Thursday, May 17, 2012

Win a Fiber Dreams' Kit or Pattern!

Thank you to everyone who entered.  
We have our 3 Winners!

1st Prize: Illusions & 1 Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Ysolda Red - Carmen Nuland 
2nd Prize: Aventine - Debbie (of the Arctic Knits blog)
3rd Prize: Lost Labyrinth - Angelika

Winners please email me at Sandrasingh@sandrasingh.com to claim your prize. 

As promised...May brings new talent! Introducing the knitwear designs of Fiber Dreams and a new blog giveaway. 

Creating knitwear, in luxurious fibers, that evokes art, literature and nature, this is what a knitter dreams of while crafting, and these are also some of the inspirations for Laura Patterson when designing for her Fiber Dreams' knitwear collection. Laura uses some of the finest yarns available, Malabrigo, Anzula and Lorna's Laces, to create her beautiful and superbly written designs. 

Laura and I have teamed up for this giveaway, she's donating three patterns and I'm adding the yarn! 
1st Prize: Illusions
& 1 Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Ysolda Red 
2nd Prize: Aventine 
3rd Prize: Lost Labyrinth 

Laura Patterson

Meet Laura: I’ve been knitting off and on since I was probably about 7 or 8 years old. Grandma taught me to cast on and to knit, but not how to purl; Mom taught me to cast off within the next few days. I remember sitting in the backyard while Mom was in the kitchen, knitting up what must be the world’s ugliest vest for her out of green variegated acrylic yarn that she bought for me at the grocery store. The vest was hip length, opened in the front, and was fastened with two huge pompoms connected by a crochet chain. It had to be pulled on over the head as those pompoms didn’t come off. I had no idea what a pattern was, much less how to read one, so I made it up as I went along. It was the 1960s. You can imagine how horrible the yarn was. 
 
After that I crocheted a lot, did needlepoint, embroidery... whatever. Took two knitting classes at a yarn shop when I was in my 20s, learned to purl (!) among other things. I still have and wear the sweater I knit in that first class. 

Between then and now I’ve phased in and out of knitting here and there, now and then. Made scarves and sweaters mostly, then a bunch of socks and an intricately cabled Aran for Dave in the 1990s. This was one time when the infamous “boyfriend sweater curse” didn’t strike, as we weren’t married yet when I made that sweater for him. Knitting was replaced with a flurry of counted cross stitch projects for three or four years before knitting resumed. After about 15 years of husband-ly prodding, Dave talked me into designing my first piece, Pinwheel, a lap blanket for him to use in his home office in winter. I’ve been designing non-stop ever since, and loving it. 

I’d started knitting a lot of lace, and didn’t have any blocking wires. I borrowed a set from a dear friend, and that got Dave to thinking. That year he gave me a set of blocking wires in a clear acrylic tube for my birthday. We talked about what it would take, and decided that we had a product there. The clear acrylic tubes were pretty, but the finish was fragile, scratched easily, so Dave started sanding them to give them a more resilient finish. Since then we started having the tubes custom made for us, then getting our label printed directly on the tubes. Not only are the new tubes more resilient, but with so much of the work done it means less time in the shop for Dave, while simultaneously giving us a more professional product. 

In June of 2009 we signed on with Bryson Distributing. Getting on with Bryson has done wonderful things for sales, as I’m sure you can imagine. In January 2011 one of my shawls, Evening, was in the fashion show at TNNA. The shawl seemed to be one of the hits of the fashion show. We’re hoping that that will introduce us to even more stores. 

Laura thank you very much for sharing your story with us!  Now discover Fiber Dreams' sock, lace, accessory and garment patterns, you'll dream of creating the entire line.  

The combination of the knit and purl triangles and the variegated yarn seem to move of their own accord in the Illusions socks. The simple stitch pattern is fun and easy to knit in only one skein of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock.   Knit top down using DPNs if you’re familiar with turning patterns around, it would work equally well to knit them toe up.


Illusions

Aventine is one of the Seven Hills of Rome lying to the east of the Tiber River. Some say the hill was named for the birds that nested there.  Fiber Dreams' little scarf Aventine shares the name, because its delicate stitch reminds the designer of a flock of birds in flight.  

Aventine

The Lost Labyrinth Cowl appears complex with its twists and turns, its rooms separated by straight pathways, but in fact it is a simple combination of basic decreases paired with well-placed yarn overs—a simple, quick-to-knit cowl with a lot of interest. The points on both top and bottom edges form from the stitch pattern, and can be emphasized with blocking.  It is worked in the round from one end straight through to the other, then bound off. The model was knit with two strands of a soft lace weight yarn. It could easily be worked with one strand—and fewer yards—of a fingering weight yarn.

Lost Labyrinth

Robert Frost’s poem Birches was the inspiration for the Birches sock. The stitch is a cascade of tiny birch leaves, accented with either nupps or beads on the cuff. Sock is knit from the toe up and the pattern is written for three sizes.

Birches

Laura shares the story of her Linea de la Playa socks..."I cast on for this pair of socks when I was in Mexico. Because of its south-of-the-border origin I wanted a Spanish name for the pattern. The movement in the stitch pattern makes me think of the movement of the waves on the beach I could see from my room. Keeping both those things in mind I pulled up the online translator, and played a bit before I hit on something that flowed well: Línea de la Playa, which is Spanish for “line of the beach” or as we would say in English “shoreline.” Perfect."

Linea de la Playa

And a hit song from a popular Broadway musical inspired Laura for her Starshine scarf...“Good morning starshine, the earth says hello.” Hair. The musical was controversial. The music was amazing. My parents got the sound track when it was new back in 1968, and I wore it out. One of my favorite cuts was always “Good Morning Starshine.” Do you know it? If you do, just try to not sing it while you knit these cabled stars that dance in front of a distant galaxy."  The scarf is knit from one end straight through to the other.  Knit it up in only one skein of Anzula Sebastian, the sea cell and merino wool blend will give your scarf an exceptional drape.  

Starshine
Knit in two contrasting colorways of Malabrigo Lace the Dulcavina shawl starts at one end with a provisional cast on. The first motif is knit on this end, a second in the center, returning to the first motif on the other side. The border, a third vine motif, is knit on last.  Pattern can be knit with 3 hanks of Malabrigo Lace if stole is knit in 1 color. If border is knit in a different color than the body, then you’ll need 2 hanks of each color.

Dulcavina

Tethys (pronounced TEE-this), one of Saturn’s 53 moons, was discovered in 1684 by the astronomer Cassini. The moon was named for Tethys in Greek mythology, who was both sister and wife of Oceanus. 
 
Designed with full skirt, long sleeves, and folded hems, the Tethys pullover is worked from the hem up in pieces, then seamed and its knit in Malabrigo's Twist yarn. Ribbing accentuates the high waist. The folded hem lets a little color peek through along the edges. The deep v-neck looks great when worn over a coordinating tank top or camisole—or not, for a little va‑va-va-voom. 

Tethys

The winner will be announced on May 22nd. The patterns will be emailed to the winners as a PDFs.

Enter this Giveaway: The more ways you enter, the more chances you have to win. Make sure to leave a comment(s) under this blog post telling what you did to enter. And please make sure to leave your contact information.
1.
Tell us which Fiber Dreams' pattern is your favorite and why.
2. Blog about this giveaway on your blog & link it, leave a comment under this blogpost with a link back to your blogpost.

3. Join my Ravelry group, Sandrasingh.com and introduce yourself in the "Welcome tell us about yourself..." thread.

4. Announce this giveaway in your Ravelry group, or in a Ravelry group that allows you to announce blog giveaways.

5. Friend me a Facebook: Sandra Singh and write a comment on my Wall about this giveaway.

6. Announce & link this giveaway on your Facebook Wall.

7. "Like" my Facebook Page, Sandrasingh.com

8. Follow me on Twitter: Sandrasinghcom

9. Announce this giveaway with a link on your Twitter page.

10. Follow this blog.

11. Sign up for my Newsletter on my Home Page.

110 comments:

Debbie said...

My fav is the Illusions socks. Really pretty! Debbie gussek on Ravelry

Debbie said...

I'm in your Ravelry group.

Debbie said...

I'm your friend on Facebook and posted on your wall.lliedu ndeva

Debbie said...

I posted on my Facebook wall about your contest.

Debbie said...

I like your Facebook page.

Debbie said...

I follow you on Twitter.

Debbie said...

I tweeted about your contest.

Debbie said...

I follow your blog.

Debbie said...

I get your newsletter.

Suburban prep said...

I like the Dulcavina.
Right now I am loving doing lace and shawl work.

msgb245 at gmail dot com

Suburban prep said...

I have been a member of your Ravelry group for some time.

Anonymous said...

I love the Illusions socks... so pretty!

Wildfiber said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
ritainalaska said...

illusions sox pattern is my favorite ... i enjoy sock knitting and collecting pretty sock patterns. this pattern is perfectly pretty, i would love to win it and the yarn to make them with. thanx for the opportunity to do so :)

ritainalaska said...

i am fb fan of yours!

Fleur said...

Birches! Definitely birches for me! I am an addicted sock knitter and I am feeling I need - just need - to knit another pair of socks soon, since the last pair has been a while!

Ciao, Fleur (Fleurtje-Eliza on RAV)

ritainalaska said...

i shared to my fb page about your giveaway. [i forgot to mention in my previous post that i posted on your fb page]

ritainalaska said...

i "Liked" your Facebook Page, Sandrasingh.com :)

ritainalaska said...

i follow this blog through my blog reader.

ritainalaska said...

i also recieve your newsletter.

Angelika said...

I like the Dulcavina, it's so nice big and good to wrap around the body.

Angelika said...

I like your facebook page!

Angelika said...

I follow you on twitter!

Angelika said...

I announced your giveaway on twitter!

Katie K said...

I love the way the Illusions Socks work with the variegated yarn. BTW, do I have to list all my qualifications to win in the comments section?

Rose said...

I really like the Lost Labyrinth Cowl because it reminds me of a mystery novel and who doesn't love mysteries.

Rose said...

I am a member of your Ravelry group.

Rose said...

I get your newsletter and love it!!

Rose said...

I also follow your blog

Magi said...

I liked your FB page and joined your group = Magifox on Ravelry

Michelle said...

1. Definitely the Rosehaven cowl, I named it :)

Michelle said...

3. I am in your Ravelry group.

Michelle said...

3 We are FB friends.

Michelle said...

6. I shared it on FB.

Michelle said...

7. I "like" you on FB.

Michelle said...

8. I follow you on Twitter.

Michelle said...

9. I tweeted it.

Michelle said...

10. I follow your blog.

Michelle said...

11. I get your newsletter.

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I follow your blog.

Linda said...

Aventine is such a pretty pattern,...love it !


Roxyrana on Ravelry

Andrea Brightside said...

Illusions is my favourite, such a cool sock!

I am in your rav group (introduced myself a long time ago ;) ) and follow you on Twitter as well :) (twitter: andrea_flores; rav: andreabrightside)

mamayaga said...

Totally STARSHINE. Love the pattern and the colour.

mamayaga said...

Posted on Rav in September 22 birthday group

Rachelle said...

I love Dulcavina best, very pretty and love the fact that it uses a different colour on the border.

Unknown said...

Hi from Helene in South Africa! I love the Labyrinth Cowl.I receive your news letters ravelry etc.PLEASE let it be the first contest that I will qualify for as I nlive sooo far away!!!!!!!!!!!

Susie B said...

My fav is the Aventina but I also like the south of the border socks.

I receive your newletter.

Susie B said...

I follow you on Facebook.

Susie B said...

I linked your blog on my Facebook page.

I'dratherbeknitting said...

I really like the Lost Labyrinth cowl. What a lovely gift it would make. It isn't too early to start knitting for the holidays!

Unknown said...

The Illusion Socks are what really catches my attention. Has been awhile since a sock pattern did..but these might be just what I need to get me going again!

Now off to check if I am in your groups! I can't imagine why I wouldn't be. And Facebook knitters need to know about you as well as my friends on Twitter.

Terry said...

Beautiful, love the Dulcavina. I'm enjoying knitting shawls and lacework these days.

Anonymous said...

I love those Birches socks! Sooo pretty! fawnsisk at gmail dot com

Katie K said...

I belong to your ravelry group.

Katie K said...

I follow your blog.

Katie K said...

I subscribe to your newsletter.

Amy said...

All of the Fiber Dreams patterns are gorgeous, but my favorite is the Dulcavina shawl, because the contrasting border is so interesting and unusual.

(I followed you on Twitter.)

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I receive your newsletters.

Anonymous said...

The patterns are beautiful and the yarn is perfect. Love them!

Anonymous said...

I have visited Rome a number of times so I love Aventina. This could well be my next lace project. I get your newsletter.Eileen

Diane E said...

I like Illusions because i like top down socks.

Diane E said...

I receive your newsletter

Anonymous said...

HI Sandra!

I absolutely adore that cowl! What a wonderful pattern!

Anonymous said...

I follow your blog and have for some time...

DLH said...

I love the Illusions sock pattern! Wonderful combination of pattern and yarn :-) Darin Hayden

phlame said...

I guess I join the club with the Illusions sock pattern! Just love to knit socks.

Martine said...

I just love the Aventine scarf. So delicate. I'm Martine101 on Ravelry.

Martine101 on Ravelry said...

I receive your newsletter.

Karen9877 said...

I''m thinking Aventina--looks more like a small shawl (?)

Karen

sparky136 said...

I like starshine, I think it is a pretty scarf and would like to knit it.

Debbie said...

I love tethys!

Debbie said...

I like your FB page!

Debbie said...

I receive your newsletter!

Tish said...

Wow! Those patterns are wonderful!
I follow your blog and on FB AND I am a member of your Ravelry group. ^_^

I think the Lost Lybrinth keeps catching my eye... so I suspect it ranks at the top right now.... but oh, oh, oh.... ^_^

NewJerseyLaura said...

love your newsletter...and the lost labyrinth

cguard(on rav) said...

I already subscribe to the newsletter. I love illusions because its gorgeous and looks like even a sock newbie like me could knit it and have fun in the process.

witchy said...

I lke starshine the pattern and the fab name,I follow your blog and FB page
witchycat on Ravelry x

terip said...

i love the tethys sweater, casual and dressy, i could wear this every day

terip said...

i love the tethys sweater, casual and dressy, i could wear this every day

terip said...

i am a member of the ravelry group!

terip said...

i also follow your blog!

G. K. Green said...

Thanks for a great giveaway! I am G. K. Green or g_k_green@hotmail.com or gkgreen on Ravelry; that's my contact information. This is my comment telling you what I've done to enter:

1. Aventina is the Fiber Dreams' pattern that is my favorite, because it showcases both the yarn and the stitch pattern beautifully; most designs highlight one at the expense of the other, but this pattern gets the balance just right!

3. I am a member of your Ravelry group, Sandrasingh.com and have already introduced myself in the "Welcome tell us about yourself..." thread.

7. I "Like"d your Facebook Page, Sandrasingh.com

10. I follow this blog.

11. I am signed up for your Newsletter.

I think that makes five (5) entries in all for me for the contest. Thanks again!

Amelia said...

1. Lost Labyrinth is my favourite. The finishing edge is a delicate way to frame the face. :)

amchart said...

The Linea de la Playa socks pattern looks intricate and challenging - right up my alley. Rav amchart

Kenyetta said...

I like the Linea de la Playa and Illusion sock patterns

Kenyetta on Ravelry

Kenyetta said...

I'm a member of your ravelry group

Kenyetta said...

I follow your blog

Anonymous said...

I just love the illusions socks!
rosebob on ravelry

bev said...

I love the Dulcavina Shawl! I just love lace shawls but this one is so delicate & I love the color!!

bev said...

I posted on Ravelry group about your giveaway.

http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/texas-knitters--hookers/topics/2150858

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I am a member of your Ravelry group.

shortandnervous said...

I love Tethys because it looks like a sweater that would flattering on everyone!

shortandnervous said...

I liked your Facebook page.

shortandnervous said...

I follow your blog, signed up for your newsletter and now follow you on Twitter!

Sheila said...

I love the Linea de la Playa socks!

Sheila said...

Just joined your Ravelry group and introduced myself there.

Sheila said...

Followed you on twitter.

Sheila said...

I follow your blog.

Sheila said...

I subscribed to your newsletter, although the link to your home page in the "ways to enter" list doesn't work.

Laurel Smith said...

I can't make up my mind! I have never used any of them to have already formed an opinion. Want to try them all~

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I like the pattern "clematis" because I love to knit shawls and love the Clematis flower vines.

Anonymous said...

I love the Dulcavina scarf - I love lacy patterns and that one is a dream!

Anonymous said...

I'm already a member of your Ravelry group

Anonymous said...

I like your Facebook page

Anonymous said...

I follow you on twitter

Anonymous said...

I follow your blog (GFC)

Kristen said...

I think my favorite is Starshine. It's simple and yet interesting to look at. I could see this as my
"goes anywhere with anything" scarf.

beth said...

I love them all,but I think my favorite is the lost labyrinth cowl.

beth said...

I joined your ravelry group.

Chelsea W said...

I really like the illusions socks, because they look so beautiful!