You cannot declare a major until you are a sophomore and everyone takes the same 4 classes, 3D, 2D, drawing and art history. For my final project in 3D at the end of the year, we had to create a "second skin for something." That was the only instruction given, so the concept could be wide open. I had really missed my knitting and anyone who knows about a RISD education knows that you work your butt off for 4 years and there's little time for anything but schoolwork and studying. I wished to somehow bring my knitting into this project and in the end decided to knit a "second skin for my hands," ie mittens. Holding fishing line, silver metal strips, silver wiring, cotton rope and twine together, I knit wearable mittens with copper cuffs.  Those were definitely my most memorable pair of mittens and I went through about 8 sets of DPNs knitting them! I got an A in that class and those mittens went on to win many sculpture awards. It married my love of art and my love of knitting.


KN: Wow, that is one great story. I love that you combined art and knitting. It is such a natural although many people don't think of it that way.
Tanis, you recently self-published a beautiful book called Capitol Knits! It is jam-packed with gorgeous sweaters and lots of accessories. What I really like is how all the sweaters and accessories are extremely wearable but stylish too. Congratulations! Great timing with the election coming up. I think you are very brave to self-publish considering you have come out of the corporate knitting/magazine world. What prompted you to do go off on your own and do it yourself?



TG: Thanks! We live in the heart of Washington, DC on Capitol Hill. It's an odd experience walking the dog and pushing a stroller passing senators, judges and important political figures on the street. This city is the beating heart of our nation and one of the most beautiful, historic places we have as a young country. I had just wrapped up my first book, Knit Local with Sixth & Spring, had a baby and REALLY wanted to do a small book where I had complete control. I wanted to do the photography, have final say on all decisions and see what I pictured in my head on a page in front of me. It was a giant leap of faith and I worked on it in fits and starts while my son slept, trying to challenge myself and see if I could do it. It was more or less my journals come to life in bound book form for all to see. I love history, plants, interesting facts, maps and knitting. I wanted to share that with other knitters.

 
KN: The book is very beautiful. You put so much of yourself in there. I love all the little drawings, the history of DC, the stories that are added. That is the kind of add-on that makes a book special but which unfortunately doesn't get into most knitting books done by large publishers. Are there any tips you would like to share with others about the process of self-publishing?

TG:  Have patience with yourself. When you're a one-woman show things take a lot longer than if you have a team behind you. There are many great things about working with a publisher, and there are also many great things about working on a book by yourself. They are both unique experiences, one not being better than the other, just different. I wanted to try both.

KN: I know about being a "one-woman show" - it's a tough gig, especially when you have high standards! What was the biggest learning curve you had in self-publishing Capitol Knits?

TG:  Finding the balance between my schedule, my model's, my husband's and my son's. I feel like I should have a degree in scheduling after getting a book done in 3 months with all those schedules!


KN: Wow - three months! That is phenomenal. You are amazing. Anything else really special in Capitol Knits that you would like to share with us?

TG: DC is a magical city. There are so many hidden gems and a wonderful sense of history and duty here. This book is my love letter to this city and I was inspired to do it after researching my family tree and being accepted into the DAR last year. There are write-ups about each location, facts, photos, history... I hope that if you haven't been to DC and you look over this book, you'll want to visit. There's a ton of writing in this book and I hope people take the time to read it. Also, the trunk show is currently at Webs in Northampton and has been traveling around the country. If you want your LYS to host it, let them know!


KN: Many readers here at "Getting Stitched on the Farm" are interested in things besides knitting. Tell us what else informs your design life? What else do you like to do that helps to keep you creating great knitting designs.

TG: With a dog and a baby I take 2, sometimes 3 walks a day. I like exploring the city and my neighborhood. There's so much inspiration here and most of the museums are free, so you can pop in for 30 minutes of inspiration or spend a few hours there. I wish all the museums in the world were free! I also like to bike with my family, am obsessed with jigsaw puzzles, watching sci-fi and when I get some free time (ha), sew.

KN: Jealous - all those museums for free! Nice. Now that you have been in Washington for 3 years, tell me what the secret is to knitting in the heat down there? 

TG: Ugh, the heat. Last summer was one of the worst summers on record. My son was born last April 2 months early with pnemonia. He spent the first month of his life in the NICU and we were instructed to not take him outside in anything over 90 degrees. That meant I spent 99% of my summer indoors in the air conditioning! Even though I've never been a fan of summer and the heat, I truly enjoy knitting all year round, no matter how hot it is! Keep the blinds closed, crank up the air conditioning and drink plenty of iced tea.

I want to thank Tanis for opening up her world to all of us. She has kindly donated a signed copy of Capitol Knits one of my lucky readers. Here's how to enter.....

Answer this question from Tanis in the Comments section. 
What is your favorite monument in DC?
Contest ends Sunday April 22nd at 11:59 p.m. US addresses only.
As always, please leave an easy way to get a hold of you - either blog, Ravelry id, or email address. Thanks for reading all! And thanks so much to Tanis for taking time out of her busy day and life.

111 comments:

Ellen said...

I first went to DC on a trip in junior high. My first trip far from NYC without my parents. It was fantastic! I would have to say the Lincoln Memorial was/is my favorite monument. Amazing to see it in person!

Thanks for having the giveaway!

ellenronnie on ravelry

gale (she shoots sheep shots) said...

Great interview--and this book looks fabulous. Fave monument is a seriously tough choice. I'm torn between Viet Nam for its emotional power and Lincoln as a traditional favorite.
ps Tanis makes me feel very lazy! 3 months!

Aunt Marti said...

My favorite monument in DC has always been the Jefferson Memorial. The style is so calming, and I love that it has quotes from Jefferson on the walls inside. My husband and I lived at Andrews AFB for four years and spent time almost every weekend exploring the city.

Bonney said...

Yikes! I thought I was going to say the Lincoln Memorial but the Jefferson Memorial is pretty nifty too. So, I'll say both of them!!

Vicki Knitorious said...

I've visited DC once and enjoyed as many sites as we could. I think the Lincoln Memorial was my favorite.

Elke said...

The Washington Monument. From up close and personal to far away, just impressive and a picture perfect view any time

mary kate said...

I love the Washington Monument. When I went there as a young child with my family, I got seperated from my folks in a very crowded elevator....so I opened my mouth and screamed! Still a family story to this day...
Mary Kate Witry
pwitry@rcn.com

Diane said...

Not exactly a monument. The most moving area is the vietnam memorial.

phaedra96 said...

I took my oldest son when he was 18 mos. old to visit my aunt. She and my two girl cousins lived in a veeery small townhouse with a veeery large St. Bernard dog who literally took up the available floor space in the living room! Gregory and I would take the metro into the city and spent most of our days at the Smithsonian. There was(still is?) a carousel that we rode every time we arrived at the Mall and when we left. Every time. You do that with an 18 month old. So, I think my memory of D.C. has to be the carousel. And it was sooo hot! Anne-bonnieanne@omnicityusa.com

Casey said...

The Lincoln Memorial. Thanks for the chance to win a great book!
ashefamily@yahoo.com

may knits said...

I have only been to Washington once and that was just in the airport and then to meet up with some friends to head to Virginia. But I am always impressed by the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. So I think those will be on the top of my list when I get to go back.
This book certainly looks impressive. Thanks for sharing.

Susan said...

The most moving to me was the Vietnam Memorial. I wasn't expecting the explosion of feelings that came up in me. I want to take my kids there.
susanknits@earthlink.net

RubyC said...

Not so sure I can pick a particular monument as both times I have been to DC my walking has been limited so most of my monument visiting has been limited to drive by. The first time a native took me around, the second time my husband and I drove around. But I did get to spend time in some of the Smithsonian museums. I love the area around the Washington monument. Being that close to it, makes it seem so real every time I see it on any TV show or news spots. Overall, DC offers a lot to everyone no matter how much you can get around. And I love Tanis Gray designs and her blog. And I live to read your recurring blog. Always something new to learn even if it is about farm life. I love reading. Have a great day and thanks for sharing.
Rav: MzCruse

LynnIL said...

I loved the Lincoln Memorial, but the Vietnam Memorial was so emotionally charged. I was in Washington DC about 22 years ago and it was a hot day! We could only spend the day and it was not enough. Our 5 yr old son was with and I remember the taxi fare being ridiculous!LynnIL

Carol Perecman said...

HI, Kristin, Great interview, always love reading your blog. Favorite monument--so unoriginal, but the Lincoln has not lost its power over the years to awe and inspire. the WWII and Vietnam ones are also very moving, each in its own way.
THanks for the chance to win this book...
Carol, ceejay on Ravelry

MelissaH said...

My favorite DC monument is not a traditional monument, but Julia Child's kitchen in the American Museum of Natural History. Do you think there will ever be a knitter's workshop preserved as beautifully?

masshag said...

Wonderful designs. My favorite monument is the Washington monument. I love the night photos of it

Jocelyn said...

Very interesting insight into Tanis's creative mind. Thanks! I have never been to D.C. but from what I know of it, the Lincoln Memorial is my favourite. I think it goes back to sophomore year in high school when we had to memorize and study the Gettysburg Address. I read up on the history behind it and of course the great man who delivered the address. The monument evokes that universal feeling of patriotism in everyone.

Jhocy on Ravelry

Megan said...

The Lincoln memorial.

megan said...

oops, forgot to leave contact info-- megand on ravelry

Diane said...

The Lincoln Memorial is top of my list... many thanks for the great interview and really gorgeous patterns.
ditetre(at)mac(dot)com

Jody Regan said...

Tanis, I remember those wire mittens like it was yesterday. They were lovely, and powerful.
Favorite monument is the Lincoln, because when I lived in DC, you could sit sit on the side of the Lincoln, with your back against the marble, looking at the Potomac, and no matter the DC weather, the marble was cool, and solid.
Keep up the great work!

Dana said...

Loving the self-published knitting books that are coming out these days. I'll definitely be looking for Capitol Knits in my LYS.

I haven't been to DC in years, but I'd have to say that the cherry blossoms are my favorite DC sight, but since they're not a monument, I'm going to go with the Jefferson Memorial, which sits right on the water, surrounded by cherry trees.

sjanova said...

My very favorite is the Roosevelt Memorial -- super content and needs a lot of time to appreciate it. The very best time to see it is at night.

folkgal said...

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial. In 1994 I spent a month researching the memorial for my master's thesis in anthropology. I now am a folklorist specializing in military lore.

folkgal said...

oops - folkgal@yahoo.com

Rose said...

The FDR memorial is my newest favorite monument, although they all have a special place in my memory and heart, as I took my daughters there frequently during their childhood (I live in Norfolk, so it's not that far away.) Thanks for the opportunity to win the book!

Bonnie said...

I've never been to D.C., so sadly I don't know what my favorite memorial would be. I'd love to spend a few hours/days/weeks in the Smithsonian.

JoAnnaJae said...

I live in DC and love visiting the Lincoln Monument in the middle of the night. The lights reflect on the water and there are few other people there. You can sit on the steps and look out toward the Washington Monument. It's beautiful.

RavID: ambitious

Savannagal said...

I've never been to Washington DC, so I don't have a favorite monument. I have seen photos of the Lincoln monument and he does look quite regal sitting in that gargantuan chair. But I think the White House is a pretty cool monument in and of itself. Thanks for the giveaway.

Adaliza said...

What an interesting interview - thank you both. I feel inspired to pick up my needles again - but will have to have my crochet hook surgically removed from my hand first!

Anonymous said...

Since I haven't yet visited DC, I can't name my favorite memorial. But the Lincoln is high on my must-see list, especially at night with the reflections on the water. After that, the National Gallery and the Smithsonian are going to get most of my time.
-- stashdragon (my Rav name)

710 East Myrtle Avenue said...

Washington Monument is my favorite!
eevavalentine@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Mine is the Lincoln Memorial...the history of Lincoln is my favorite.

Barb Chio
bschio@firstenergycorp.com

Anonymous said...

Does the national aquariam count? Found it by accident when I got lost coming out of the national mint on the way to the Smithonsain. if not my second favorite is reflection pool. where you can see washington and lincoln at the same time.


Fracksmom on Ravelry

Lisa C. said...

I enjoy visiting the World War II memorial. Lots to see there.
(lisadesigns on Ravelry)

Violet said...

I've not been to DC yet, but the Vietnam memorial is first on my list of sites to see. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

Loraine said...

I have only been to DC once in my life and the best memory I have of that trip when I was about 12 was the Washington Monument.

Loraine

(TheBoyceMonsters on Ravelry)

Lateia Elam Sandifer said...

I like the Jefferson Memorial. It has the whole Greek revival vibe. lateia.sandifer@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

It has been years since I've been anywhere near the Mall and the main DC monuments, but I'm eager to see the National Museum of the American Indian there. As it is not truly a "monument" I think I am most interested in seeing the WWII monument.
Margaret/Nuna
(loonynuna on Ravelry)

TomT said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Washington Monument! I love it. And the cherry blossoms, which I'm thinking a lot about this spring for some reason.

lisavt on ravelry

TomT said...

I love all the landmarks in DC. My favorite is the Lincoln Memorial - so powerful and majestic.

RavID: HelloKnitters

carolynirene said...

My choices are institutions and monuments to the process: the Capitol steps and mall and the Smithsonian

Meghan said...

As a Canadian Born immigrant to the States I can honestly say I don't think I can even name a monument in DC. But I do fantasize about spending a week or two in the Smithsonian! A copy of this book would definitely educate me in knitting patterns and monuments :)
anythingbutsnow on Ravelry

rinebird said...

I love DC. I am a fan of Lincoln. The Lincoln Memorial. I do love the Women's
Museum too.love your designs.
rinebird@gmail.com

maryse said...

i have two favorites. first the vietnam memorial. the first time i visited, it was warm and sunny and as i approached, it got progressively grayer and cooler. a little creepy. and then a little girl started crying. no sooner did i walk away, the sun came out.
and then i love the smithsonian: archie's chair, julia childs' kitchen, etc.

Shannon said...

I've not been fortunate enough to go in person but from images I would say The Washington Monument. It's stunning to me.

Ravelry ID: srrose104

NanaJen said...

I am feeling redundant, but I love the Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln & Washington Memorials & the Smithsonian. Come to think of it...I love DC!!!
Thank you for a fabulous interview!
RavID ~ jaydawnrn

Joyce said...

I loved reading the interview with Tanis Gray. I am amazed with the accomplishment of putting together this beautiful book in three months with a busy little person to help her.

I have only been able to go to Washington one time, but I loved seeing the Lincoln Memorial all lit up in the evening. It really gave me a feeling of reverence.

Rebecca McNulty said...

My favorite DC monuments are the Vietnam Memorial and the Vietnam Women's Memorial.

linnetknits (on ravelry) said...

When I see the Lincoln Memorial, I see Marian Anderson singing there, and that's amazing.

Eileen said...

My favorite is a toss up between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, especially at night when they are lit up against the night sky.

Anonymous said...

washington so plain and simpel fromt he outside but decorated with goodies on the inside from all sorts of different states.

erin B
RAVID: Atareen

Jane said...

My favorite monument is the World War II monument. I had the honor last May to join my father and many other World War II veterans as they toured DC. My father is 87 and I so enjoyed watching him that day. I learned things he had never shared before. When speakers called the veterans heroes, my dad said the real heroes were the ones that didn't come home.

MNKnit said...

The Lincoln Memorial. The idea of standing on those steps looking a Abe, then turning around and looking down the Mall, and thinking about all the people who have stood in that same place is a wonderful feeling.

Pam Woolbright said...

My favorite is the Jefferson Memorial with its inspiring quotation, "I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."

Cami said...

I love the Washington Monument. It's serene and beautiful! Thanks for the give away!

Kitten With a Whiplash said...

I've never been to DC, but if I went I'd probably go to the Smithstonian first - of course it's so large it would at least a month later before I'd be ready to see the rest of the sites. Hmm, on second thought, maybe I'd better start with the Lincoln Memorial.

Anonymous said...

Your book looks fabulous! I've always liked the Lincoln Monument when visiting DC. So many fun things to see there.

Tammi
(songsiren1@yahoo.com)

CardiLover said...

I love, love, love what I've seen of Tanis' book and really enjoyed the interview! I've never been to DC and must admit I'll be clamoring to see all the museums first. I'm not even sure the monument I'd like to visit truly counts as DC, but I've been told I have relatives at Arlington National Cemetery and would like to find out if that's really true. I'd also love to see the cherry trees in full bloom in DC sometime.

Tina said...

My serious answer is that my favorite monument is Mr. Jefferson. I'm always awed and always visit when I'm in town. My tongue in cheek favorite monument is Tanis sitting in front of the Jefferson pushing the baby with one foot and knitting happily away. Surely that IS a monument, right? Would just love to have the book!

Unforgiven said...

My favorite monument is the one for the World War (although the WWII monument is very impressive). A close second would be the one for the Korean war. Both are very fascinating for different reasons. I have visited Washington DC only once and I would LOVE to go back!

Patti said...

Well, my favorite place is the Capitol, but that may not count as a memorial/monument, so I'd have to choose the Jefferson Memorial.

crabbipatti on ravelry

noallatin said...

I like the Lincoln Memorial.

Sara said...

Hmmm. I haven't been to DC since our senior class trip in 1969. I was overwhelmed with emotion as we visited the big monuments. But the hush at the Lincoln Memorial brought me to tears that day....

survivor on Ravelry

JeanP said...

The Vietnam Memorial is very moving. Visit it on your next trip.

Lilea said...

One year my husband and I spent our anniversary in DC. It was April and we were lucky enough to be there for the height of the cherry blossoms. We took a lovely walk circling around the Tidal Basin and the Reflecting Pool visiting all the monuments. My favorite monument was the Jefferson Memorial. So pretty and peaceful in that area!

Anonymous said...

The Vietnam Memorial, it is not a monument but very moving. And the free zed dried ice cream at the space museum. Great.
d_karen@hotmail.com

Turtle said...

Tough one! Washington Monument i think. It is so grand and majestic from any view or distance. But the memorial wall is very touching ... so a close second, though not really a monument perhaps.
Loved this insight interview thanks for sharing! lol, fingers crossed...i was born on the first earth day, this 22nd! :)

Nerdy Knitter said...

My favorite monument is the Lincoln Memorial; the text is so powerful, and it's a beautiful site--a moving combination.

Anonymous said...

Four years ago on a school trip with 3rd graders I finally visited the WWII memorial. It was amazing. Even my students were awed.
Kim
BeachBlythe on Ravelry

meppybn said...

I haven't yet been able to get to Washington DC to see all the sights, but when I do, the WWII Memorial will be the first. My husband was a WWII vet and we had always hoped to get there but sadly, he died last May. All of them and the museums sound wonderful .... it's on my bucket list!!
meppynesbitt on Ravelry

Emma said...

Definitely the Lincoln Memorial. I would love to have this book.
toemma(at)gmail.com

Suzanne said...

I've never been to DC so don't have a favorite and don't know where I would go first.

I will be at Webs Saturday so I will be checking out the trunk show.

Elaine said...

The Lincoln Memorial is wonderful!!
Thank you for this opportunity to win Tanis' book. Her work is beautiful.
eblim01@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Ahem, I was born and grew up in D.C. so I visited a lot of monuments and the Lincoln Memorial never fails to thrill me and make me think of how free a people we are. Mary in Cincinnati

sally said...

My favorite is the Vietnam Wall. I find the objects left as remembrances so powerful.

Robin V said...

I love the Lincoln Memorial, but I think my favorite has to be the Vietnam Wall. So much emotion there....

And doesn't the metro have sculpted gloves by the escalator to one of its stops? I remember thinking that was Very Cool.

It's been years since we were in D.C., and now I'm getting the itch to visit again. I love the Smithsonian, and the National Zoo. And I'd like to visit the Holocaust Musuem.

I enjoyed the interview with Tanis, and look forward to finding a copy of Capitol Knits - it sounds like a great book!

- RobinV on Ravelry

KnitWithTammy said...

I have not yet been to DC, but we plan on moving to the area in December.
I am very excited about all the museums and memorials! I especially want to see the Vietnam Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial! Can't wait!

cllcraft said...

I have never been to D.C., but I'd love to see all of the museums and memorials. Maybe in the Spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. I enjoyed the interview with Tanis. What a talented and creative artist.

Suzasstuff said...

TheLincoln Memorial ....

Anonymous said...

My favorite monument was the Washington Monument. I never got to see it up close as it was snowing when I was there, but I loved looking up at it and thinking... Rav id is bearybearco

Anonymous said...

It's hard to choose one, but I would have to say the Washington Monument is my favorite.

Lee (mamagiff on rav)

Twiningcables on Ravelry said...

While I have been to Washington DC many times, it has been years since my last visit. I would pick the Jefferson Memorial, if I had to pick one. I really loved spending time there.

Cathy said...

Thank you both for this wonderful post. The designs and setting for the pics are beautiful. There are so many parts of D.C. to love, but I have always been drawn to anything related to Thomas Jefferson - Jefferson memorial it is.

What is the pattern for the cute sweater Callum is wearing??

bookagent said...

I have to say the Lincoln Memorial. I haven't seen the Vietnam Memorial yet but it's at the top of my list for the next visit. Thanks for offering the book, it looks amazing!

Pam
phopkin1@rochester.rr.com

Catherine said...

Well, I don't think this is technically a monument but my favorite place is the Washington Cathedral. It's a beautiful structure away from the craziness of the political stuff. Very inspiring.

Anonymous said...

No question - my favorite monument is the Vietnam Memorial. My husband is a photographer and we were privileged to be invited to photograph the Memorial prior to its being opened to the general public back. It was moving to see the vets and families of those killed in Vietnam come to see their loved ones names on the wall.

Anonymous said...

The summer after my jr year in high school I was a tour guide at the Smithsonian. It was a treasured time full of one of a kind experiences. Susan K

Dianne@sheepdreams said...

It's been so many years since I've been to D.C. I remember being amazed by the sheer size of the monuments and the Smithsonian was just unbelievable! The Lincoln stands out, but if I ever get to see the Vietnam War Memorial, I know it will be powerful. Your interview with Tanis was terrific....lots of insightful questions and answers.

India said...

Hard to say which is my favorite monument, but I really love the National Mall and all of its monuments and museums, the Capitol at one end and Lincoln Memorial at the other. It's like our country's front yard, and We the People do gather there frequently to make our voices heard. A couple of years ago my son interned for our Congressman, Peter Welch (D-VT), and our visit with him to the Capitol reminded me of all the good things our country stands for--hard not to feel patriotic when visiting Washington, DC! andyindy2@gmail.com

peartreejan said...

Hi Kristin - The photos in your post are such a tease, this looks like a wonderful book. I have loved DC since I first visited in the 8th grade; I have been fortunate to have been there many times since - I do try to avoid summers there! The last time I got to see the FDR memorial, which is very moving, but my all-time favorite is definitely the Jefferson memorial. It is so beautiful, especially at night, and so perfectly sited. Would love to win the book - thanks! peartreejan (on Ravelry)

Jan Martin said...

Having the opportunity to visit DC on a regular basis for work, visitng the monuments are always a thrill no matter how often I dee them. At this point, the top of the list for me is FDR. I have a picture of Eleanor's statue as the background on my Blackberry.

Jan said...

FDR is a favorite. A picture of Eleanor's statue is the background on my Blackberry.
Jan23Martin@yahoo.com

Diane said...

Being young during the 1970’s, Maya Lin's Viet Nam War Memorial is the most moving monument for me. The stark simplicity and the seemingly unending list of names are overwhelming. To visit it with vets paying respect to their fallen comrades is truly a humbling experience.
Lammersd@earthlink.net

adodds said...

We spent 2 years living iin DC and loved every minute of our time there. My favorite memorial /monument was the Vietnam Memorial. It is extremeley powerful and I remember the outcry when the design was 1st announced. One of my favorite places was the Capitol Children's Museum.. We spent many hours playing there.

Mary Lee said...

What a wonderful backdrop and theme for a book!

I love the entire city and consider it a monument to American democracy.

The Vietnam Wall is probably the most moving to me. That war was so wrenching for my generation. After it finally ended, I thought that we would never engage in a war again unless we were attacked. What did I know, huh?!

beth said...

I think the Vietnam Memorial - the Wall - is so moving, but I do love the Lincoln and love the view down the Mall from the steps there. What a wonderful giveaway. Thanks!

Denise said...

I think the Lincoln Memorial is very ...well I can't think of the right adjective. But I like it the best.
flgirl1987 AT yahoo DOT com

Anonymous said...

I love the FDR sculpture and gardens....felt kind of tucked away, beautiful and serene.
diann325@gmail.com

Rebekah said...

Thanks so much, Kristin, for hosting this giveaway! So which DC monument is my favorite? The first one that popped into my mind is the Washington Monument.


Ravelry ID: needlestohook

barb said...

Thank you so much for this lovely giveaway.
I would have to say that the Lincoln Memorial is my favorite. From childhood it has made me feel so patriotic. Love it.

Good luck to everyone in the giveaway.

blyerke1@yahoo.com
on Rav yerkeb

Jo said...

I love the Washington Memorial which I climbed on my first visit to DC when I was 16. However, I am anxious to see the new monuments including WW2 (my dad was in the Army Air Corps). i am fascinated by the fact that Tannis sketches are included in her book...reminds me of EZ. Her designs are gorgeous. Jo

Karen (woolyminded on Ravelry) said...

The book looks really lovely - I'm just amazed at how beautiful and professional self-publishing has become. Haven't been to DC for a few years now... Will have to take my daughter soon and how her some of the wonderful places.

The Jefferson Memorial is probably my favorite, so beautiful.

Abbie said...

I just moved to Baltimore and feel so privileged being within an hour's train ride of D.C. So far, my favorite monument is the Jefferson Memorial. The shape of the building and location are a lovely combination. Thank you so much for having this giveaway!

Whiffletree Farm said...

Ah, driving in D.C., cherished moments. The last time my sister and I went "in," my 13 year old son was in the back seat, I was looking for a parking space near the new Air and Space Museum and inadvertently drove down a one way street. RRRRrrIP! Flashing light. The officer strode up to my window and asked me why I drove down the street the wrong way. "I don't know, officer," I said, " In New Hampshire, where I come from, our streets aren't particular. They go both ways." He smiled and let me go.

cmflame said...

I like being able to sit on Albert Einstein's lap in front of the National Academy of Sciences :)

zumbaqueen said...

The memorial to Korean soldiers is my favorite. I first saw it in the early evening when it was lit. I could feel myself among the men, and could sense the hush of preparing for an impending attack. The next time that I went to D.C. I had to bring my husband to see it. It simply moves me, and I feel for the men who were there.

Helen Hart said...

We lived in Maryland years ago and I really loved the Lincoln Monument. Something very special about his view from his "thrown."
HelzHart@aol.com

amy s. said...

Hi Kristin, as a DC resident I would say the Library of Congress is my favorite building--the Great Hall with its wonderful ceiling ornamentation (knitters and crafters should check it out) and a Gutenberg Bible hiding just downstairs. Not to take away from the Jefferson and LIncoln Memorials which are also lovely and moving. I have Tanis's book already and am just starting the Constitution Hall scarf. And wanted to shout out to my LYS Looped Yarn Works whose proprietor is in all the pictures in the book (and in this post)!

Kristin Is Now Writing Over on Substack

Hi All! A quick note to let you all know that I'm now writing a Newsletter over on Substack: Kristin Nicholas' Colorful Newsletter f...