It is rare that a book comes along that contains more than two or three garments that I want to knit. Today we got a delivery of the brand new Hannah Fettig (Knitbot) and Alana Dakos (Never Knot Knitting) book, Coastal Knits. It is just stunning. Hannah and Alana decided to pair up to produce a book that combined both of their creativity. They settled on a “coast to coast” theme, given that Hannah is an East coast native and Alana is a West coast native. Each pattern is inspired by one of their favorite locations, and the book includes stunning photography of the site and inspiration for the garment.
Coastal Knits contains five sweater patterns and five accessory patterns. They are all classic and gorgeous. Let’s start with this one, the Rocky Coast Cardigan which is made in the Fibre Company Organik. It uses 800-1800 yards. The cable pattern is straightforward and can be memorized after a bit…don’t let those cables scare you! This garment is amazing.
The Bayside Cardigan is also on my “highly recommend” list for one big reason: it uses fingering weight yarn. Who doesn’t have a pile of this gauge sitting around the house? It uses 950 – 2175 yards. I love the cable details on the yoke and the sides. Try this one with a machine dyed yarn like Spud and Chloe Fine or Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine. The solid dye will really allow the cables to shine.
I have two favorites from the accessories collection: Sand and Sea Shawlette and the Cambrian Cowl. The shawlette uses two types of yarn, combining a shiny silk with a wool to create the “sand” and “sea” affect. I would suggest a merino or merino blend laceweight for the main color: Miss Babs Yet or Manos del Uruguay Lace and then use the Neighborhood Fiber Co penthouse silk for the edging. (or perhaps Dream in Color Starry for a glitzy edging!) I also think that this shawlette would be very cool in the Louisa Harding Grace Silk and Wool with the Beaded Grace for the edging. These last yarns are DK weight, so the shawl would be larger but rather stunning…just a thought.
The Cambrian Cowl is a quick knit, which we all need at this time of year. My favorite part about this project is that it could potentially show off a couple of very cool buttons! For yarns, I recommend Sublime Chunky Tweed or even Blue Sky Alpacas Techno for a snuggly soft option.
Did I mention that these savvy ladies sent along a fab shopping guide with each copy of the book to help you pick out yarn?