JOURNEY: Swift Hat + Review

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.


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!