The Berroco Photoshoot! Revealed!

Oh my gosh. It's hard to believe that it was three months ago when the knock at my door revealed Norah Gaughan, Cirilia Rose and the Berroco team! It seems like only yesterday but also a wonderful dream that may or may not have really happened. If I didn't have the book beside me right now I might have to question my memory of it happening. Surreal, is the word.

 

{all photos taken by my dad}

I have to begin by saying that in my life I never, ever thought I'd model anything. I can also say with certainty that Greg didn't think he ever would either. Both of us are quite uncomfortable in front of the camera. Usually to overcompensate for my discomfort I make super dorky, goofy faces with the hope that a silly picture is better than a bad picture. I am sure that Chris, the photographer's, film was filled with pictures like that of me. If it was, he was kind enough not to let me see them :) So being asked to model for a Berroco book was a big, wonderful surprise.

There is so much work involved in a photo shoot. I can only begin to imagine all the work that leads up to these whirlwind days or what is going through great minds like Norah's and Cirilia's as they watch their designs being 'summed up' in images. It seemed like such an awesome responsibility on our part and I was so nervous and anxious about making sure we did the best job we could do to represent all of their hard work and beautiful designs. Throughout the whole day we had so much support and encouragement from everyone on the team.They made it really easy for us to just relax and have fun!

{Norah, Cirilia, and Cheyenne in front of our house as we shoot Australop}

So much of our life here made it into the book. Our home, our chicken Chippy and one of her gorgeous blue eggs, Swiss Chard from our garden, some of my dad's artwork (behind Jorn), an old pitchfork which has been in this house much longer than us, a bale of our hay and so many other little things. I love that. 

I love too that we got to share some of the experience with my friend Kim. Kim not only had her third child the same time I did but also had to have her appendix out a week before me, both of us while we were 4 months pregnant! What a nightmare. Now, we can add to our shared memories something much more pleasant. Her sweet daughter, Fallon, graces the cover (!) of the DK Baby book! Kim is not a knitter, so you better believe I'll be knitting her this adorable outfit Fallon modeled.

Of course as a knitter I couldn't wait to see the sweaters! Greg, Jorn and Simonne were the first to model while I sat and had my hair and makeup done (tough job, right?). I am not a girly-girl but I really enjoyed this part of the day. In fact, while everyone was outside modeling sweaters and Vaughn was taking a nap, I (embarrassingly) almost fell asleep while Cheyenne was doing my makeup it was so relaxing. My mind, in it's wakeful periods of that time, were on those sweaters though! I wanted to see what they were all wearing!

{look at all that makeup!}

{Simonne puts makeup on her baby doll}

Simonne was so curious and inquisitive about this uncommon activity in our house. When she wasn't outside charming everyone and working the camera she was by Cheyenne's side watching her every move and mimicking them on her doll. You should see her doll now! Since that day she's gone through quite a makeover and because I don't have the proper tools that Cheyenne had for her to work with she's had to make do with what we have here in the house, which means playdoh in the eyes and sharpie tattoos ;)

 

{Norah and Vaughn modeling Allegheny and Taconic}

It was immensely satisfying watching all of my babies model these sweaters. I was wondering how it would be for them. I worried that they may get tired or stressed or annoyed but then as everyone settled in to doing their work it dawned on me that they were already old hands at this. Kids are, of course, naturally relaxed and free from inhibition in front of cameras but having your picture taken by mom and dad and modeling are two different things. But, my kids are knit blogger kids! Their crazy mama makes them model hand knits all the time! Not only were they familiar with modeling hand knits, they really enjoyed the sweaters. Jorn's favorite of the day was Sebright and he's still asking me to knit it for him! (Of course I will)

{I love these 'outtakes' that show all that goes into each picture}

Of course the day wasn't complete without another Greg and Abi recreation of American Gothic! This time with a lollipop and a pitchfork. Not sure why Greg got to hold the lollipop. They were really good caramel apple ones that Cirilia brought along. Yum. Simonne is having one in her pictures of Nankin :)

I threatened that they were going to have to pry this whole outfit off of me, by the way. I love Serama! That will be the first sweater I knit for myself from the book. I think, though it's really hard to choose ;) 

It was such a wonderful experience that we feel blessed to have been a part of. My dad, who is an artist, photographer and architect came up from Jersey to help us tidy up the house (remember the blueberry shelves?) and mind the children. He had such a wonderful time. Even though he didn't model any hand knits himself he's in there in every picture, 'behind the scenes' in so many ways. Karin came too, to cheer us on, hold some babies, fix some knits and supply us with some of her gorgeous yarn! Thanks Dad and Karin!

You can find both the DK Baby Book and the Vintage Family Book on the Berroco website. All the patterns are Raveled too! Baby Book here on Ravelry.

Can this post be any longer? Oh, yes, it can!

And now for some gratuitous shots, just because! 

 

 

 

  {THE CREW!}

From left to right John, Kris, Norah, Cirilia, Cheyenne and Chris (laying down)

THANKS GUYS FOR THE BEST DAY EVER!

Comments

[Cirilia]

What an awesome post!! Needless to say, we had an incredible time hanging out with you and yours, and I knew all along that the pictures would be amazing. Thank you thank you thank you =)

[karin]

Wow!!! I still cannot believe I was actually there. What a privilege and what a thrill!! The setting was so perfect. Congratulations again....I do hope there are more books in your future!

{blush} thank you for linking to me, Abi.

[Jennifer]

SO MUCH FUN! And how cool that you will forever have that Berroco pattern book to remember it all...a knitter's dream come true!

[Kathy]

Wonderful shots! I love the smile on Simonne's face in so many pictures -- pure joy. Jorn looks so big. He's grown so much since I started reading your blog.

[Kara]

Seriously, what a fun experience for your darling family.

[Kathy]

You all look gorgeous! What a thrill to see this point and I can't wait to pick up the book!!

[burrobird]

Abi, I have been waiting for this post since the photo shoot! I was so excited for all of you then, and am just delighted to get more of the full experience, complete with more back scene photos... what a wonderful memory for your entire family!

[Kerrie Kerns]

Thank you for sharing the behind-the-scenes photos of your photo shoot. I worked as an art director for years, now I have a less stressful position and get to come home and use my creativity with my yarns, fabrics and paints. Sometimes I miss "the glamour" of being in print, but I discovered I enjoyed your post just as much watching you with your family. It is beautiful.

[Renee]

W O W !!!
I'm going to pick up the book asap.
What an amazing experience for you, thank you for sharing. :)

[LaurieLouStudio]

Love to see the real knits on real people! Your children are beautiful!