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21 October 2011

Blog Tour & Give-Away: Coastal Knits

I admit it. I am a western girl through and through, and I have never been to Maine. For some reason, though, it has always fascinated me. The east coast feels older; more steeped in tradition, and there is a decidedly different quality to the air. I have been to the Atlantic in other states, but I have always wanted to see Maine, where Hannah Fettig lives. Is it because I love lobster? I can't say why that state pulls me. But I can say that I loved every moment of going through Coastal Knits.
Alana Dakos and Hannah Fettig wrote this lovely little book of patterns based on their bi-coastal friendship. Alana in Southern California and Hannah in Maine have put together a collection that perfectly evokes their respective corners of the world.

By now, many of you have seen and queued projects from the book, especially the popular Rocky Coast Cardigan by Hannah. But being the contrarian that I am, I'm not going to talk about that one, or any of the specific projects. Honestly? It was too difficult to choose amongst them!
I want you to see some of the book: a truly beautiful little work that makes you want to jump into the pages and take a walk along the shore, through the trees, and then back across the meadow, before you settle down with a cup of cocoa around a bonfire on the beach. I think there are clams involved too. If there aren't there should be!

The book begins with a description of the the two designers' friendship and a little background on what led them to put this collection together. They talk about their homes and inspirations, and the local yarns used in the book. Being a west coast gal myself, it was fun to see the California yarn page, and recognize Tactile Fiber Arts.
And then on the Maine page? There's String Theory! One of my very favorites.
The projects, photography and design all came together for me, to make me feel as though I were there. I love the fact that, in addition to the great projects, the whole book is so well done, so evocative, and such a great realization of the underlying idea.

I can't write this without showing you the Maine page.
See what I mean? So, now. Leave me a comment by Sunday October 23, 12 midnight PST, and I will enter you to win a copy of the book! You know you want one. :)

176 comments:

  1. Just saw your tweet and had to come on over!

    I'd love to win the book! It looks fabulous. The photos alone make it worthwhile :-)

    (goodstuff on Rav)

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  2. Susan1:34 AM

    I'm an East Coaster and love my summers in Maine. That page captures the feeling!

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  3. It's a really beautiful book. It would be hard to choose what to knit first!

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  4. I would love one of those books, the patters are so lovely!

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  5. Oh Romi, this book is wonderful.
    How I'd love to win :)))).
    Yours Joanna

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  6. I'd love to win that book!

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  7. QBabe3:25 AM

    Ohhhhh! I'd LOVE a copy of the book. I've never been to Maine and only to California once for a very short weekend. Thank you!!

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  8. me, me! pick me!

    Seriously--this post looks great. The photos, writing and composition all came together really well.

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  9. Each time I read about this book, I get different view and find more reasons why I would love it. I like how you highlighted the personal connections between Alana and Hannah. Thanks!

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  10. I am totally in love with this book. The patterns are all lovely and the photography looks amazing.

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  11. I have been to Maine and it is a beautiful state for sure. Only issue for me is the Ocean never gets warm enough to swim in. Every time I have gone there swimming is just not possible for me. I would recommend whale watching though. That was wondrous!

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  12. Eunice4:16 AM

    Both coasts draw me when the heat of a Texas summer gets too long. I would love the book.

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  13. my LYS has copies of the book and I agree - it's beautiful for more than just the great patterns! (I hope I win a copy!!)

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  14. Oh, that looks so lovely! Even if I don't win a copy, I'll definitely be checking out this book!

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  15. I ran right over to Ravelry and found a lovely collection of patterns. Your review catches the mood of the knits.
    Thanks for sponsoring a giveaway!

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  16. I just heard about the blog tour of this book - I have favorited a lot of the patterns on Ravelry. Thanks for having a giveaway!

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  17. What a lovely book! I hadn't heard of it before.

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  18. Of course I wanna! Thanks for such a great give-away! I love Hannah Fettig's designs; love collaborations & the patterns look beautiful!

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  19. Your charming review has me longing to read each page.

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  20. I DO want a copy! I listen to the Never Not Knitting Podcast and I've been wanting this book since I first heard about it. I grew up at the beach, so the coastal tie-in holds special meaning for me.

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  21. Anonymous4:56 AM

    I have been wanting to take a closer look at this book; the patterns that I've seen so far look gorgeous! Thanks for the sneak peek, and for having this contest!
    allisonlane on rav

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  22. The book looks amazing! The Maine coast is spectacular. Thanks for opportunity.

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  23. The book looks great. The Maine coast is spectacular.

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  24. Gorgeous patterns and photographs. I'd love a chance to win a copy of this book!

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  25. I love the photography, so misty with muted colours. I can almost feel the damp chill in the air!

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  26. What a great book! And thank you for the giveaway.

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  27. I so want this book!

    And you need a vacation to Maine!

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  28. I have been wishing for a copy of this book ever since it hit the book stands. It is so much more than a book of beautiful knitting designs. The photos and stories would make this a wonderful book to add to my knitting library. I would love to be the lucky winner of this book give away.

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  29. I can't wait to see the book in person. Hannah's sweaters are perfect for my daughter and I have have made many of the Never Not Knitting patterns. I read your blog daily also. Thanks

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  30. Wow. This book is amazing for the photography! The patterns are interesting as expected, but it's the photos that move them way up the queue for me. I can easily imagine myself in the location wearing the garments. Then to knit them in the yarns used. A fine tactile experience. Thanks for the beautiful review.

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  31. Having recently moved from one coast to the other (East -> West), this book sounds so appealing. It's also super pretty!

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  32. I would LOVE a closer look at this book. :)

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  33. I would love a copy of this book!

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  34. A friend received her copy of this beautiful book yesterday and I had an opportunity to look through it. I want one just for the artistic value. The lovely patterns are icing on the cake!

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  35. I went to high school and college in Maine. I love what you have shown of this wook, and I can't wait to get into some coastal knitting!!!!

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  36. I love this book! It's on my Interweave wish list AND my KnitPicks wish list. I REALLY want this book! :))

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  37. I love the narrative and story included with the patterns -- knitting as part of life! Thanks for sharing!

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  38. Maine looks as beautiful as Oregon!

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  39. I have been seeing this book everywhere lately and would love to win a copy! Such beautiful designs...

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  40. I have seen this book several places lately and would love to win a copy! Such beautiful designs....

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  41. This book looks scrumptious! I would love a copy.

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  42. This is such a lovely collecction!

    Knitterlydesigns on Ravelry

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  43. I've heard/read a couple of reviews of this book and I want! For the patterns and the gorgeous photography!

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  44. I would LOVE to win this book. Every design is beautiful... I'd love to knit every one!! What a great collaboration! Thanks for a peek inside.
    mhchong@aol.com

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  45. I'd love to win this book. To have something to knit between Muses of course. ;)

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  46. I'd love to win a copy of this book, to have something to knit between Muses. Because I have nothing else to knit around here. ;) Yeah, right, but it does look like a lovely book.

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  47. Pick me. Would love to win this book. everyone that has one just loves it.
    Born2knitnpurl on ravelry

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  48. janice in virginia8:09 AM

    What a beautiful book! Lovely photos. If I don't win it I guess I'll have to buy it. Thanks for the contest, Romi.
    I have always lived on the east coast and now dream of moving to the Pacific Northwest.

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  49. I already bought a copy...I couldn't resist. But I know many knitters that I could share with. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

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  50. You're right: I want one! Lovely giveaway - thanks!

    teabird on Ravelry

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  51. Oh yes, I want one! I have never been to the eastern seaboard, but the Oregon coast is my favorite place so the wild and rugged coastline of Maine looks right up my alley. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  52. I would love to go to Maine as well. Preferrably in the fall when the leaves are turning. I'd like a copy of this book too. I've eyed a couple of the projects myself.

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  53. I love your blog and the book looks amazing. So many great patterns!

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  54. Anonymous8:38 AM

    As a California girl, who wouldn't want a book called Coastal Knits? All the patterns look fabulous!

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  55. I would love to be entered in the drawing for this book.

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  56. I like both the designers and I'm sure this book is a fantastic reflection of their talents!

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  57. Anonymous8:46 AM

    I am from Georgia & my husband's family is from Maine. I have been there once-beautiful scenery. I would love to go back! Coastal Knits has some wonderful patterns! I am looking forward to getting a copy (win or not)! Thanks for the review!! :)
    Rene' K (nayknits)

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  58. Drooling over this book. Pick me Pick me RNG.

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  59. I do want one! I do!

    Having been to Maine a few times I highly recommend it. ESPECIALLY if you love lobster!

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  60. I'd love to win this book!

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  61. It is gorgeous. So many lovely patterns. Really enjoyed your review as well!

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  62. Diana C9:12 AM

    Beautiful book - would love a chance at a copy!

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  63. Anonymous9:15 AM

    I'm originally from the East Coast, I miss the ocean so much! The book looks absolutely gorgeous, I love the patterns and the layout. Fantastic giveaway, thank you!!

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  64. Anonymous9:22 AM

    Mmm I do know I want one. Can't wait to get the one I ordered the other day! Thanks for the sneak peak!

    Mit

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  65. Anonymous9:23 AM

    I've been listening to Elana's podcast for a year now and waiting to see what the book looks like. As someone with a large library I've slowed down on adding to it, but this book is one I would love to have.
    Shanna

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  66. What gorgeous images! Maybe if I win the book, I can send the kids to you so I can knit?

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  67. Anonymous9:45 AM

    Ooooh, i can't wait to get my book! I ordered early and I'm so excited! (And if I win, my mom will get a wonderful Christmas gift - maybe even with some yarn!)

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  68. You know, I grew up on the East Coast, and I'm not sure I've ever been to Maine either! Odd. At any rate, as someone who's lived on both coasts & adores them, I'd love to win a copy of this book!

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  69. I've been researching yarns for the Rocky Coast cardigan since first seeing it. A lovely mix of patterns, thanks for the chance to win it.

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  70. I saw my friend grab a copy at our LYS recently, and am kicking myself for not getting my own! I'd love a copy!

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  71. Infomom/Nancy10:03 AM

    I've been a lot of places, but not Maine, and it holds for me, roo, some sort of strange pull. Next trip, for sure! The book would be a good substitute, though.

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  72. Louise10:07 AM

    I would really like to win a copy of the book. It is so beautiful.

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  73. Maine has that "I have such deep secrets" feel to it while being impossibly beautiful - or maybe that is Mary Higgins Clark's perspective that I am echoing. But - this book seems to embody that.

    I want I want I want.

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  74. I have been ogling this book and would dearly love a copy. Thanks for the opportunity!

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  75. i love this book! the designs are fantastic and the concept is amazing :) raineoc@yahoo.com

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  76. You're right! I do want one! As a West Coaster, sign me up!

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  77. i'd love a chance to win one of these! thanks for giving us the chance :)

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  78. Gorgeous! Love this book!!!

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  79. Yes I do - lovely book!

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  80. Anonymous11:34 AM

    Oooh, that book looks like it was beautifully photographed....

    Ba

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  81. Woohoo! Lots of buzz about this book. I was raised on the East side of the continent and spent many summers in the Atlantic and for the second half of my life I have been West coastline bound. I am also anxious to see their interpretations of what to knit on the coast.

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  82. I'd love to win the book :-)

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  83. I saw the book yesterday and it really does capture the spirit of the 2 coasts. I am a native Californian who love the Maine Coast as well.

    Dataknitter on Ravelry

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  84. I want one! Coastal Knits is on my Christmas list! :) (Alyoops on Rav)

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  85. This book looks wonderful! And i'm so enjoyin your 7 small shawls series.

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  86. Oh, I would LOVE that beautiful book! The pictures are wonderful - you are so right. :-D
    I think it would be a great resource or even a nice coffee table book... I have a feeling that gazing at the yarns and patterns could occupy a lot of time. I may have to get me a coffee table. LOL

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  87. It is a fabulous book. I've seen a copy of it. Love the patterns by both ladies.

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  88. Gorgeous book filled with beautiful knits x

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  89. Anonymous12:44 PM

    I'm very excited - I would love to win this book! Thanks for the chance!

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  90. I just heard a review of this book yesterday on the Knitmore Girls podcast and got so excited. It would be great if I could win it :)

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  91. I'm a Midwesterner, but I love the look of these Coastal Knits. I'd love to win a copy!

    bronwyndp on Ravelry

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  92. I saw the Rocky Coast Cardigan at Ravelry, and I fell in love with it. I see from the pages that you show, that the entire book is quite beautiful! I would LOVE to win a copy!

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  93. I was born on the West Coast & now live on the East. This book was made for me!

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  94. Oh that's an understatement. I might do something really insane just to get one. Oh, I've visited Maine & had lobster there...no lobster will ever compare:)

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  95. Been hearing about this book before it was even released and would love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance.

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  96. This book looks amazing!

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  97. Bill Jones2:49 PM

    I used to be a Maine boy, my father was born there, and the family is buried there. My grandfather was a sea captain of the last five mast schooner in the bay. Now,I'm a San Franciscan, but my heart is in Maine.
    The book looks like a charmer!

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  98. Marilyn A2:55 PM

    Would love to have a copy of this book. Looks wonderful! Thanks for offering it up to us!

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  99. The book looks sooo lovely! I would love to win it.

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  100. Such pretty photos!

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  101. What a fabulous book. I want one!!

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  102. Beautiful book. I'd love to win a copy!

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  103. Madeline in Vermont4:56 PM

    What a beautiful book! The patterns actually look pretty and something people would wear!

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  104. Every time I see these patterns I think that I NEED to knit them! They really are beautiful!

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  105. A very beautiful book. I would love to own one.

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  106. Oh yes, now I want one! :o)

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  107. Gorgeous book! Thanks for doing the giveaway!!
    jendada on ravelry

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  108. This really is the most beautiful book! I just want to carry mine around everywhere with me (sadly, though there were stickers on the front and back of the package which read "Fragile: do not bend or crush corners", mine came out of the mailbox bent in half with a broken binding, and all four corners crushed!).

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  109. Roxanne Smith7:28 PM

    That book looks lovely.

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  110. Oh what a lovely book!

    ~Purlgirl93 on Ravelry

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  111. Yes, you should really visit Maine, but come in the summer. It's lovely.

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  112. Both coasts and the ocean are so fascinating. Beautiful book!

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  113. Anonymous8:16 PM

    Maine. Your photo of the Maine pages... Mmmmmm! I'm sure that I'm supposed to live there sometime. :)

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  114. What a lovely collection of patterns. I could find more than one to knie for my self from it.

    Lynn

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  115. Lizanne8:19 PM

    Love Maine ... Want that book

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  116. If I don't win it I'm gonna have to buy it- It is a lovely book! thanks for the contest

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  117. Just saw a tweet about this. :) Looks like a wonderful book. Would love to win.

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  118. The book is amazing! I'd love to win!

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  119. Wow! That looks like an awesome book! Thanks for the chance to get it free!

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  120. Anonymous10:31 PM

    Oh my - what a beautiful looking book. I'd love to win!
    ScottieJill on Rav

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  121. Anonymous11:20 PM

    Yup, you're right about wanting one ;)
    (lykkefanten on Ravelry)

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  122. Ooh, Coastal Knits! I live on a coast! Though not the coast of Maine, or "down east" as they say.

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  123. This looks like a great book.

    melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

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  124. This book looks like something I will need to inspect more closely... Absolutely beautiful!

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  125. I want one. I miss New England.
    michelle

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  126. Anonymous5:28 AM

    East Coast Girls are Hip. Guess where I'm from? The book looks lovely thanks for the chance to win.

    Jan (janmarie- on Ravelry)

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  127. Maine is beautiful went there for a vacation.I would love to win this. I'm crossing my fingers.

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  128. Janine5:43 AM

    It looks like a lovely book. Maine is one of my favorite places.

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  129. Sue F6:20 AM

    The book looks lovel!

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  130. It's a beautiful book.

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  131. I love this book and tried to buy it in Toronto but it wasn't there yet!

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  132. Anonymous6:53 AM

    Beautiful pictures from the book plus the projects look great, too. I'd love to win and add this to my library! Linda
    MTknitter on Ravelry

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  133. Can't resist a good book giveaway.

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  134. I have also had a lifelong fascination with the East Coast, even if I've never been. The patterns look inviting. Thanks for a chance to win a copy of the book.

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  135. Anonymous9:41 AM

    I'm always game for more knitting books!

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  136. Isn't that book gorgeous?! Thanks for the chance to win one. If I don't, I'll be buying it. :)

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  137. Sure I'd want that book - who could resist these designs?

    Thank you for the give-away!

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  138. What a great books! Thanks for the lovely giveaway.

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  139. Looks like a wonderful book. Thank you for the chance to win it.

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  140. Having spent much of my childhood on the North Coast of California (my dad dove for abalone), I just love anything to do with the ocean. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. I've heard fabulous reviews.

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  141. I would love a copy of the book. I have only been to Maine twice but it was definitely beautiful.

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  142. CaroleP (ohio4:14 PM

    That book looks like a vacation - I could really use one. Thanks for the offer!

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  143. Anonymous4:41 PM

    I'm not in it to win a book: I just yesterday bought my copy of Coastal Knits at the String Theory Booth where Hannah Fettig signed it to me personally! I am thrilled! I am such a knitbot fan AND NeverNotKnitting fan (as well as yours!) and have knitted patterns by both designers. I'd mainly just like to underscore how beautiful the book is. I grew up in the West but I've lived in coastal Connecticut for 25 years now, visiting Maine often, and the essence of both coasts is captured gorgeously. Thank you for your post.

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  144. Those Maine pictures just make you want to be there!

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  145. I would love to win this book. I too am originally from the westcoast. Although I'm currently on the east coast I've never been to Maine.

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  146. What a lovely book. Please count me in.

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  147. I wish I do live in a foggy weather place. I hate sunny. The book looks delicious. :)

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  148. i have been reading about the book
    I would love to be included in the drawing!

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  149. The book looks gorgeous, and there are so many projects I'd like to do from it :)

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  150. I love the coasts. But I love the coasts of the Great Lakes better. Ocean people don't understand! But these knits are gorgeous.

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  151. Anonymous2:11 AM

    I love the patterns, concept and design of this book! I like it when a book tells a story instead of just listing patterns.
    I think I'd have to cast on the Rocky Coast cardigan right away. Or maybe the Sand and Sea shawl... hard to decide.

    ilina (on Rav)

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  152. Annette5:12 AM

    So many positive and inspiring reviews of this book! Would love, love to win one - thanks for the contest!

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  153. Anonymous8:01 AM

    What a lovely book, and how nice of you to make a copy available.

    Thanks much, Chris

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  154. Ohhhh I love the concept and the two designers! Please pick me.

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  155. I would love this book!

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  156. viola422 on ravelry10:15 AM

    The wildflower cardigan is lovely.

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  157. What a great concept! I frequently vacation in Maine and can never get enough of the ocean views! I wonder what things are like in CA?!

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  158. I would love to have a copy of this book.

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  159. Oh I really want this one. Would love to win thanks for the chance

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  160. Lizzy B.1:41 PM

    I've been dying to order this book, but it's just not in the budget. It would be so great to win one! Thanks for the opportunity!
    Ravelry: EBroughton

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  161. ethel1:57 PM

    Love your intro to the book!! would be a great addition to anyones library!

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  162. Beautiful book and beautiful place! I would love to visit Maine someday...maybe I need to make plans?

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  163. Ohhh I love Alana's patterns!

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  164. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to win such a lovely book.
    Lisa H-L

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  165. California Girl... living now in the Desert would love to visit the West Coast from my armchair!!

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  166. Even us midwesterners can dream of the coast! I'd love to have a copy.

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  167. I, too, would love the book, and so appreciate looking at it through your eyes.

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  168. It looks like an amazing book! I'm a Maritimer in Vancouver, so I appreciate both coasts. :)

    Rebecca
    Knittingwithwords on Ravelry

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  169. Love the designs! My family is from ME and I've lived in CA so I need this book!

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  170. Thank you for the chance to win the book! What a wonderful giveaway!

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  171. WOuld love this book since I grew up on the East coast.

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  172. I would love to win the book - it looks beautiful!

    knitwish on Ravelry

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  173. Who wouldn't want to win this book? The photos are stunning and all of the reviews have been extremely positive. There are plenty of patterns to keep me busy in this one!

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  174. The book looks lovely :)

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  175. I would love to win this book!! It looks amazing :)

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