Ysolda Review and Giveaway!

Scroll to the bottom of this post for something completely amazing*.

Look what I saw just sitting on one of our tables at TNNA in June.


Dropped off by a mystery person who disappeared as quickly as she appeared. Luckily, there was an inscription.


What a most lovely surprise from the even lovelier Ysolda Teague! I would go so far as to say this book is indispensable for knitters.You will find the patterns you're accustomed to seeing from Ysolda--fashion forward, technically sound, and well written with a touch of whimsy. However, the meat and potatoes of this book is the educational first chapter entitled "Tools for Successful Sweaters".


Every word and picture in this chapter lends credence to the title. The chapter is broken into sections: selecting a yarn, swatching, taking measurements, choosing a size, creating a perfect fit, and blocking. Each section offers a wealth of information, accessible for beginners and relevant even for intermediate to advanced knitters. Tips are peppered throughout, from choosing the best yarn for intarsia work to measuring your body accurately to using dressmaking techniques to accommodate fuller bust sizes.




You'll find Classic Elite yarn modeled by the gorgeous Amanda Jarvis in the Angostura Vest. The introduction to the pattern has comprehensive construction and fitting notes, and the pattern is sized from a 30 inch bust up to a 60 inch one. The vest is knit in Chesapeake from the Verde Collection in the colorway Mephisto, a beautiful blue that almost reminds me of one of my favorite crayons, Cornflower Blue, only darker.


*Ysolda Teague and her fabulous team are collaborating with us on a giveaway! One lucky knitter will receive an autographed copy of Little Red in the City, a limited edition Little Red project bag, and enough Chesapeake to complete their very own Angostura vest! Simply head over to her blog, leave a comment on Ysolda's blog post saying how you would wear/style your own Angostura before August 15th, and then cross your fingers.




Scratch to reveal the eBook link. So clever!

Thank you, Ysolda!


45 comments:

  1. From what I have seen I absolutely LOVE it. I am tall for a female so any time I see a book that shows how to make things fit for me it is a WIN. I am so looking forward to getting a better look at this book.

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  2. I love this elegant looking vest!

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  3. LOVE this designer!

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  4. I just put in my entry for it -- will you be carrying the book at Hub Mills in the likely chance I don't win?

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  5. That vest is so like what I usually wear--simple with a little something special. It would look great with a pair of jeans.

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  6. I am always looking for patterns for larger women, who wears a size 0? I would wear this vest to school. Teaching works up a "dew" and vests are the way to go during cold weather.

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  7. Hi Diana,

    The book is already at Hub Mills if you want to come have a look! And who knows? Somebody has to win!

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  8. I love the looks of Ysolda's book.

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  9. The Angostura is a great vest because although it is simple and a classic shape, the little cable twists in unexpected places make it unique. I'd wear the vest with a white shirt and khakis in the fall. The vest would make a standard uniform in my wardrobe special.

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  10. I love the looks of her sweaters! But I need the help in making my own knitted sweaters fit my slightly rounded body! Help me, Ysolda! (P.S., I also love Classic Elite Yarns and Pam Allen's patterns!)

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  11. Nice to see a book that helps make the time and materials commitment to a sweater more fun and successful!

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  12. Love, love, love her designs!

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  13. Ever since I began to make sweaters, I have been fascinated with construction of all of my clothes. I would love this book!

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  14. robin ludwig..robsdolls1@yahoo.comAugust 9, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    would love a copy of her book.

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  15. And I have red hair too!!!!!!

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  16. Looks like a terrific book for everyone who knits sweaters!!

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  17. Great designs! Love the quite details in the vest...

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  18. What a great vest!! I am picturing it with a white long sleeve blouse I recently purchased.

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  19. Love the vest details and the fact that it is sized for big chests. Those of us with big chests want to knit garments with style and detail too. Looks like this book has it all. If I don't win, I'll have to buy it. I would use this vest to sharpen my knitting skills and wear with numberous skirt options.

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  20. Love the book! I need to learn how to make my creations fit better! Thanks!

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  21. What a beautiful vest to wear with everything I own.

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  22. The book looks like a new classic as far as sweater design is concerned. I'm always looking for ways to make sweaters fit better. Thanks for the give away.

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  23. I'd give the vest to my daughter, who lives where it's cold!

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  24. I cannot imagine winning anything more useful and inspiring. Keeping my fingers crossed here.

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  25. I would love to turn around and find a great book signed by the author sitting on my table as you did. Even more I'd love to find it in my mailbox, that would be thrilling and amazing!

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  26. What a beautiful vest to wear with everything I own. very nice and inspiring

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  27. Ooh! Great design, thanks for the contest.

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  28. This book looks like it belongs in my library! Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  29. This is exactly what I have been looking for. no more hanging sweaters.
    Karen
    Karenmitchell@everestkc.net

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  30. Very cool! Looking forward to seeing the whole thing.

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  31. Great patterns in this book, would love to win.

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  32. Awesome! Can't wait to see it in my local shops. Always looking for a better way to get a better fit!

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  33. Every pattern in this book looks wearable with just the right amount of tweaking for every figure type. What a gifted designer.
    Tullyknits

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  34. Love any help with fit!

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  35. I would love to win this book which I am sure will become a Classic reference book on how to Knit a sweater to fit.

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  36. I would love a book filled with more patterns, can't get enough. And to have one autographed by Ysolda, even better.

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  37. It would be incredible to have clothes fit my not fashionably correct body. Thank you for your commitment to making women feel enthused about knitting and wearing your wonderful designs.

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  38. If I don't win this, I'll have to go out and buy it . Looks like the perfect thing for my aged figure. My mind still thinks young.

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  39. I would absolutely love to win this book. More special because of the autograph. I would love to be able to make myself a vest that actually fits!

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  40. Would love the book to help with fitting problems and I am a redhead too!

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  41. Lovely book, happy to throw my hat in the ring to win. Thanks!

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  42. I'd love to be the happy owner of this book!

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