the blue blog archives: you've seen it in the comments, now it's official

the cover's still in final design stages,
but the final version should look similar to this

Yes, I've been working on a book - Charmed Knits: Projects for Fans of Harry Potter - (when boys and baby on the way have allowed me) for the last year and it's almost time! And what a time it is - the book should come out in May and the next Harry Potter movie and book are both coming out right afterwards in July. The book is chock full of fun HP patterns by me and other designers I'm sure you know, as well as many knitter/fans turned designers you might not know. Stay tuned to this blog for details and some sneak peeks of the projects (and maybe even a pattern preview)! And you know we're going to do some Potter-knitalonging 'round here, right?

posted by alison at 10:03 pm | in blogging about reading about knitting , charmed knits , design workshop

Comments

*Bounce Bounce*
How wonderful! I love the cover and want it badly. :) I've knit a House Scarf for the hubby but would love to do a knitalong.

And by the way your Itty bitty Hats are adorable! That girl of your is going to have such a fashionable noggin!

Posted by: Lynn at February 5, 2007 10:11 PM

Congratulations! The timing sounds perfect and I'm sure it will be a huge success.

Posted by: Carole at February 5, 2007 10:16 PM

Congrats...that's fabulous! The cover is awesome!

Posted by: Roxanne at February 5, 2007 10:20 PM

Wow! That's awesome. Congratulations!

Posted by: scoutj at February 5, 2007 10:24 PM

Congrats! What a fantastic project!

Posted by: beverly at February 5, 2007 10:28 PM

Congratulations! Hope it's as popular as the movie.

Posted by: Kat at February 5, 2007 10:28 PM

Wow--congrats, Alison! I have lots of HP-lovin' friends who would be awfully happy if I had that book!

Posted by: Ashley at February 5, 2007 10:32 PM

Wow. Congratulations. This is so cool. With all the excitment recently about the release date of the book/movie. And let's admit it, those slightly disturbing promotional pictures for Daniel Radcliff's play, there's more than a little Harry Potter in the air. I've made one house scarf but was hoping to make something new for the new book/movie.

Posted by: Pamela H. at February 5, 2007 10:42 PM

Congratulations!

Posted by: laura b at February 5, 2007 10:44 PM

Congrats Alison! I bet the boys are excited!!

Posted by: Lauren at February 5, 2007 10:44 PM

Congratulations Alison... I don't know how you find the time!

Posted by: Bethany at February 5, 2007 10:46 PM

Yeay for YOU!!! I'm so excited to see this other "baby" that is due. You are amazing! I'll get my Gryffindor yarns ready!!

Posted by: Heidi at February 5, 2007 10:59 PM

so cool...2 deliveries in one year

Posted by: Darci at February 5, 2007 11:00 PM

Wow! What great news! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Elinor at February 5, 2007 11:02 PM

congrats!! can't wait to get my hands on it.

Posted by: staci at February 5, 2007 11:06 PM

Many congratulations -- that's quite an achievement under any conditions. I trust the publisher's done well by you; can't wait to see it.

Posted by: Luise at February 5, 2007 11:06 PM

Alison,

I am sooo happy for you! What a very cool book-and what great timing!!! So many wonderful things are happening in your life right now! Hooray!

-Katie

Posted by: Katie O at February 5, 2007 11:13 PM

Very cool, congratulations to you! I look forward to the sneak peeks.

Posted by: Captain at February 5, 2007 11:14 PM

Oh wow! I'm so excited!!

Posted by: Heather at February 5, 2007 11:16 PM

Congratulations! What a wonderful -- and different -- idea for a knitting book. I look forward to buying a copy and knitting a few things for my younger nieces and nephews :-)

Posted by: nona at February 5, 2007 11:20 PM

Neat! I guess your publisher had to work licencing out with Rowling's publishers?

Posted by: Andrea at February 5, 2007 11:21 PM

congrats! very unique idea!

Posted by: amanda at February 5, 2007 11:22 PM

Congratulations on the book and the babe!

2007 is going to be a great year for you :)

Posted by: melanie at February 5, 2007 11:22 PM

Sweet! I'm really excited to knit up some HP stuff!!!
And man-o-man are you good at keeping a secret - I didn't see it coming at all!

Posted by: loribird at February 5, 2007 11:25 PM

Congratulations! That's such a great book idea for you!

Posted by: Kristy at February 5, 2007 11:25 PM

Congratulations! I can't wait for it to come out.

Posted by: Kim at February 5, 2007 11:31 PM

Yay! Congratulations! I can't wait to see what you've come up with!

Posted by: Jennifer at February 5, 2007 11:34 PM

How exciting, Allison! I can't wait to see the book!

Posted by: caitlyn at February 5, 2007 11:35 PM

Congratulations! Great timing, too!

Posted by: Brynne at February 5, 2007 11:45 PM

That is so cool! You can count on me to buy one!

Posted by: Faren at February 6, 2007 12:02 AM

I posted about it last week (shocked that you hadn't yet) the day before they announced the 7th book! I'm looking forward to May and the book release. Congratulations on all of your new arrivals for this year!!!

Posted by: roberta at February 6, 2007 12:03 AM

Congratulations!!! So exciting! :)

Posted by: Nikki at February 6, 2007 12:11 AM

Oh, congrats! Can't say I'm a Harry Potter person myself, but I am a fan of you!

Posted by: elizaboothy at February 6, 2007 12:12 AM

Yea!

Posted by: silverarrowknits at February 6, 2007 12:14 AM

Oh my! I'm so excited!! I'm so buying one!

Posted by: aimee noel at February 6, 2007 12:15 AM

Congrats, Alison! That's awesome! what a fabulous idea for a book, and I know it's going to be GREAT. Can't wait to get my copy!

Posted by: Carrie at February 6, 2007 12:16 AM

Wow! Too cool! When can I pre-order one?! ;)

Posted by: tiennie at February 6, 2007 12:24 AM

neat-o! congratulations!

Posted by: debbie at February 6, 2007 1:03 AM

As a lurker, I have to tell you I preordered this book back at Halloween on Amazon.

Thanks for putting it together!

Posted by: Scarlett McCrary at February 6, 2007 1:21 AM

What a work! Have fun with the last steps with it, and I'm sure we will read/use it overhere in The Netherlands!

Posted by: knittingajour at February 6, 2007 1:48 AM

Woohoo! I can't wait!

Posted by: stephanie at February 6, 2007 1:49 AM

Congratulations! That's so exciting. I can't wait to see it.

Posted by: Jessica at February 6, 2007 2:00 AM

Congratulations! That's so exciting!

Can you put me in touch with your publisher? I'd love to review this book for my podcast. Thanks!

Posted by: Faith at February 6, 2007 2:07 AM

HUGE Potter fan, planning my first Weasley to be finished by July, and SO EXCITED to read about your book. What a fantastic idea. It's so great, as a fan of the series, to have supplementary books available, now that the Potter well is running dry and the end is in sight.

Posted by: Shannon B at February 6, 2007 2:57 AM

Wee Hee! So exciting, I cannot wait to see the book. You've worked so hard on this Alison, I bet it is a huge relief to be able to be public about it. x

Posted by: kerrie at February 6, 2007 3:25 AM

very Kewl! I added to my amazon wish list, who knows one day my son might be a fan...

Posted by: Orli at February 6, 2007 3:35 AM

Wow cool great job... Would love to get my hands on one of these- I hope they're on sale online.

Posted by: mel at February 6, 2007 5:15 AM

Congratulations, Alison! This is so exciting! :)

Posted by: Lolly at February 6, 2007 5:35 AM

That's terrific. Your boys must be thrilled. I knitted five Weasley sweaters (there's only four kids, but one sweater got put in the dryer so I had to knit another one) and some scarves, but it will be good to have more to do. And I've checked, and it's going to be available in the UK, so that's good too :)

Posted by: Helen at February 6, 2007 6:23 AM

Oh, Excellent!!! Good for you!

Posted by: Debbie at February 6, 2007 7:25 AM

WOWIE! That is so great! The ultimate HP knits book; we know you will make it wonderful.

Congrats!

Posted by: suzanne at February 6, 2007 7:40 AM

Congratulation Alison, that is awesome! :)

Posted by: Samantha at February 6, 2007 7:47 AM

Ohboy, ohboy, ohboy, ohboy, can't wait until May. The cover is fab (who's your publisher?) Good for you, to accomplish so much. How do you squeeze so much into your life.....hey, you don't have a time turner, do you?

Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport at February 6, 2007 7:58 AM

Woohooo!!!! I LOVE the cover, can't wait till the book comes out!

Posted by: yuvee at February 6, 2007 8:07 AM

This is going to be the first knitting book I have ever pre ordered. I usually like to look at them in person first. But, I know your designs to be top notch and I'm an ultimate HP fan. So, I'll add my congratulations to the list!

Posted by: Christy at February 6, 2007 8:08 AM

Congrats! Can't wait to see more!

Posted by: brooke at February 6, 2007 8:10 AM

So great that's it's coming out in time for movie and book release this July! Can't wait! Congrats.

Posted by: krista at February 6, 2007 8:17 AM

We just finished rewatching all the movies this weekend & my oldest son is rereading all the books. I desperately want Molly Weasley's shawl/poncho from The Prisoner of Azkabhan, does it happen to be in there?

Posted by: elan at February 6, 2007 8:21 AM

Congratulations!

Posted by: Julie at February 6, 2007 8:23 AM

Perfect, perfect, just perfect!
Your book looks fantastic!
Congratulations! and I am so happy for you!

Donna

Posted by: Miz Booshay at February 6, 2007 8:24 AM

Book tour, book tour! This is so awesome! I can't wait to see if there is a pattern for liberating socks for house elves...

Posted by: Cirilia at February 6, 2007 8:34 AM

YAY! I'm so excited for your book to come out.

Posted by: Jodi at February 6, 2007 8:37 AM

So Stinkin cool!!!

I am so buying it!

Posted by: julie at February 6, 2007 8:44 AM

Wow!!! How very exciting! It looks like a fun book. I love knitting books.

Posted by: Jennifer at February 6, 2007 8:52 AM

consider it pre-ordered!

Congrats!

Posted by: Kate at February 6, 2007 8:54 AM

Congratulations! I was wondering when you were going to make it official. We were talking about it at SnB last week, and I've already asked my local independant book store to bring it in.

Posted by: Rachel H at February 6, 2007 9:08 AM

As everybody says: congratulations, I publish the notice in my blog (is in spanish). A lot of HP fans will love your patterns!

Posted by: debolsillo at February 6, 2007 9:27 AM

You're going to inspire a whole bunch of people to learn to knit. That is wonderful news--many blessings to you for your two new babies (and the rest of your family, of course)!

Posted by: Jennifer at February 6, 2007 9:36 AM

omg! that is so awesome! i can't wait to get it!!! congratulations to you - what an undertaking.

Posted by: ruth at February 6, 2007 9:38 AM

Super!
I saw a Weasley-type sweater in a children's clothing store in Wellesley that was about $70! I love seeing prices like that--I love knitting, but it makes it seem almost thrifty at the same time!

Posted by: Barb in Sudbury at February 6, 2007 9:46 AM

YAY! That one is definitely on my wishlist.

Posted by: Carrie at February 6, 2007 9:46 AM

How exciting! I just added the book to my wish list.

Posted by: Jenny at February 6, 2007 9:48 AM

I am so excited to find out about his book! I hope there might be a bit of crochet, i.e. Mrs. Weasley's sweater - the hodge podge one that was all crochet that was from HP III (I think?). It would be a great way to use up all the odd scraps laying around. Cant' wait to see what's in the book. Thank you!!!

Posted by: Barbara at February 6, 2007 9:48 AM

That is wonderful! What a nice union of your interests and talents. Congrats!!

Posted by: neysa at February 6, 2007 9:49 AM

Wow!! How can you do all these amazing things? I'm just stunned ;)

Posted by: Pushka at February 6, 2007 9:53 AM

Awesome! I love it! I can't wait to order it.

Posted by: kern at February 6, 2007 10:02 AM

Congratulations! Looking forward to YOUR book (and the HP book and movie)!! And a knit-along, definitely.

Posted by: Ina at February 6, 2007 10:10 AM

Congratulations! How exciting.

Posted by: Jessica at February 6, 2007 10:20 AM

wow! what a great idea! this is the perfect endeavor for you. congratulations! i can't wait to see the book for myself :)

Posted by: gleek at February 6, 2007 10:29 AM

What a FABULOUS idea. I'm sure you'll sell a ton. (I'll buy one for sure!) Congratulations. I can't wait to see the patterns! (And I can't wait until my 4- and 5-year-olds are old enough to read Harry Potter!)

Posted by: Leslie at February 6, 2007 10:37 AM

Congrats Alison, just can't wait to see more!

Posted by: Maryann at February 6, 2007 10:47 AM

Oh, that is all kinds of cool! I've been knitting Weasleys and HP scarves like crazy lately and I'm thrilled to see this! Congrats!

Posted by: Katie at February 6, 2007 10:48 AM

Wow, I can't wait to get that book! Congrats on such a wonderful accomplishment!

Posted by: Allison at February 6, 2007 10:49 AM

congratulations mama!!!! SO COOL.

Posted by: melanie at February 6, 2007 10:55 AM

OMG That's so awesome!!! The cover looks great, and I would pre-order it now if I could. Keep us posted, and congratulations on doing such a huge project, being pregnant and raising kids! Yikes! *hero worship*

Posted by: carrie at February 6, 2007 10:56 AM

My copy is pre-ordered. I am sure to enjoy the models. I will also be talking about it to friends.

Posted by: Mia at February 6, 2007 11:00 AM

You are just about the coolest woman ever! Thanks for making the time to do something so fun.

Posted by: Kathryn at February 6, 2007 11:07 AM

Congratulations!!! You deserve many accolades and great success. :)

Posted by: Daphne at February 6, 2007 11:07 AM

Congratulations, I can't wait!

Posted by: Jen at February 6, 2007 11:10 AM

Congratulations! What a wonderful, unique idea! I can't wait for it to come out.

Posted by: Pat K at February 6, 2007 11:14 AM

You sneaky pete!!! Congratulations!!!
I am soooo excited!!!!
I always love your patterns on Knitty and Magknits so I am definitely eager to see this book arrive at my doorstep!!!
I can't wait to see what all you guys came up with for HP knits!!!
ACK!!!! I. can't. wait. :o)
hope you and the babe are doing well.

Posted by: kelpkim at February 6, 2007 11:37 AM

*Huge* HP fan here! I can't wait for this book to come out. Congratulations!

Posted by: Kelley at February 6, 2007 11:53 AM

How perfect! And what great timing. Even my decidedly (knitting) muggle husband is excited about this book!

Posted by: otismurph at February 6, 2007 11:59 AM

How exciting! Oh, Alison, you're so smart--what a good idea! I know tons of people who will want a copy. :)

Posted by: Amanda at February 6, 2007 12:14 PM

You clever, amazing, talented, multi-tasking woman you! Of course this means you will be hobnobbing with J.K. herself, doing the book signings and movie premieres. We can all say, we read you when. Congratulations!

Posted by: Sonya at February 6, 2007 12:15 PM

It is already in my Wish List :)

Posted by: Isela at February 6, 2007 12:18 PM

Wow, congratulations. What a great idea. I've knit a Gryffindor scarf for my brother (Azkaban pattern) and am contemplating a Ravenclaw one for myself. I'm looking forward to seeing your patterns!

Posted by: Jennifer at February 6, 2007 12:24 PM

OMG, OMG, OMG!!! That is so freakin' cool! I've already gone and pre-ordered mine!!! What a perfect bday gift for myself (bday is in May, weeee!).

Way to go, and congrats!!!

Posted by: Sparkles at February 6, 2007 12:41 PM

omg that is freakin cool, BRILLIANT idea! Did you have to get permission from the author etc?

Posted by: pixie at February 6, 2007 12:49 PM

OMG, that's so great! Congratulations!! I can't wait to get my own copy!

Posted by: Thorny at February 6, 2007 12:56 PM

Congratulations! What a neat book - a really unique idea. Can't wait to get it. When does the book tour start? :)

Posted by: Kristin at February 6, 2007 12:58 PM

Gosh, did you ever think picking up some pointy sticks could lead you to this? Congratulations, can't wait to buy it and see what it has!

Posted by: Holly Jo at February 6, 2007 1:00 PM

WAY, WAY, WAY COOL! I can't wait!

Posted by: Angie at February 6, 2007 1:02 PM

HP is the reason I started knitting...I wanted a Weasley sweater...which led me to your original pattern...I've read your blog daily ever since...I have THREE copies of your book on pre-order and I'm as excited about your book as I am about JK Rowlings final volume! What an awesome combination...Alison YOU ROCK! Looking forward to the HP knitalongs.

Posted by: Patty at February 6, 2007 1:05 PM

Congratulations, Alison! Very exciting.

Posted by: other alison at February 6, 2007 1:05 PM

Hey congratulations!!
I did think the baby was here when I saw the 'it's official'.
Can't wait for the HP book and some kal's - the cover is awesome!

Posted by: Miss Scarlett at February 6, 2007 1:14 PM

Congratulations! Very exciting news! =)

Posted by: Brandie at February 6, 2007 1:25 PM

I always thought you should be writing a book... and one about HP is perfect! Thanks to your last HP-along, I managed to finish my son's sweater and scarf in time for Halloween. Gotta have something new for the new movie and book, you know, so I can't wait to get your new book! Congratulations!

Posted by: Joan at February 6, 2007 1:37 PM

This looks fabulous!! :)

Posted by: Stitch-n-Snitch at February 6, 2007 1:46 PM

Congratulations. I hope you feel very, very proud.

Posted by: Stephanie at February 6, 2007 1:55 PM

Congratulations! Can't wait to see the book.

Posted by: Sheri at February 6, 2007 2:05 PM

Fab - am very excited and am preordering as soon as I can. My son and husband are both looking forward to wearing their matching Harry scarves.
Well done you!

Posted by: Jo at February 6, 2007 2:08 PM

Congratulations to you, and yay for getting to see more of your patterns and more HP! One question, though--why is there a "T" on the cover of the Amazon book?

Posted by: katie at February 6, 2007 2:55 PM

It just so happens that I have wanted to knit a Harry Potter-themed knit for the July 13th release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix movie. In honor of my yarn already in my stash and the upcoming movie and 7th book release, I went straight to amazon.com and pre-ordered the book. Thank you so much, Alison! I have loved reading your blog daily and look forward to this book as well as many others from you. Thanks.

Posted by: Alicia at February 6, 2007 3:23 PM

Yay!! Congratulations! Count on me for three copies!

Posted by: Juti at February 6, 2007 3:27 PM

Oh I hope we get the book here in Australia. I am eagerly awaiting the release of the next movie, and the last book, and now we will be able to have a book just for us crazy HP fans. How exciting, and it has made my day although now I will be sitting here waiting to peek inside the pages.

Posted by: Sue at February 6, 2007 4:17 PM

so excited for you!
wow!
Can we preorder?

Posted by: greta at February 6, 2007 4:25 PM

Wonderful! Must. Order. Now.

The cover looks great, but I can see that the initial has changed... why is there a T on the weasly on Amazon??

Please, hurry up with the sneak peeks.

Posted by: Helene at February 6, 2007 5:03 PM

Ahhhh you are fabulous! You are my hero! Can you tell I am a little enthused about the book. Seriously though, congratulations.

Posted by: Crystal at February 6, 2007 5:13 PM

Congratulations! Can't wait to see it!

Posted by: --Deb at February 6, 2007 6:34 PM

Coming out of lurkerdom to add my congrats!! Though how you do all that you do without a wand is beyond me! (Or did Dumbledore enchant your needles so he could get handknit socks??)

Posted by: Scotlynn at February 6, 2007 6:43 PM

WOW!
super wonderful congratulations :)
can't wait to see it!
-Stephanie

Posted by: Stephanie at February 6, 2007 7:49 PM

Wow, let the royalties roll in! Congratulations on that baby. Hard work, it was, but a lobor of love. Thanks for sharing your talents.

Posted by: Patricia at February 6, 2007 9:25 PM

congrats! and as cool as it is for you, the twins have got to be doubly thrilled. their mom rocks!

Posted by: ann at February 6, 2007 9:25 PM

Congratulations! I'm so excited to see the book when it comes out, and for the knit-along when it happens.

Posted by: Ruth at February 6, 2007 9:47 PM

How wonderful and well deserved. Congratulations!

Posted by: Janice at February 6, 2007 10:08 PM

Yay!!! Secret projects revealed finally. This is very exciting. Can't wait to knit some up for my little guy.

Posted by: Juls at February 7, 2007 1:03 AM

How fun! Great idea and great timing:) I can't wait to see the patterns.

Posted by: Deb at February 7, 2007 1:43 AM

Congratulations! What a very cool idea. I can't wait to get a copy.

Posted by: Lisa at February 7, 2007 7:19 AM

Well I don't comment very often, but I've got to say, this post has got me practically foaming at the mouth with excitement! I.Can't.Wait. to get this book! And if I can't find it in Canada, well, I think a little road trip will be in order! Congrats! I'm sure this will be a huge success for you!

Posted by: Lisa at February 7, 2007 10:18 AM

It has been a while since I have knitted any HP stuff, but I'm looking forward to the book to inspire me! I'm sure it will be a best seller, and no one deserves it more than you.

Posted by: Katherine at February 7, 2007 12:19 PM

You are a star. Nice work!

Posted by: claudia at February 7, 2007 12:34 PM

Congratulations on being in print! And not for the last time, I'm sure!

Posted by: Kim at February 7, 2007 2:20 PM

Congratulations! What a great idea and the timing couldn't be better. Can't wait to see the patterns!

Posted by: C at February 7, 2007 3:49 PM

We're all proud of you ! Congrats !

Posted by: Stéphanie at February 7, 2007 5:45 PM

I'm so glad you did this! I've already pre-ordered my copy and can't wait to get it!

Posted by: Laura at February 8, 2007 12:16 AM

Congrats! I saw a preview of the beret from the book on the Knitpicks site. Looks like it will have fun patterns.

Posted by: Cristina (CrissyPo) at February 8, 2007 2:35 AM

Congratulations!
How did you get a publisher? Was it hard to convince them? Did it take long between the first book suggestion and, well, now?
Disappointed by the range of knitting books here in Germany, a friend of mine and I are thinking of doing something similar... (but pssst! don't tell anyone!) That's why anything of the writing/publishing process is of large interest to me.

Posted by: Dorothee at February 8, 2007 8:54 AM

Oh my goodness, I just heard about your book on craftster.org and I had to write you! I work at a yarn shop and just this past week I decided we had to organize some Harry Potter knitting for the book & movie premieres! I'm very anxious to know what knits you're going to have in your book, so I don't have to spend a lot of time trying to make up my own patterns for the great knits in the movies. Any chance we can organize some kind of event around your book? Ideally I'd like to arrange some kind of trunk show or fashion show. I've been researching stuff online like crazy. I know our owners would love to get in touch with you if anything like this would be possible. You can check out our shop's site if you like - www.3kittensneedlearts.com .

I would love to hear from you!!

Thanks so much, and congrats on your book!

Tiffany

Posted by: tiffany at February 8, 2007 10:35 AM

Congratulations, sounds like a fun book!

Posted by: Monica at February 8, 2007 2:46 PM

Wow, Congratulations!!! I can't wait to see it.

An aside: Why do the books come out in the summer when we can't wear our HP sweaters to the store??

Posted by: Margot at February 9, 2007 8:04 PM

I just can't wait for that book. What a brilliant idea! Congratulations.

Posted by: Wendy DG at February 10, 2007 6:23 PM

Perfect! We're hoping to use a project from your book as a knitalong at Dragon*Con, so the sooner we can see what patterns are in there, the sooner we can start planning!

Posted by: Lieran at February 11, 2007 11:29 AM

So happy for you! Congratulations!

Posted by: frecklegirl jess at February 11, 2007 11:52 PM

Brilliant! I've just pre-ordered it.

Posted by: Gretchen at February 12, 2007 11:04 AM

Congratulations! I have already pre-ordered my copy. Looking forward to doing a knitalong :D

Posted by: ronikay at February 13, 2007 12:12 AM