I love the Southwest. The colors and landscapes have a unique beauty and spirit about them. No wonder I was immediately enamored with the book Free Spirit Knits: 20 Knitted Garments and Accessories Inspired by the Southwest. The author and designer, Anne Podlesak, lives in northern New Mexico. I can easily see the influence of her surroundings in her Santa Fe Wrap:
This photo for the Grand Canyon Coat shows off the scenery’s subtle colors and its influence on the pattern. Motifs evoking the waters of the Colorado River set off the golden colors of the rocks. I love Anne’s choice of a tone-on-tone main color for this coat. The subtle striping reminds me of the striations of rock in the Grand Canyon.
My time in Arizona taught me some history about sheep ranching in the West. Knitters tend to love all things sheep-y, so the Churro Sheep Cowl is appealing. (A knitter’s note here…if I make this cowl, I think I’ll try a different top and bottom edging to discourage the fabric from curling.)
Free Spirit sets itself apart by offering a number of nice patterns for men. The Salt River Sweater’s traditional cabling, combined with a motif that echoes Native American art, would appeal to a lot of guys:
Anne’s book includes several techniques, from lace to stranded knitting to cables. There are small projects as well as the stunning sweaters, coats and wraps.
As you may remember from my previous post, I made the book’s Petroglyph Socks.
I enjoyed making them so much, I looked up Ann Podlesak’s patterns on Ravelry. I love discovering designers whose work I like so well!
I’ll be giving away a copy of this gorgeous book in May. Stay tuned!
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Publisher Info:
Free Spirit Knits: 20 Knitted Garments and Accessories Inspired by the Southwest
By Anne Podlesak
Interweave/F+W; $25.99
144 pages
I find myself also drawn to the Southwest colors these days. Patterns in this book are beautiful.
Hoping to win the book!
Love all things Southwest. Beautiful patterns in this book, I would love to win it.