A Knitting Wrapsody- Interview With Kristin Omdahl and a Giveaway!

Hello and Happy Tuesday everyone! We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Kristin Omdahl about her beautiful new book, A Knitting Wrapsody, as the first stop on her Blog Book Tour! So exciting! Thank you Kristin for letting us be the first!

We've had this book in the shop for a few weeks and, so far, it's been a hit! Here's what she had to say about her new book:

1. JBW- Tell us a little bit about A Knitting Wrapsody.

KO- A Knitting Wrapsody is my debut knitting book. My vision for this book was to take inspiration from other crafts and apply it to knitted shawls, wraps, scarves and skirts. I took inspiration from crochet, weaving, embroidery, fishing, seashells, an oil painting, and more. I also wanted to create garments that can be worn in multiple ways. Most of the pieces in the collection can be worn in a variety of ways. My favorite surprise was that the Arcelia Wrap Skirt looks wonderful as a halter top. I can't wait to wear this top this summer!

2. JBW- What was the most challenging project for you in the book?

KO- The most challenging project in the book was the Sand Dollar Cape. Inspired by sand dollars at the beach, I thought it would be interesting to make a circular cape with overlapping ovals around the outer perimeter to easily weave a belt in and out to cinch the waist while keeping the "sleeves" wide and loose. It is a flattering

silhouette. The challenge is that I started this project at the neckband, and increased outward to the lower edge of the cape. Due to the fact that there is overlapping fabric, the yardage is quite large for this project. And, I was trying to create a fabric and a garment without knowing whether it would work, or even look nice, until it was finished. I was sweating bullets for over 1,800 yards! It wasn't until I bound off that I realized it was a success.

3. JBW- You are a big time crocheter- why did you switch to knitting?

KO- Actually, I taught myself to knit 1 month after teaching myself to crochet, 9 years ago while pregnant with my (now 8 year old) son. I have been publishing knit and crochet patterns for the last 6 years. I think because my first 2 books were crochet, the misconception is that I am only a crocheter. I actually like to do both every day. I work long hours, and think I use different muscles when knitting than crochet, so by switching crafts, my muscles get a break.

4. JBW- I love your DVD's. Is that an important element to the book? If so, why?

KO- For A Knitting Wrapsody, the DVD is a great value ad component of the book. There are some unusual techniques in the projects, and I thought it would be really helpful to offer my help, tips and tricks on the 1-hour DVD workshop to complement the patterns in the book. I love teaching and sharing my love of knitting and crochet with my customers. The DVD workshops are a great way for me to share my crafts more personally with my customers.

5. JBW- What's on your needles (or hook) now?

KO- Well, as far out as I work, I can't give you detailed information on my current projects, but I am working on a new crochet book, so lots of crochet swatches are in my office right now and yarn for a dozenor so projects. I am also working on 2 knit magazine projects -- bothlace -- and due to 2 different magazines for their Fall 2011 issues next week. If I had time to make something for myself right now, I would like to make a beach cover-up and beach tote bag, for this summer, in either hot pink or turquoise blue.

Thanks to all of you for stopping by reading about Kristin's new book today! Kristin has graciously given us a signed copy of her book to giveaway to one lucky reader! If you'd like a chance to win, please leave a comment in this post (one entry per person please) by midnight on Thursday and we will use a random number generator to select the winner! Check back here on Friday to find out who won!

Thank you again, Kristin, for letting us kick off your blog tour for A Knitting Wrapsody- it has been such a pleasure! For those of you interested in hearing more about A Knitting Wrapsody, don't forget to check in on the next several stops on Kristin's Blog Book Tour this week:

3/2- Tune into Knitting Daily TV at Knitting Daily.

3/3- Planet Purl Party Line Live Webchat with Kristin at Planet Purl.

3/4- Smokin' Hot Needles at http://yarnloopie.blogspot.com.

Kristin Omdahl designs knit and crochet garments and patterns under her label KRISTIN, and is the author of "A Knitting Wrapsody" (Interweave, January 2011), "Crochet So Fine" (Interweave, July 2010) and "Wrapped In Crochet" (Interweave, 2008). She appears in every episode of Knitting Daily TV on public television as the show's "Crochet Corner" expert, and she conducts seminars around the country on crochet and in her new DVD workshops, "Crochet Basics and Beyond with Kristin Omdahl" (Interweave 2011) and "Innovative Crochet: Motifs" (Interweave, 2009). Kristin's work has appeared in Interweave Crochet, Interweave Knits, Knitscene, Vogue Knitting, plus books including "Crochet Gifts" (Interweave, 2009) and "Crochet Me" (Interweave, 2007). She enjoys knitting and crocheting in her orchid garden in sunny, Southwest Florida. Check out what's new with Kristin at www.StyledbyKristin.com