One of the great things with working with Cooperative Press is getting to know all my fellow authors. We correspond online, of course, but also get to meet at various events, such as Rhinebeck or TNNA or a whole host of other knitting events.
One of the authors I’ve had the pleasure of spending lots of time with at a number of these events is Stephannie Tallent of Sunset Cat Designs, author of California Revival Knits.
She designs a number of different types of garments, from sweaters to socks, fingerless mittens, hats and cowls, and I’m sure there are a number of other things as well. I really like how intricate the designs are – I love the Bavarian twisted cables in this Wrought Iron Cardi (from California Revival Knits – and the book also has patterns for matching mitts, socks and even a beret).
My favourite, however, from California Revival Knits is the Fringe Socks. The fringe socks are are inspired by a tiled “rug” in the Adamson House in California. The tiles have a printed pattern on it that makes it look like a Persian carpet, complete with the intricate carpet pattern, and a fringe on the edge.
Steph then took this idea and translated it to socks. And the result looks like this:
Well…. at least that’s my version of it. The original sample in the book is a deep burgundy and white, but I like the dark green.
The socks are knit from the top down. After a bit of ribbing there is a stranded section with the carpet pattern, and then come the fringes. The fringes are simply two-colour cables that squiggle down the leg in a meandering way. I really liked the result. And on top of that, I now have another pair of hand knit socks in my drawer. 
The book is really wonderful, and there are a number of other projects I would love to knit from it (in all my spare time, ha ha). If you’d like a copy of the book, it can be purchased here, either as PDF or PFD/print. OR, if you leave a comment about what you would like to knit from the book here, by the end of Dec 2, 2012, you can win a PDF copy of the book. Just make sure you leave me a way to contact you in case you win.
Hands down, the Peacock Cowl. It’s gorgeous!
The whole collection is wonderful!
Thanks for giving us all a chance to win.
EllenRonnie on Ravelry
Great projects! I love the cardi since the cables are down the center instead of all over. I’m not a skinny girl so cannot wear most cabled sweater designs. Thanks so much for the tip on this book. It looks like a good one to add to my library. You can reach me via email at allybelserATmeDOTcom
The Wrought Iron Cardi and Mitts have to be my favorites. The cabled ‘scrollwork’ is just exquisite!
I love all the regional knitting books that are coming to press. The Wrought Iron Cardigan is something I’d like to knit; it would get lots of wear during the cool winters in my part of the country.
I love the Wrought Iron Cardi. The cables are delicate and intricate enough to make the knitting interesting. Beautiful.
I just love the Wrought socks.
definitely the wrought mitts!
My favorites are the Peacock fingerless and cowl and the Wrought Iron Fingerless and sweater. I am so ready to knit for myself. Why is it I have so many knit-worthy relatives this time of year?
I would make the Wrought Iron Sweater. I love it!