Botanical Knits



The knitting world is all abuzz with the news that Alana Dakos' new book of designs, Botanical Knits: Twelve Designs Inspired by Trees and Foliage, is available!   Although you won't be able to hold the softcover book in your hands until May, you can still get started knitting these beautiful patterns by getting the ebook now.



The book is lovely.  It reflects Alana's signature style with soft, feminine aspects.  The graphic design is done by Mary Joy Gumaygay, who worked with Alana and Hannah Fettig on their book Coastal Knits.  It is illustrated by Neesha Hudson, who also did the illustrations in one of Alana's previous books, Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf.

Let's take a look at the patterns!  Many of these are already in our Ravelry queues.  The book is divided into two sections of patterns - Sweaters and Accessories.

SWEATERS
The first sweater is also pictured on the cover - it's the Autumn's End:


Autumn's End
 Autumn's End is a boatneck pullover with an openwork allover lacy leaf pattern shown in a sportweight yarn - show here in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light.  It is constucted bottom-up, and in-the-round.  The waist-shaping is accomplished by the the interesting construction of the stockinette portion starting under the arms.

Sizes for this pattern range from 34.5" - 58.5" (87.5 - 148.5 cm).


Buds and Blooms
The next sweater is the cardigan, Buds and Blooms:

This is a worsted to aran weight cardigan with a rounded neck framed by a foldover collar.  There are also cute diagonal pockets with the buds and stems motif.  This pattern is constructed bottom-up and seamed.  It is pictured here in Quince & Co. Osprey.

Sizes for this pattern range from 34" - 62" (86.4 - 157 cm).


Twigs and Willows
Another cardigan - Twigs and Willows:

This is a simple buttoned long-sleeve cardigan worked in worsted weight with a round neck.  The sample here was knit in Brooklyn Tweed Shelter.  Two leafy branches frame the neckline.  This design is constructed bottom-up and seamed.

Sizes for this pattern range from 35" - 57.5" (89 - 146 cm).




Entangled Vines
The final cardigan in the collection is Entangled Vines:

This top-down, raglan sleeved sweater has 3/4 length sleeves and a buttonband.  The cable and leaf design cascades down the sleeves.  It is knit in a worsted weight yarn.

Sizes for this pattern range from 31 3/4" to 58 3/4" (80.5 to 149.5 cm).

ACCESSORIES include 3 hats, 1 pair of matching socks and mittens, 1 pair of fingerless mitts, 1 infinity scarf/cowl, and 1 shawl.


Forest Floor
Forest Floor is a beautiful slouchy hat featuring a layered leaf stitch pattern.  It utilizes a drapey dk weight yarn - pictured here in Blue Sky Alpacas Suri Merino.


















Oak Trail
The Oak Trail Cloche sits low and frames the face with a lovely embossed oak leaf on one side.  The brim is knit flat and then stitches are picked up along one side and knit up in the round to create the body of the hat.  It is shown here Madelinetosh Vintage.








Pressed Leaves
The Pressed Leaves beret is shown here in Madelinetosh Tosh Merino DK.  Alana's inspiration for this hat was pressed leaves between the pages of a book.


Ivy Trellis Socks
The Ivy Trellis Socks are beautiful!  They have a graceful climbing cable and leaf pattern and pair beautifully with the Ivy Trellis Mittens.  Shown here in Miss Babs Yummy 2-Ply Sock Yarn, they will keep your tootsies warm and cozy!


Ivy Trellis Mittens
The Ivy Trellis Mittens have the same cabling and leaf pattern as the socks.  Shown here in Miss Babs Yummy 2-ply Sock Yarn, your hands will be as warm as your feet.










Spring Foliage
The Spring Foliage fingerless mitts are done in a sportweight yarn - Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light.  The body of the mitt is reverse stockinette with a leafy motif growing up the thumb gusset.  There is also added wrist shaping.














The Twin Leaf Loop is a long lacy loop of leaves that looks great doubled around your meck and worn as a a cowl.  Shown here, knitted in a bulky weight yarn The Fibre Company Tundra, it would be a perfect addition to any wardrobe.







So many of us have knit Alana's Cedar Leaf Shawlette.  As of the writing of this blogpost, there are 1505 projects of this pattern in Ravelry!  Well...here is the Cedar Leaf Shawlette's big sister - Wrapped in Leaves!  A larger semi-circular shawl version to wrap around your shoulders.  The scalloped leafy border is knit on conce the body of the shawl is complete.  Shown here in Classic Elite Yarns Magnolia, it can be knit up in a DK or worsted weight yarn.









I think it's safe to say that we love everything in this collection!  With great attention to detail, other highlights of the book include:


  • beautiful photography throughout
  • each pattern has several pictures, so you really know what the item looks like
  • alternative yarn suggestions are given with each pattern
  • the sweaters have a great range of sizes
  • many links to outside websites, including the Ravelry pattern page for each design
  • schematics - are done with an actual photograph of the garment
  • very complete "Techniques" and "Abbreviations" sections at the end of the book
  • samples of the yarns used throughout the book are knitted up into little leaves.  The little leaf pattern is also in the book!

How to order:  Through the Botanical Knits Website, you can preorder the printed copy for $22 + shipping.  As a special thank you for preordering the printed copy, you will get the ebook for free immediately!  The printed book will ship mid-May.  If you pre-order, you will also receive an exclusive extra botanically inspired garment pattern with the copy of your printed book as a thankyou from Alana for preordering.


OR


You can just order the ebook by itself for $18.  This is a great option for those knitters who live outside the U.S. and do not want to pay the high cost of shipping.


After the preorder period ends in May...the book will be available EITHER in print for $22, or ebook for $18.  There will be no digital and print bundle offered after May.


And wait - there's more!!  We have 2 ebooks to give away!!  Alana has kindly donated one ebook, and we have another to give to 2 lucky entrants.  


  1. Please comment on this post and tell us which pattern you want to knit first - ONE POST per person please!
  2. Tell us how to get ahold of you - either your Ravelry name, or your email address - VERY IMPORTANT!!
  3. The contest will close on March 7th.

In the meantime, enjoy gazing fondly on all of Alana's wonderful designs!


Comments

  1. The Oak Trail Cloche looks like an interesting knit. They are all lovely. Rav amchart

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  2. I would probably knit the Ivy Trellis socks first, tho all the patterns are lovely so it would be hard to choose for sure.

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  3. I have put a few of these patterns in my favorites already. (Yes, I use favorites!) Loved Coastal Knits too. I'm thinking of Buds and Blooms.
    SareBearKnits on Rav or
    sarabyron@att.net

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  4. I want to knit so many of them! Buds in Bloom will have to be the first though. Thank you for the give away! (archaeo on Ravelry)

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  5. I'd start with Twigs and Willows and go on from there. alcbrooks on Ravelry

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  6. Would love to win this book! I would knit the Oak Trail Cloche first followed by the Twigs and Willows sweater.

    Craftysly: Rav. ID

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  7. I really like the Entangled Vines Cardigan but other patterns are also calling to me. Looks like a beautiful book which would a great addition to a knitting library.
    (Teal on Rav)

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  8. Like you, I love everything in this book and want to knit them all. But I would start with Autumn's End. It's a beautiful sweater!

    toomanyufos on ravelry

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  9. All of the patterns look marvelous but Entangled Vines is jumping to the head of my queue. Gorgeous!

    Lynne aka Redbird1 on Ravelry

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  10. I would make Autumns's End first, then keep going from there!

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  11. I would love to knit the Entangled Vines cardigan. I love sweaters with details across the shoulders/arms like this and this design does it just beautifully! Thanks for the chance to win, ladies!

    Heather 219 (RAV id)
    :O)

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  12. Several patterns are very appealing. I think Autumn's End would be my 1st choice.
    Rosemurr on Ravelry

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  13. I would knit Wrapped in Leaves first, as I've always liked the cedar leaf shawlette. Love the leaves motif.
    hotknitter on rav

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  14. Sorry, the comment thinger froze. I would start with the Twin Leaf Loop while lusting after the cardigans. I am pgknittingnurse on Rav

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  15. I love this book! Alana has another winning book. It is hard to pick one, I love them all! But, the Autumn's End is calling to me.
    sandygale on Ravelry

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  16. I would love to knit the Twigs and Willows cardigan, and I'd also like to try the larger Cedar Leaf shawl. I always enjoy your podcast!

    margaret, or knitwish on Ravelry

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  17. the pressed leaves beret

    nomennescio1840 on ravelry

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  18. Frist,I would love to knit Entangled Vines for myself. It's been awhile since I amde a sweater for me and that looks like a lovely choice!
    Lee (mamagiff on ravelry)

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  19. I would knit the Autumn's End first, I even love the color that she used for the sample.
    Mamamustknit on Rav

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  20. I would love to cast on for Entangled Vines!♥!
    All the patterns are gorgeous!

    from broga (Ravelry)

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  21. I, too, love pretty much everything in this book but am especially excited to knit the Twigs and Willows Cardigan.

    - brave (Ravelry)

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  22. I would love to knit my way through the whole book. Every pattern has a potential home. I love this book

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  23. I would cast on Twigs and Willows ASAP. I have just the perfect yarn for it.

    Ravelry ID:ting-ting

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  24. I would love to cast on the Ivy Trellis mittens (the reddish ones). So pretty!
    -jcrandall on Ravelry

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  25. Stunning - truly a work of art! I'd love to receive a copy of this book. The Twigs and Willows cardigan would be my first knit!

    Istop2knit on Ravelry

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  26. Love Oak Trail and Entangled vines, beautiful book, and couldn't find the ebook on amazon.co.uk...Lariba on Ravelry

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  27. For accessories I would first cast on the Oak Trails cloche. Beautiful style and it would look wonderful in any tonal yarn.

    For sweaters I would cast on Twigs and Willows. I love the feminine detail on the front yoke and appreciate that Alana placed the detailed knitting above the bust. I am large busted and can see me in this lovely sweater.

    It is not often I find two patterns I would like to knit in one book, but I see at least two other patterns I would like to knit as well.

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  28. They're all so pretty but I would knit Wrapped in Leaves first! KnittinCarri

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  29. I am in love with "Twigs and Willows"!! But really I like just about everything. RavID: juleslunder

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  30. I would knit the Oak Trail hat first. All of the patterns are lovely though.
    -lily on Ravelry

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  31. It is so hard to choose just one pattern. They are all so lovely! I think I would start with Buds and Blooms.

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  32. I love, love, love Autumn's End so I would start there and knit my way through the lot!!
    Krust on Ravelry

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  33. I'm all about socks so it's Ivy Trellis for me!
    Wahoomerryf on Rav

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  34. I want to knit ALL of them! OMG~ sooooo pretty. If I had to pick one to knit first, it would be Entangled Vines. I love those vines going down the sleeves (and it's top down)! I think I would follow it with Ivy Trellis Mittens. This would be a great book to knit through.

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  35. I love the simplicity of the pressed leaves beret. That's where I'd start. Ravelry: Amazonianb

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  36. I'd knit the Wrapped in Leaves first. I've knit a Cedar Leaf Shawlette and it is one of my favorite FOs.
    ~Diane aka deedalee on Ravelry

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  37. The Twin Leaf Loop looks amazing! So do the Ivy Trellis socks. I can't decide.

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  38. I want to knit Autumn's End, NOW! It's Gorgeous!!!
    ~Jessica, Ravelry Id: MonkeyButtBabies

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  39. I would start with Autumn's End; love the flattering side panel of stockinette.

    Joan, Ravelry name of Joanplatt

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  40. I have been hearing so many good things about this book! I want to make lots of the patterns but I think I would start with the Twin Leaf Loop :)

    K8erpillar on Ravelry

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  41. As this is my year of the cardigan I would knit Buds and Blooms first, love the collar.

    ravelry: Helspurlz

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  42. Love your show....love the fact that you are featuring wonderful designers and letting us get to know their patterns and books through your show...would love to knit all the patterns, but would start with the Twin Leaf Loop.

    Karla , Ravelry Id : Karlam

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  43. I would knit the Twigs and Willows cardigan.
    Carmen
    Ravelry ID: Tapgurl

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  44. I would knit the Twigs and Willows Cardigan.
    Carmen
    Ravelry ID: Tapgurl

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  45. Although my eyes always go to cardigans (Twigs!!), I think I would want to do the Pressed Leaves hats first. Love the book review!

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  46. I would love to knit Buds and Blooms.
    Princessleah on Ravelry.

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  47. Gorgeous collection and very "Alana"! I would start with Autumn's End. So pretty and so wearable. And I do love that color.
    (Goodstuff on Rav)

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  48. Entangled Vines is my favorite but I love them all. I also love your podcast and Alana's as well. Thank you.

    Rav. kimoknit

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  49. I love the Oak Trail Cloche! Anne0731 on Ravelry.

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  50. I would knit the forest floor hat - this is a beautiful book!! Thank you.
    FernandaM on Ravelry

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  51. I love just about all of the patterns, but since I'm in the middle of a sweater, a shawl, and some fingerless mitts I think I'll start with the Oak Trail cloche, possibly for my daughter.

    I'm Serenitty on Ravelry.

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  53. I love the ivy trellis socks!

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  54. I love the Entangled Vines and Spring Foliage mits, but I agree - everything is so very wearable. Love this book! Also, loved the podcast too ;-) (Jellybean-Rav) Heidi J.

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  55. I can't wait to knit the Oak Trail Cloche. I'm ordering a copy of the book to take advantage of the e-book deal. But I would love to win to give an e-book copy to my MIL. She's always giving me books, and I want to give back! All of these patterns are beautiful - she will LOVE it. I'm WondergirlArt on Rav and my email is (anne_art at mac dot com). I tried to post a comment with my Google profile, but it wouldn't work - I can't update to a Google+ account because they don't like my name - they don't seem to believe that Anne Art is my real name! Sort of funny, but also annoying ;) Long story about why I had to post as anonymous.

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  56. They are all lovely, I think the first pattern I would knit is the pressed leaves beret.

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  57. Twigs and Willows! Love it. Oh - and the hat with the pretty oak leaf. So sweet...Oak Trail

    Rav: cperrine

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  58. Buds and Blooms, that foldover collar! Adorable.

    Rav nick - Katinspace

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  59. alana is a genius. want to knit the buds and blooms cardigan. rav: lifeandyarn

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  60. Definitely 'Entangled Vines' - I want to cast on now!

    grammie2maddie
    rav

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  61. Entangled Vines - what a beautiful sweater!

    rav name = nikeknits

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  62. I love Alana's patterns. My first knit from the book would be Autumns End.

    Ravelry: quiltyknit

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  63. I like Autumn's End the best, but I wouldn't mind knitting Entangled Vines either!

    egalaida on Ravelry

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  64. I would knit the Ivy trellis socks first, as I love socks! f1bercat (rav name)

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  65. Like you, I love everything in this book, but the first pattern I would like to knit is the Oak Trail Cloche.

    Rav: mclapsaddle

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  66. I love all the cardigan designs, but I'd start first with the forest floor hat as I could crank that out pretty quickly.
    mhchong on Ravelry

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  67. The Autumn's End sweater is just spectacular in my opinion. But they're all gorgeous. Thanks for a great review--I really want this ebook!

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  69. Incidentally in the UK if you accidentally order the wrong book in the orders page you can just return it there's just a field next to it to say it was a duplicate or you didn't like the narration or whatever.So check to see if you can do that in the USA too. Forgot to say my ID is purplepollypocket on Ravelry

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  70. All the patterns are beautiful - I would like to make several of them! My first choice would be the Entangled Vines cardigan, followed quickly by the Ivy Trellis socks.
    I'm lducha on Ravelry

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  71. Beautiful! I think I would start with Buds and Blooms, I love the collar.
    I am sittnknittin on Ravelry.
    Thanks!!

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  72. I love all the cardigans. My first pick to knit would be Twigs and Willows, no question. :)

    Talvi on Ravelry

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  73. These designs are gorgeous. I'd love to knit quite some from the book.

    Lomeraniel in Ravelry

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  74. So many different patterns to choose from.
    Perhaps the Oak Trail Clouche. Or the Ivy Trellis Mittens.
    Love your podcast!
    crzjane on Ravelry.

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  75. Love Alana's patterns. Would love to knit a few of the patterns inthis new book but I would knit Autumn's End first.

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  76. Love the Twin Leaf Loop. Looks like a great place to start for me.

    dkirshner
    rav

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  77. I agree with you. I love everything! I would knit the Wrapped in Leaves shawl first.

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  78. Alanas book has many wonderful patterns. The first project will be Twigs and Willlows.
    I'm paivis in ravelry.

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  79. Autumn's End is first,can't wait.

    Shmopi
    rav

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  80. Twigs and Willows is calling my name!

    MelMcMen on ravelry

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  81. I love the Twigs and Willows Cardigan! What a lovely book!

    penny4yourthought

    Ravelry

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  82. A wonderful review and an exciting book! I can't remember a time when I wanted to knit so many patterns from a single book.

    NextChapter on Ravelry

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  83. I already have a couple of the cardigans in my favorites already but my favourite one has made it to my queue - Buds and Blooms is gorgeous!

    Cathy

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  84. I love this book but particularly Bud and Blooms. Thank you for the chance to get the ebook. The book is gorgeous as anything Alana does.

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  85. Autumn's End would be my favorite (but I love virtually every one!).

    Good luck everyone and thanks for your great podcasts :D

    Firesheep67 on Ravelry

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  86. Ooooooh! I would love to win this book! I enjoy Alana Dakos patterns and would like to cast on one of her sweaters, particularly the Twigs and Willows. The pictures are lovely.

    Knitrach on ravelry.

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  88. I would like to make the Cedar Leaf Shawlette! Thanks for the great podcast
    and for this contest! Loucat on Ravelry

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  89. I would love to make Autumn's End and then almost everything else. Hope I win.

    CBaaKnits on Ravelry

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  90. I'm pretty sure I would start with the Oak Trail cloche. Thanks!

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  91. I would love to knit the Oak Trail cloche - perfect for my daughter. And I promised her a hat for Christmas - I'm a little behind ;)

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  92. I think I would knit the mittens first. Thank you for the giveaway and a great podcast!
    benji9 on Ravelry

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  93. Oh, I'd love to knit Twigs and Willows, as well as pretty much everything in the book!
    Thanks, mimifan on ravelry

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  94. I would love to knit Twigs and Willows!
    mimifan on ravelry

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  95. The Entangles Vines Cardigan is probably what I would knit first. I think the socks would be fun and of course the leaves! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
    (Lhughes5@me (dot) com)

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  96. I want to knit the Twigs and Willows! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    Annette (yarnaddict on Rav)

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  97. The Pressed Leaves beret is beautiful! Of course, so is the entire book!
    nanranda on ravelry

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  98. Twigs and Willows is the one for me!

    Domicroche on Ravelry

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  99. I would love to knit Buds and Blooms! So pretty!!
    jenn-i-fur on ravelry

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  100. I love the Twig and Leaf cowl. Curt think image, second the Shawl
    Rav I'd. LAKCHI

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  101. I think I'd start with the Oak Trail cloche - lovely!

    RobinV on Ravelry

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  102. I would LOVE to a copy of the book! I would cast on either Autumn's End or Twigs & Willows first - both are simple gorgeous.

    AmandaLynA on Ravelry. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  103. I would make the Entangled Vines cardigan. This is a beautiful book.
    LindaNeedles on ravelry

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  104. I LOVE the Autumn's End pullover and would definitely knit that first. Thanks for a great giveaway.

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  105. I will definitely be making the Autumns End very soon - with or without your help! ;-) maybaby23 on Ravelry and rethahase AT gmail

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  106. What a great episode, and loved your review. I would love to win a copy of Alana's new book! I don't really have a favorite pattern, but I have to say if I get a copy of this book I'm going to knit up the oak trail first. Then maybe the twin leaf loop. Then the wrapped in leaves. Then the mitts.....I can go on and on! Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful prize!

    tbmccarthy on ravelry!

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  107. I think Twigs and Willows is wonderful. I want to make it now...

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  108. Thanks for a chance to win! I would knit the Twigs and Willows sweater.

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  109. What a beautiful post -- very excited about the Oak Trail hat. Thank you.

    I am keshaevans on ravelry

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  110. I love all the things!!! and I love the podcast. just discovered it and i have listened to all the back episodes and i have put so many library books on hold. there is not enough time. Maybe if i listen to audio books i can knit the cedar leaves shawl

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  111. I am in love with the autumn's end sweater. Beautiful!

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  112. I would start with the cloche. The only kind of hat that suits me!

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  113. The Autumn's End pullover is delightful
    (ravelry id: karitive)

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  114. Entangled Vines would be where i started.
    (woisme (wo-is-me) on ravelry)

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  115. I'm new to the podcast. I heard about you on Paula's podcast, Knitting Pipeline. I love the Twigs and Willows cardigan! Sarah (knitbakesewrepeat on ravelry)

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  116. Ivy Trellis Mittens are lovely - that's where I'd start.
    Really enjoy your podcast, ladies - thank you.
    Mary (rav DoorStopper)

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  117. I want to knit my way through the book (like Gigi)! I'll start with twin leaf loop, then twigs & willows, then entangled vines, then.....:)
    Rhinonotes Rav ID)

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  118. THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED! Please listen to Episode 41 (due out the weekend of 3/15/13) to find out who the winners are....

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