Book Review + Giveaway: Mason-Dixon Knitting

Yarncraft

Banner Masondixon Book

Mason-Dixon Knitting By Kay Gardiner & Ann Shayne
Now in paperback, Mason-Dixon Knitting by Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne is a entertaining jump into their world of knitting with hilarious attitude from the ladies who speak their mind on their blog of the same namesake. The book is filled with stylish and sophisticated patterns for you, baby, and your home. I am dying to try out the striped mitered square blanket (pictured below)because I love the color blocking and how I can just spend my time knitting up small blocks to build up this great looking blanket! (What a great way to use up my scrap yarn!) You’ll also just enjoy reading this book for all the beautiful photographs and the tongue-in-cheek jokes.
Maxondixon Logcabin Shawl
Mietered Square Blanket and Nina Shawl
See more photos and find out how to enter the giveaway after the jump!


Maxondixon Nightie Bib
After Dark Robe with Nightie and Baby Bib
Masondixon Potholder Rug
Ballband Dishcloths and Superfancy Potholder Loop Rug
Book Giveaway Time!
Three lucky CRAFT readers will each receive a copy of the book, Mason-Dixon Knitting. Just tell us why you would like this book in the comments. All comments will be closed by Noon PST on Monday, March 1st. The lucky winners will be announced later on the site. Good luck!
(Note: IE users: We are working on a bug right now in our commenting system. Please use another browser to leave a comment for this giveaway.)

Like I said, these ladies are hee-lar-eee-ous so check out their “Grey Gardens” spoof entitled “Gray Garments”.

138 thoughts on “Book Review + Giveaway: Mason-Dixon Knitting

  1. messmor.wordpress.com says:

    I love my ballband dishcloth and would LOVE to give the other patterns in the book a go.

  2. madcap says:

    I can’t get enough knitting books – and this one sounds fun an inspiring :)

  3. longlifelove says:

    I love to craft and feel I have tackled and reached proficiency on just about everything. EXCEPT KNITTING. UGH.
    I am in the process of learning now and I think this book would be great in giving me tips to tackle the one craft I want, but have yet, to learn.
    Pick me and I’ll knit a sweater for the moon. I will.

  4. galexandrias says:

    I love the idea of knitting a nightie and robe, would love to try that and more from this book!

  5. Apron Thrift Girl says:

    I admit that I can only make one long scarf. Anything else leaves me baffled. I need a book with easy, directions and not a lot of fancy knitting lingo. I hope this book can help me.

  6. crafty.in.ATX says:

    I spent two very short weeks with this book before I had to return it to the library. Tears of remorse tumbled down my face as I was forced to place it in the metal return box. I had such big plans for my very own knitted quilt and potholder rug . . . but alas, time was not in my favor.
    I would love nothing more than to have my very own copy of “Mason Dixon Knitting” so that my unfulfilled knitting project dreams may come true.

  7. theknittingyarn.myopenid.com says:

    After a long cold winter, this book sounds like just the ticket. I’d love to try out the patterns, and can always use another laugh. My Ballband dishcloths get lots of use, and I’d love to check out their other patterns. And share the knitted results with family and friends.
    Alas, my local library doesn’t have this book on its shelves. Thanks for the contest, and congratulations to the three winners! :)

  8. easbrooke says:

    I’ve flipped through all the knitting books that I have and am looking for some new patterns! You can never have too many patterns or books. :)
    Plus, I’ve been drooling over this book for ages. It’s not in any of the local book stores in town. I’d have to drive an hour to a bigger city to find it. :(

  9. schmoomom says:

    If I read this book, I would then be as kooky as those two. Which would totally make it worthwhile.
    Also, I’ve never been in the same room as one of their books (I *know*! How is that possible?!), and I’m DYING to flip through it!!

  10. linuxchic.myopenid.com says:

    I have queued multiple patterns at Ravelry from this book but I am lacking the book! Help me reduce my queue and increase my productivity!
    I desperately need the pattern to the rug so I can fill my home with wonderful knitty color. We bought a home in November with over 2000sq feet of wood floors and they need some character!

  11. knitilicious says:

    I don’t know how many times I’ve checked this book out from the library, in fact, I currently have the second Mason Dixon book from the library right now! Love the patterns, am itching to cast on the bubble curtain but need to finish some wips. The other reason I’d love this book is that a friend I met on Ravelry actually compared us to Mason Dixon as we correspond often and discuss our knitting. Thanks for offering the book!

  12. Jen says:

    I love their designs and knitting books. I would love to win!

  13. diana_11_6 says:

    I unashamedly have to say I want the book for no other reason than I want it. No eloquent words and what not. I love the designs and being a graphic designer from Texas am alternately pulled in by the design of the cover. I hope I get the book, for sure, as a new knitter it’d be wonderful to have!

  14. emily_sharpe says:

    Not only is it hilarious, but the patterns rock. I’d love to win so I can stop checking this book out from the library obsessively.

  15. junie12e says:

    I need all the help I can get with my knitting! I would love to win this book. Thank you for a great giveaway.

  16. Natalya says:

    Yay another knitting book to add to my obsessive collection!

  17. Allypattern says:

    This book has so many gorgeous patterns! It would inspire me to make something lovely.

  18. jimofoz says:

    My wife’s enjoying her quilting, but maybe she’d like to try some knitting. I’m sure she’d like it.

  19. mekkojo says:

    I’d love to have this book because I am teaching myself to knit and I think this book would be a great asset in my learning process.

  20. punk apple says:

    And inspiration for new craft projects is never a bad thing (especially when there’s a few months ahead of jobless time to craft..)

  21. Anne says:

    I have borrowed this book from the library and would love to own it.
    Thanks for a chance to win it.

  22. ammieloris says:

    I know. Their blog IS hilarious. Oh, I’d love to peruse this book for great knitting ideas and anecdotes. And I could use some knitted baby bibs. And some laughs.

  23. edina says:

    This looks like a wonderful book to add to my knitting book collection – thanks for the opportunity to win it.

  24. Emma says:

    I’ve taken a break from knitting and I need some good inspiration like this book to get back into the swing of things!!

  25. teresita says:

    Hi, my hobby is knitting and this book looks just like something I could use as inspiration.
    Great giveaway!

  26. isy says:

    After not knitting for years and years and moving to Portland Oregon (from Southern California where it’s too warm to wear anything wool) I’m back to knitting! have been wanting this book since I laid eyes on it at my local knit shop (Happy Knits) and here you are giving it away … would love to have one! Thanks so much for the opportunity!

  27. tenacious_o says:

    since i first read about this book i’ve been excited to get a copy. i’ve been knitting diy stuff for almost a decade now but never get enough new fun projects to try. i can’t wait to try the square blanket and the nightie first, then go through the others… since i’m out of work though it’ll be awhile before i can get a copy if i don’t win the give away.

  28. RadicalRecycks says:

    I am a pattern whore and recently have sat down long enough to use those patterns! I am always looking for new inspiring patterns and would love love a copy of this book!
    xoxo
    Tracie

  29. Ladi says:

    After a serious injury and long rehab last year, I’ve completely lost my knitting inspiration and mojo and can hardly bring myself to pick up my needles again. Getting this book might help me get back to knitting finally.

  30. hellotracy says:

    Is it selfish to say I want the book because I want it? Because I do. But what if I also tell you I want it so I can make presents for all the lovelies in my life? Because that’s true, too.
    xoxo

  31. weeatpeople says:

    I would LOVE a copy of this book. I’ve checked it out from the library before, and it has such great patterns. They’re simply, versatile, and lovely- they make great gifts, which I’d probably use this book for.

  32. stown says:

    I’ve been knitting for just under a year and need some new, creative (yet simple!) patterns. Pick me pick me!

  33. 3 to get ready says:

    These ladies crack me up. Plus I love the projects! This is definitely one book I’d love to have.

  34. opheliacordelia says:

    …i keep taking it out over and over! let me own a copy so i can take on some the projects i keep dreaming of! thanks!
    gillianlesliesmith@gmail.com

  35. jamie says:

    i love the quality of the patterns in this book AND that it is entertaining to read!

  36. BeingCause says:

    Ann and Kay are totally my knitting gurus! They are unabashed in their love of knitting, of no-need-for-apology for loving knitting, of following whatever inspiration (however unlikely) they have to design and create, of having personal monochromatic color wheels, and they just totally crack me up. And that their knitting is so inspired by quilts (among other things) makes the special place in my heart for them even bigger. Hooray for Kay and Ann!

  37. Beckysews says:

    I have been lusting for this book since I first saw a review of it (here maybe?) Thanks for the chance to win!

  38. Cassandra says:

    I’ve been teaching myself how to knit. I would love a fun knitting book to inspire me to keep at it.

  39. akbibliophile says:

    I have only just begun to learn how to knit. Any book that explains things thoroughly will be of great help to me in aiding not only my meager, barely-existing knitting skills and give me the confidence to get through my mistakes and learn how to knit well. So if I could get one of these books, I’m sure that would help. Yay!

  40. Necromantic Baby says:

    I’ve been reading the Mason Dixon blog for a few years now, and I love their style. There are a lot of patterns I’ve seen from the book that I’d love to knit– the mitered blankets in particular.

  41. Stacey S. says:

    I’ve checked this book out of our library so many times, I’m surprised that there isn’t a block on my so doing. Choose me, so others may enjoy the talent and humor of MD knitting.

  42. bridgeannkell says:

    Those blankets look so cheerful, and after this winter I’m desperate to increase my stockpiles.

  43. metropolitain says:

    I love the mason-dixon blog and would love this book!

  44. DumpsterDiver83 says:

    Having just crossed the Mason Dixon line myself I have been knitting a lot to fill the gap that used to be filled with friends and family. It’s tough being so far away from the people I treasure the most and the comedy in this book would help a lot with that. I am an ambitious beginner and have been making up my own patterns lately, but I would also like some new and refreshing ideas.

  45. YayDIY says:

    An expert knitter friend of mine just recommended this book to me! I would looooove to start tackling some of their projects!
    – lia at yaydiy.com

  46. shawdraw says:

    I think I completed my last knitting project when I was 7 so I’ve got some skill brushing up to do. This book would be a great first step in the right direction!

  47. techiecat.myopenid.com says:

    I love all the inspirational colors! Thanks for the great work and opportunity to win the book.

  48. techiecat.myopenid.com says:

    I love the inspiration colors and designs. Thanks for the great work and the opportunity to win the book. Would love to win it.

  49. ellend says:

    I love the designs, but the video has sold me on the book. If I don’t win it, I’ll have to go out and buy it.

  50. JeanC says:

    I learned to knit in 7th grade home-ec class. I have been polishing up my skills lately. I love books with other peoples insights-explanations on how to get things done-how to overcome problems. This video is hysterical! Good way to learn to never take yourself too seriously!!! Thanks a ton!!!

  51. whitefox says:

    I have knit many items from their books–including numerous wash clothes! hope to win this new one so I can try out more patterns!

  52. enidb says:

    Several of my friends hold these books in high regard. I bought the second book as a gift for a friend when she was down, but I’ve never gotten myself a copy of either book, yet.

  53. Linda says:

    I have been working on expanding my knitting library, and this book is sadly missing. I have heard so many wonderful things about the book, and I would love to be able to work from it.
    Thanks craft for the great giveaway.

  54. avquilts says:

    I have a dear friend with a brand new baby – what better reason to knit up some little treasures?!!

  55. kat says:

    I’ve heard so much about how funny their books are. This is a chance to finally try it.

  56. vamparacely says:

    I would like this book because I love knitting and I’d like new patterns from this fun book.

  57. loura says:

    The designs-the colors and its funny too! A MUST HAVE !

  58. PenguinBot says:

    Everything just look so fun!

  59. Charyl says:

    I am currently building up a knitting library for my granddaughter whom I am teaching how to knit. She’s almost 6 years old – same age I was when my grandmother starting teaching me and I haven’t stopped since! This book would be a perfect addition to her collection after I get a chance to make some things in it…..maybe we can do a KAL with one of the items! :) Thank you for this give away!
    Happy Knitting!

  60. Judith says:

    I absolutely adore the video! Have started doing a lot of knitting lately, am training my cat not to touch the yarn or needles while I’m working, also not to lie down on the pattern – an uphill battle but I’m not going to give up! Looking for challenging new patterns and Mason Dixon Knitting looks just like what I’m looking for. Please let me win a copy and I will keep on with the cat training program.

  61. Morgan B says:

    This book looks so wonderful, I’ve picked it up a few times in the book store and coveted it. I’m in college and finally moving into my own place and this would be great for new house projects!

  62. Megs says:

    I would love to win this. I am very new to knitting and would love to learn this style.

  63. fleurdiabolique says:

    That blanket! I SO want to make that blanket!
    Also, the book has a great reputation and I’d love to get the chance to add it to my collection.

  64. julie says:

    I have been wanting to knot a blanket out of my yarn odds and ends for the longest time. I think I could make someting fantastic with that mietered square blanket pattern!

  65. Amy Simmons says:

    I barely have any knitting books and need to get some! Plus, I have yarn that wants to be made into that after dark robe with nightie!

  66. cherries says:

    I’ve been wanting this one.

  67. Debby says:

    I treated myself to their second book, but this first one came out before I was back into knitting. I’d love a copy of the paperback. Their designs are so practical and fun, and of course I LOVE their blog. Thanks for the chance to win.

  68. Laurpud says:

    I just passed my first-year anniversary of knitting. Unfortunately, I also passed my 16 month anniversary of unemployment. But I’m hopeful, as things have a way of working out.
    In the meantime, a free knitting book would be AWESOME!!

  69. Jenn says:

    I learned to knit from my mother and grandmother. Ever since, every single knitting book I’ve gotten, I share with them. It would be great to be able to do some of the projects in this book with them.
    It may also be a great way to convince my sister to take up the craft. She’s been on bed rest for over a year and a half and this may help her pass the time until they day she’s released.

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