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

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38 comments:

  1. I love hearing that Kristin is surprised by her creative process, too! Great interview -- I hope you pick me for the book.

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  2. Love the book!!! Great interview... Looking forward to the rest of them ... Thanks

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  3. This is a beautiful book; Kristin really thinks outside the box. And the idea of including a DVD is genius.

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  4. Love it! I love everything Kristen makes!

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  5. Kristen has been an inspiration to me. I am just beginning - at age 62 - to publish patterns. It is interesting to know how other designers are inspired and then carry through to the end design. Thanks for the interview.

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  6. I just LOVE her crochet and her knitting looks just as stunning!

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  7. Great interview...hope I can win the book!

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  8. LOVE the hybrid looks that Kristin creates! Such beautiful work!

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  9. I am enthralled with the beauty and versatility of Kristin's patterns. The book is so pretty, too. The interview was very insightful. The book is going on my wish list.

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  10. Great book! And great interview!

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  11. I love all of Kristin Omdahl's crochet projects and I can't wait to check out her knit ones, too! I love to crochet and knit equally and trade off on most days also, so I know I will want to make many things out of her knitting book, as with her crochet books! Great job, Kristin!

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  12. Looks amazing. Can't wait to pick up a copy of this book. Thanks for posting this interview

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  13. I love this book! It has been on my wishlist since I first heard about it. Would love to make all the patterns.

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  14. Love these designs and love Jimmy Beans!!

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  15. I love this book, love the crochet books too, but I am much better at knitting, so perfect.

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  16. I love wraps and these patterns are beautiful!

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  17. Wow this book sounds great. It would be fantastic for personal use as well as gifting

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  18. I love Kristin's work! Thanks so much for the chance to win.

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  19. Ooo! I'd love to win.

    It's was nice to hear about Kristin's inspirations.

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  20. Looks like a great book. I would love to win!

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  21. Who wouldn't love to win a book with such interesting patterns....oh I know, my husband.

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  22. I need the book for the sand dollar cape - it looks like a great pattern!

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  23. Well, Thursday 3rd of March is actually my birthday...and it goes without saying that I'm a BIG fan of Kristin... and a loyal customer of Jimmy Beans. Can't wait to read this latest book of hers!

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  24. Thanks for the interview. I've been thinking about getting this book and it is even more interesting to me after learning more about the creator.

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  25. Beautiful book would love to have it.

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  26. Loved the interview! I enjoy Kristen's work and would love to have her new book! Thank you :)

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  27. the book looks fabulous! and thanks for the interview!

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  28. Great interview! Fabulous book! Beautiful patterns!

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  29. Thanks for the chance to win, this book looks lovely!

    -craftytofu at yahoo

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  30. Can definitely relate to her story about the cape. Knitting/crocheting are tricky in that sense, because it's like sewing a project at the same you're constructing the fabric! Lots of uncertainties there.

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  31. What a great interview! I would love to win the book.

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  32. I've had my eye on this book for a while now- I would love to win it! Debbie in alaska

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  33. Fabulous giveaway! I'd love to knit these patterns!

    EB

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  34. Thanks for the giveaway! The best thing about the book for me is that it broadens the concept of a wrap to include more than lace shawls and large scarves, a trap that we sometimes fall into.

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  35. stop giving scholarship money to international students. for crying out loud, give the money to our own kids isn't it bad enough they are taking all our jobs.

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