I have another new book to review:
This is Rugged Knits: 24 Practical Projects for Everyday Living by Andrea Rangel. You can view the projects on Ravelry, here. (I note that the title says there are 24 projects, but there are actually 22 patterns in the book. Two of the patterns are for hats that state they are for men or women, so perhaps those each count as two patterns, but . . . whatever.)
I like the idea of “rugged knits” — knitwear that stands the test of time and lasts for years and years. The patterns in this book include 11 sweaters/vests, 3 hats, 6 cowls/wraps, 1 pair of fingerless mitts, and 1 sock pattern. Some of my faves:
I love love love the Silhouette Baselayer Men’s. There is also a women’s version that is more fitted, but I prefer the men’s version. And I love that it is knit from light fingering weight at a gauge of close to 7 stitches/inch in a pretty textured pattern. When one reaches a certain age (ahem) anything heavier than fingering weight is too warm and not comfortable for inside wear.
Next up:
The cover design: Hazy Cloud. I love the all-over tiny check pattern! And I love the exposed raglan seam detail that is carried along the edge of the collar:
The description of this is the “ultimate sweatshirt” and I think that’s a great description!
Next, a shawl:
Cedar Bough is a triangular shawl worked from side to side with an i-cord edge picked up after the fact. The body of the shawl is worked in twisted stitches for a gorgeous texture. It is knit from fingering weight yarn but I wonder how it would be worked in sport weight.
And a hat:
The Boreal Toque is a great colorwork hat for men or women. It’s a nicely fitted hat that would, as the book suggests, fit nicely under a helmet for extra warmth. It’s a nice intro to colorwork, too.
All in all, it’s a nice collection of pretty, classic designs.
Who’d like my review copy? To be entered in the drawing to win my copy, leave a comment on this post by 11:00am Eastern Time on sunday, June 19, 2016 and I’ll choose a winner at random at that time.
Kinsale
I finished the neckband on Kinsale last Sunday:
I find it difficult to pick up stitches for a neckband neatly when working in cotton due to the lack of elasticity, so I’m pretty pleased with how this looks. Meanwhile, I’m working along on the first sleeve.
I think I’m on target to finish this by the end of June. I want to have to done before July 1 so I can start my second Camp Loopy project without a bit of Kinsale left over!
Loki is too busy enjoying his cat ball to care!
It’s where he hangs out when he gets tired of reclining on his couch!
Hazy Cloud looks so comfy!
Thanks for the giveaway.
Interesting looking book–put me down for sure.
I really like the Boreal toque & Passing Glacier patterns. There appear to be a nice assortment of really wearable patterns in this book. I’ll have to explore adding it my library.
Your Kinsale is beautiful. I would never have tried knitting it in cotton, my arthritic hands would rebel. Loki in his cat ball is precious.
I love the idea of practical knits. Practical crafting is why I turned to knitting in the first place, after years of macrame and cross stitch and other “pretty” crafts. Practical *and* pretty? That will catch my attention to be sure.
As much fun as soft yarn is, there is still room for the rugged wearable yarns. Thanks for the review!
Loved the “sweatshirt” and the hat.
I would love to win a copy – lots of patterns I would knit. Thank you ever so much !
Kim
Ooh! Bright River is right up my alley!
I’ve had Hazy Cloud in my favorites since I first saw it .. would love to have a copy of the book!
Katherine´s last blog post ..WIP Wednesday: I-cord for Islay
And a Wonderful cat ball it is. Rugged knits looks great…would love to knit that shawl.
I would love this book. And even though I am WAY above that certain age, I really love the Woolen Explorer.
Looks like a lovely book of patterns. Pick me! 🙂
The book looks like a lot of fun – thanks for reviewing it. I love the cat ball . . . I may need to go get one for my own kitty to cuddle in.
Lots of great patterns here. I love that they look “wintery” but are made of lighter weight yarns – much more versatile and wearable.
I would love a copy of this new book!
Please enter me in your drawing. I love to leaf through knitting books and dream.
These knits are so me! Please enter me in the giveaway. Give Loki a kiss!!
Lovely patterns in the book. I’d love a copy!
The patterns look so nice! I would love to win.
Jen R´s last blog post ..The Fast Metabolism Diet book review
Loved those patterns. Lots of little touches that make them extra nice.
That looks like a great book. I would love to win it!
What a great book. So many patterns, I wouldn’t know what to make first
Pick me! Pick me!! Oh, and pls tell Loki hello from Miss Meowple.
I especially like Bright River and Lily Toes…and so many others! Would love to win this book.
love the cat ball for Loki
What fun looking patterns! Wish I were as comfortable as Loki looks.:)
I would love to have a copy of this book!
I love Braided Brook! Please sign me up! >^..^<
I love knits that are made for utility. Would love to add these patterns to my collection!
Thanks, Wendy for the chance to win a copy of this book! I really love the patterns, and can see myself making many of them!
I want to win this book, but know I probably won’t. I am going to purchase. I love the patterns. Thank you for bringing the book to my attention. Yes.
Count me in on this one too!…And my friends say I spoil my dog?!!!:=)
The book looks great. Thanks for the giveaway
There are a few things in that book I’d love to knit and wear, so I’ll keep my fingers crossed!
Rachelle Crosbie´s last blog post ..Must start all the things!
I love finger-weight sweaters – easier to knit with the old fingers…
Would love to have this book. Lots of nice looking patterns to knit!
I’ve been admiring a couple sweaters in this book — the silhouette baselayers and the ultimate sweat shirt patterns are very tempting! Thanks for the contest!
Lovely patterns. I like the functional simplicity of them. And Loki is sure one lucky cat!
Nice stuff – I want to see more of her work. One of my kitties is in the dog house tonight. Something spooked her while she was sitting on my lap, she took off, spilling wine all over my clothes and shattering my husband’s wine glass. Quite the mess!
The rugged styles are down to earth! Very nice. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book. Your Kinsale is GORGEOUS of course! Hey cute Loki!
Thanks for another opportunity for great book.
I, too, like “rugged knits” – they will last a lifetime. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love all the designs, but I think I love the Woolen Explorer the most. As warm as it is here in the winter, I could probably get away with it as a coat except for a couple of months.
Thank you for the giveaway.
Looks like a great book!
Looks like a winner.
Fingering weight yarn is my best friend. Knitting a cardie in KW weight and don’t know if I’ll ever wear it.
I would absolutely love to win the copy of rugged knits.
Rugged Knits looks delightful! It would be wonderful to win …
I love seeing what Loki is up to with every post. Thanks for organizing the giveaway!
alikat2004 on Ravelry
Ditto here on the sweatshirt!
Love that Lettlopi cardigan/jacket. No idea why she didn’t do it top-down and steek it in true Icelandic style. Hmmm. Love the book though.
Loki looks so comfy in his cat ball!
Love the hat! Nice book. Loki has the right idea….sleep!
I would love to win that book. Thank you for the chance.
I love the sweater on the front!
I want to knit Bright River in tunic length-I think I would wear it a TON! I also think I would wear Woolen Explorer. Hoping, hoping….
What great designs! I would love this book!
This is one book I’d love to have!
I too like a looser fitting sweater, just so you can wear a tee or shirt under it. Would love to have this book. You are one serious knitter, its always a pleasure to view your WIPs.
I love the men’s sweater. Thank you for the chance to get the book.
Love the sweater, I think I’d like the looser men’s style as well. Looks like there may be a cat ball in my future, Loki looks so comfortable!
Oooh! I would love a copy of that book. The patterns look perfectly me!
Pirate´s last blog post ..In Which the Pirate Cards.
“Rugged knits” is definitely my style & I’d love to win your copy. Thanks for the opportunity!
Jeannie Gray´s last blog post ..Black Woods
Looks like some interesting projects. Thanks for the opportunity.
Lots of cute patterns in the book. I’d love to win. Thanks for the opportunity.
Another draw……sweet!
Wow, what a bunch of gorgeous patterns in that book. Love the Braided Brook sweater!
Oooh, love the ‘sweatshirt’ 😉 Lots of lovely patterns–thanks for the chance to win!
The cover model looks like she stepped in something stinky. LOL
I love Hazy Cloud, too! Talk about looking great on lazy weekends! Of course, Loki is always looking great, wearing the perfect outfit for every occasion!
I’m really enjoying your writing—I just found it.
Like be the idea of hard wearing knits for everyday use.
Andrea Rangel’s designs are terrific. Please count me in as someone who would love to win this copy of her book.
These look like great knits to wear on our farm! Please count me in for the drawing.
A rugged shawl – YES!! Now that is something I could really use – and the hat, and socks, too. So yes, please add me to the drawing, and thanks.
I think the Braided Brook sweater is gorgeous. Thank you for being so generous with your books! The Kinsale pattern you are knitting is beautiful as well.
Put me in the draw, please. I’m looking forward to seeing your finished Kinsale. I’ve had that on my list for a while now.
Thanks for the draw opportunity, Wendy!
That looks like a book I’d like to have in my library. I may have to get a cat ball for my guys, and see how they like it. It fits Loki, so it’d likely fit my bigger guy too.
This looks like a good book of practical knits, maybe items we would wear more often? Sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
That looks like a great book. Thanks for the review. I’ll take Loki, too, FTW! Such a beauty.
I would love to win. Thanks for the chance. I can’t wait to see Kinsale finished
This looks like an interesting book.
The designs in Rugged Knits are absolutely my style (actually, so is your Kinsale, but you are probably not willing to give that away!).
Jamie´s last blog post ..I’ve Been Pinned!
Had my eye on that book. Thanks for letting us peek at a few of your favorite designs. Your Kinsale looks amazing!
Oh, I’d love to win that book! Loki looks so blissful in his cat ball.
Thanks for showing this book. And yes, I’d love to be picked as a winner of your copy! Margareta
Looks like a fun book. Thanks for offering this. And Kinsale looks like a winner.
Loving Loki’s cat ball 🙂
And I am interested in the book..every day wear suits me perfectly. I am tempted by all your give aways but there are some I know I would never use. This one I definitely would.
Your Kinsale is coming along beautifully
The book looks like a winner. Hope I am too. Must get cat bal for Pepper!
My favorite kind of knitwear. Lots to like in those patterns.
Yes, I like the sweaters and the vests. They look comfortable for everyday wear.
Since my sheep have wool that is meant for rugged wear, I’m always looking for patterns to knit with their wool. Thanks for the opportunity to win the book!
Looks like a great book! I especially like the Boreal Toque.
I’d love to win!
These patterns are right up my alley. Thanks for the chance to win!
So many great and practical patterns! I’m torn between Elderberry Road and Hazy Cloud for a favorite.
You had me at “Ultimate Sweatshirt”, Wendy. Toss me in.
I looked at the patterns in the book and really would like to make the Woolen Explorer cardigan.
I am sure I have enough yarn to complete this on hand. Thanks for bringing this pattern to my attention.
Lovely giveaway!
What a gorgeous book!