12.06.2010

giveaway #45

The grand prize winner of the Cupcake Socks pattern and two skeins of Yarn Love yarn to knit them with is:

slmiller8

The two runners up who have each won a skein of Juliet are:

Anna

&

Debbie who wrote, "I love them all, but if I had to pick just one, it would be the variegated so I would get to see them all! Also love the Tranquil waters but like I said at first, all are beautiful because I just love hand-dyed!"

Congratulations! Please contact me at yarnonthehouse@gmail.com to collect your prizes.


Today I have a great interview with one of my most favorite knitwear designers, Melissa LaBarre, to share with you. She is the designer and co-author of the new and popular New England Knits book that came out this past summer.

I got the opportunity to knit one of her most popular hat patterns, crooked paths, a few months ago and I loved the pattern so much, I had to knit it up again shortly after the first beret.

Here's the first one:






The second beret I ended up running outta yarn, but J really likes it!




I love this pattern so much, I'm going to knit it up again sometime in the very near future! I have a lovely skein of Madelinetosh in a really bright red that will look amazing knitted up into my THIRD crooked paths beret!


Check out the interview...





Links and such from the videos:

- knitting school dropout blog

- Melissa's patterns on Rav

- New England Knits book

- Co-authored by Cecily Glowik MacDonald

- Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival

- Interweave publisher

- Melissa's current favs: Quince & Co., Shelter, St-Denis Nordique, & The Plucky Knitter.

- november leaves (You have to check this pattern out!)

Thanks Melissa for visiting us on YOTH! Come back anytime! Melissa has generously donated a signed copy of the New England Knits book for one YOTH follower to win, and she will personally autograph it for the winner too! How cool is that?!

Also, two runners up have the opportunity to pick one free pattern from these five of Melissa's fabulous knitting designs: november leaves, september circle, eleanor’s slouch, crooked paths, or Acorns.


I would like you to do the following if you would like to be entered into this week's giveaway:


1. Read over the rules if you have not done so already.

2. Leave a comment on this blog post by the end of Sunday, 12/12/10. Just leave a comment saying "Hi" to Melissa and let her know what you think of New England Knits!


I'll randomly pick the winners on Sunday and post the results on Monday along with the new giveaway, so be sure to check back. Good luck everyone.

Sincerely,

Ve

174 comments:

Susan aka paintermom said...

Can it be that I am the first? Wow!

Thanks for the interview, Melissa. I love to hear designers talk about knitting.

Melaniebknits said...

I've actually asked for this book for Christmas bc I'm loving all the stuff I'm seeing on ravelry. Thank you for the chance to win. Thank you!

Wendy said...

Hi Melissa! I was literally just standing in my LYS today flipping through New England Knits. I've also recently been eying November Leaves and Crooked Paths. As a "budding designer" I do find your work inspiring.

Nicole said...

Hi, Melissa, and thanks for giving away a copy of your book! I was actually just looking through it the other day and decided that I'm going to have to get it when I start working again! I love the pattern for that beret!

LJ said...

hi! the patterns look great!

Rhian Drinkwater said...

Hello! Some gorgeous patterns there :-)

Anna B said...

Hi Melissa! I just love these patterns!

Haley said...

Love the patterns, especially the Montague Bulky Lace Vest! Looks so cozy for cold winter months.

Anjali (BloreKnitter on Ravelry) said...

Hi Melissa! Thanks for the giveaway. I love your patterns.

Trudi said...

ooh, so many great looking patterns, I wouldn't know which one to start with!

Little Miss S. said...

Lovely patterns - I've been keeping my laptop showing the book, so perhaps Santa (or boyfriend...) noticed... I did tell him to notice...

Amanda said...

Hi! Thanks so much for the chance to win your book! I'm a native New Englander myself, and it's so much fun to recognize all pattern/place names. I'd like to knit nearly everything in the book, but I especially love the Providence Hoodie.

Kayla said...

I like Ashfield Cardigan and Providence Hoodie!

Marlitharn said...

Hello! There's some awesome patterns in this book; I love warm and cozy knits. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Hi Melissa, I am dyyyying to knit the Mystic Pullover from your new book!

Robin said...

I love this book. I want to knit some of the sweaters I really like the cabled cardigan. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

stephanie rj said...

Hi Melissa! I think you're great and this book is stunning - I love a book that's beautiful and smart as well as useful.

mjmorber said...

I keep checking to see if I can pick up New England Knits at my library - absolutely have loved what I've seen from the book and would love to be able to really study the patterns more closely! Better yet if Santa would bring me the book and enough yarn to make the cover sweater!

Phyllis said...

Hi! I haven't actually seen the book, but the projects from it on Ravelry look great.

Avila said...

Hello! The patterns in the book look wonderful - my favorite is the Providence Hoodie. I grew up in NH and really love the classic feel to the designs - very New England!

Tara said...

There are so many great patterns in New England Knits!

Tia said...

Hi, Melissa. I love your book. my LYS had it few months ago and everyone was looking at it and we all agree that the coolest pattern in there is the whale hat. I may never make that one but it's so beautiful!

Gertie said...

New England Knits is on my Christmas wish list. I'm a native New Englander and Melissa and Cecily did a fabulous job of capturing New England.

Rasa said...

A knitting book with great patterns to add to my library???...I'm in:)

Anonymous said...

Hi :)

There are a lot of lovely patterns in the book. Might just have to add it to my collection someday.

Page said...

New England knits is high on my xmas list. It looks really stylish and elegant.

Cindy said...

Hi! I saw a copy of New England Knits at my LYS, and thought the patterns were beautiful - thanks so much!

Jess said...

My friend Ashley just pointed out New England Knits to me, and I'm in love with all of those patterns, I hope I win!!!

Jess

jessicacook17 AT hotmail DOT com

Kamigaeru said...

Hi Melissa! There are so many patterns in your book I want to knit. It's rare for me to find a book with more than a couple of "must-knits". Unfortunately, I don't think anyone I know is getting me a copy for xmas... my fingers are crossed on this one! :-)

Amybel said...

Hi Ve and Melissa! Thanks to you both for the opportunity to win this hot new book.

Ginger said...

Looks like a great book!

Unknown said...

This is a wonderful book with some gorgeous patterns!

Melissa said...

Hi Melissa! I love the patterns (esp. the berets!). You have a way with hats!

Unknown said...

This book has been sitting on the counter of my LYS and I keep picking it up. Beautiful patterns and photos!

Elspeth H. said...

Hi Melissa! I'm a New Englander transplanted to the Midwest and miss it terribly. Your book gets me all excited for being able to wear "home" even when I'm far away. :)

Julia said...

The book is fantastic and i've been meaning to pick it up. It has so many great patterns in it.

Thanks :)

d said...

This just seems like the perfect knitting book - helps that I'm from New England, too!

Thanks to both of you for your generosity.

Susan J. said...

Hi Melissa: Your book makes me homesick for New England! I really love the Middlefield Pullover. Thanks for the chance to win.

Jen Price said...

I love that pattern! Hope I win!

Courtney said...

What a wonderful interview. I have loved the patterns from New England Knits ever since they started showing up on your blog and Ravelry. They are times, yet stylish, and easy to wear. It would be a joy to win! Thanks!

StaceyKnitsIt said...

I'd love to win! I especially Love your hat designs.

Anonymous said...

Hello Melissa! Enjoyed your interview. Love your patterns and hope I win your book. If not, I have it on my Christmas list. Thank-you for a chance.
Lynn
cbruff8624@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Melissa! As an 'adventurous' knitter (someone who STARTS with a pattern but often ends with something different) I am always interested in how 'fearless' knitters think. Thank you for sharing.

Tricia said...

Hi Melissa and congrats on a great pattern book!

Erin said...

Ooh, I've never looked through that book before, but I like! Very pretty patterns--classic, but not boring.

Rae Lynne said...

Hi Melissa! I've heard great things about your book - I've been trying to get to a bookstore and check it out but it never seems to work! From what I've heard, there are so many neat things to knit! :)

Rainlover said...

I love that book, I always look through it on Ravelry and debate about buying it.

Thank you for the great interview

Carrie B. said...

The book is on my list, I really want it!

Mercy said...

Hello Melissa. I would love to win this book.


midwifemom on Ravelry

Heather said...

I'm super in love with NEK. A friend lent it to me over the weekend so I could decide if I actually liked it enough to buy it, and the answer was a resounding "YES!!!" Winning a copy of my own would be awesome, because then I might actually give him his book back.

Kelly B. said...

Great interview! I have looked through the New England Knits book a few times, but have put off all knitting related purchases until after the holidays. (except for Christmas knitting projects, of course). I love the patterns in the book.

patsy said...

I love the crooked paths pattern too. looks like a fun knit.

susanmhj said...

Hi Melissa, Lovely book you have there. Thanks for this great giveaway!
Susan

Anonymous said...

looks like a great book!

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

Looks like a great book. I love the Montague Bulky Lace Vest and the Whale Watch Hat.

Rachael said...

I've been on the waiting list for that book at my library for FOREVER!

Cary said...

Hi Melissa! I love your book and have it on my wish list for Christmas. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I get it either here or as a present.

Natalie Servant said...

Melissa & Cecily have made a gorgeous book.

Melanie said...

Wonderful giveaway. Thank you Melissa!

Theresa said...

Thanks so much Melissa! I absolutely love the book!

Vanessa said...

Hi! I don't like to keep too many books around, but this one is definitely on my 'want' list! So many great-looking patterns!

Turtle said...

great interview, thanks for sharing! As a native new englander, now misplaced i had to have this book when i saw it was being released... and i have been so glad i did! Love the patterns... most of my xmas list is for yarn to knit from it!

Unknown said...

Hi Melissa! I love the idea/theme behind the book and there are some beautiful design.

flossieKNITS said...

ACK New England Knits is on my Amazon Christmas Wishlist. Sadly, no one has purchased it yet (yes, I track it.)
Hopefully I'll get lucky here!

Sabrina said...

Hi Melissa! I've been hearing wonderful things about New England Knits everywhere. It looks like it's full of all the kinds of things I'd love to knit. I lived in New Hampshire for a few years and loved New England! :D

Debbie said...

Hi Melissa,
Maybe some of my luck from last week will still hang around. I love New England Knits, especially an autographed copy!
Debbie

Elaine said...

Hi Melissa. I've always admired your knit designs. Hope to win this one.

Emily said...

I've had my eye on this book since the patterns started popping up on Ravelry. They're lovely!

thewalshfam said...

Hi Melissa! Congrats on the beautiful book and all of your other great patterns! I'd love to win a copy!

Liz said...

Hi Melissa!
Your book makes me want to go walking through the mountains in Vermont in the fall.

InJuneau said...

Hi! I really like the patterns in the new book. Not sure I'd wear many of them, as I don't wear many sweaters, but I'm sure I know people who would!

Evan said...

this book is on my Christmas wish list, i love it so much. thanks for being so fabulous!

ACraftyKnitter said...

That's a gorgeous book; I'd love the opportunity to try some of the patterns!

CeltChick said...

Hello & thank you, Melissa! These patterns all look lovely. What a coinkydink that I'm working on expanding my knitting library. I especially like Crooked Paths!
I'm at www.tresdivine.blogspot.com

Kate said...

Hello! What a lovely book. So many great sweaters.

Tanya said...

Hi! Those Crooked Paths hats are great and I love the patterns in the new book. It's a sure sign when you page through a book and find that you LOVE a majority of the patterns.

Amber said...

I sould so love to win this book! There is so much in it that I like that I can't choose what is my favourite.

Megan said...

I own this book, but would love to win one of the other patterns, especially 'crooked paths'.

Shannon O. said...

I love all of the Knitting School Dropout patterns and have wanted to knit Crooked Paths for a while now. I would be so excited to win this giveaway.

Anonymous said...

I. LOVE. New England Knits! It is a fantastic book, and I'd love to win one for my local library!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Melissa! Love all your patterns, and have only borrowed the book from the library, so I'd love to win my own copy. Thanks for the giveaway!
mhchong@aol.com

sacha said...

I have looked at the book at our local library and it's on my "I want" list- my favorite is the hoodie!

kristyh1981 said...

Hi! I have been eyeing up New England Knits since it came out! Someday soon I plan to actually buy instead of just oogling it :D
Rav ID: kristyh1981

TopHat said...

Those berets are so cool! I want to make one!

liz said...

This book is on my Christmas wish list! Love the November Leaves!

Emily said...

Hi Melissa! Your book has been on my wish list, really nice patterns. Thanks for sharing your creativity! :)

Unknown said...

Hi! I love the patterns

KarenJ said...

Since I live overseas I haven't been able to actually hold the book and lust over it, but I've been following up on every link I can find and looking at whatever pictures I can find online. I won't be able to buy it until my next trip home. Wouldn't winning it be nice?

Anonymous said...

I bought my copy of New England Knits a little while ago and it's one of my favorites. The patterns are timeless. samm@ravelry

Suzanne said...

Hi Melissa. I love the leaf detail on the greenfield cardigan. There are actually quite a few patterns in that book that speak to me. Now, if I could just find more knitting time in the day. Thanks for the interview, you two.

Kim said...

Ooh sweaters! Pretty!

TK said...

Hi Melissa! I love New England Knits so much it's on the top of my post-Christmas purchases. All the designs are beautiful.

Brenda said...

Hi Melissa,
I love the photos I've seen. I hope I win!

Julie said...

Love the book! already checked it out at the library and made one thing from it! Thanks for the giveaway.

melonkelli said...

November Leaves is really beautiful.

Unknown said...

That book is phenomenal Such a neat book, great interview, a big Hi to Melissa. So much fun before Christmas

Frankly Beka said...

I love pulling up YotH to see what new yarn artist is being featured, and getting blown away (like today) by truly unique designs. I wish I wasn't so afraid of "messing up" so I could design some of my own patterns. So many ideas, so little courage.

Lydia said...

thanks for the chance to win-hi melissa.

Jessica said...

I would love a copy of this book! Thanks for the give away!
JPeled on ravelry

Connie said...

This book is on my wishlist - I love the combination of modern and traditional.

cindymen said...

Hi Melissa, Your patterns are timeless and beautiful. I would love to win a copy of the book.

cindymen on ravelry

Blendab1 said...

Hi Melissa, I just love your book. If I am not fortunate to win an autographed copy I will most certainly be purchasing a copy. I love all of your designs ♥

Anonymous said...

Hey Melissa! Gorgeous designs! I've got New England Knits on my wish list, too! :)

sbflame said...

Hi Melissa! Just got New England Knits after lusting after it for a few weeks. I'm determined to finally try colorwork because of the patterns and having just moved away from New England back to DC I'm excited for some knit nostalgia for the years I lived there!

KnittySue said...

Can't wait to see the book. Thanks for the interview.

Anonymous said...

Hi Melissa! I really love the brattleboro hat I just knit out of IK's fall issue and New England Knits is already on the list of Books I Want!

jlr said...

Can't wait to see the book. Fell in love with Melissa's designs when I made the TINY Tea Leaves Cardigan. Making a Tea Leaves Cardigan for myself now. Can't wait to see what she's been up to lately.

Laurie said...

Love the book....great patterns and beautiful pictures! Would Love Love Love to win it!
Laurie

Darleen G said...

Hi Melissa. I love your New England Knits book. I would love to win a copy of it.

Jan said...

Hi, Melissa! I like New England Knits, but there are few sweaters I'd be able to wear, being large.

My favorite is Old Port Pullover!

Thanks for the contest.

vtcjan at yahoo dot com

Kim said...

I love the hat, and I love the classic styling in the New England Knits patterns. Hi!

melosa said...

I so loved the book New England Knits that I have already added it to my repertoire. I just love the patterns, I have also really been eyeing the November Leaves pattern as well.

Sara said...

Oh, I would love that book! It is on my Christmas list...

nhsarab at yahoo dot com

alcatmom said...

Lovely designs and such a fun interview!

Debbie said...

I would love this book. Thenaks so much for the opoortunity to win. Debbie in Alaska

stephanie said...

Thanks for this interview. I love Melissa's designs.

Connie said...

Hi Melissa!
I bought New England Knits about a month ago and LOVE it. If I were to win another, I would gift it to one of my best friends, but if I was a runner up and won one of her patterns, I would keep it all for myself.

Kathy said...

Thanks for the interview. I have been following Melissa's blog for a while so it is nice to see her face. As a New Englander it is nice to see patterns reflect the region. Happy Holidays

Jaime P said...

New England Knits is one of my favorite books right now. I want to make almost everything!

One Sheep said...

Hi, Melissa. The book is great, but aren't there any men in New England?

kikine78 said...

OMG, this book is awesome and anyone would be delighted to add to a knitting book collection.

Thanks
Christine

Doula Mommy said...

Hi!
That books looks wonderful! I'd love to add it to my library. Those hats are so pretty!
~Jessica, Rav ID: monkeybuttbabies

Unknown said...

Since I'm from Massachusetts (*right near Northampton)this book is definitely on my list!

Melissa said...

Great interview and the book is lovely. I especially love the Portland Mittens and the Whale Watch Hat. Great work, Melissa!

Tracey said...

I love Melissa and have been hearing about her a lot on my podcasts. Thanks for the chance to win!

Reikjavyk said...

Hi Melissa! Love your work. Thank you so much and happy holidays!

Unknown said...

Hey Melissa! I'm excited about the book and would love a chance to knit your fantastic designs.

Needles And Ewe said...

This book looks very exciting. I don't know that I could pick a favorite, but the Middlefield Pullover and the Salem Hooded Jacket look lovely!

Rachel said...

Hi Melissa - I'm still relatively new to knitting and I find your patterns and projects so inspirational! Thank you for sharing with all of us!

Kitten With a Whiplash said...

First up has to be the Whale Watch hat! Too cool.

Susan Ipavec said...

Hi Melissa! I loved the interview--the patterns in the book all look great! My favorites are the beret and the ashfield cardigan. This book is on my christmas list! Happy holidays!

kmvdvm said...

melissa - i first saw new england knits on knitpicks and fell in love with the patterns - and the chance to win a signed copy? awesome. please please please enter me in the giveaway :) (and please please please pick my name!)

Hishandmaid said...

Melissa,

Thank you for doing this interview. Thank you also for what you offer to the knitting community.

I have not read New England Knits yet but I've heard great things about, and can't wait to see it!

Dianna

kshotz said...

Hi Melissa! LOVE New Englan Knits!

And the berets look terrific!
Kim in IA

Jean Ashley said...

Hi, I already have the New England Knits book (love it!) but I wanted to say how much I enjoyed the interview, and I LOVE the crooked paths beret pattern!

Melanie said...

Hello! This book has been on my wishlist since it came out! It has so many beautiful patterns, and so many that I would actually want to knit and wear. Thanks for that :)

Catherine said...

Thumbed through it at the library and decided it would be a great addition to my library. Hope I win!

Sara said...

oh how I would love to win this book... such beautiful patterns. :)

Danielle said...

Hi Melissa! Looks like it is a fantastic book! :)

SovereignCrux said...

Oooo please add me to the giveaway, I have loved her designs since I first took up knitting!
Sheri
unhallowedashes@comcast.net

Sangeetha said...

I like this book a lot - nice designs

Rachelle said...

Hi Melissa

I don't have the book yet, but would like to get it, just don't have the funds right now.

Aleta said...

Oh my goodness- I love that beret!!!

Zilliah said...

Great book! My favourite patterns are the Auburn Top and Chelsea Skirt, but I like all of them! Definitely going to buy it when I have the money!

Orinda5 said...

Melissa - Thanks for posting a link to this from your site. So very fun to get to know you a bit from this video.
I love all the truly wearable designs of NEK.
Thank you for sharing!

LadyCthe1st said...

Some lovely patterns in the book, the cardigans are gorgeous! I love the look of the Providence Hoodie.

Anonymous said...

Dear Melissa,
thanks for your great patterns, I love many of them!

meppybn said...

NE Knits is actually on my Christmas wish list! Follow your blog and love your designs - if only there were more hours in the day to knit:)

Jaime said...

Hi. Love the book. WANT the book.

dclulu said...

Hi Melissa! Love the patterns.

Kathy said...

Hi Melissa! Awesome interview, and your patterns are amazing!

angelbis said...

Hi Melissa! I love the book - great interview and fun kitten!

JemimaPuddleducks said...

Hi Melissa! I've been looking at the Battlebro hat something fierce lately. Middlefield also looks gor-geous.

Lael said...

I'd love to win a copy of the book - then I don't have to check it out of the library. Pick me!

Lori said...

Thanks for the interview! I'd love to win :)

ddp said...

Great to hear from Melissa> I ,too, am hoping to find this book under the tree on Christmas morning.

Unknown said...

I am new to the art of knitting but have been turned on to your awesome website and a friend of mine was just showing me New England Knits. Its a fantastic book and this is a fantastic blog. Thanks for the oppprtunity to read it and the chance to win. Great interview!

nannyjean said...

Hi Melissa love all of your New England Knits. But your November Leaves took my eye,

Anonymous said...

I found "New England Knits" online by accident and can't wait to get a copy! I've scoured Ravelry for the patterns and can't wait to get started!

Juney said...

I want "New England Knits" for Christmas!! Very beautiful and elegant knits!!!

Kristen said...

I'm always in awe of designers. I can follow a pattern but coming up with a brand new one is a great talent!

Pica said...

Yay love a great giveaway. I enjoyed the interview and also have New England Knits on my wish list.

Jen said...

great interview! love melissa's designs!

jendada on ravelry

Kathy said...

Hi Melissa! I love your patterns, especially the one on the cover. With most knitting books I end up liking maybe one or two patterns, but with this one, they all look inspiring! Nice work.

winterwrens at gmail dot com

Elly said...

Hi Melissa,

Thanks so much for this giveaway! I love the book, it has amazing patterns and eventually, I'd like to knit all the patterns in there :)

Eliana

Connie, the daisyhead said...

The book looks gorgeous! I can't wait to knit from it! Thanks for a great giveaway!

Karalee said...

Such lovely patterns, and a great interview!

amy said...

Great booK! I hope I win!

Pavlina said...

Hi Melissa,
just bought your book last week and I love it! There are so many projects I want to knit out of that wonderful book! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I would love to own your book--an early holiday present for me!

kgmama (on Ravelry)

Suze said...

Hi Melissa! I'm kind of in love with this book. Especially the Whale Watch Hat and Montague Vest, so pretty.

Katrina said...

This is perhaps one of my favorite books of patterns. They are are so nice! Thanks so much for the gift of your work.

YarnOnTheHouse said...

POSTING FOR THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. Thank you everyone for posting! -Ve

cksknitter said...

I haven't tried their yarn yet, but I want to!