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Saturday, March 30, 2013

Botanical Knits || Review & Giveaway


I was so excited when the preview for Alana's new book Botanical Knits launched on Ravelry, the pieces from the book took over the top 20 chart in no time flat! So when Alana asked me to be a part of the blog tour I jumped at the chance to have a look inside this gorgeous collection of knits. 
True to Alana's aesthetic, the book is inspired by foliage, and I love this because it's something Alana does so very well. I also love the layout of the book, all of the little details and the gorgeous photography make this book a stunner. I absolutely adore all of the scalloped edges in the book, LOVE. Alana also shares her story of how her fascination with knitted leaves began, which I really enjoyed reading. 

Another thing I love about the book are the Ravelry buttons throughout. Each pattern has it's own direct link to it's Ravelry pattern page. It's so handy, because if you're like me, the first thing you do when considering a new project is jump over to Ravelry to check out project photos, substitutions, modifications, and all the rest of it! 

Here are a few of my personal favorites from the book...

I adore the boat neck and how the all over leaf pattern looks delicate but very wearable. I especially love the Candied Yam colourway that Alana chose for the design, this garment would get a ton of use in my wardrobe. 


This might be one of my favorite pieces from the book. I love the style of this hat and the trailing oak leaf along the brim. The construction looks super fun and the shape is so flattering. 

...I also LOVE the coat the model is wearing!


I also love Twigs and Willows. I think the yoke detail is so creative, I love how the little embossed leaves and branch flow effortlessly from shoulder to buttonband. I can imagine this took a considerable amount of planning and swatching to get it just so. The end result is gorgeous! And of course, this colourway is lovely, it's totally something I would chose
. . .
The book is now available for pre-order which includes a complimentary copy of the eBook as well as an exclusive bonus pattern when the book ships in mid-May!
I've thoroughly enjoyed my copy of the eBook, would you like to win a copy for yourself?

Leave a comment below telling me which of the designs from the book are your favorites, along with your contact info (email address or Ravelry ID), and I will announce the winner on Thursday, April 4th!

* * * This contest is now closed. Thank you to all who entered * * *

116 comments:

  1. I love the whole collection, but I'm desperately in love with Twigs and Willows.

    rav id: liairene

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  2. My favorite is the Ivy Trellis Socks. (SheilaOKeefe on Rav)

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  3. It's such a beautiful book! I love the cloche though I don't know if I could pull off that look. Entangled Vines is one I would definitely make. I love how her designs are inspired by nature...

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  4. This is such a beautiful collection. I'm also a big fan of Oak trail, and I love the sleeve detail on Entangled vines, but my absolute favorite is twin leaf loop. knursekettle on ravelry

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  5. My favourite is definitely Twigs and Willows. Definitely went to the top of the queue! (SarahVV on Rav)

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  6. These designs are all beautiful, but if I had to pick a favourite it would be Twigs and Willows. Thank for the heads up on the book and for the great giveaway. Oh, and I'm "stitchparade" on Ravelry.

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  7. It's extremely hard to choose a favourite, as they're all beautiful. Autumns End would probably be the first thing I'd knit from the book if I was luckily enough to win a copy.

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  8. I love Autumn's End and have been dreaming of starting it forever. I have so many other things I have to get done first though. All in good time. Rav ID knitinmountains

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  9. I just love Buds and Blooms cardigan! So cute!
    Rav. Foamofdays

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  10. They are all wonderful but I think I would knit Twigs & Willows first. I love the shape of the cardigan and the detail of the vine coming across the body and down the length of the button band.

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  11. I love them all, but I think I'd cast on Pressed Leaves first. Something small that I could finish quickly. Barista608 on Rav.

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  12. I admire the twigs and willows cardigan. So pretty.
    ravelry:duolaura

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  13. twigs and willows! it's so lovely.

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  14. autumn's end.. it's so flattering!

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  15. All of the designs are gorgeous but I especially like Twigs and Willows
    FavoriteFibers on Ravelry

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  16. I love them all - but the Ivy Trellis mittens are my favourite.
    Rav ID: nicnicnab

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  17. Autumn's end and oak trail! They are so beautiful! The whole book looks great!
    RavID: violingirl76

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  18. Beautiful! I love the twin leaf loop!

    Rav: deianickelsen

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  19. Forest Trail and Entangled Vines are my favourites. Best of luck to all.
    Heather
    Rav: princesswarrior

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  20. Truly, I like all the designs but Autumn's End is my favorite.

    toomanyufos on ravelry

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  21. Autumn's End is my fav... not sure which yarn I'd like to knit it in yet ???

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  22. Autumn's End is my favorite. Would love to knit it!

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  23. I love all the patterns! But my 1st choice is Autumn's End!

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  24. What a great collection! Oak trail is a fabulous hat design. Thanks for this chance!

    Rav:KatRobbinsVT

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  25. I absolutely adore all the patterns in the collection but if I had to choose only one, it would have to be Twigs and Willows.
    fowlervillesdeb (rav id)

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  26. Oh I love Autumn's End. In May I am going to Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival I would love to have a copy of this book with me so I can pick out yarn to make all the patterns. I also have a handful of your patterns I am taking with me.

    My Ravelry ID is AndeeKF

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  27. I like Entangled Vines. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  28. I love the Autumns ENd sweater. It is fabulous.

    Maureen

    msgb245 at gmail dot com

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  29. Oak Trail is hands down my favourite. We need lots of toques and hats in good ol' Winnipeg, but this one looks cozy AND cute - win! I've already picked out the yarn I'd use for it. Winning a copy of the book would be amazing!

    Ravelry ID: Lerz

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  30. I really like Autumn's End and Forest Floor; substantial lace patterns that look warm and comfy but still have that feminine touch that I enjoy. Overall, a great collection of designs.

    Ravelry ID: DatPixieGirl

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  31. Twigs and Willow is definitely my favourite. Was at the beginning and other patterns have grown on me with Trigs and Willow still leading the pack!
    DivaDar

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  32. I adore Autumn's End - so gorgeous!!
    Rav: sheralynn

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  33. I like them all, but I think Oak Trail would be my first project. Rav amchart

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  34. I adore Twigs and Willows. I'm not sure I'd try that one first (I've yet to do a cardigan) but I love it all the same. Rav: mudpunch

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  35. Autumn's End went into my Ravelry queue the moment I saw it. I talked for a few seconds with Alana Dakos at Stitches West; she is very sweet and so talented!

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  36. I also like twigs and willows as well as wrapped in leaves. (rav id onepinkplum)

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  37. I really like a LOT of these patterns and would love to win the book! I think I would probably knit a small accessory first but I like Twigs and willows the best!

    (rav ummrania)

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  38. It's difficult to pick a favorite because I like them all, but I would have to say Oak Trail. The designs are just beautiful and I would LOVE to have this book. Thanks for giving me the chance!
    diann325@gmail.com

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  39. Autumn's End! I MUST make that sweater!

    candice.fehrman@gmail.com

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  40. Twigs and willows, in the same colour!
    ravelry: boris2001

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  41. My favs are definitely the Ivy Trellis Mittens and the Twigs and Willows sweater. Love the leaf detail!

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  42. my absolute favorite is Autumns End. maybaby23 on rav

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  43. Ivy trellis socks - beautiful & squishy soft! clairestarrs on rav.

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  44. I love this book, but I think the leaf loop has to be my favorite pattern. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Rav id: hopem2

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  45. I have to admit that I pretty well love every one of the designs! Big favourites are: Ivy Trellis Mitts and Oak Trail would be first on the needles.
    Thank you.

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  46. I love Oak Trail & Autumn's End!

    I'm purlgirl93 on Ravelry.

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  47. My favorite is definitly Autumn's End - it reminds me a little bit of the japanes kind of knitting. I also adore Twigs and Willows.

    Regards from Hanni

    maier-hanni@web.de

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  48. Twigs and Willows is my favorite and I would love to cast on this cardi as my spring knitting project! Thanks for the chance at winning the e-book.
    Ravelry: zenitude

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  49. I love Twigs and Willows!

    brookeali(at)Hotmail.com

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  50. Twigs and Willows would have to be my favorite, but would need to cast on one of the hats or socks immediately as well :) RotherJackie@aol.com

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  51. Autumn's End and Twigs and Willows are my two favorites. I'd love to win! AmandaLynA on Ravelry

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  52. Autumn's end us my favorite, by far! But I will certainly try knitting all patterns. I would love to have a copy of the book.

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  53. While I am in love with pretty much all the patterns in this collection, Twigs and Willows is probably my favorite and would likely be first on the needles.

    Rav ID: melosa

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  54. They're all lovely, but I have a special place in my heart for boat necks so I guess Autumn's End would have to be my favourite. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  55. I've had my eye on Twigs & Willows. It is just so beautiful!

    Rav ID: Gemfireknits

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  56. I love all of the designs but I think autumn's end is my favorite. Rav ID is bbatting

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  57. This collection is classic and lovely!
    culabrat on ravelry.

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  58. I love Autumn's End, but I don't see myself knitting it. Entangled Vines, however...Love.

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  59. Love autumns end!
    Rav ID: socnitr

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  60. Every pattern in this collection is just gorgeous!!! I think Twigs and Willows is the obvious winner for me, if I have to choose! The Ivy Trellis mittens come in a close second, though.

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  61. Well I love them all! But especially I love Entangled Vines, then Twigs & Willows and I couldn't forget Autumns End either.

    I love the socks and mittens and all the hats. Seriously I. LOVE. THEM. ALL!

    rav id: joshuasprincess

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  62. Love Autumn's End
    rav id: karitive

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  63. Autumns End; though it's hard to name just one.

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  64. Oak trail, would love to go for a nature walk in style! Also think my mother would look pretty cute in this hat, I feel a mother's day gift coming...

    Dana
    dsorensen@live.ca
    doodlekaboodle on ravelry

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  65. I love the Oak Trail hat! It's amazing!

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  66. I loved this pressed leaves tam. That would be first on my list. Then I'd knit everyting else. Love all the patterns!

    Wylie Kay Rundell
    wklilly@gmail.com
    wklilly on Ravelry

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  67. LOVE Entangled Leaves. And Autumn's End. These patterns look amazing!
    Rav id: fionafae
    email: fionafae at gmail dot com

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  68. I love the Ivy Trellis socks.
    wahoomerryf on Rav

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  69. Twig and Willows is so charming!
    Emily Read emleeread@gmail.com

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  70. My favorite is Oak Trail...at least, it's the first I'd knit, they all look great!
    Ravelry ID: Dawnreads

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  71. Oak Trail is calling my name. They are all beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
    roxipapi@gmail.com

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  72. I'm dying to knit Forest Floor.
    RVA ID fabiknits

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  73. Oak Trail!!!! Love the construction. Dustytreeknits on Ravelry.

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  74. I'm totally in love with the Autumn's end top... I need to knit it for next Fall!
    Thanks for the giveaway
    CecileinIndiana on Rav.

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  75. I love the Twigs and Willows and the Pressed leaves. I think I could easily knit every one of these patterns!
    email: owlology@gmail.com
    Ravelry: pinkflea

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  76. This is tricky for me... but I think pressed leaves is my favorite. I can't wait to make it for my friend Pat, who loves leaves knit into everything she wears.
    email: dgnoyke@gmail.com
    Ravelry: danie-girl

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  77. They are all wonderful but I especially like twigs and willows.
    Cindy
    Cakane@optonline.net

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  78. Oh man! Love Entangled Vines but they are all beautiful. Thank you for the giveaway! bretaylor@mac.com Bre

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  79. I like Autumns End. It's 100% my style. Thanks! (email in profile)

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  80. I love Twigs and Willows! All are gorgeous!
    Ravelry id: jenlong

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  81. I do love the Autumns End
    RavID:curdy

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  82. i'm so inlove with autumn's end! uber love. xoxo rav id: gundyknitter xoxo

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  83. Autumns End is my favourite sweater in the book and Forest Floor is my favourite accessory. The colour of the Autums End sweater would look awesome on you. :)

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  84. Twigs and Willows looks like a "future fav" to me, no matter what :) -- love all the designs. I'm a "leaf" person :))
    MaryjoO on Ravelry

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  85. Love Autumn's End
    Rav Id: Ddlew

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  86. Definitely, Oak Trail-absolutely flawless.
    Ravelry ID-ringleader

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  87. I love all of these designs! But I think I'd start by knitting Autumn's End first
    sassykrafty on Ravelry

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  88. I love the Twigs and Willows and the Pressed Leaves Beret.

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  89. I love these designs and am particularly in love with Entangled Vines. I would love a copy of the book!
    jennlikestoknit on Ravelry

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  90. They are all gorgeous! I really love Twigs and Willows and can see myself wearing it all the time.
    urbanizer on Ravelry

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  91. What a beautiful collection! I'm loving all the patterns.
    I too am crushing on the "Twigs and Willows" :)
    But I'm also loving "Twin Leaf Loop", "Autumn's End" and "Wrapped In Leaves."

    You're fantastic, Jane! Thanks so much for the giveaway! Best of luck everyone!

    Ravelry: TheCraftyUnicorn

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  92. really beautiful patterns! I love Oak Trail the best.
    Ravelry ID: vernonpurl

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  93. The Spring Foliage Mitts!
    renegadepugs@yahoo.com

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  94. Such a beautiful giveaway...thank you...I would love to make Oak Trail first and next would be Twigs & Willow.
    They are all soooo pretty.....Heather: habaylis@gmail.com

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  95. Great idea !
    My favorite is Entrangled Vines... This book is really nice and original !

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  96. The Entangled Vines cardigan really caught my eye because of the details on the sleeves. What a great giveaway!
    Ravelry username: origamisparrow

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  97. 'twigs and willow' is so lovely. Oh, i love a knitting giveaway!

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  98. Autumn's End is so lovely. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

    Ravelry: apple5

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  99. Thank you for the giveaway! All of the designs look beautiful; right now my favorites are Oak Trail, Forest Floor and Autumn's End.
    kmelamed@comcast.net or misskris545 on Ravelry

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  100. I have been drooling over Twigs and Willows since my first sneak peek. It is just lovely in that tweed!

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  101. Oak Trail is beautiful, but honestly they all look beautiful!!

    Arika

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  102. I'd do Twigs and Willows - my favorite. alcbrooks on Ravelry

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  103. I love Spring foliage. The colours are beautiful and the pattern looks like something I'd tackle.

    HPom on Ravelry

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  104. I love all the leaf motifs! My favorite is maybe the Entangled Vines cardigan. (I posted with my ravelry name: swaan.)

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  105. My favorite is the Buds and Blooms cardigan. Those pockets!!

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  106. The Oak Trail hat is just too adorable!

    ravelry id: dreareneeknits

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  107. I love Autumns End

    ravelry id: pattymatt

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  108. My favorite is the Ivy Trellis Mittens! I'm sure it'll get compliments every time these are seen in public!

    Rav ID: kellknit

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  109. Autumn's End is calling me. They're all so pretty. Rav ID: Zaelia-Blue

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  110. Oak Trail! that is one amazing hat... soon to be on a WIP for ChristyKitsch...

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  111. Entangled vines would have to be the first project with Twigs & Willows a close second. What a lovely book and an inspiring set of patterns!
    Rav ID: kelizab

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  112. definitely Ivy Trellis Socks
    the book is beautiful going to buy it anyway
    but thanks for the chance!
    Buenosdias on Rav

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  113. I love Buds & Bloom. Thaks for the opportunity!

    RAvelry id: mmgrrr

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  114. I love Autumns End. I enjoy knitting lace, and I gravitate towards boat neck sweaters too.

    Ravelry id: fireside178

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  115. I love them all, but if I had to pick three favorites to start with, they would be:
    - Oak Trail - love, love the retro vibe
    - Entangled Vines - simple and sophisticated
    - Twin Leaf Loop - for a quick and easy satisfaction
    This book has been on my wish list for weeks, I hope to win but if not, I will end up buying it.
    Ravelry id: missagnes

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