My knitting blog and designer buddy, Allyson Dykhuizen, just published the inaugural issue of her highly anticipated and novel subscription ebook: Holla Knits. Allyson's design sense is right in line with my own so I jumped at the opportunity to review the collection. An $18 subscription will get you 4 issues, each with 6 patterns from various independent designers. Brilliant, and ambitious, I know!

This first ebook has a great quirky attitude featuring summery designs with contemporary silhouettes and funky graphic design. Holla Knit's 39 full color pages are filled with great photography, designer bios, and of course beautifully laid out patterns for the young hip knitter in us all. Check below for details about the awesome giveaway that I've arranged with Allyson.

1. Umbre Lovre: Design by Allyson Dykhuizen
When I first laid eyes on this off the shoulder design, I thought, now here's something I'd love to knit! It features so many of my favorite thing: STRIPES! The design also features a current silhouette that isn't featured much in magazines or books, and isn't overly fussy with unnecessary details. Despite the seemingly simple construction of this summery top, there's a lot to hold a knitters interest here. Also, using FOUR colors, you could really have some fun at the yarn shop! What colors would you choose?

2. Romp Around the Clock: Design by Lilith Ubbelohde
This is such an awesome and unusual piece. The strapless romper design has a lot of interest around the hips adding sweet feminine detailing to an area that some of us might otherwise be a little shy about. I would definitely rock one of these rompers in the spring time in Brooklyn! I love it with a blazer, but I'd also wear a long necklace or maybe a belt slung around the hips. How would you wear it?

3. Put a Belt On It: Design by Allyson Dykhuizen
This might be my favorite design in the collection. I've been dreaming of knitting a vest for like 2 years, but just haven't gotten it together to do so. This design has a lot going on: cable panels on the back add interest, and I'm always a sucker for multi-directional knitting. Allyson put together a great video where you can see the design in action on two different models.

(Check out the videos for each design on the Holla Knits individual pattern pages)

4. Finishing School: Design by Katie Canavan
Finishing School is a sleeveless top with tailored details and a retro feel. Reminiscent of the collar on a US Navy uniform, the striking lines on this top make this an eye catching project that is sure to turn heads. I love the curved hem and contrasting colored details. It has a really interesting construction, knitted from the front hem, up over the shoulders, and worked back down to the back hem. Wouldn't this be a super cute trendy summer shirt in mint green with navy details?

5. In a While Crocodile: Design by Allyson Dykhuizen
This is a great basic raglan style tee with some interesting crocheted details on the sleeves that add depth and texture to this otherwise simple garment. The design features knitted hems, waist shaping, and delicate purl stripes on the sleeves. This a great base pattern with so many possibilities for further embellishment. For instance, wouldn't it be adorable with a button tab at the collar, or in a tunic length, or in stripes? What would you add to this pattern to make it your own?

6. Holla Back Tank: Design by Emma Welford.
It's another clean simple garment from the front, but turn around and surprise, LACE! What a super functional piece for the summer months.  It's hard to believe that this is the first garment pattern from this new designer. I'm excited to see what Emma comes up with next!

Get a subscription (a steal at $18/year) or the individual patterns ($6 per) at the Holla Knits shop now.

Wait, there's GIVEAWAY too!
Tell me which is your favorite design from the Holla Knits collection in the comments section of this post, for your chance to win that pattern. But WAIT, there's MORE! If you tweet about your favorite pattern @alexiswinslow and @sweatshopoflove you'll be entered too. So don't be shy; I love to hear what you think!

CONTEST ENDS ON MONDAY, APRIL 30th