Almost two years ago now, blogger and designer Julie Turjoman sent me an email asking if I would be interested in contributing to her new project, a book about the effects of technology on knitwear design called Brave New Knits. My jaw dropped. Did she mean to send this to me? Surely she must have gotten the email address wrong. But no, she used my name specifically. Did she just get the wrong Hilary? No, she refers specifically to my blog, The Yarniad. Well, surely there must be another Yarniad out there. Quick google search...nope, mine is the only one. So I read the email several more times to make sure I had it right and emailed her back as calmly as I could. It took just about everything in me to refrain from writing 1. "Umm...are you sure you have the right person? Because I've never been published before." and 2. "OMGOMGOMGOMG, you want me to be in a book?! YES! One thousand times yes!!!" Instead, I tried to be as cool and collected as I could and hey, if she thought I was worthy of being in her book, I may as well just pretend like I was a big deal.
Over the next several months, I met with Julie for my interview and worked with her on finalizing my design for the book. The whole process was extremely fun. Last Tuesday, the book came out.
And there, on page 94 was my Koukla Cardigan. (All photos copyright Jared Flood.)
Folks, take away my excitement about being in this book, and my opinion of it would be exactly the same: Brave New Knits is awesome. It is a beautiful compilation of interviews and accompanying knitting patterns from 26 blogger-designers, with gorgeous photos (by Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed -- need I say more?!), great styling, and fun additions like the "Knitters' Guide to Essential Blogging Terminology" every few pages. This is the first knitting book I've seen with contributions from my favorite blogger-designers that actually maintains, and indeed focuses in on, their online personalities that I enjoy so much. If I could describe it in a word, it would be "fresh", and I think it will really appeal to folks who don't read the blogs as well. Because, seriously, the designs are to die for. Here are a just a few of my favorites:
Milk Maiden Pullover, by Yarniad favorite Canary Knits
Origami Shawl, by Melissa Wehrle
The Orchid Thief Shawlette, by Ysolda Teague
The Global Cable Coat by Jennifer Hagan, Woodsmoke Scarf by Jared Flood, and Silke Jacket by Shannon Okey are others in my queue. Ok, so I really just want to make them all.
Needless to say, I am still feeling incredibly honored to be a part of this great project.
If you're feeling so inclined, go check it out!
20 comments:
What a gorgeous sweater you contributed! I can't wait to get the book...
Congratulations! Your sweater is lovely... must look for the book!
(I forget why you're in my feed aggregator... is Peter your brother? If so, he's a great knitter too).
I've seen so many nice posts about and superb designs from this book that I am already convinced to get one of my own.
Congrats on being part of it!
So awesome- I've been looking forward to seeing this book!
Congratulations. Your contribultion is gorgeous. I added this book to my Amazon wish list yesterday, strangely enough.
I had this book on pre-order and it finally came yesterday. It's beautiful! There are so many projects that I want to knit, but yours is one of my favorites. Congrats! :D
I saw Jared's post on this book, and I'm TOTALLY excited to get my hands on a copy.
Your cardi is an awesome design. I'll have to order is as my b-day gift to myself :) . Congratulations!
I read many blogs (including yours of course!) and I think I'll have to buy this beautiful book! Congratulations! We're not surprised they contacted you!!!
Congrats! I love the cardigan. Will have to find this book and give it a read...
Can't wait to get the book! (I should have had it on preorder.)Congratulations!
OH MY! That is SO awesome:)
congratulations! It's an amazing design :)
That's amazing! I'm so thrilled for you!
I love your new design - your style is so pretty and classic. Congrats!
Woo! You so entirely needed to be in this book. You know how much I love your work. You're a fantastic designer, and I'm so happy for all the wonderful success you've had (though, not surprised cause, you know, you're awesomesauce).
There are so many amazing patterns in this book!! I was thinkign I'd ask for it for Christmas, but there's no way I'll be able to wait that long. Congrats!!
I can see why you are incredibly thrilled and honored to be in this book!!! In the past two years you have designed some really lovely pieces and I'm sure in retrospect that they are thanking their lucky stars that you agreed to participate in this collaboration.
This book has great designs and is destined to be a classic! Congratulations.
Congratulations, Hillary. I'm so excited for you.
WOW!! Congratulations!
Now I definitely have to buy the book. Your design is gorgeous!!
I love the book and looove your sweater - beautiful!!! Congratulations!
Congratulations on being published! You've got some beautiful designs on your blog and that sweater is beautiful, too!
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