omigosh you guys, i’ve been bitten hard by the knitting bug, and it’s largely because of this book.
a few weeks ago, my friend Shannon asked me if i wanted to join the blog tour for JOURNEY, a beautiful new collection of knitting patterns that she co-wrote with her friend Jane.
i nearly spit out my coffee when i got Shannon’s email invitation to the tour. i mean, did she really want ME, girl who has barely knit a thing in her life, to join a tour of legit knitting blogs?
apparently so! and now i truly couldn’t be more grateful that she encouraged me to participate in this tour, because very shortly after that email came my birthday, and i took the opportunity to finally take that knitting class i’d been talking about for a long time.
my journey into knitting has now begun. like sewing, knitting has undergone a recent resurgence and i just fall in love whenever i see beautiful modern knitwear. i wish i could just KNOW how to do it RIGHT NOW, how to knit these amazing things i see, but i’m learning to slow down and pick it up over time, building my knowledge skill by skill like i’ve done with sewing over the last four years. while i first looked at a basic sewing pattern and saw gibberish, that’s how i feel now with knitting. but i know someday i will get there.
someday, i will knit some Spate mitts for myself. they look so cozy and warm and fun to wear, and they seem to be the least intimidating pattern for me to follow (meaning they take just one skein of yarn and are knit on not-so-tiny needles). a couple more projects under my belt and i think i could tackle this one.
then, i would knit a Swift hat. the lace design is gorgeous and interesting, and the project is still small enough in scope not to be super scary (important for me starting out!) but i know i would learn a lot from it. i don’t really wear hats, so i would likely knit this for one of my sisters or a good friend (or maybe i’d just start wearing hats? i feel like i might be a more selfish knitter than i am a selfish sewer).
once i felt ready for a larger scale project, i would knit an Onward shawl. this is no granny shawl – Shannon’s design is stunningly modern and a treat for the eyes. i think it would be the perfect gift for my mom, or to throw over a fancy dress, or to run errands, or to snuggle up under next to a campfire on a chilly evening…
and then, i would tackle the Climb socks. i’m totally intrigued by handknit socks. people seem to swear by them, become obsessed with them, add them to their collection bit by bit. the retro athletic styling of these is exactly up my alley – if i’m gonna knit me some socks someday, they’d be the Climbs.
once i was feeling very brave, i would tackle either of the two beautiful sweater patterns in JOURNEY – the arrow-detailed pullover Antrorse…
or the i’d-never-take-it-off Inland. i am a constant cardigan-wearer, and if i could knit my own cardigans?! watch out. i think that would make me feel unstoppable.
that is my hypothetical knitting journey through JOURNEY. in the time i’ve had the e-book in my possession, i just keep opening it up and scrolling through the patterns, searching to see which i might have the confidence to try first, hoping i feel ready sooner rather than later, deciding which skills i need to get to where i want to be.
it’s an inspirational book by two inspirational ladies, and i’m glad that for now i have something to aspire to as i learn a new craft.
> > > :: < < <
the e-book can be purchased on Marian Rae Publications or on Ravelry. a print version will also be available soon! thanks so much for having me, Shannon and Jane!
and now, giveaway time!
do you knit? do you want to learn how to knit? do you know someone who knits? then you need JOURNEY. beautiful projects, stunning photography, it’s just so inspiring.
to enter to win a copy of the e-book, please leave a comment below telling me what crafty skill you are currently working to master – sewing a zipper? baking a souffle? screen printing? knitting? i want to know!
RULES:
> giveaway is open until Monday, December 9 at 8pm Pacific Time. **GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED**
> winner will be selected randomly and notified via email.
> void where prohibited.
::
*i was provided with a copy of the JOURNEY e-book for free in exchange for this review.
** all photos in this post were taken by Nicholas Kupiak and used with permission.
skirt as top 
I am currently working on quilting and everything involved with it… Patchwork, different kinds of paper piecing, free motion quilting. All ths after swearing I would never be interested in this kind of sewing, ha.
my goal is to learn how to make button holes. sad that i can’t figure it out after reading so many tutorials. =( maybe this season I’ll figure it out! thanks for hosting this giveaway!
I am currently knitting a cardigan. I haven’t actually finished one yet and I will be adding a knit on buttonband which I am looking at tutorials for now. My revelry name is janineny2001. S
I would love to make a quilt some day. 🙂
My new hobby is knitting! This book looks like it has such wearable projects!
This book looks great. I am trying to master knitting — I’m an enthusiastic beginner
Now that I don’t have to visit my mom to get time with a sewing machine (not that I didn’t love sewing with my mom), I am trying to master fitting clothes. In my happy imagination, I have an entire wardrobe of beautiful clothes that make me look my best!
Love all the patterns in this book!
Currently, I’m trying to master the art of packing.
I just started my first cross stitch project, so I’m working hard to perfect my stitch direction and tension. I’m also trying to improve my quilting skills. Thanks for the giveaway!
I just started to learn crochet . . .compare to knitting I find it really tough!
I am in love with this book!! I’m looking to master my knitting skills and crochet skills!! I’m also wanting to work on my sewing skills :-). LOVE crafting! Thank you for the chance to win this beautiful book!
I am knitting scarves for a church boutique and dreaming of all the lovely patterns out there to tax my talents.
I’m a knitter, and I try to learn a new skill with everything I knit. I recently learned the herringbone stitch, and now I’m learning brioche knitting. Next up is two-color brioche knitting!
I’m not working on a new skill right now, but would love to get better at knitting and learn how to block print fabric.
For knitting I’m learning to cable and for sewing I’m working on my first pair of trousers. The Antrorse pullover is totally my kind of thing!
Even though I have been sewing for years, I feel like I’m still a beginner. Right now, I’m starting my first pieced quilt for my son. Wish me luck!
I am a crazy obsessed knitter.. see revelry project page under batting for evidence.
I love love love this book and seriously want to knit every single item in it.
Right now I am working on becoming a better seamstress. I am learning as I go and making tons of mistakes but there is just something about seeing my son wearing pants I made or getting to wear a shirt I sewed up myself out in public that just fuels my fire!
THanks for the chance to win!
i’m trying to be one that worksfast and follows through….i love those socks!!!
Omigosh I have been dying over this book, seriously so beautiful! I want to knit everything in it. I have been holding out for the print version but I realize the ebook would be perfect for our road trip! I think if you could knit hats like that you would start wearing hats 😉 We should start the mitts together, and if we get stuck we could go to the open knit nights for help!
Wow that is a whole ton of knitting inspiration. What a beautiful book! I’m currently on an embroidery kick adding new stitches to my base.
I want to finish a sweater that I’ve started months ago. I just need sleeves! This book looks wonderful – thanks for introducing it!
Right now I’m knitting hats like hotcakes and I have an il grande favorito (grasflecken) started. I would love for Santa to drop this book in my stocking, but her’s hoping to get one before. I truly hope to make everything in the book. Maybe Santa can bring me a yarn gift card 😉 Merry Christmas to you and your growing family!! -Jaime
My main goal right now is to learn how to sew seams in garments that look finished and last!
I am just trying to figure out how to sew and have a job and take care of my kids. But ever since I have seen this book I am finally inspired to learn to knit. The photos and projects are stunning.
sock knitting. I’d love it to become second nature to me. I’ve got two pair of baby socks on the needles. that’s the way to go!
I hope to learn to knit one day. The next thing that I want to learn is how to sew a zipper in a lined garment.
ooh, i’m just learning to knit now! would love to use this book to gain some skills.
I love to knit and sew….the problem always is, which one should I be working on at the moment? It usually means that I have at least 2 projects going at the same time.
Oh I really really want to be able to knit that Antrorse. It’s almost motivation for me to pull out my knitting needles and begin again! I think winter is the perfect time to knit because we spend a lot of time at family gatherings and it’s easily portable for things like that. So maybe I will try to master knitting this winter!
I am trying my hand at quilting for a present this year for the hubs. We shall see how it turns out!
I am tackling knitting socks – something that has intimidated me for years even though I am a confident knitter. Climb socks are calling to me. Thanks for the giveaway.
Bordergirl on Ravelry
I’ve been knitting for a couple of years now, and I just knit my first sweater this summer! It is a little too big, so next year I’d like to master knitting a sweater that actually fits properly. =) And I also want to start learning stranded colorwork/fair isle knitting. It’s so gorgeous!
-Kristin
sewtechnicolor (at) yahoo (dot) com
I am wanting to learn how to knit, I have been eyeing these patterns since I seen them on her blog. First up would so have to be the mittens!
I hope you enjoy your journey into knitting!! 🙂
I knit and I’m currently making my first cardigan. I really like how every new pattern teaches me something new about knitting! I’ve never knitted socks and Climb pattern makes me want to try.
I am recently learning how to embroider…but my first love is knitting. I have been drooling over this book for months. The patterns and pictures are beautiful!
It’s always knitting for me – more complicated stitches, different techniques, etc.
I started knitting when I was 12, last knit something 3 years ago (when my youngest was 6 months old) and just cast on again Thanksgiving weekend. I’m loving knitting again!
Hi,
I started knitting when I was 8 years old and sewing for my dolls when I was about 10 years old. I did embroidery before that. I learned to smock when I was 36 and had a beautiful little girl to sew for. But I put all of it away when I went to work full time as an engineer and was trying to raise 4 children. Now I am getting back to both sewing children’s clothing and knitting. It is all so different and much more creative these days. Artists experiment and break some of the old rules to make such beautiful clothing. It is a very exciting time to create with fiber. Yarns and fabric are just so inspirational. I love it.
My goal is to make pants that fit. I would love to win this book. I want to learn to knit. My mom knits me sweaters. I would love to knit my own.
I’m trying to master spinning at the moment and sweater knitting. I really love doing it.
I am a pretty skilled knitter but I am relearning how to sew. Hoping to have pj pants for my kids. One down and one to go.
I’m currently sewing scarves as Christmas presents. Hope they’re good enough that people are actually excited to get them 🙂
Am dying to make the socks! I am currently working on learning color work in knitting, as well as an at-home version of letterpress 🙂
I am the opposite of you! I have been knitting for a while and now am trying to get my head around sewing. It’s just not so easy to pick up when you have a couple of minutes.
The book is beautiful! Thanks for the opportunity!
As it is summer here is Australia I’m currently trying to improve my sewing skills – button holes are my next adventure! I have had to put aside my knitting needles as its far too warm to knit. But my yarn stash is at the ready, and come the first cold weather in April/May, I’ll be busting to get going on some new projects!!
This book looks fabulous! I can’t go past those GORGEOUS fingerless gloves!
I, too, am trying to apgrade my knitting skills. I make and sell upscale outfits to fit the American Girl dolls, and my mother made beautiful doll sweaters for me to sell along with matching skirts, etc. But she passed away at age 91 last year, and now I want to become a better knitter so that I can continue with the doll sweaters and also make other wonderful things.
I already know how to knit but I am always looking to improve. I would like to get better at sewing too.
That is exactly why I haven’t tried to knit either! I don’t want to learn and make ugly stuff and mess up… I want to make that shawl NOW!
I sound like a child. Haha.
Anyway, I am finally going to tackle machine quilting. And if I win this eBook I will gift it to my girlfriend and beg her to make me something from it. 🙂
Hmmm, where do I start. Knitting, quilting, crochet. The list goes on! I think though I am going to learn to quilt first to make my little girl a quilt for her bed.
Hopefully soon I’ll be working on screen printing. Until then you can find me somewhere between a pile of cardboard and my sewing machine. Also, Henley plackets. Gotta master those.
I’m hoping to better master my spinning skills
Cross stitching is up next for me! I have a sampler, I just have to dive in 🙂
I am a fairly competent knitter but I can’t sew to save my life! My goal for 2014 is to basically re-learn to sew and then dive into making clothing for myself.
I DO want to learn how to knit! She has some really beautiful pieces 😉 Thanks for the chance to win!
I am working on mastering sewing with knit fabric. I have two little ones and garments made from knit fabric are the most comfortable for them!
I have picked up and put down my spindle more times than I can count. I would love to redouble my efforts and start to spindle more seriously. If only there were more time!
I love knitting, but now I’m trying to carve out time to learn crochet. It’s just a matter of time. Where can I find it? 😉
I am learning how to quilt.
spinning and yarn dyeing are two crafty pursuits I wish I had more time to pursue! have fun on your new knitting journey!
I have recently started learning to knit too! I’m determined to make the Antrorse by next winter, but for now, I’m just working on a Honey cowl.
I want to learn tubular cast on. Love this book.
I’m challenging myself to improve my knitting. I”m working on a sweater with pockets right now, and next I’d like to knit a fair isle vest!
I have been trying my hand at patternmaking.. but oh how ONWARD makes me want to learn to knit!.
I’ve been slowly progressing as a knitter over the last couple of years. Currently trying to gather the courage to attempt a sweater! I’m thinking a baby sweater first. But I just added that cardigan to my Raverly favorites the other day. Swoon!
Currently working on sweater knitting!
Knitting is top on my list of new skills to learn. That and being completely comfortable with sewing a zipper. This book looks truly lovely!
I’m hard at work on my sketching/drawing skills. Love every pattern in this collection!
I want to learn tatting, look it up if it doesn’t already ring a bell 😉 or smocking!
Wow these look amazing! I can knit and spin my own yarn which is pretty much the most addicting thing ever. Right is I’m in a serious quilt phase though. I’ve done it for a while, but I’m really wanting to perfect my work more and take on new challenges. Paper piecing I’m coming for you!
Yes yes I want to KNIT SO BAD! Currently trying to master marking my pattern pieces properly, especially darts. And cutting on grain for slippery fabrics.
I’m learning to knit – just trying to get to grips with the sleeves on my first ever cardigan – I just jumped right in with something I actually wanted! I’ve been drooling over these patterns and would LOVE to win the e-book. And if not I’ll console myself with quilting, another new-to-me sewing thing that I’m trying to get to grips with. It’s surprisingly different from dressmaking (but all good!)
Good luck with your knitting journey too!
This is a gorgeous book! I got bit by the knit bug myself this winter and even renamed my blog as a result! I am still slowly mastering knitting and loving every minute. Would love to win this book 🙂
Trying to design, learn to steek, sew in a zipper, circular yokes, stranding…oh so much to learn!
I’m trying to master freezer paper printing. It should be pretty basic, but my paint lines never end up being quite crisp enough. I’m looking forward to the design options this will open up in terms of sewing clothes for my nieces and nephews!
Strangely, my journey has been from knitting to sewing, rather than the other way around. My biggest stumbling block seems to be cutting out the fabric accurately.
All lovely patterns! I am trying to get better at sewing and spinning. I knit nearly everyday.
I’d like to learn some advanced knitting techniques, and also some quilting!
I am on a never ending journey to master fitting! I recently started sewing my own clothes and geez it’s tough. Maybe a knitting break is in order?
I am currently working on mastering socks, I have a dream of a drawer full of handknit socks so I am trying as many techniques as I can.
When it comes to knitting I am trying to get the edging right. I have too many finished items where the edging flares and trust me that is not the look I am going for.
i am working my way through a sock book, my goal is to master each pattern in it.. i would love to have this book, i want to make that shawl!
I would love to improve my crochet skills – all I know right now is to do a chain, but not much apart from that. But since I can knit, the Journey book would not be lost on me 😉 My favorites are Climb and Onward.
Sewing my first slipcover without a pattern. It is a challenge, but has been so much fun. Need to get the skirt on it and finish the pillows. Crossing my fingers for the give a way. I am in love with the Antrorse pullover. Holy cute!!
Oooh, I never enter giveaways, but I so want this book! I am working on improving my knitting! I want to try socks this 2014 and finish my cardigan I started this year! ;0)
Wonderful knit projects! I started when i was a teenager but now my attention is on learning to crochet!
Right now I’m crocheting a blanket, but I’m trying to learn knitting too.
This book has made me want to try learning to knit,,,for the 100th time! LOL Thanks for the chance to win.
Thank you for this wonderful giveaway I love the entire collection in this book! I am knitting my first ever hat! It is Jane’s Renfrew hat from her first book “Island”… It’s almost finished and I love it! Would love to knit the new hat in this new book.
Awesome giveaway! THanks! I think I’m striving to complete all my projects (sewing/knitting, etc) that are on my list for Christmas gifts. I’m not sure if it’s ever happened, but here’s to hoping.
I’ve just sewed my first zip fly. It’s not perfect but you have to start somewhere right?! I’d love to win this for my mum – she’s a knitter and would be greatly inspired by this lovely book.
I’d love to be able to knit from a pattern. I knit but only to my own drum. I see such beautiful things in patterns and it’d be great to branch out and learn. Those mitten/gloves are great.
I knit (a lot) and enjoy knitting almost everyday. My new passion is for wet felting and nuno felting. I’ve learnt a lot in the past 6 mths but there is always more to learn!
zenitude(at)live(dot)ca
Rav: zenitude
I feel like I will be forever working on knitting… there is so much to learn and master with this craft. I am only 2.5 years in.. 🙂
I can put stitches in (knitting) but when there is a mistake I can’t seem to figure out how to correct it. I would love to master knitting mistakes instead of having to unravel my projects. Thanks for the giveaway
My goal is knitting 2 pair (yes Pair, 4 socks) at-a-time on one circular needle. The reason, to try to lessen the effects of knitting cotton socks on my hands. So far it is working =)
Great Question! I’m currently trying my hand at embroidery on felted knit squares. I’d like to give these as coasters for gifts! I would LOVE to win this book…it’s beautiful….
I am trying to learn how to so. I haven’t graduated beyond curtains (so rectangles really) but someday!
I have been trying to master the skill of lace knitting.
I really want to knit a dress or sweater for my 18month old daughter before she gets to big to fit in to it. I’ve been wanting to move past scarves and dish cloths for a while now but I’m self taught and don’t know too many knitters near me for support/help if I get stuck. Just need to bite the bullet. This book looks amazing and such gorgeous projects inside:)
I am also in love with this book, and I really hope to get my hands on one! I really want to knit Swift! Right now, I am trying to become a better knitter. For me, that means things like reading the entire pattern before casting on (yeah, still working on that one), gauge swatching and washing my gauge swatch and letting it dry completely before casting on…still working on that, too!
Rav ID: hotcheese
Don’t know if this counts, but I am currently trying to “master” the renovation of a 1903 Singer treadle sewing machine. I learned to sew on a 1930’s black cast iron version and have never been able to adjust to the modern plastic machines!
I was taught to knit when I was young,but haven’t done it in years, this would be a cool way to relearn!
I’m trying to learn to sew. I haven’t really tried since I was 11 or so and that was a miserable failure. I’m hoping with more experience and patience I can conquer it this time.
I am working on my sewing skills. Knitting is much more forgiving, trust me. Just slow and a touch plodding in comparison.
After several years of not sewing I pulled out my machine last week to start sewing again. Starting with a few simple things like bib and baby swaddle blankets
What a lovely book! Thank you for highlighting it! I cannot wait to see it in real life!
The antrorse sweater is perfect. I love it! And the hat. I haven’t done much knitting as of late, but this book could keep me busy!
I am hoping to master fair isle knitting this year!
I’m currently working on my bread making skills – it’s fun to bake and enjoy warm bread in the chilly weather!
I need to get over my fear if zippers!!
Thanks for the chance! I’m working on mastering my serger.
I would so love to learn to knit…hmmm…crafty skill that I am working on, nothing new right now, but i do really want to start to try to learn how to knit again! thanks for the chance
I am trying to knit!! I love it so much and really want to master it!!! You are amazing!! Can I be u when I grow up??
Happy to leave the knitting to my sister! She’s amazing at it. I’m working on ‘perfect’ points on my triangles for quilts…the actually finishing them! What a gorgeous book!
:: GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED ::
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED – I WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH THE WINNER!
I want to make my own patterns, and learn to knit, and make great photos, and cook macaroons, oh! one life is too short!