Julie Turjoman's - Knits that Breathe Giveaway!

One of our designer friends, Julie Turjoman (author of Brave New Knits) recently released her second book called Knits That Breathe, and we couldn't be more thrilled for her! We met Julie, by way of Sandy, one of our long-time employees. They used to work together at a yarn shop in the bay area back in the day and are longtime buddies. When Julie released Brave New Knits back in 2010, she came over to Reno to do a book signing and trunk show display at our shop. What a fun event that was! 

We are so excited to share Knits that Breath with you, which just came out in print last week and uses tons of great summery yarns including some of our favorites, Shibui Linen and Lorna's Laces Sportmate. We just love this collection of light and summery designs, so we did a quick interview with Julie to find out more about the making of the book. Here is what she had to say:


Knits That Breathe
1. Can you give us a super quick history of Knits that Breathe for our readers who might be new to your work?

All 12 garments in the book are designed with cool fibers that drape beautifully, and have moisture-wicking or breathable properties that help keep the wearer cool and comfortable. Some of the fibers will be unfamiliar to knitters, such as Outlast, SeaCell, milk and soy protein fiber - and others are warm-weather staples such as cotton, linen, and bamboo. All are well worth trying! Sizing ranges from XS to 4XL in some cases to flatter a wide range of figures.


Splash Cardigan
2. What was the inspiration for the book?

At Stitches last year, I overhead several knitters complaining that they could no longer wear their warm, woolly sweaters because they were always too hot, or too itchy. Having suffered from the same problem myself and being equally frustrated by the pile of sweaters languishing in my closet, I was inspired to take up the challenge and come up with solutions. I researched alternative and plant-derived fibers and then designed a collection of tunics, cardigans, tees, and more to give knitters some new options for wearing knitted garments.


Pochette

A little behind the scenes...

3. Do you have a favorite design (or designs) from the book that you’d like to highlight for us? What makes this design(s) your favorite?

The Pacific Coast Tunic (on the cover) was the first project I designed for the book, and it remains one of my favorites. It has wonderful movement and drape, and a flattering A-line shape with raised seams and pleats that make it special. I often wear it with a light tee shirt underneath, and get compliments on it every time. The Tencel Tape yarn from Prism was lovely to work with, and was new to me. Part of the joy of this book was experimenting with new-to-me fibers and blends to discover their cooling characteristics. I also really enjoy wearing the Zephyr tunic made from Lorna's Laces Pearl yarn. The yarn has a beautiful shimmer from the silk blend, and drapes softly. I enjoy designing top-down sweaters because they are nearly seamless, as well as including practical pockets in my designs - so this project is among my favorites because it has both of these features.


Pacific Coast Tunic
Zephyr Tunic

4. What kind of knitter would you recommend this book to?

Knits That Breathe is for every knitter who lives in a hot climate, or is sensitive to wool and other animal fibers, or who has an unreliable internal thermostat (i.e. hot flashes). My theory that "it's always summer someplace" is strengthened every time I get messages from knitters in Texas, Florida, Arizona and other hot parts of the country to tell me that they love the book. Of course, I also get great feedback from knitters who simply run hot, or whose hot flashes make it uncomfortable for them to wear designs made from wool, alpaca, or other heat-retaining fibers.


Still Waters

Iced Frappuccino

Flutterby Silk Tunic

5. What future projects are on the horizon for you?

I'm very excited about my next book, which is in production now. It will be released in late fall, in plenty of time for holiday gift-knitting. It's still in "secret" mode, but I can tell you that it's a collection of accessories with a fun and very stylish vintage theme.

Julie now lives in Chicago and spends her time knitting and designing. You can find out more about Julie's work on her website: www.julieturjoman.com or on Ravelry where her username is "juliebean." 

Also, Julie is kindly offering copies of the E-book version of Knits That Breathe to two lucky readers! Please leave us a comment telling us what your favorite design from the book is along with your Ravelry name. Two winners will be chosen at random next Wednesday, July 2nd and Julie will send you a PDF copy of the book on Ravelry. Only entries that include their Ravelry contact info will be eligible.

Updated 7/2/14- This contest is now closed. The two winners (thanks to random.org) were comment #'s: 9 & 18! They will be notified via Ravelry shortly!! Thanks for reading!

If you'd prefer a hard copy of Knits that Breathe instead of an E-book, you can purchase them on our website here

Happy summer knitting!
Kristen


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summer knitting

62 comments:

  1. Iced Frappucino looks wonderful.

    My Ravelry named is O-kami

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  2. I really like Iced Frappucino.

    Rav name: vstarborn

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  3. I love iced frappucino!
    mimifan on rav

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  4. I love the Stillwaters design!

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  5. Iced Frappuccino would be my pick! I live in sleeveless tops year round!

    My ravelry ID is shortoldlady56

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  6. Flutterby is so pretty!! What a wonderful book!! My ravelry name is Cheryl0472! Thanks!

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  7. I LOVE them all, but especially the Pacific Coast Tunic. My ravelry name is JoaninMO.

    Thanks!

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  8. I already LOVE Iced Frappuccino! A close second is Still Waters!!! I would love to have this ebook!!! I am HOT all the time! I have a small fan on me nearly 24/7, but especially in the summer and I have a hot 2nd floor apartment with all afternoon sun. The A/C doesn't cool it. Summers are unbearable, so I really need this book for cool clothes to wear, cool in looks and in temperature!! I'm hot-blooded!!! My Ravelry name is "WendyWeb". Thank you for this opportunity!!!

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  9. Zephyr Tunic is my favorite!
    Ravelry: jmzechlin

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  10. I LOVE Pacific Coast Tunic! :)
    My rav name is "therookery"

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  11. Being a pocket kind of gal, I really like Pochette. But they're all lovely!
    Ravelry name - laineyhf

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  12. They're all beautiful, but I think I would probably start by knitting Haven. It looks so cool and comfortable!

    jtb
    Tobybowen on Ravelry

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  13. The Pacific Coast Tunic!

    MashRx

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  14. Iced Frappucino looks lovely and cool! Txlady129 on Ravelry.

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  15. Love the Flutterby Silk Tunic! Beautiful!
    Ravelry name: ddvangorder

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  16. Hard to choose! Iced frappucino followed by the Flutterby Tunic!

    Ravelry name: uvm83

    Lisa

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  17. Hard to choose, but I think Still Waters might be my favorite.

    Rav name: ereuyi

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  18. I love the Iced Frappuccino. My ravelry ID is amanda4242

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  19. I love Still Waters.
    My Ravelry name is: rheaume

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  20. I love the Pacific Coast Tunic.
    Rav name: gwarcita

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  21. I love that Splash Cardigan!
    Rav name: jillschaefer

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  22. We have to choose just one? I think my favorite is Zephyr. My Rav name is krush61

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  23. Still waters looks very comfortable. They are all nice! Rav. Mysteriablack

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  24. I really like the neckline and subtle lace of Still Waters. Thank you for the generous offer!
    Rav name: LisaCinFL

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  25. Iced frappuchino. Ravelry name is coolngroovy.

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  26. The pacific coast tunic looks wonderful, to me. It seems like the kind of top I would turn to again and again!

    I am DFlamedancer on revelry.

    Cheers!

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  27. My fav is Flutterby, bid love to knit that one!
    My ravelry name is kicsinycsillag
    Thanks!

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  28. I like Splash Cardigan.
    Rav name: RareJewel

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  29. I love Still Waters but I also like Iced Frappuccino. My ravelry name is swtpatooty.

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  30. Iced Frappachino, it would be the first one I would make in a navy, I think it would be stunning.

    My Ravelry name is deb36.

    Deb Christopherson

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  31. Zephyr Tunic. So very gorgeous and looks great for the hot and humid New Jersey summers.

    Weneleh

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  32. I changed my mind. I really love Pacific Coast Tunic. rav name krush61

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  33. Another commenter on the Iced Frappucino bandwagon. I'm Khutli on Ravelry.

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  34. I think iced frappucino would be fun to knit. I am texnana18.

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  35. Absolutely love Pacific Coast Tunic and plan on making it. Rav name carolcreates

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  36. I think Iced Frappucino is my favorite. Rav id sweetiesmom.

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  37. My favorite is still waters. But difficult decision with so many beautiful patterns choose from! Rav name: sostocke

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  38. I love them all, but my favorite is the Pacific Coast Tunic. My ravelry name is Kelly Forster (hey, that's my name too!)

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  39. I think that my favorite is the Still Waters top. I do like the others but this one really stands out to me. Thanks for the chance to win! (Rav name- Zima21)

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  40. I love Still Waters!
    Rav ID: sewbusyknitting

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  41. My favorite is Iced Frappucino! My ravelry ID is sarahdiannet

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  42. Flutterby is just beautiful. My Ravelry name is NJQuiet1

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  43. You're making me pick ONE favorite?!?!?! sheesh. Can't. Very happy to see a real warm weather collection..... I live on Maui.

    rav name: LisaLouie

    Aloha,

    Lisa

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  44. If I have to narrow my choice down to one, then Pochette for sure:-) MissBunt on Rav

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  45. I love the Flutterby tunic. it's feminine and playful.
    my Rav name is mayzie13.

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  46. I love Still Waters. I was looking for something just like this for my next knitting project. My Rav name is archivesgirl.

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  47. My favourite is the Zephyr Tunic. My Ravelry name is missyd.

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  48. I love the look of the Zephyr Tunic! I am so excited about this book because I am one of those with an unreliable thermostat! My Rav name is PamelasPastimes. thank you!

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  49. I like the Zephyr top best.

    SheilaOKeefe on Rav

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  50. I love Pochette! The pockets, the style and colorways make it outstanding.
    lilred

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  51. I would love this book. I am one of those women who are always running hot and have trouble wearing wool.

    Thank your for offering the ebook.

    Anne
    Rav. Name: annejean

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  52. Zephyr Tunic is my favorite and perfect for southern CA
    Ravelry name Deskritt

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  53. I really like Pochette, and also Iced Frappuccino. Too hard to choose just one! My ravelry name is: Luvmycairns

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  55. This book seems really amazing. I belong to the group of women who find it difficult to wear wool because they are constantly sweaty.criminal defense attorney prince william county

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