Hannah Fettig of Knitbot designs and a Coastal Knits giveaway!


Cover Shot
Hello everyone!  We have a special treat for you today!  Hannah Fettig, of Knitbot designs, updated us about her latest projects including “Coastal Knits,” her new book collaboration with fellow blogger and designer Alana Dakos of “Never Not Knitting”.  (And check back next week for a follow-up guest blog post with Alana!) Here's the juicy scoop:  
1.  JBW- Tell us about Coastal Knits--we are so excited to get our hands on a copy! 
Coastal Knits
HF- Coastal Knits is a compilation between myself and Alana Dakos of Never Not Knitting.   It features ten designs inspired by Alana's California and my Maine coastlines. Each design is inspired by specific places in our local areas and is accompanied by photographs and essays on the location's special meaning to us.




2.  JBW-  So when is Coastal Knits going to be available?
HF-  Pre-orders will start in the next week or two and the book is actually due to release in October.
Featherweight Cardi



3.  JBW-  How exciting! The book sounds really wonderful. Tell us a little bit about Knitbot, where does the name come from and how did you get started on the designing path?  
HF- Back before Ravelry existed (it's hard to remember that time!) my husband and I had a similar idea and had reserved the domain name Knitbot.  I started blogging in that space, and the name carried forward to my self published pattern line.  My first designs were for The Fibre Company, the original mill was here in Portland, Maine, right down the street from the yarn shop I worked at.  I attended TNNA with them one summer and ended up meeting the editor for my first book, Closely Knit.  What really jump started my career was the popularity of my Whisper Cardigan pattern, which was published in the Spring 2009 issue of Interweave Knits.  This lead to my Featherweight Cardigan pattern, which is my most popular design to date.  I continue to strive to design simple, wearable knits.  My designs are a great way to showcase luxury yarns.
Coastal Knits



4.  JBW-  So, as an independent designer, do you have any advice for those folks out there who are just starting to design as well? 
HF- Discover your niche, and consistently move in that direction.  This allows you to build a fan base, if a knitter likes you're style they'll come back for more!  Be patient, it takes time to build a name for yourself.  Blog and submit to magazines. 


5.  JBW-  Now that Coastal Knits is completed what's next?
HF- Well, I keep saying I'm going to take a break, but somehow I always commit myself to SOMETHING!  At the moment I'm developing the Knitbot Snack Size Pattern series.  It's a web exclusive series of super basic accessories patterns, all at the snack size price of $2.49.  There will be 4 patterns in the series.  If it goes well I may do another series in the Spring. 
Coastal Knits





6.  JBW-  Now for some fun questions...what time do you start work each day?
HF-  I work at home, with a toddler running between my legs!  I usually package wholesale orders first thing in the morning and answer any e-mail.  Then during my son's nap I get a good chunk of design related work done.  For this project with Alana, we're in different time zones.  A lot of the work for Coastal Knits happened at night! 



7.  JBW-  And now for the really important stuff...Coffee or tea?
HF-  Coffee - specifically Americano, please! 
Coastal Knits


8.  JBW-  If you could live anywhere else in the world (including the US) where would it be?
HF-  Honestly, right here in Portland, Maine.  I love to travel, to cities especially, but I am always so happy to be in my home town!  But I will say, part of my heart lives in San Francisco (just like the song says!)


9.  JBW-  Any new hobbies?
HF-  Cooking!!  I'm obsessed with Heidi Swanson and Alice Waters right now.  They are teaching me how to do it right! 


10.  JBW-  What would you say is your biggest accomplishment?:
HF-  Giving birth - I'm still really proud of myself for that one!  I had a super long labor and pushed for 7 hours.  He finally came out!


11. JBW-  What is your favorite place to travel or vacation?
Hannah herself!
HF-  San Francisco. 
Thank you so much Hannah for answering all of our serious (and not so serious) questions and for sharing this space with us.  For more information about Hannah Fettig and Knitbot, check out her blog and designs at http://knitbot.com.
Hannah and Alana have also generously offered to give away a copy of “Coastal Knits” to one lucky Jimmy Beans Wool blog reader!  To be eligible to win, please leave a comment describing your favorite knits to wear on the coast, or a favorite design of Hannah’s by Tuesday at 6pm, PST.  We’ll choose a winner at random and announce it here next week when we interview Alana Dakos of “Never Not Knitting” and get her take on Coastal Knits as well!
See you all next week!
-Kristen


PS.  Are you currently receiving our bi-monthly newsletter?  If not you should check it out and sign up here!  It's chalk full of fun knitting info, new products and sales!

you might also like

Portland ME

111 comments:

  1. I absolutely love Hannah's designs--I adore both the Breezy and the Featherweight cardigans!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am in love with the Rocky Coast Cardigan! The Featherweight cardigan is a favorite of mine. So many beautiful designs!

    NanaMay on Ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love Hannah's Lightweight Pullover. I am so excited about this new book, and would glove to win it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the featherweight cardigan. I can't wait for this new book to come out as I love both Hannah's & Alana's designs!

    ReplyDelete
  5. My favorite pattern is the wispy cardigan, I am working on it now. I love that it has limited seams. They are such great patterns, excited to do another and so looking forward to this new book.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh I do love the Whispy Cardigan. I had intended to knit for my honeymoon in Ireland but didn't get it quite completed in time. It is perfect for east coast springs and brisk autumn mornings :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have not yet knit one of her designs, but would sure love to give several of them a try. I love knitting in lighter weight yarns. Wish I lived near a coast to enjoy walking along one.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I consider myself to still be a newbie knitter, but I have had her Featherweight Cardigan in my Rav queue from the beginning! Lovely designs! Would love to win the book. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Big fan...can't wait to see the book!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I plan to make Breezy with some JBW Madeline Tosh Light. Sounds like a winning combo to me.

    ReplyDelete
  11. The Wispy Cardigan is one that I want to knit. No coast to walk on here in the Midwest, but I'll enjoy it on cool autumn mornings here.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Beautiful patterns!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Since I live in the desert, any opportunity to wear a hat or scarf is fabulous! And don't get me started on Hannah's cardigans. Love, love, love the patterns in this upcoming book.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm a city girl with the coast a few hours drive away. I try to make it down to the Gulf coast at least once during the year. It doesn't usually get very cold on the Gulf, even in January. What I always have on hand is a long scarf or a shawl to wrap up in when it does get cold.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm very hot blooded, so I go for either hand warmers or the lovely huge feather and fan shawl I finished this summer. It's worsted yarn and quite warm, perfect for the chilly evenings when I visit Monterey!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have always wanted to do one of Hannah's sock yarn sweaters - either for a baby, a kiddo, or myself! I can't wait to see this new book, what a powerhouse team. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oooooo, squeeeeee! I would LOVE to win a copy! I'm so blessed to live in Maine, which is a super-duper-fibery state as HF can attest to! I'm knitting up her Effortless Cardigan right now in Ultra Alpaca and loving it!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm about to cast on a featherweight cardigan- so that one is my current fave!

    ReplyDelete
  19. What a great book! I am one of the many who love the look of the featherweight cardigan

    ReplyDelete
  20. I live on the coast of Maine right along the shore, and I LOVE wearing big bulky sweaters with turtlenecks and warm, cozy hats that cover my ears. Sometimes the wind whips across the bay and it gets rather bitter at times.

    Thanks for the chance to win an amazing looking book!

    oneofthehive on ravelry/twitter

    ReplyDelete
  21. i just bought breezy last night so, right now, that's my favorite pattern. thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love the whisper cardi pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Have many of Hannah's designs in my favs!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Our coast is quite windy, usually, so I like big thick cowls, snug hats, and fingerless mitts for dog leash holding when I'm at the coast.

    The Contented Cardi is high on my list of Hannah's designs to knit next, but could get pushed out of the way by something wonderful in Coastal Knits. :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love a cardigan or a shawl that stays on for the coast. Easy to layer when it gets cool.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Every time I've been by the coast, it's a bit windy. I don't like bulk, but I do need wind protection so I like to wear simple, lightish cardigans, but not so light that I'm freezing while enjoying the water.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love Hannah's Featherweight Cardigan. Thank you for the change to win!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hannah's designs are just lovely. My favorite is her Effortless Cardigan

    ReplyDelete
  29. I've been a big fan of Hannah's & Alana's designs for the last few years. Matter of fact, I've just completed "Whisper Cardigan" & love it, I know I'll knit again!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Any shawl or light cardigan is PERFECT for the beach!!! This book would be such a blessing...I LOVE her Effortless Cardigan & Whisper Cardigan...they are my next projects (after finishing Holiday knitting)!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Cynthia.landers@ocps.netAugust 31, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    Wow, I live in Florida so I don't have a favorite coastal knit! We wear as little as possible on our coast!!! Usually!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I have been following these designs on Ravelry for quite some time and Im thrilled to see that there is now a book! I LOVE my knitting books. I would much rather have the hard copy that digital. :)

    My favorite thing to wear on the coast is a big aran cardigan. Anything I can wrap myself in. Bonus points if its got pockets.

    ReplyDelete
  33. The Featherweight Cardigan is one of my favs of all time. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to win ;)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Whisper Cardi looks YUMMY! Would love to win a copy!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hannah is such a talented lady, and her new book looks super - congrats Hannah!

    ReplyDelete
  36. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I too am in love with Hannah's patterns. I am currently knitting her Calligraphy Cardigan and it is going super well. Next up is the Effartless Cardigan unless I win this prize :) then I might be picking a new one. I cannot wait!

    My rav name is ATRCreations

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love a good shawl on the beach!

    kristinfitzgerald rav id

    ReplyDelete
  39. I LOVE Hanna's patterns. I've made two featherweight cardigans and most recently made the breezy cardi, which I LOVE. She's so right about how these patterns are great for luxury yarns (my breezy cardi is out of jade sapphire silk/cashmere laceweight) - but even more affordable yarns really shine in her work.

    skipeight @t gm@il d0t c0m

    ReplyDelete
  40. I just purchased Hanna's Featherweight cardigan pattern - it's definitely in my que.

    KathNits on rav

    ReplyDelete
  41. I knit the Lightweight Pullover and it's an amazing sweater. It's a simple cowl-neck sweater, but I never fail to get compliments when I put it on!

    ReplyDelete
  42. eek! im so excited about this! i love hannahs effortless cardigan but i really love that Rocky Coast Cardigan thats going to be in coastal knits..so pretty! thanks! raineoc@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. OK - I hate to admit that I haven't knit any of these two talented designers patterns, but after reading all the comments,it looks like I'm going to have to just do it! That book would sure be helpful to get me started (hint, hint!)

    ReplyDelete
  44. I love the Featherweight Cardigan. I'm eagerly awaiting "Coastal Knits."

    ReplyDelete
  45. I am working on the featherweight cardigan & so far I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  46. The coast I love best (Oregon) requires a hat a lot of the time, so that's my preferred knitting! I can't wait for this book to come out.

    ReplyDelete
  47. That book looks really cool. My favorite Hannah Fettig design so far is the "Effortless Cardigan"!

    ReplyDelete
  48. My favorite is the Breezy cardi which I am knitting now!

    ReplyDelete
  49. There is something about being at the coast and a beautiful lightweight shawl to take the chill of and add to the romance of the moment.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I love the Calligraphy Cardigan and the Whisper Cardigan! It would be fabulous to win a copy of this book - loving the preview pics!

    ReplyDelete
  51. The designs are all very beautiful, and that makes this book valuable! The days are over when I will 'invest' in a pattern book that is not completely interesting...

    I will definitely be glad to have this one. I am obsessing over the pretty 'pigtail' cardigan right now.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I love, love the Featherweight Cardigan. I would make it and wear it as much as possible.

    ReplyDelete
  53. great giveaway! love Hannah's cardigans, esp. featherweight and wispy... i would definitely wear them on the coast :)

    contact:
    bbank334 (at) hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. I think the featherweight cardigan would be perfect, light but warm.

    ReplyDelete
  55. I live on a coast and in summer I wear light cardigans like the featherweight, and in winter more of the same only in heavier weight yarns with long sleeves. Such a die hard fan of cardigans and Hanna has so many beautiful ones.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I love these coastal knits and would love to win their book. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  57. Have the wispi cardi in the queue right now :) love the designs in coastal knits, from two of my favourite designers!

    ReplyDelete
  58. My fav is the featherweight cardigan. thanks for the giveaway! Debbie H

    ReplyDelete
  59. The Effortless Cardigan is right at the top of my knitting "To Do" list (I bought the pattern from Jimmy Beans!). I just keep changing my mind about which yarn to use!

    ReplyDelete
  60. The projects look stylish for a cool evening even if you're not as lucky to live on the coast.

    ReplyDelete
  61. My favorite is the featherweight cardigan, which I'm currently working on.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I love to wear cardigan sweaters--at the coast, anywhere--because I am pretty much always cold, especially when the AC is on or there is a coastal breeze. Wrap me up! bren7na on rav

    ReplyDelete
  63. Both gals have great patterns. I need to finish my Featherweight Cardigan of Hannah's for Fall. One more sleeve to go.

    ReplyDelete
  64. I love Hannah's designs, especially the Featherweight Cardigan. Can't wait to start on it.

    ReplyDelete
  65. a lightweight cardigan for sure. i think my new favorite will be the lightweight pullover for which i am now searching for the perfect yarn combo...

    ReplyDelete
  66. Whisper Cardi is on my list to be done for next spring. I'm a cardigan person and love a lightweight one for the beach-- I only go in the evening since I'm too fair for sunshine. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  67. I just love the fingerless gloves.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Love the Featherweight Cardigan, it sure will be perfect for San Francisco Bay Area weather! Especially Summer time when it's just the 60s in temperature.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Hannah's designs are MY style. Love 'em all! I'm looking forward to the release of this book to make her new cardi, at the top of my queue. Thanks Hannah for all you do!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Whisper Cardigan, but again, who can choose just one. Hannah Rocks the useful knitting design category.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Looks lovely! I can't wait to see it in person.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Oops! I forgot to say how much I like a good wrap when I'm on the coast. I live on NH's coastline, so the temperature always calls for layers!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Can't wait to see the new book! My favorite knitbot pattern is the Calligraphy Cardigan, but I loved knitting my Featherweight Cardigan as we were driving to the Atlantic Coast two years ago. Perfect car knitting.

    ReplyDelete
  74. I love Knitbot and Jimmy Bean! Big fan of both! Would love to win.

    ReplyDelete
  75. My favorite design has been the Featherweight cardigan, but from the looks of some of the patterns in this new book, there are going to be some new ones. Who did the photography, it is awesome. Being a Mainer, I am glad to see the foggy conditions, it is so Coastal. This book while make it into my library, one way or another.

    ReplyDelete
  76. What I love to knit at the coast are either fun litttle travel projects (scarves, mitts, flowers, doll sweaters, pears from handspun wool filled with lavender, or charm bracelets with beads and buttons), or things with yummy hand-dyed wool in sea-inspired colors. We travel to the ocean a couple of times a year, and I always have my knitting basket overflowing with smaller projects that are gratifying to complete on a trip.

    ReplyDelete
  77. I love that white cardi on the front cover. BEAUTIFUL!!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Cute patterns, looks like I need to knit something new to wear at the beach. We always need cozy hats up here in Washington.

    ReplyDelete
  79. I am currently knitting Hannah's
    featherweight cardi to take to Hawaii to wear on my trip to the gold coast. I love this pattern and it will be perfect for sitting on the lanai if the breezes are cool in the evening. I am knitting it in ocean blue. Picture sunset, cocktails and knitting something new from Coastal Knits.

    Thanks Hannah

    ReplyDelete
  80. I would normally wear a light sweater or shawl because I am on the West coast. Whether I win or not, I plan on getting a copy of this book! Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  81. I'd love to win! Since I'm not on the coast, I like to knit hats and scarves for far-away friends and family on the New England coast.

    ReplyDelete
  82. If its cool enough for sweaters on the coast, which it often is in Northern California, they have to be wool or alpaca - I think its really cold down there because it's so humid! I thought Hannah's Wispy Cardi and Sock Yarn Sweater have the cutest shapes.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Hannah's Featherweight Cardigan is a fantastic pattern, perfect for an extra layer when a summer evening gets chilly. I just ordered the yarn last week and can't wait to cast on!

    ReplyDelete
  84. I love lightweight hooded cardigans for coastal wear.

    ReplyDelete
  85. I really like the featherweight cardi, but i am also drooling over all the photos. This gives me something to aspire to, being a beginner knitter.

    ReplyDelete
  86. I love, love, love Hannah's effortless cardigan. It's been in my queue forever!

    ReplyDelete
  87. I love the featherweight cardi! Coastal Knits looks like a great book!

    Beth

    ReplyDelete
  88. Sounds like a book I would love to own and try to use...a lot!

    ReplyDelete
  89. I can't wait to start knitting the cardi. I am such a hat person on the beach but the cardi might have to be my new fav while the sand is squishing between my toes.

    ReplyDelete
  90. I love a lightweight cardigan - esea on Ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  91. I am such a cardigan girl. Always cold then hot! I would love to try these patterns. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  92. The effortless cardigan is one of my favorite things ever. The simplicity yet diverse ways of styling it are what draws me to these kind of designs. She's a phenomenal designer and I absolutely can't wait to see the book. It looks absolutely gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  93. I love the Featherweight Cardigan! Love cardis, period!! How I would love to knit the Coastal patterns, and what a clever idea!

    ReplyDelete
  94. I love the Featherweight Cardigan...I can't wait to see this new book and check out all the new designs!

    ReplyDelete
  95. I love both Hannah's and Alana's designs. I've been dying for a copy of this book since I first saw the preview on Alana's blog. By the way, in case you haven't met her, she's as lovely in real life as she is on her podcast and on her blog.

    ReplyDelete
  96. The Featherweight Cardigan is purrrfect for us in Florida when we get the cooler (NOT cold ;-)) weather!

    ReplyDelete
  97. I like the featherweight cardi-- great for summer weddings, too!

    ReplyDelete
  98. Love the featherweight cardigan. Am making a second one now. Would love the book.....

    ReplyDelete
  99. I love love love the featherweight cardigan. Just beautiful!

    Thanks for the giveaway. :)

    ReplyDelete
  100. I am sure that I really need this book of fabulous designs!

    ReplyDelete
  101. I LOVE the Featherweight Cardigan! I just received my yarn to make it today!

    ReplyDelete
  102. My favorite "beach" sweater is an oversized white cotton cabled pullover. It is just perfect for those summer evening strolls when the night time breeze is a bit much on my sunburn.

    ReplyDelete
  103. I like a nice oversize cotton sweater that isn't fussy and is easy care. Better if it's light weight because the beaches I go to are usually in a warmer climate - Southern California.

    ReplyDelete
  104. Not too many coasts around where I live, but I am moving to the East Coast next week :)

    My favorite "coastal" knit would have to be a lightweight cowl or cardigan. I love the featherweight cardigan!

    ReplyDelete
  105. I love her Wispy Cardi pattern. It's simple but beautiful. Huzzah!

    ReplyDelete
  106. I love Hannah's designs for their simplicity.The wispy cardigan & the new Sullivan sweater are my favorites.rinebird@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  107. I have Effortless Cardigan on the needles! This book is a winner!

    ReplyDelete
  108. the patterns look amazing and soft which is what I like about knitting my own things - soft looks!

    ReplyDelete
  109. I love Hannah's designs. I have made the featherweight and I hope to make many more.

    ReplyDelete

FancyTheme