Happy Summer, and a New American Knits Giveaway!

Today is the last full day of school for my girls - the 17 snow days we had have stretched things out a bit, but starting tomorrow my little office here won't be all mine from 8-2 every day.  Sigh.  On the bright side, I'll be wandering around New England for the next 8 weeks or so, since neither my kids nor I are good at sitting still when the sun is shining - and we have many plans for our time off!  

My dear knitters, this also means that I will be away from my computer more often than not.  If you have pattern questions, the best spot to post them really is in my BabyCocktails Forum on Ravelry.  Each design has its own thread and that's where I will be checking in, plus you will find that the knitters in my group are always super helpful and responsive, and the conversations are ongoing.  I will try to get online in the early mornings during the week, but there will be days where I will be away from the computer and remembering details about one of my 80+ patterns isn't easy from afar.

The break will be nice.  I'll be knitting out there, planning for Fall and working on the sweaters already in the pipeline, but enjoying the summer as I do it.  Mmmmm.

And one of the things summer means to me is a bit of extra time to read - so I think this is perfect timing for a book giveaway!  One of my favorite designers and friends, Amy Christoffers - of SavoryKnitting - has just published a gorgeous collection for Interweave called  New American Knits.  (The Interweave page is here, with all info, pics and a spot to purchase..)

If you haven't seen this one, it's full of the classic lines and gorgeous details you know from Amy's past designs.

I've always been a fan of Amy's sense of style.  Her designs are timeless, and she gives such thought to every detail.  I find she works with traditional motifs and shapes, but really gives them something special, so that the traditional sweater is not exactly the garment you've seen before.  Just look at the lines on this yoke:

Right? Whether it's a twist on the motif,  an intentional choice in yarn, or the way she works a seam or a cable across a piece of fabric, it's her eye for subtle, gorgeous detail that always gets me.

Really wearable detail, too.  Any of these designs would work in my wardrobe.  And some of them, like the Tanner cowl below, are absolutely necessary before winter --

The book contains 20 patterns for sweaters and accessories, each named after an American artist that inspired the design in some way, shape or form.   It's kind of fun to think about each and the tie to the style of the artist, but it's even more fun to think about knitting the pieces and wearing them, so if you'd like to win a copy of the book, tell me who your favorite American artist is and what it is about them that makes you a fan in the comments below.  In order to win, BE SURE TO INCLUDE A RAVELRY NAME OR EMAIL or I may not be able to find you!

Thanks to Amy and the folks at Interweave, I'll be picking a winner on Thursday of this week and get a copy of the book out to you!

Happy, happy summer!!   (I have 2 hours, 16 minutes left.....)