Thursday, March 28, 2013

Bring on the Sunflowers!

Thanks so much to all who have entered!  The comments are now closed and I'll be back very soon to announce the winner.


Kristin Nicholas is an exceptionally multi-talented and hard working person.  She designs books and knitwear, paints the rooms in her house vibrant colors, sells Leyden Glen Farm lamb at the farmer's market, develops recipes, plants a garden and huge field of sunflowers every year.  All of this (and more) while she's being wife, mother and assistant shepherd.  Her color sense is so inspiring, she's even managed to nudge me out of my earthy colored comfort zone on occasion!  I think she's a wonder woman!


Kristin has a brand new book out that is full of so many fun little projects, it's impossible to resist.  50 Sunflowers to Knit, Crochet & Felt has flowers, birds, bees, butterflies, lady bugs and more!  It's all so clever and creative, I want to knit them all.


Now, the good news for you.  I'm giving away a brand new, autographed copy of Kristin's book, 50 Sunflowers to Knit, Crochet & Felt along with a sampler pack of 20 balls of Color by Kristin wool+alpaca+mohair blend yarn from Classic Elite Yarns.  The yarn is perfect for nearly every project in the book and the only way to describe it is luscious.  The winner of this giveaway will have many, many hours of knitting fun ahead of them.  All you need to do is leave a comment here and I'll have random.org select the lucky person next Tuesday, April 2 at 5 pm EST.  Good luck everyone!!

160 comments:

  1. Me! I love Kristen! And I have not had the opportunity to use her yarn. These sound like the perfect projects to squeeze in around animal rescue and work!

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  2. What a fabulous give-away! It is the next best thing to going to one of her workshops.....

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  3. Oh Dianne !!!
    This is such a wonderful give away !!!
    Please count me in ...
    Gosh, the colors are so Fabulous, especially with all this gray and drab we have with the weather !!! Thank You !!!!
    Barb Chrisman

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  4. What a great giveaway! I love Kristen's color sense and use of embellishments with embroidery and intarsia. I have knitted some of her mittens from one of her other books. I also lover her pattern for felted bags, you can mix and match sizes and design (polka dot, chevron, stripe) and love these to give away as gifts. I am not much of a sewer, but her pattern shows you how to put in a zipper and it made it so easy! She is a great pattern writer with great detail, which I appreciate!

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  5. What a fabulous giveaway! Perfect for Spring...

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  6. I love Kristin! She gave an inspiring presentation at my knitting guild luncheon.

    Thank you so much for having this giveaway. Those colors are so lush and will be a welcome change to the gray winter that seems to
    be hanging on here.

    ellenronnie on Ravelry

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  7. What lovely colors! :) Thanks for doing the giveaway! I love reading your blog, Dianne!

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  8. I can't wait to see this book in person! And all those wonderful balls of yarn make my heart go wild! Great giveaway (and fingers crossed).

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  9. What a great giveaway! Would love to have a chance to try her wonderful flower patterns. Also the yarn colors are gorgeous.

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  10. Love Kristen, her talents and her new book! And, I'd love one, since I live in northern Michigan and will have to buy it on line......I'm a long-time knitter and crocheter and appreciate all this new, young talent. I learn something new every day!

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  11. I love Kristin's playful way with color. It helps - especially the way I knit - not to take myself too seriously.

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  12. ooo... I want this book! i love sunflowers, it's even my etsy shop name.

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  13. what a delightful basket full of goodies. awesoem giveaway!

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  14. I will throw my hat in the ring, and praise Kristen for sharing her rich creativity with the fiber world!

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  15. What beautiful colors to accompany such an inspiring book!!

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  16. That's my kinda Easter basket!

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  17. Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  18. What a great giveaway! I love Kristen's use of color. She is my hero!

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  19. What a way to welcome spring! Kristen's Sunflowers and "happy colors" of yarn!

    Rav ID Arrowfeather

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  20. Thank-you for this amazing giveaway! Sunflowers and beautiful yarn...could life get any better?

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  21. Love Kristin Nicholas' and this book looks great! What a great giveaway. vivianos3@aol.com

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  22. I love the colors that Kristin Nicholas uses!! I will also look forward to your flowers!!

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  23. What a fun giveaway--would totally make it feel like spring here on the southern shore of Lake Superior. Kid you not, we have 3-4 feet of snow still, 5-6' where the snowblower has made banks. Ravelry ID: nmujillybean

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  24. We could sure use some sunflowers over here on Oregon Road! Looks like a very fun book.

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  25. OMG the book and yarn to go with it. I have this book on my wish list so I would love to win it and the yarn. I am a gardener like you and love, love sunflowers. I do follow her blog and yours and they are a must first thing in the morning. Starts my day off just right.

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  26. I have loved Krstin's use of color for a long time - and this is a fabulous giveaway! A girl can hope :)

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  27. What an awesome giveaway! I just found your blog and love it!

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  28. Wow! Such a generous give-away. I love the photo at top. Sheep are happy even in cold. Thanks for the chance.

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  29. Pick me, pick me, oh random.com

    I would love a chance to knit something so wonderful!

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  30. Such a beautiful giveaway, and with this selection of yarns is a great complete treat!

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  31. I would love to win the book, but adding in the yarn is extrordinary! What a fabulous giveaway - I would love to be entered. Love your blog and Kristin's too!

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  32. Yarn looks glorious, eager to try it! Pam

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  33. Okay, I commented! That is so cool! Looks really fun, too. :)

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  34. I enjoy reading your blog....I love watching your sheep & this is a wonderful giveaway !

    Take care,
    Cory P

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  35. Looks like a wonderful book and what a great giveaway! Thanks for doing this. I enjoy reading your blog and am always excited to see when you've posted.

    jennie50000 at hotmail dot com

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  36. Yarn + Book is my favorite combination. Thank you for this great giveaway.
    Pat
    pigreco2662@hotmail.com

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  37. yah! count me in please!! thanks for this great giveaway.

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  38. What a fun book of flowers and yummy colors of yarn to knit with!

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  39. I'm a beginner knitter and crocheter, but this would be awesome! Thanks for the giveaway.
    Jess

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  40. Please put my name in the drawing for Kristen's book and yarn. We need a little sping around here too!!
    eblim01@yahoo.com

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  41. What a wonderful Spring giveaway. I love the colors! Thank you for the chance to win!
    Trish V.

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  42. What a fun book and beautiful yarn! Thank you for the chance to win :)
    Jen

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  43. The colors of the yarn are a feast for my eyes! Pick me!!

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  44. I would love to win the sunflower book and that wonderful yarn selection. Pick me please!

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  45. What a fabulously generous giveaway! Kristin's blog sent me your way; thanks for the chance to win!

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  46. Thanks to Kristin for giving me another sheep farm blog to admire. What a nice chance to all. Thanks to you.

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  47. I so need some flowers in my life and home! I also glad I found your lovely blog... I've started my journey in spinning and loving it!
    Terri

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  48. WOW ! This is a basket full of goodies !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lots of inspiration !

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  49. I just found your blog today thanks to Kristin's blog--it's definitely going on my list of bookmarks! In the meantime, I'm all in for the wonderful drawing. Thanks for this opportunity.

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  50. Oh, what a fabulous giveaway! Thanks so much for doing this.

    KathS on Ravelry

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  51. Hi...Count me in! I would so enjoy the giveaway! Thank you for the opportunity!
    Val in Kansas

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  52. I've been knitting Kristin's designs for some time. Would love to win this
    wonderful prize.
    Eliotdottie on Ravelry

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  53. Sunflowers! What could be a better sign of summer? Thanks Kristn!
    Mary Kate

    pwitry@rcn.com

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  54. Well, hello:) It's around sunset on Monday, April 1 and the trees are blowing as the clouds race across the sky. That basket of yarn is like the sun and brought such a smile. I'd love to win -- hope I do!

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  55. I could definitely use some sunflowers to brighten up my home. Great giveaway!

    lifeinsarahland at yahoo dot com

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  56. I ordered this book; but would love to have one signed and with yarn!! bonnieanne@omnicityusa.com

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  57. Oh, wow, what an awesome giveaway! How I would love to provide a good home for this book and yarn!

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  58. So excited about this giveaway and that it lead me to check out your blog too!

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  59. I love this book and Kristin is inspiring!
    Rav I'd JodeJ
    Jodi_l_jaconi@uhc.com

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  60. I love Kristin's use of color. I love making embellishments for projects. This book has it all. I would love to win this book!

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  61. Would love to win! Such beautiful colors only increases my longing for Spring! BTW Is that a Longabarger Basket I see? :)

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  62. wow how very generous of you! i am a huge fan of Kristin and a faithful blog follower. would love to add this and the yarn to my stash!

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  63. What a great giveaway! Thanks so much!!!

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  64. I'm a huge fan of Kristen and would love to win her new book and the luscious yarns! I am new to your blog and look forward to getting to know you better!

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  65. Color color color... sunny sunny sunny flowers!! Delicious!

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  66. I love this book and already have my copy but if I win I will give it to my sister, also a knitter. I'd guess we'd split the yarn! Kristin is a wonder woman for sure!

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  67. Thanks for hosting the giveaway. I love the colors! Also it's a great opportunity to find a new blog to read since we already have a common interest. Can't wait to peruse your old posts.

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  68. Love love this book and all the beautiful colors! Thanks for the opportunity! Pamie G.

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  69. Thank you for the fabulous giveaway. I would so enjoy Kristin's book and yarn.

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  70. Thank you for the fabulous giveaway. I would so enjoy Kristin's book and yarn.

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  71. I need a boost out of my earth colors rut also....I think Kristen is just the person to give my that nudge. Her house is an inspiration in colour.

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  72. What a lovely book and super yarn.

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  73. This book and yarn would be just the ticket for banishing the last of the winter blues and bringing spring into my knitting.

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  74. What a wonderful give away, I hope I win - the book and the yarn, a real treat!

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  75. What a fabulous person Kristin is. I never think of her as a knitting or crochet expert, but as a courage and joy expert. Whether it's one bright color or a whole rainbow that makes you smile every time you wear that favorite garment or outfit, Kristin's mission seems to be give everyone the courage to express their joy, and to be comfortable standing out.

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  76. Wow! what a great giveaway! My girls would be delighted with a garden of knitted sunflowers for their room, anythingbutsnow on Ravelry

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  77. Great giveaway! I love Kristin's blog and patterns and I'd love to try the Color by Kristin yarn - especially for knitted sunflowers!

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  78. I have all her books and would love this!

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  79. Kristin put a notice about your Giveaway on her blog, Getting Stitched on the Farm( http://getting-stitched-on-the-farm.blogspot.com/ ) so I came to see what it was about. I am happy to be introduced to your blog. I didn't know people raised sheep in Kentucky, and I'm interesting in knowing more.

    Thank you for your excellent giveaway.

    Patricia

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  80. Fabulous giveaway - count me in please!

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  81. Perfect cure for a gray day... Kristin's book and her beautiful yarn... wow!
    Many thanks, Diane www.yarnsista.com

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  82. What a great giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win!!!

    Lee (mamagiff on ravelry)

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  83. Count me in!!! I love Kristin's work and would be thrilled to have her new book!!!

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  84. Fun contest! And beautiful blog too! Caught word of this from Kristin's blog.
    Missy

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  85. What a fantastic giveaway! I really hope this contest is open internationally!
    lindarumsey on Ravelry

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  86. Wow! What a great giveaway! I should could have fun with that!!!

    Lesa

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  87. What a great idea! Just saw the robin and I was pretty amazed! Lightinabook@Gmail.com.

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  88. Wow...great giveaway and I am such an admirer..I love her use color!
    Rav ID johalley

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  89. Kristin Nichols is one of the best designers. I have loved her colors and her work for quite some time now. Thanks for the opportunity to win some of her beautiful creations!
    Julie
    woollygardens@gmail.com

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  90. This is absolutely the BEST giveaway I've ever seen!!!! Oh, that book!!! OOOOOOh! Those colors!!!!

    rav ID soyknits

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  91. This would be a great spring project as I await the arrival of our lambs! Thank you for your most beautiful & generous give-away!
    kelly
    dakotacarding@nrctv.com

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  92. You have described Kristin perfectly! As i read her blogs i don't know how she does all the things she shows us! What a good friend you are to make this offer to us. I would love to make some of the cute things she has designed. Thank you for the opportunity to win this contest.

    yarngirl 32
    4hens@zoomtown.com

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  93. So fun! Thanks for the chance :-)

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  94. I just love the look if this book and yarn. If Susie loves her, I love her. :)

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  95. I am such a HUGE fan of Kristin's work - never use whilte or black yarn anymore. Can't wait to see her new creation.

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  96. What a wonderful book! Who doesn't love sunflowers?

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  97. What a wonderful giveaway!

    Carolyn
    checkplus@gmail.com

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  98. What a fabulous give away!
    ashefamily(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  99. Pure joy to be in the running for the new book and 20 balls of smiles just waiting the be used. rsbertram@yahoo.com

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  100. What a wonderful gift after this interminable winter. Spring truly has sprung. Thank you Kristin and thank you Dianne.

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  101. I like Kristin's patterns and yarn. Please enter me in the drawing, I would like to make the Robin as we have several here in MI now. Carol

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  102. Love the Kristin's color choices, always push me of of my comfort zone of builder beige yarn tones. Amazing what she created with color and "two sticks and a string", or a hook now!
    jerseygirl65(ravelry)

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  103. Pick me. Oh Pick me! I've been following Kristin for a long while now and I feel like I know her and her sheep! The colors she uses speak to me and her still of playfulness. I would love to win her book and yarns to be playful.

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  104. What an opportunity! I've knitted several of her patterns, just not with her yarn.

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  105. Wow, This is my first time on your blog. Lead here by Kristin's page. Now I have two new favorites to check in with! Awesome giveaway. I'd love to try her projects.


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  106. I'm a fan of Kristen's "Getting Stitched On The Farm", and all of her books,but I haven't had a chance to try her yarn yet. I'd love to make the Robin from the book !

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  107. This is a wonderful give-away! I've never made one of kristin's patterns, but they intrigue me. And the yarn give-away is an added attraction. Love knitting with Classic Elite!

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  108. I love Kristin´s blog and pattern. It would be nice own her book and of course the yarn.

    elainesbild@yahoo.se

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  109. This is such a beautiful book and collection of yarn! And what a wonderful giveaway! Thanks.

    rainydayperson on Ravelry

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  110. I love Kristin's color sense and her sunflowers. It would be wonderful to make her flowers with her yarn!

    busywoman on Ravelry

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  111. I love sunflowers and this book looks so amazing as does the beautiful yarn! I plan on making sunflowers for my son's wedding this summer. This fantastic giveaway would give me a nice head start on materials.

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  112. It is wonderful to have access to Kristin's creativity and knowledge.
    And thank you for this offer also.
    Here's hoping!

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  113. What a wonderful idea! I'm so looking forward...

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  114. I love it! It would be great to have Kristin's book and yarn. I read your blog and Kristin's all the time. Thanks for the offer.

    grantsmom on Ravelry.

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  115. Just found your blog through Kristin's, where have you been all my on-line life?
    Lovely offer, thank you!

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  116. What a nice give way - would love the book and such colorful yarn

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  117. I found your blog through Kristin's which I found through Susan Anderson's. Very beautiful. If I don't win I am pretty sure I will have to buy the book! Thanks.

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  118. What a great book/yarn giveaway! Thanks! silveryblue ravelry id

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  119. A stunning selection of yarn to go with a beautiful book. I hope I am the lucky recipient. Happy Spring and Happy Knitting!

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  120. What a great idea for summer. Makes me think of the Kansas sunflowers and all the birds who like sunflower seeds.
    stitching1@yahoo.com

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  121. what A GREAT GIVE AWAY Thank You for the opportunity to Win..

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  122. This is so lovely, seems like the perfect inspiration for a spring that can't get here fast enough. Thank you! (rav id: asiljo)

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  123. Spring in a book? Ingenious!! Thanks so much!

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  124. What a treat of a book. Knapplaura@verizon.net

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  125. What a great give away!! Reading Kristin's blog keeps me sane at work when I would rather be home knitting. I was raised on farm so can relate to the work that Kristin does each day.

    Barb Chio
    bschio@firstenergycorp.com

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  126. I love her books but have never used her yarn. I would love to win this sampler and book.
    rav name knitterpatty
    pclark204@comcast.net

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  127. I am glad that Kristin sent me over to check out your blog and giveaway - what a generous and wonderful spring gift!

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  128. I've been reading Kristin's blog for some time now. I really enjoy her colorful designs.
    flgirl1987 AT yahoo DOT com

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    Replies
    1. Oops, My comment went...How much fun. It's cloudy out my way in Oregon, and knitting sunflowers would be just the thing!

      fivearanch32@gmail.com

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  130. How wonderful to have this giveaway. I'm so excited for Kristin's new book!

    mimgiles@gmail.com

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  131. Holy mackeral! What a fantastic giveaway. I hope I haven't missed my chance to win.

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  132. Yes, Kristin is a wonder woman because she has gotten me, like you, out of my white walls and little color palette occasionally. I can imagine just gazing at those wonderful skeins of yarn and choosing which designs to knit!
    willowknits@yahoo.com

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  133. oh what a fun and creative new book, and such wonderful colored yarn to match. I rarely win a thing, but wouldn't this be grand. To any extent, I've found two new sites thanks to Susan B. Anderson that seem wonderful. Thanks Susan.

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  134. i would love this! It is sooo cold and grey in Scotland at the moment.X

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  135. Oh, what a fun giveaway! And so bright, on a gray and snowy April day. I can't believe I just wrote that.

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  136. What a great gift to win. I have used Kristin's Julia for projects and love the yarn. Would love to win this!

    Carol

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  137. This book is on my wish list. Can't wait to knit some flowers and robins.

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  138. Sunflower! Such a happy flower, love them. Thank you for having this give away

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  139. What a generous give-away, plus you are helping to spread the color and creating genius of Kristin!

    Robin
    ravelry minnknitter

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  140. I am a great fan of Kristin. I'd love to win and make SUNFLOWERS!!!!

    Jean

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  141. I have followed Kristin quite a while and have a couple of her books. Ordered this book for my daughter and now I want one. Haven't used Kristin's colors and would absolutely love to. I can't get back east to her class so this would help tremendously. Thanks so much. HelzHart@aol.com

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  142. WOW! what a nice and gracious giveaway! this would definitely be wonderful to be the lucky winner of!! and i'm new to your blog so anxious to catch up here too! i love kristin's blog with her sheep/lambs and knitting/decorating!!
    ^)^ linda
    lbquilts on ravelry
    hawknitr13@hotmail.com

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  143. Wonderful. Thank you for the giveaway. Fun book and beautiful yarn.
    Joy in OR

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  144. Susan Holmquist (sueholmquist@earthlink.net)April 2, 2013 at 2:55 PM

    Just love working with Kristin's yarn and can't wait to view her new book!

    Susan from Vermont

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  145. Thank you for the giveaway. I love all of Kristin's work.

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  146. what an awesome gift. super fun spring project thanks for the chance to win

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  147. kristin's work is always so inspirational


    dpluta2001@yahoo.com

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  148. What a great giveaway. I just love the all the yarn colors and the book

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  149. fabulous book! Kristin is amazing!

    Jennifer (jenb69 on ravelry)

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  150. Oh, wow! That's such a lovely giveaway. Thank you so much!!

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  151. I have two of Kristin's books and would love to have this one, too! Her designs are so beautiful. Thank you for this wonderful give-away!
    eevavalentine@gmail.com

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  152. Thanks so much for this giveaway! I'm a regular follower of Kristen's blog and am happy to be introduced to yours. Can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this new book and try some fun projects!

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  153. thank you so much for this give away I love Kristen's blog, and enjoyed see ing yours. coming with the yarn would mean I could make all kind of things

    Fracksmom on Raverly

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  154. Thanks so much everyone! Comments are now closed and I will be back very soon to announce the winner.

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