Ah, my lace-loving friends, today we have a very special treat for you. My pal Brooke Nico, lace cognoscente, just released her second book, called More Lovely Knitted Lace. The title does not lie: you’ll find more lovely garments, more gorgeous lace, and plenty of knitting to keep you creating smashing sweaters and accessories that you’ll wear with pride.
Yes, I’m totally prejudiced, but here is a list of the things I like about the book:
1. Patterns are once again organized by shape. This makes is easier to envision the finished garment and also gives you some sense for the method of construction.
2. All sorts of yarns are used, not simply superfine yarns. Of course, I do love fine-gauge yarns and some designs are featured in them, but you can also find thicker gauges to mix things up. Lace takes on a different look when different sized yarns are used, and it’s fun to see how this plays out. Look at how gorgeous Montauk is, a sweater knit in a richly hued chunky yarn with lace accents:
3. Charts and written-out directions, because some people have strong preferences for one over the other.
4. Stylish photography by Carrie Hoge. Troika is a clever piece that can be worn multiple ways; look how the lovely color of the yarn perfectly ties into the natural backdrop:
Plus a big shout-out to lovely model Senetra, who has modeled in some of my Studio books!
5. Items other than shawls, like sweaters, beret, wristers and jackets. Not everyone likes wearing shawls and it’s great to have designs for accessories as well as designs for sweaters. For example, look how lovely this tam-style hat is with a delicate lace pattern over the top:
What are some of my favorite patterns in the book?
DeBauliver is a cape in a delightful deep indigo color, shown with a ribbon closure.
I love the shaping in Lea, a top with a gorgeous yoke-like neckline:
Holly is a masterpiece built one strip at a time, like a log cabin quilt — but with beautiful Estonian lace motifs.
Amaryllis uses lace to create an entrelac-style wrap, ingenious and gorgeous, with Kauni yarn, that shades from one color to another effortlessly.
and last, Primrose, which is made in ethereal shades of Debbie Bliss Angel yarn, with delicate vertical motifs. It’s knit in vertical strips, so you can carry along one strip and work on it as a travel project. Then seam it together and you’ve got a flowy A-line top, airy and wonderful. I would love to see people experiment with different colors: I could picture it in deep wine with lighter reds, or all one color for a dramatic look, or even with several jewel or bright tones mixed up.
So now I’ve told you a bit about the book. Let’s give away a copy! (U.S. entrants only.) Leave a comment telling me what your favorite design is and make sure there is a way for me to get in touch with you (Ravelry ID, for example). I’ll accept entries until Sunday, June 5th at midnight Eastern time. Then I’ll randomly pick a winner. Even if you don’t win, this book is worth buying. So many gorgeous projects at such a nice price! Can’t wait to see what my pal Brooke comes up with next.
P.S. If you can get to the St Louis area in mid-July, meet Brooke Nico and take classes from her at the first Sip Sip Knit Retreat! Economically priced, with lots of classes, shopping and wine! Go here for details.
Oh Troika! What a beautiful wrap! Thank you for the chance to own this lovely book.
teabird on Ravelry
Primetime. But I would have to make it for someone else because I wouldn’t wear it and that would be a shame.
Love, love, love Primrose!
and love taking classes with Brooke, too! Hope to have a chance to take a class with you soon. 🙂
I have to pick just one?! They are all so gorgeous, but with warmer weather here, I think I’d pick Primrose. Playing with the colors could be fun, and I like the idea of working on small sections and then putting it all together – no large piece of knitting in my lap while it’s hot. I love the swing of the A-line too.
knittingramma on Ravelry
I really like Primrose and DeBauliver.
sknitsofrantic on Ravelry and Dawn Torkelson on FB. (We’re fb friends)
Omg. DeBauliver. It’s fabulous and I NEED a cape.
The Troika is lovely, but that tam knocks my sock off! Lots of lovelies!
(I am pretty sure you have an email for me. If not, AnneArquis on Ravelry.)
Oh, I’m so loving Primrose! Thank you for the terrific review.
knitwitch39 on Rav
Holly is amazing. Email supplied
I love Primrose but I can see myself knitting several Lea for myself and my daughters! Gorgeous patterns just like e first book! Teresaknits
I love them all! But Amaryllis is especially calling my name. There are more than one project here I would make! I am crochetrenee on Ravelry.
I love the Montauk sweater! There’s something about a touch of lace on a sweater that really appeals to me. But all of the designs look gorgeous!
Deb
(JerseyShoreDeb on Rav)
I love Primrose, could see knitting it in the round in fine linen.
Thank you for a lovely giveaway!
Ooooooh, linen would be just smashing!!!
Holly is beautiful, and would be such fun to knit for my daughter. Especially love the neckline.
My favourite, not surprisingly, is Lea. Love love love it. (LeeAnnDalton on Rav. SO creative, eh?)
I like Montauk best!
Kknittink (Ravelry name)
Ooh, I love Montauk!
I love both the tank tops. So pretty. Rav amchart
It’s a toss-up between DeBauliver and Holly.
Amaryllis is beautiful. I will buy a copy whether I win one or not. Love Brooke’s patterns!
KnitandRead on Ravelry
I love DeBauliver! I would make one in autumn colors to take the chill off in the fall. And maybe another for spring… I’m HeatherErin on Rav. 🙂
I love Primrose! My Ravelry name is AnneBeanVA.
I just love the airy look of Primrose. My Ravelry ID is JessicaK.
I like No. 4!!!! coltip on ravelry
It’s hard to pick because they are all so beautiful, but I’d say this time my favorite is Amaryllis. It’s lacy, delicate, and unusual. It’s lovely! Just love lace and knitting lace.
Troika calls to me!
Janice
That Lea top is really pretty and looks very wearable!
I’m in love with Primrose. Those colors, oh, those colors!
VeryBadDogs on Ravelry
Love the shawl collar and tank top – too beautiful for that term – but too early to think of alternate!