Jane Richmond - Within: Knitting Patterns to Warm the Soul

KNITTING PATTERNS TO WARM YOUR SOUL.

The soul lets you know when its time to seek out comfort: hot chocolate, a good book, warm companionship, and for knitters layers of cozy wool.

Stillness can be a form of comfort too, seeking yourself in the quiet meditation of the crackling fire, the hush of your heartbeat, and the rhythmic, repetitive act of knitting. Whether youre alone with your thoughts or engaged in conversation with loved ones, Within is a celebration of inner strength and creativity.

Within is the newest collaboration by designers Jane Richmond and Shannon Cook, featuring six signature patterns for wherever your heart takes you. Inside, youll find patterns for accessories, a shawl, and what may become your new favourite everyday garments. Together, the pieces in this accessible collection make a functional and beautiful addition to any knitters wardrobe.

More than a pattern book, Within has lush, full-colour photos that take the knitter on a visual journey along with Gryffin and her beau, through a world of modern rustic coziness designed to stimulate the senses and kindle inspiration.

This small, hand-picked collection allows the knitter to feel its possible to make each and every item in the book.

Copyright 2016 Marian Rae Publications

All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher.

For personal use only.

Published in Canada by Marian Rae Publications.

www.marianraepublications.com

ISBN 978-0-9917289-2-3

Cover & book design by Shannon Cook

Editing by Austen Gilliland

Technical editing by Anne Marie Hart

Copy editing by Jessie Kwak

Proofreading by Lisa Fielding

Modelling by Gryffin Hoskins & Mark Spencer

Photography by KGOODPHOTO ()

Photography by Shannon Cook ()

Illustrations by Shannon Cook ()

Illustrations by Jane Richmond ()

Styling by Shannon Cook & Jane Richmond

First Edition

Printed in China

ACCEPT WHAT IS,

LET GO OF WHAT WAS,

AND BELIEVE IN WHAT WILL BE.

BE YOU.

JANE

I always find it difficult to write introductions we have spent the better part of a year putting everything together. Patterns envisioned, written, rewritten, edited, tested, reconsidered, and reviewed. Pages have been pored over for months; photos scrutinized pixel by pixel, and carefully placed into the final layout. At this point, Shannon and I have spent so much time looking at these pages, its now hard to step back and see what the final book has become.

Recently, my friend Cate asked me to describe the theme of this book. This collection is inspired by winter. Its true, winter can be harsh and blustery, but we knitters secretly revel in the opportunity to wrap ourselves in wool. We create our warmest and coziest projects in deep winter: cozy woollens you might bring camping or to a cabin in the woods, to be worn around the fire or tromping through the snow. Well-made, reliable knitwear for every day, the kind you throw on first thing to ward off the chill of a frosty morning.

At the heart of this vision of warmth is our model, Gryffin. Shes strong, independent, and enjoys the quiet of a solo adventure. We envisioned her surrounded by the harsh cold of winter, sitting by the fire, alone with her thoughts, warm in her handknits and fulfilled by her own inner peace. She has followed her own path here and has done it her own way, and she is happy with where it has led her.

With our vision clear, our insightful photographer planted a seed. What about a new person in this storyhad we considered a boyfriend? We trusted the brilliant instincts and vision of our photographer, Kelsey, and our solo girl was now partnered up with a handsome and worthy boyfriend.

I was struck by how Gryffin is both strong and autonomous when alone and when part of a couple. She is capable, contented, and independently happy. As a result, she is able to be there, with him, engaged and completely present, yet still an individual, who is true to herself. The progression of her story, and the shift it has created, is beautiful. A clear message unfolds, about finding true happiness outside of ourselves only after weve found it within.

As I finished telling Cate about the theme of this book, I knew that I wanted to share it with you as well. I hope you find what you need in this collection warmth, inspiration, strength, ruggedness, solitude, and, of course, well-made winter knits.

SHANNON

Quiet the mind, and the soul will speak.

O h, how those words speak directly to my heart. Since Jane and I released Seasonless in 2014, I have found myself searching for insight into my true identity. This path has had many twists and turns as I search for personal growth and change. Every time I think Ive reached my destination, the path swiftly changes directions and keeps me longing for more. My journey keeps me awake at night and energized throughout the day. It keeps me at peace but also stirs my mind.

For me, creativity has always been as important as breathing. Its a part of my soul and what makes me, me. Without it, I would feel lost. Without it, I wouldnt be me. I strongly believe that we should all spend at least a few minutes each day nurturing our creative side. But sometimes life can get in the way, and we begin to feel unbalanced. When my balance shifted, I knew I needed to make some big changes in my life to allow myself to continue on a healthy, creative journey.

This imbalance led me to finding and embracing mindfulness and meditation. They have become a welcome addition to my everyday life as a mother, wife, and friend, and in my creative life and business. When we began working on Within, I was just beginning to learn how to take back control of my overall health. These projects were all designed during this time, and each one holds a special memory of my path to self-discovery. Each piece is rhythmic and relaxing to knit, yet never boring. Each pattern is a gentle path to follow while you knit. The garments and accessories are comforting and cozy the type of pieces you want to curl up in each day.

Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.

Learning to accept and feel comfortable with yourself can sometimes be a scary and tricky thing. But once you face that fear head-on and make friends with it, learning about and accepting your true self becomes much easier. The ability to feel comfortable, happy, and at peace with yourself can truly allow you to embrace your life with others.