Yesterday was a very-little-knitting day, but it was a good book day!
Exhibit A:
I received a copy of Haapsalu Shawl, A Knitted Lace Tradition from Estonia. I purchased my copy from The Needle Arts Book Shop (here’s the link to the book for sale there). They are lovely to deal with — wonderful customer service and fast shipping.
The book is magnificent. Yeah, it’s expensive, but if you are into lace, I think it is worth every penny. It’s about the history of Estonian lace knitting. There are many many great photographs and illustrations. While there are no patterns for knitting shawls, there is a lot of explanation of how the traditional shawls are constructed and a huge stitch dictionary of the lace stitches used. Wow. Just . . . wow.
Exhibit B:
Speaking of wow, you probably know that our own dear Rachael has published her first novel, How to Knit a Love Song.
I call her “our” Rachael because she is a member of the knit-blog family. I’ve been reading her blog forever (I remember when it was called “My Glass House”). She is one of the “old-school” knit-bloggers from way back when there were only a handful of us.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her a couple of times and can assure you that Rachael is as delightful and genuine in person as she is on her blog.
So you’ll excuse me, I hope, for being a little misty on the occasion of her first book coming out. I remember back when she was an aspiring writer and I’m so proud of her and so freaking happy to see her well-deserved success.
Rachael very kindly signed a copy for me and sent it to me (and I’ll confess to you that I also bought the Kindle edition so I can read it on the go as well). I’ve started reading it and I’m loving it.
Rachael has offered a second copy to one of my readers. And I’m betting if we ask nice, she’ll sign it, too. If you’d like to be entered into the drawing for How to Knit a Love Song, leave a comment to this entry by 4:00pm Eastern time this Thursday, March 11. The Random Number Generator will select a lucky recipient.
Lucy sez:
“Hey, Digit’s momma wrote this book!”
Sounds good. I’m gonna put it on my “to read” list.
I would love to have a copy of that book!
And I’m imagining the wonderful WendyShawls that will come out of your new lace book!
I love that both books have great covers! It’s always a treat to see a book that you’re excited for looking as lovely as the contents are expected to be
I’ve been reading Rachael since . . .2004? maybe? I started reading yours in 2003 and found her shortly thereafter. It’s always been a favorite of mine, since she spells her name correctly
I’ve got the book on my Kindle wishlist, but would LOVE a printed copy!
I have been reading Rachael’s blog forever! This book is on my to get list if I don’t win it!
Always up for a great new book and the lace one may go on my birthday list!
Yay for book giveaways! And yay for knitting blogs! And yay!
(Guess who just ate a bunch of Peeps? I love Eastertime.)
I would love a chance at the book. It looks wonderful!
I’d be interested in reading a copy. I’ve heard lots of complimentary things about it on the web.
.-= sprite´s last blog ..oh canada, rebirth, and celebration =-.
Knitting nonfiction vs. knitting fiction–funny how the two can share a subject and yet be so different!
(count me in when the random numbers are generated!)
.-= Wendolene´s last blog ..Week 7: Leaves =-.
I’d love a copy of this book!
I love books. Please put my name in the drawing.
I’d love a chance to win a copy! Thanks to both you and Rachael!
I’m an avid reader, and I love love LOVE books that have a knitting background. Count me in.
.-= Jess´s last blog ..Avatar, Flowers, and Knitting =-.
THank you so much Wendy and Rachel! I would LOVE to have a copy!
Catherine from Québec
.-= Catherine´s last blog ..Petits chatons et TUSAL =-.
How I envy all of you “writers”….
Oooh books! I love books. And lace. *drool*
Congrats to Rachael!
.-= Julia´s last blog ..February’s always busy =-.
I want to know how to knit a love song!
O please pick me might random number generator.
I love knitting fiction.
Looks like it meets with Lucy’s seal of approval too.
.-= Linda´s last blog ..SHHHH–Don’t Tell Anyone =-.
I too am an avid reader of Rachael and preordered the book right away. I am so happy for her.
Wendy,
Thanks for giving us a chance for the wonderful book. Give Lucy a little hug. She’s so cute.
Susan
I so enjoy lace knitting and this book is on my wish list.
I would love a copy of this book. The title is beautiful and I would love to see why it is titled such. Thank you Wendy and Rachel for the opportunity.
Sounds like a fun read. Put my name in the pot. Hey, Lucy.
.-= southparknitter´s last blog ..Visiting the frogs =-.
I really want to read HOW TO KNIT A LOVE SONG. I’d love to win it!
.-= Word Lily´s last blog ..Interview with Laura Lippman, author of Life Sentences =-.
Both of those books look wonderful. Congrats to the new author!!! What an accomplishment.
I would love a copy of this book!
How exciting! Congrats, Rachael!
.-= Nicole´s last blog ..Monday Misc – Now With Snippets =-.
It’s nice when little knitting days are balanced by books!
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..New Sweater =-.
I would love to win Rachael’s book, I don’t have the money to buy it right now!!
How lovely! I can’t wait to read the book any way I can get my hands on it.
.-= Elise´s last blog ..Food Friday: Granola =-.
Another book on my must-read list. Please enter my name!
I’d love to be thrown around in the rng. I have been looking forward to reading her book.
Congrats to a new writer on her success. I’d be delighted to win a copy.
Woot! Knitting books!
I have already bought a copy from Amazon; however, I think it would make a lovely gift and I would love to it signed.
That must be the best feeling in the world–having your book published. Congrats to Rachael.
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Six degrees of separation, sort of =-.
Looks like a great book.
Awesome!
Sounds like a wonderful book — please include me in your drawing. I’ll have to check out her blog now~
I am definitely adding Rachael’s book to my must-read list.
Congrats to Rachel! I love reading her blog, and I remember all the heartache and joy when Digit went on an epic walkabout, and then returned home (sniff). I would love a copy of her new book!!
I would love a copy of Rachel’s book. Please enter me in the drawing.
I ordered the Haapsalu after you recommended it, but it’s on backorder for a few weeks.
What a wonderfull mailman you have, he/she brings yarn & books. I wouldn’t mind having him/her here for a while.
I’d love to have a signed copy of the book… It will be going on my list of books to purchase!
I would love to read Rachael’s book. Please enter my name in the drawing. Thanks so much.
.-= Katherine´s last blog ..Aristotle-On Knitting =-.
Dreaming of How to Knit a Love Song!
I wonder if my library has a copy of that lace book?
And enter me for the drawing! One of these days I’ll win
I’v been following Rachael forever, also. So happy that the book is out. I’m looking for a good book or two while I recover from surgery and this is top on my list. Best wishes to Rachael!
Very nice! I agree; the covers are so much fun to look at!
I absolutely LOVE the title of Rachael’s book. Congratulations to her for its completion!
I would love to have a copy of the book!
I’d adore a copy of Rachael’s book…she’s in a lot of my Ravelry groups and…well…if I DON’T win a copy, I still have it ordered from Amazon. Good luck with the trilogy, Rachael!
As an Estonian, I’m really proud of the book. Its absolutely the best book there is to get on Estonian lace knitting, for all the people who have put their minds and experience in making it true!
Love the photoes and the stories about the origin of every single pattern.
And besides that… it’s one of the most beautiful knitting books I’ve ever seen, too!
I recommend the book to everyone who’s been enjoying Nancy Bush’s “Knitted lace of Estonia”. It should fill the appetite….
.-= Elsa´s last blog ..Mind ei ole kodus! =-.
Haven’t ordered this ‘yet’ for Kindle but also love to savor knitting fiction both in paper and electronic medias
I would love to read another book!
Both books sound awesome!
Throw my name in the “pot.”
Gotta love books.
.-= Janis´s last blog ..gold =-.
Oh, I want Racheal’s book, but have not yet been able to find a copy.
Come on random number generator!! I’d love to win a copy…
.-= PlainJane´s last blog ..Lap Robes For The Veterans’ Hospital =-.
I would love a chance to win a book:) Thanks!
I would love a copy! I’ve been devouring books lately.
If Lucy is interested than so am I.
.-= Meredith´s last blog ..Spring… Are you really here? =-.
I just heard a review on the Knitmore Girls today and added it to my wish list. I’d love a copy.
.-= Sarah-potterknitter´s last blog ..New Color =-.
off to check out a new knit blog, i just cant have enough!
I hope it comes out here! I read about it being published somewhere (on Ravelry?) and wondered if it will make its way over the oceans…
I’ve been hearing a lot about this book and would love a copy. Thanks for the contest, Wendy.
I enjoy romances with knitting and mysteries with knitting–and crochet, and embroidery, and quilting, etc.
.-= E. Engman´s last blog ..CRAFT IN AMERICA SERIES =-.
Sounds like a good book! =]
Count me in. I’d love a copy of the book. Thanks, Wendy.
.-= Bess – Texas Knitter´s last blog ..In Memory =-.
wendy,
Would love to receive a book. I am working on a lace shawl now. Thanks
I believe you introduced me to Rachel and her Blog back when Digit came back home and they needed help with the Vet bills. I’ve been reading her blog ever since. I’ve enjoyed vicariously her first book sale and now publication!
I’d love to win an autographed copy of her first book!!
Love my copy of the lace book! Would really like the chance to read Rachael’s book.
I’d love to have a copy of Rachel’s book
I already have a copy of Rachael’s book (so don’t enter me inthe draw- I won’t be greedy!) and read it and LOVED it! Now i can’t wait for #2 in the series!
Those both look like wonderful books. Thank you (and Rachael) very much for holding this contest!
I’d love to have the book – and Rachael, I would love to have you sign it! Some day when you are SUPER famous, writing your 100th book, I’ll still cherish it!
Ooooh, looks like fun reads!!!
Yay, another knitting book! Please toss my name in the hat, too! I’ll Kindle it if I don’t win, but it would be nice to have a signed copy. Oh, I & preordered your book today, too!
That looks like an interesting book!
It would be fun to add to my collection of knitting books.
I’m a longtime fan of Rachael, and would be delighted to win a copy of her book!
.-= Janel´s last blog ..how does your garden grow? =-.
ohhh! Me! Me! =D
I love to read and I’m always trying new authors. I’d love to read this book.
.-= SusanB-knits´s last blog ..Trivia =-.
Wow! The giveaways on your blog are fab! I’d love a copy of Rachel’s book.
Thank you both.
Romance and knitting… very cool.
I would love to have a chance to win this book. Looks like a great summer read.
Sounds like a book that I would enjoy. Thanks for offering it up.
.-= Marji´s last blog ..Shawl Update =-.
You can also find an interview of Rachel by Marie Irshad (I think I spelled her name right) on the newly revived KnitCAst podcast. Interesting discussion on the book, history of Rachel writing it, and the ins and outs of publishing. Congrats!
I’d love to win a copy of Rachael’s book. Thank you for the chance. Crossing my fingers…..
I would buy the book based on your recommendation (unless I win it!)
I’m in the market for something fun to read, and this sounds like a good choice! Hope I win!
How nice, I am excited. I went to amazon and viewed the book and it looks really good. Can’t wait to read.
oooh, please enter me in the drawing for the book…looks fantastic!
I would Love to win her book!
Fingers crossed…
.-= Sandra´s last blog ..wtf? =-.
The book looks great. I’d love a copy.
I can’t wait to read Rachel’s book!!
I would love the book. I have it on my Amazon wishlist.