Cover At Firefly Fibers, I hand-select our pattern lines from the perspective of knitter, knitting instructor, pattern designer and yarn shop owner. I look for patterns that are well-written, clear and easy to understand, include quality photos and are full of potential for a positive knitting experience - yeah, I know, I'm picky.

Jane Richmond is on my short list of all-time favorite designers and her patterns made a permanent home in the shop shortly after we opened. As an added bonus, she's an absolute joy to work with!

Last fall, Jane released her first book Island and I fell in love with each and every single project. I have - in fact - knit each and every single project in the book at least once. Island is stunning and was a huge hit in the shop with multiple re-orders and it's still selling out. Jane's friend, Shannon, played a huge role in the creation of Island (she's also a wonderful designer) and I had hoped there was more to come from this fabulous duo...

Since Island, Jane had been pretty quiet... Then, the news on Journey was released and it all made sense - pattern writing is no easy task and I can't imagine what goes into creating an entire book. I was giddy with joy for a new book with designs from both Jane and Shannon! Of course, I was instantly emailing Jane asking about pre-ordering for the shop and she handled my enthusiasm (and endless questions) with her usual grace (I told you she's a joy to work with).

A collaboration of hand knits from designers Jane Richmond and Shannon Cook inspired by the journey of self-discovery, independence and the path back to yourself. This gorgeous collection of garment and accessory patterns forms a special book filled with beautiful photography by Nicholas Kupiak - let the pages take you away on your own JOURNEY.

After seeing the designs in Journey, I was again in love and quickly mapped out shop sample projects for all six designs (I admit that I first played a quick guessing game with myself on which designs were Jane's and which were Shannon's. P.S. - I won.):

They're beautiful, aren't they?

Firefly Fibers shop yarn suggestions for all six designs from left to right and top to bottom:

Climb: Spud & Chloe Fine, Shibui Sock, Sweet Georgia Tough Love Sock
Onward: Rowan's *new* Pure Wool Worsted Superwash (due for arrival in mid-January in all 50 colors), Spud and Chloe Sweater, Misti Alpaca Tonos
Spate: Spud & Chloe Sweater (sample on display), Malabrigo Rios
Swift: Blue Sky Alpacas Sport Weight Alpaca (sample on display), Malabrigo Arroyo
Antrorse: Spud & Chloe Sweater, Lamb's Pride Worsted
Inland: Brown Sheep Nature Spun Chunky (available for special order), Cascade 128

The six gorgeous designs are presented in beautiful photography in the first 70+ pages (yes, seventy) that breathe life into each project. Following the photo journey are the project patterns in Jane's signature 'white space' style with additional pages including abbreviations, stitch guides and special techniques. Really, this book has everything.

The balance of design and texture between Jane and Shannon's designs is perfectly executed and I will knit each project at least once. I promise. Spate and Swift are currently on display front-and-center at the shop with Climb up next in the queue.

Journey is truly a "coffee table book" that flows through each of the projects - a huge thank you to both Jane and Shannon for creating this beautiful book. Journey arrived ahead of schedule and is now available at the shop - print copies include a downloadable eBook with individual PDF patterns.

The video for Journey is below. Grab a cup of tea and get ready to take your own journey.

Cheers! Alisa