JOURNEY: Swift Hat + Review

Friday, December 6, 2013


Happy Friday! I was absolutely tickled pink when Shannon Cook and Jane Richmond asked me to review their new book, JOURNEY.  This is the second book they've teamed up to publish under their company, Marian Rae Publications.  Make sure and check out their first book, ISLAND!


Anyways, back to JOURNEY! I totally geeked out about participating in this book tour.  I'm still so new to knitting, it was incredibly validating to do this. My love of knitting is only growing with each project, and this book has me wanting to add every project to my queue. JOURNEY features six knitting patterns, three each from Shannon and Jane.



JOURNEY was inspired by the journey of self-discovery, independence and the path back to yourself.  This really spoke to me, because knitting has been a way for me to re-discover my love of crafting and simply enjoying doing something creative.  So, it was a match made in heaven!



I decided to knit up the Swift hat by Shannon Cook first! I choose to use Madelinetosh Pashmina in Dahlia for extra warmth and softness. Mmmm, cashmere! I only used a little over 160 yards for this hat, so I have plenty leftover for another project! The hat had a bit of bumpy start, between using a stitch marker that was too large and forgetting to pass a couple stitches, but once I got into a groove it was smooth sailing from there! In the end it was totally worth it, I love my finished hat.  It's going to get tons of use!



I learned a lot making this hat.  I had never knit anything using such small needles (size 2.5 and 4) or that weight of yarn (sport).  It was definitely different! In the end though, it really wasn't bad! It was weird switching between this project and my other work in progress, for which I'm using super bulky yarn and size 17 needles!  I learned how helpful using lifelines can be, and now feel like I have a better understanding (through some practice) of how to pick up dropped stitches. You can find my Swift hat on Ravelry.


When I first checked the forecast for Tuesday (aka the only day this week I could take photos), I was a little nervous because it was supposed to rain.  I was hoping it would just be a light mist but still be bright and overcast.  Just my luck, that's what I got! We had dense fog, a few drops of rain, but it was still nice and bright. I took these photos with my trusty 50mm and new 35mm lenses, with the help of my wireless remote and tripod.

Malabrigo Rios in Pururas
It's going to be hard to choose what to make next, but I'm thinking the Spate fingerless mitts are at the top of the list! I'm thinking Malabrigo Rios in Pururas will be perfect!


All six JOURNEY patterns from left to right (starting at the top), Onward shawl, Spate fingerless mitts, Climb socks, Antrorse pullover, Inland cardigan, and Swift hat. The book was photographed by Nicholas Kupiak, who also did the photography for ISLAND.


Ready for more eye candy? I love this video they put together for the book. Leaves me feeling inspired each time I watch it!

Would you like to win a copy of the JOURNEY e-book? Leave a comment here telling me which project you'd most like to make.  All entries welcome, one entry per person. Giveaway will be open until Wednesday, December 11th 2013 at 5pm CST. Giveaway is now closed, thank you!

Happy Knitting!

154 comments :

  1. The shawl would be perfect! And, I'm feeling lucky No. 1!

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  2. I'd love to make the fingerless mitts, they are gorgeous. Thanks for the chance!

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  3. I'd love to make the Swift hat. I need a hat that looks feminine. Thanks for a chance to win.

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  4. I love to make the Antrorse pullover, a different color though.

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  5. I had thought I wanted to make the fingerless mitts first but your hat is just so pretty that I would like to make the Swift hat. My ravelry name is janineny2001.

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  6. I have sock envy - I love those Climb Socks! thanks for the chance!

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  7. I love the shawl pattern, but your hat makes me want to use some leftover pashmina for my own version!

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  8. The shawl would be first on my list. Thanks!

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  9. I'd love to make the Antrorse pullover. I love the buttons and texture.

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  10. This is a beautiful book! I would make the Spate mitts first but also the Swift hat would make an excellent gift so I guess I would make that too.

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  11. Love the Antrorse! Thanks for the giveaway! Amy @ gasudimack(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

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  12. I've already started debating which color Onward shawl I want to knit. It's the perfect item to stay cozy as the weather continues to cool. Thanks!

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  13. Beautiful job on the hat--looks great on you! I'd love to win this e-book; so many beautiful projects, but I think I'd start w the Antrorse pullover. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  14. My favorite pattern is the pullover sweater, but since I'm a beginner, I'd start with the hat. Thanks so much for the chance to win!

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  15. Love the fingerless mitts! Your hat is adorable too!

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  16. Jeni, I too am new to knitting, but would looove to knit up those fingerless mitts! Ps. Your hat is gorgeous - the colour is pure happiness.

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  17. I really want to make those fingerless mittens!

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  18. I love the hat! We have a wonderful yarn store in Cincinnati called Hank and I am sure I can find the yarn there!

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  19. I've been wanting to make a shawl and this pattern is just beautiful! Thanks for a chance to win!

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  20. I think I'm ready to try a sweater! Nettestudio23.blogspot.com

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  21. I was thinking Antrorse, but your hat is so cute that it might take priority. Maybe start small and work up to the sweater :)

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  22. I'd love to make the gloves. I have too many yarn possibilities in my stash.

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  23. hat pattern is just stunning. definitely the hat.

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  24. Climb socks, for sure and that hat looks stunning too.

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  25. I would like to make the Climb socks and the Swift hat. Nice review too, thank you!

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  26. Love the Swift Hat or Climb socks.

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  27. Climb socks, for sure and that hat looks stunning too.

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  28. I want those socks!!!! but I am actually hoping to win this for a friend I have who adores knitting :)

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  29. i would probably start off with the inland sweater, it is getting chilly around here and it looks so super comfy and warm

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  30. Yes I would!! I would first make Onward then onto all the others because I love them all! Thanks for the chance!

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  31. I would love to make onward!

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  32. I would love to make the hat - yours looks great!

    mmlt on Rav

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  33. I would love to knit up Spate! RavID: mradford

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  34. I would love to make the Onward shawl. Looks wonderful.

    msgb245 at gmail dot com

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  35. you did a great job! You are a natural knitter!

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  36. Your hat looks great! I would like to make Spate and Swift because I love knitting accessories! Ravelry ID: misskris545 or kmelamed@comcast.net

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  37. Great hat! I think I would have to start with the Inland sweater, although it truly looks like a great collection.

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  38. That looks lovely, especially considering how new you are to knitting. I've known how to knit for years and I still can't make anything look decent. I can do a lot of crafts, but knitting is not one of them.

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  39. Hi! Oh soooo many lovely patterns...
    But I'm feeling adventurous. I've got a serious crush on the Inland cardigan.
    But we'll see... *fingers crossed* ^.^

    Good luck everyone!

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  40. I love them all, but I think I would start with the Climb socks. So cute.

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  41. The hat speaks to me....& I'm not a hat person! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  42. It would have to be the shawl as number one but I love all of them. Thanks ever so much for the giveaway.

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  43. Great color! I'd love to make a shawl!

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  44. What great patterns, I'd love to make them all! But maybe the Onward Shawl first :)

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  45. lovely review :) antrose is definitely on my to-do list :)

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  46. I am so torn between the antrorse sweater and the climb socks! Eventually I will obviously have to make both :)

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  47. i want to make the shawl that is on the cover. and the hat!! :)

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  48. I'd knit Spate first.
    Your Swift hat is beautiful and I love your yarn choice for Spate.

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  49. I'd like to try the Swift hat.

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  50. I would love to make the socks or the hat. Lovely Book!

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  51. I would either knit the shawl or the mitts first. Your hat is lovely!

    -Kristin
    sewtechnicolor (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  52. Love your hat! The colour really suits you!

    I think I would start with Onward.

    Lisejackson000 at gmail dot com

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  53. Your hat came out great! That's what I would like to knit first! Hard choice though... I'm sewknittystar on Rav

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  54. I love the antrose.. Your hat looks great!

    rav: pattymatt

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  55. I want to make the Swift hat. I've made socks with a similar stitch.
    wahoomerryf on Rav

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  56. The fingerless mitts are beautiful!

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  57. the swift hat is adorable! and so are you!

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  58. I would def make the socks first...party because the yarn is already on its way to my house :)

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  59. I want to make the climb socks. I have the yarn all ready for it!

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  61. Seeing as my hands are quite cold as I am typing, I think Spate would be ideal. I love your hat!

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  62. I SO want to make the Climb socks!

    Love the color you chose for your hat!

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  63. Great patterns! I love the fingerless mitts! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  64. That shawl is making me want to pick up knitting again! Your hat looks great!!

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  65. Your had turned out adorable! I desperately want to knit the climb socks they look so cozy and I love the way they're styled.

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  66. I'm totally loving Antrorse. And Onward. And Spate...

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  67. I would love to make the Spate mitts!

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  68. Oh I am a "hat" lady. I love that knitted cap...thank you for the opportunity to win this!1 hugs, Julierose

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  69. Antrorse, Antrorse, Antrorse, Bet you can't say this 5 times fast.

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  70. I'm excited to make the Onward shawl. I am seriously way too into knitting shawls lately!

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  71. I love how your hat turned out! I would make Antrorse first...

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  72. 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! You did a fabulous job in knitting yours.... I want one too in that color.... cheers

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  73. I would love to try the fingerless mitts, they look so warm and cozy.

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  74. Love your hat. Great color. Looks great on you! I think I'd go for the mitts first, and then move along the journey through all the projects. LOVE them all! THanks for the giveaway.

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  75. I really like the fingerless gloves, but I know I would be better starting with the hat, which I would wear more. I like the modern yet timeless look of Journey's patterns.

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  76. Ooooo.. i love the spate fingerless mitt! Thank you for your review..wish I could win the ebook!

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  77. I love those fingerless gloves! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  78. I love the Climb socks; they would be perfect with my CAT boots

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  79. Those armwarmers! I just ordered two pairs from sock dreams, but I have crochet hooks and know lots of knitters and there's no reason I shouldnt be satisfying myself with making my own that I can think of other than being too busy sewing!

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  80. I love long cardigans so that would be perfect.

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  81. I would love to make Antrorse. It looks so cozy! But I wouldn't mind making all of the other patterns, too!

    I'm vernalequinox on Ravelry.

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  82. Inland cardigan looks so warm and comfy. I would make that first, but all the others would get knitted too!

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  83. What really grabbed my eye was the shawl. It is beautiful!

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  84. I would like to knit Spate first and then Onward. All the knits are lovely!

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  85. I think I would make the either the shawl or fingerless mitts first. Most likely I'd start them both at the same time! One project for home and one to take with me.

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  86. I would love to cast on for the Onward shawl and those socks too! Such a beautiful collection! I know I would knit most pieces just as I did with their ISLAND collection!
    zenitude(at)live(dot)ca
    Rav: zenitude

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  87. Love knitting and these patterns are beautiful! I'd love to knit the Onward shawl ~ shawls are my most favorite thing to knit!
    Thanks so much for the giveaway!

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  88. Nice hat! The spate mitts would be worn practically year-round here in VT! Thanks!
    Rav: KatRobbinsVT

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  89. I would like to make the spates. They are so cute. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  90. I love the Climb socks, they would be first on my list. Have you made socks before? They are addictive.

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  91. The socks, though I haven't knit socks before.

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  92. All the patterns are lovely, and I wish I could do all of them.
    But the first one I woud do is Antrorse.

    Pascale Perron

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  93. I'd probably knit Swift first. I love all these designs!

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  94. The socks look wonderful and the shawl looks so warm and cozy!

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  95. I love the Antrorse Sweater, I would really love to knit it!

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  96. I love to knit, started two years ago, and I am pretty sure the shawl would be first up on my list to do!! Thank you so much for the give away!! Love your hat, too!

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  97. I'd knit the Climb Socks. They're such a classic pattern!

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  98. i really like the inland. i really want/need a cozy cardi

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  99. I would really like to knit the Climb socks because my knitting challenge for 2014 is to knit socks. These look so inviting. Thanks for the chance to win! Ana - anahuron@gmail.com

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  100. I love the fact you've used the Pantone 2014 colour of the year!

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  101. Antrorse! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  102. The mitts and the inland cardigan look great! I love all of Jane Richmond's patterns so I'm sure this whole book will be great.

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  103. the pullover, something warm to wear!

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  104. I am pretty new to knitting as well, but I would really love to try to make socks. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  105. Although I learned the basics of knitting many moons ago I never made anything significant. I would love to made the Spate fingerless mitts and the Swift hat!

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  106. I would knit the Onward shawl. I love the different textures in the pattern.

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  107. I think I would start with the hat and maybe move on to the fingerless mitts. Love these designs! Thanks for the giveaway!!

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  108. Like you, Swift is at the top of my list. since it's winter, it's quick and I'd be able to wear it right away.

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  109. Wow, I'd love to make the Antrorse Pullover, it loks just sooo cozy!

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  110. All the projects look beautiful and I would love to knit them all but that is not realistic for me, I know myself too well. The project I do want to make is the SWIFT hat. I love the pattern design and I am an instant gratification kind of person so hats are one of the best projects for me to make. Plus we are in a deep freeze here and hats are a staple in the wardrobe right now. Happy Knitting!

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  111. I would love to make that Swift hat, too! It looks great. Thanks for the great giveaway.

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  112. I would like to make the Spate Fingerless Mitts! They are just beautiful!

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  113. I would start with the Climb socks!

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  114. Yay that you're knitting now! I am still on the hunt for the perfect hat (I am so not a hat person) and Swift is adorable on you! I'm also very tempted by Spate, since fingerless mitts are so practical and speedy.

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  115. I love, love your hat, Jeni! I so want this book! I would love to knit Antrorse!

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  116. Your hat came up so nicely! This looks like a great book, I want to knit everything but think I will start with spate

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  117. Love, love, love the hat. It is so perfect on you, THe color and everything.

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  118. I would love to make the socks and the pullover!

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  119. Antrorse pullover for sure! And the socks. Love them. Nice job on the hat!

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  120. I would love to make everything, everything looks cute.

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  121. I'm a new knitter, and I'd love to make anything from that book!!

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  122. I would like to knit the onward shawl, beautiful! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  123. I really want to make those Climb Socks! Thanks for the giveaway

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  124. Yay, another chance to win this book! I'd like to make the fingerless mitts.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  125. I love Antrose, but given how many sweaters i already have otn, I think it'd be smarter to knit spate or swift!

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  126. I would love to make the fingerless mitts!
    Thanks for the chance, Jessica
    juceyj03@gmail.com

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  127. I can't choose between the Spate Mitts and the Antrorse - so warm and cozy!

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  128. your hat looks great but I think I'd start with the mitts
    petajean68atgmaildotcom

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  129. The shawl


    Anna

    anna_k67@yahoo.com

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  130. Thank you very much for the chance to wim :) I would make the scarf/shawl, the hat, the socks... Lol, so many awesome projects! I'd make them all!

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  131. I'd most like to make Antrorse! I've got yarn set aside for it already...Cascade Eco+ in Satine. Rav id: knitthehellout

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  132. I love them all. I would start with the Spate fingerless mitts!

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  133. I think I'd like to make them all - but I might start with grey, white and red socks - just because they are so 'retro'?

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  134. I think I'd like to make them all - but I might start with grey, white and red socks - just because they are so 'retro'?

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  135. I think I'd like to make them all - but I might start with grey, white and red socks - just because they are so 'retro'?

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  136. I think I'd like to make them all - but I might start with grey, white and red socks - just because they are so 'retro'?

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  137. I think I'd like to make them all - but I might start with grey, white and red socks - just because they are so 'retro'?

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  138. I love those fingerless mitts!! I would love to make them! It looks like an awesome book!

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  139. It has to be the fingerless mitts, although that hat is wonderful too. So many great projects!!

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  140. oh, those mitts! though i do love your hat...

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