tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79899335615041716542024-03-14T11:05:53.505-07:00Lara Smoot DesignsSpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-12901346428732494952016-04-15T09:05:00.003-07:002016-04-15T09:48:50.870-07:00The Great Game<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; margin-bottom: 1em !important; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
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Introducing the first pattern in the second Game of Thrones Collection! <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-great-game">The Great Game</a> was designed to work with Miss Babs 7 Color Gradient Set in Caroline or Yummy 2-Ply, and is shown in the Edge of Reality colorway. Be sure to check out the three amazing <a href="http://www.missbabs.com/collections/the-great-game">Great Game Sets</a><span id="goog_1069638455"></span><span id="goog_1069638456"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a> that <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/missbabs">Miss Babs</a> has dyed up in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/miss-babs-caroline">Caroline</a>, her new super luxurious fingering weight cashmere blend. <br />
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Edge of Reality, which is even more amazing in person and what I used to design The Great Game. The beautiful teal transitions to a teal/gray and then to charcoal. It's one of those colors that looks great on everyone!</div>
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<img alt="Edge of Reality - Caroline Gradient Set" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0218/5470/products/edgeofreality-carolinegradient_large.jpeg?v=1460670287" height="400" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.2px;">This one is Edge of Temptation. I think I'm going to pick up a set of this and knit another Great Game. Those reds are really calling to me!</span></div>
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<img alt="Edge of Temptation - Caroline Gradient Set" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0218/5470/products/edgeoftemptation-carolinegradient_large.jpeg?v=1460670288" height="400" style="font-size: 13.2px;" width="400" /></div>
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And Phoenix Rising. Beautiful creams, gray and black. This would go with anything and be a stunning Great Game shawl!</div>
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I designed The Great Game to be a simple to knit shawl that could be worn throughout the year. It has side to side construction with a delicate lace edging that is worked along with the body of the shawl. It's one of those knit's that becomes intuitive early on in the pattern and provides a relaxing without being boring knit. Aside from the lace edging, you won't have to worry about stitch counts which make it a perfect project to bring to knit group. Ive provided i<span style="font-size: 13.2px;">nstructions for the lace in both written and charted format for your knitting pleasure. I hope that you guys enjoy knitting it as much as I did!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.2px;">~Lara</span><br />
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SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-14958470367276121902016-03-11T12:46:00.000-08:002016-03-11T12:46:01.319-08:00What a difference a yarn can make!I'm constantly being amazed by you guys! It makes me so happy to see what you are doing with my designs and what you are coming up with. Last week I was scrolling through my feed on Ravelry and spotted <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/BlissKnitter">BlissKnitters </a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/windbranch">Windbranch</a> that she knitted up in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/noro-silk-garden-lite">Noro Silk Garden Light</a>. Check out her <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/BlissKnitter/windbranch">project page</a> for more details. I hadn't really thought about using a self striping yarn on this hat, and I'm so impressed with how it turned out! It just goes to show how changing yarn can give a whole new look to a design. <br />
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One of the many things that I love about yarn is how similar to painting or coloring it can be. The hand painted variegated skeins are my absolute favorite because they tend to knit up like a soft abstract painting. Each skein is a little work of art and always have a bit of a surprise when I knit with them. <br />
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SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-10141599744799076292016-02-24T09:41:00.001-08:002016-02-24T10:24:18.031-08:002015 was a little bit of the year of suck, and when 2016 finally came around, I was ecstatic for a new beginning. Last year Andy wound up changing jobs twice within a very short period of time. One is stressful enough (the first one wasn't by choice, the company he worked for was sold), but compounding that with a second change to a brand new company, which has turned out to be a change for the better overall, added a little bit of a strain to our daily lives for the first few months he was there. In the midst of the job changes we found out that Andy's dad has cancer and then a short time later that his mom also has cancer. They have both had surgery and seem to be doing as well as can be expected. His dad is just finishing up his radiation and we are hoping for the best. <br />
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I had talked to my grandmother at Christmas and knew she wasn't doing well. I tried to prepare myself for what was inevitable, but her death still came as a great shock and I am still recovering from it. She was such an influential part of my life that it's strange to think of her not being here anymore. I feel really lucky that I knew her for so long and know that most people don't have their grandparents when they reach midlife. </div>
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The day after my grandma passed away, Jasper our rescue pug, was scheduled for surgery to remove his anal glands. I considered rescheduling the surgery because of the timing, but his glands had been leaking multiple times a day and really needed to be taken care of. We had tried every other option that our vet offered before choosing to have them removed. The surgery seemed to go well, but then there were complications. Jasper wound up being allergic to the antibiotic the vet gave him which caused projectile dirarreah that was like something from a nightmare. His stitches blew out on both sides, the diarrhea lasted for two weeks, then suddenly he couldn't go to the bathroom properly. We rushed him to the on call vet who did an exam and x-rays. She sent us home with advice to give him probiotics and an anti inflammatory medication. He condition got worse and I brought him back to see the vet who did the surgery. She found a stricture from the surgery which is a scarring that gets progressively tighter over time. She said she wasn't going to do surgery on it again because it wouldn't help and to just bring him in once a month and have it stretched and to feed him Metamucil and stool softeners for the next six months. Yes, six freaking months of watching our poor dog try to go to the bathroom with extreme pain. I decided to take matters into my own hands and started researching rectal strictures, which can be corrected with a procedure called Balloon Dilation. On the recommendation of our pet sitter who is a vet tech I called another vet in the area who thankfully talked to me on the phone and asked to see Jasper. While he was in the process of trying to locate a larger dilator than what was available here, Jaspers butt completely closed up. We wound up going in for emergency surgery last Friday with the possibility of taking Jasper to VA Tech for additional surgery on Monday. Thankfully the vet was able to remove the strictures and stretch things out a bit which means Jasper is comfortable and so far doesn't have to go to Tech. Our new vet is very hopeful that this will be a long term fix. </div>
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There is a lot more to the Jasper story and what has been going on in my personal life, but it's really too much to write about publicly. I wanted to share with you why I haven't been posting as often and haven't been on social media as often as I usually am. Of course I'm still designing and have a new hat pattern that was released last week: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/windbranch">Windbranch</a>. If you have a chance, please check it out. It's an easy knit and works up quickly and the pattern is only $2.99! I have a few releases planned for early spring - just in time for fiber festival season!</div>
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I am taking a temporary break from making bags for Michelle's aka <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BerryColorfulYarning">Berry Colorful Yarnings</a>, clubs, but she does have a couple of bag makers who are filling in. Michelle has been really supportive with everything that has been going on, and I really appreciate it :)</div>
SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-37135485232915134622016-01-05T07:42:00.000-08:002016-01-06T08:10:14.603-08:00Grandma Olga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been expecting the call that came last night for a while. My Grandma Olga has been ailing for a very long time and my uncle called to let me know that she had passed away peacefully Sunday night. She was a remarkable woman and I am at a loss knowing that she is gone. She was not most people would consider to be a typical grandma. She was one of those people that enter a room and everyone else in there comes to attention because of her amazing presence and magnetism. After she retired from her Directorship at the American Cancer Society, she volunteered for several other organizations and the local hospital until she was in her mid 90's. Until the past few months, she was always sharp as a tack and would ask me about Andy and the dogs, and how my knitting pattern business was doing, and most importantly: "how are you wearing your hair?" Grandma was always up on the latest fashions and trends. We would go shopping together and even when I was in my 30's and we would come out of the stores with matching outfits. I spent a huge amount of time with her when I was growing up and she is the person who taught me to knit, how to dress, and always had advice for me when I needed it most. I'm going to miss her for the rest of my life, but I'm glad that she is finally at peace.<br />
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My uncle read this post yesterday and sent me a picture of Gram with his bike on it's maiden voyage to Maine. In the back right of the picture is her flower garden. </div>
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<br />SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-52940116780138773122015-12-18T12:29:00.000-08:002015-12-18T12:29:01.924-08:00Stash Bash with Unplanned Peacock! <br />
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Natasha from U<a href="http://www.unplannedpeacock.com/">nplanned Peacock</a> has a wonderful sense of color and dyes up some pretty amazing yarns. When she asked if I would be interested in having her create a color palette and kit for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-bash">Stash Bash</a>, I was ecstatic!! Natasha has come up with a vibrant rainbow of eight colors with your choice of a coordinating white or black background all in her Peacock Sock. If you already have Stash Bash in your library, no worries as there is a kit only option. I can't even begin to describe how excited I am about this kit! The colors really speak to me and I can't wait to see all of your Stash Bash shawls knit up! Be sure to tag me on Instagram with your pictures @spinninglara and use the hashtag #UPPStashBash so I can see your shawl!<br />
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Here is a link to the kits: <a href="http://www.unplannedpeacock.com/products/spectrum-stash-bash-kit">Unplanned Peacock Stash Bash Spectrum Kits </a><br />
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<br />SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-11456494104715276002015-12-10T07:16:00.000-08:002015-12-10T07:19:24.183-08:00Journey to Atlantis and the Miss Babs Knitting Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the things I enjoy most about designing, is being able to create a story to go along with the design. When <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/missbabs">Miss Babs</a> asked me to design a shawl with an Atlantis theme, it really got me excited and even more so when I found out that it would be in her <a href="http://www.missbabs.com/collections/hand-dyed-yarns/Yowza">Yowza </a>yarn which light worsted and has a generous 560 yards. I had so much fun creating the shawl design and doing the graphics for the pattern. It's now available on<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/journey-to-atlantis"> Ravelry</a> and if you use coupon code: <b>Trident, between now and December 24th you will get $1 off. </b><br />
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If you missed out on the Knitting Tour in 2015, sign ups for the 2016 Tour begin today: <a href="http://www.missbabs.com/collections/knitting-tour">Miss Babs Knitting Tour</a> Not only will you receive 4 fun filled packages, but there are KAL's in the Tour Group on Ravelry with lot's of chatter and some fun prizes too. Here is a little more info directly from the site: </div>
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2016 Knitting Tour</h3>
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Join other intrepid armchair travelers as our virtual knitting tour visits four exotic and interesting destinations. Our shipments will send you around the world with four themed packages, each containing a new and exclusive colorway on one of our favorite base yarns, a coordinating pattern, souvenirs and treats, and our travel guide that brings each destination to life.</div>
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Of course, the travel is all <em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">imaginary</em>. But you’ll be able to picture yourself in each destination with the four great accessories we’ll be knitting and wearing together. Our four wonderful designers for 2016 <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">will be </span><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/tanis-gray" href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/tanis-gray" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #73539f; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Tanis Gray</a><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">, </span><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/laura-aylor" href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/laura-aylor" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #73539f; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Laura Aylor</a><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">, </span><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/jumpercables" href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/jumpercables" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #73539f; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">JumperCables</a><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">, and </span><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/lucy-hague" href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/lucy-hague" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #73539f; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Lucy Hague</a><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">.</span> We think you’ll love their creative and interesting projects.</div>
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The projects will include 3 shawls and 1 cowl & mitts set. </span> In general, if you’re a newer knitter, these projects will help build skills and gently stretch your knitting muscles. For experienced knitters, these will be relaxing and fun. We also have a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/miss-babs-knitting-tour" href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/miss-babs-knitting-tour" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #73539f; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_self">Ravelry group</a> for all your travel anticipation, excitement, knit-alongs, questions, knitting support, and prizes.<br />
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<img alt="Miss Babs" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0218/5470/t/5/assets/bg-logo-missbas.png?7956814322365938149" /></div>
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SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-29690997089124928992015-12-02T10:44:00.000-08:002015-12-02T10:44:05.759-08:00Holiday Pattern fun with Signature Needle Arts and Miss Babs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’ve teamed up with <a href="http://www.signatureneedlearts.com/" style="color: #666666;">Signature Needle Arts</a> for their annual holiday free with purchase pattern!</div>
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Introducing <strong>Signature Chevron</strong>, an easy to knit and perfect to gift, infinity scarf. It works up perfectly in<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/missbabs" style="color: #666666;">Miss Babs</a> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/miss-babs-yummy-2-ply" style="color: #666666;">Yummy 2-ply</a> shown in the Canis Major colorway. The Signature Chevron pattern is free from <a href="http://www.signatureneedlearts.com/" style="color: #666666;">Signature Needle Arts</a> with any purchase. Signature offers free shipping with a $50 purchase so it’s a win/win! If you haven't had a chance to try Signature Needles yet, this is a great opportunity. I have a full set of their interchangeable needles and they are really the Cadillac of knitting needles. Smooth, precise, and flexible cords make them a joy to knit with. I also love their double pointed needles and use them for the majority of my sock knitting. </div>
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SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-54165413686095664852015-11-12T07:31:00.000-08:002015-11-12T07:32:04.275-08:002015 Indie Gift A Long<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’m so exciting to be participating as a designer in this year’s <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/indie-design-gift-a-long" style="color: #666666;">Indie GAL!</a> What is the Indie GAL? Here is a quote from the front page:</div>
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<em>The Indie Design Gift-A-Long is a 6 week long KAL/CAL of holiday gifts made from patterns designed by a rather extensive list of independent designers. From Thursday, November 19th at 8:00 pm US EST - Friday, November 27, 2015 at 11:59 pm US EST tons of indie designers will be discounting between 5 - 20 of their patterns 25% for this event.</em><em>Use coupon code: giftalong2015</em><em>.</em></div>
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There are KAL’s and CAL’s in the Indie GAL group that include lot’s of great prizes. I hope that you have a chance to check it out and participate. There are over 300 designers that are in the GAL this year so there are lot’s of fab patterns to choose from.</div>
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If you would like to knit one of my patterns for the GAL, here is a list of the one’s that are included in the 25% off sale using coupon code giftalong2015 beginning on November 19 and running through November 27. If you would prefer to see them all at one time, click on this link to go to the bundle on Ravelry: G<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/bundles/gift-a-long-2015-417/edit_cover">AL Patterns</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shark-bite" style="color: #666666;">Shark Bite</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-bash" style="color: #666666;">Stash Bash</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/intersect" style="color: #666666;">Intersect</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sundance-2" style="color: #666666;">Sundance</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sugardance" style="color: #666666;">Sugardance</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mother-of-dragons-3" style="color: #666666;">Mother of Dragons</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spark-2" style="color: #666666;">Spark</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/eclipse-5" style="color: #666666;">Eclipse</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/frost-bite" style="color: #666666;">Frost Bite</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/catching-katniss" style="color: #666666;">Catching Katniss</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heat-lightning" style="color: #666666;">Heat Lightning</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-outer-limits" style="color: #666666;">The Outer Limits</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/babalicious" style="color: #666666;">Babalicious</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lakes-cowl-collection" style="color: #666666;">The Lakes Cowl Collection</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lartha" style="color: #666666;">Lartha</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/iridill" style="color: #666666;">Iridill</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/untangling" style="color: #666666;">Untangling</a></div>
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Also included is my latest release <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/illumination" style="color: #666666;">Illumination</a></div>
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SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-62809320480795803862015-10-02T09:51:00.000-07:002015-10-02T09:51:04.940-07:00Knitscene<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a dream of mine to have one of my designs published in a magazine and I am elated that it's become a reality. In January I submitted my Hotpoint sock design to Knitscene and it was accepted for the Winter 2015 issue. It's just hit the newsstand and if you haven't already gotten your copy, be sure to check it out. <div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">There are so many pretty designs in this issue. Two of my favorites are the Trapunto Vest by Katya Frankel and the Chamei Pullover by Bristol Ivy. I think I have some yarn in my stash that would be perfect for the vest and the sweater is just screaming for me to do a little retail therapy so I can knit that as well. </span></div>
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by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/katya-frankel" style="color: #666666;">Katya Frankel</a></div>
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Chamei Pullover</h2>
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SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-8095531111559225222015-09-16T10:52:00.000-07:002015-09-16T11:35:05.933-07:00Heat Lighting and SocktoberI'd like to introduce my latest sock design, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heat-lightning">Heat Lighting</a> in <a href="http://www.unplannedpeacock.com/">Unplanned Peacock's</a> <a href="http://www.unplannedpeacock.com/products/cozy-sock">Cozy Sock</a>. This is a super fun and easy to knit sock that is worked from the cuff down and incorporates a modified short row heel. The lace pattern is simple enough to knit while watching tv or going to a game. Unplanned Peacock's Cozy sock was a delight to work with. It's a blend of 20% super soft alpaca, 60% merino and 20% nylon. It had a luxurious hand and literally just glided over my needles.<br />
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In celebration of the release of Heat Lighting and Socktober, ALL of my sock patterns in my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/lara-smoot">Ravelry Pattern Shop</a> are 50% until October 1. Use coupon code: Socktober when you check out.<br />
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<br />SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-51920322767720807982015-08-26T07:34:00.000-07:002015-08-26T07:34:15.418-07:00Meet JasperI mentioned to Andy a few months ago that I was starting to browse <a href="https://www.petfinder.com/">PetFinder</a> to see if there were any Pugs available for adoption that would be a good match for Iggy (and for us too, of course). We had been talking about getting a second Pug once Iggy had turned 2, but something kept nagging me that we should start looking sooner. Perhaps it was the constant grabbing of my flip flop while still on my foot as I talked on the phone, or the wild cat like sounds that Iggy omitted the moment he didn't have our full attention. Or maybe it was divine intervention, it's really hard to say but one day about a month ago I saw a 2 year old male pug named Jasper that looked like a good match. He was young, healthy and had been an owner surrender to a kill shelter of all places. Luckily the <a href="http://southsidespca.org/">Southside SPCA</a>, a local rescue group, had picked him up and he was in foster care. The information on their site said that Jasper would be at PetSmart in Richmond that weekend and could be adopted there. Richmond is a little over 2 hours from where we live and I was still in the process of deciding if we really should get a second dog and what the effects of another dog in the house would be for us and for Iggy. So I waited. The next week Jasper was still on Petfinder and I knew that it was meant to be. I filled out an adoption application online and heard back from Lea Anna within a few hours. She said that we had been bumped up to the top of the list for Jasper after she spoke with vet and because we were familiar with taking care of Pugs because they have special needs due to their limited breathing abilities and not being able to tolerate too much heat or cold. I think Lea Anna and I talked for about an hour and she mentioned several times that Jasper wasn't a calm quiet Pug and that he was kind of hyper. In the back of my mind I was thinking, oh boy what are we getting into? Even though Iggy has passed every obedience class known as well as obtaining his AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, he still tends to be known as the "Pugnato" in our house. There are times when he is literally running circles in our living room and running across the back of the sofa as some sort of doggy proof of his gymnastic ability. <div>
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Lea Anna and I set a time to meet early in the morning at PetSmart in Richmond so that we could all meet Jasper and see how he and Iggy got along. I don't think I slept more than a couple of hours the night before. I was so excited to meet Jasper! Iggy had never been in the car for more than an hour and by the time we arrived he was acting like child that had been cooped up on the car on a family road trip. We walked up to the front of the store and met Lea Anna and Brenda who was Jaspers foster mom. Brenda spent about an hour with us patiently answering all our questions and giving us suggestions on training and health care. She was a huge wealth of information and had obviously done a wonderful job fostering Jasper. Jasper and Iggy seemed to hit it off really well and we fell in love with him instantly! Jasper sat in Andy's lap while I signed all the forms to make the adoption official. I think I must have asked a million questions and probably some of them twice, everyone at the Southside SPCA was so nice and very helpful. </div>
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After everything was signed and official, Lea Anna took this picture of us. Notice the crazed look on Iggy's face and how calm Jasper looks ;)</div>
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In my mind I pictured both boys riding on the back seat on the way home. We purchased a few toys for them and I thought they would be satisfied with that. Two and a half hours later with a drive through stop at Wendy's and we rode the whole way home just like this: </div>
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Jasper has been the epitome of the perfect Pug since day one. He is kind and sweet to us and to Iggy. We couldn't have asked for a better dog (and yes, that is a cute little snaggle tooth in the picture below). As far as being hyper, I think Iggy has cornered the market on that!</div>
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The <a href="http://southsidespca.org/">Southside SPCA</a> runs on donations to help care for the animals in their charge. It is a volunteer organization and they have a spay and neuter program as well as offering educational services. If you would like to make a donation to help the Soutside SPCA care for the animals in their charge please click this link: <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://southsidespca.org/get-involved/donate-online/">Donate</a> For every donation of $25 that you make between August 26 and September 30, you can have your choice of any one of my knitting patterns that are located in my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/lara-smoot">Ravelry Pattern Shop</a> (club patterns and patterns that are currently released under yarn company brands/names are excluded). Just send me an email with your receipt number and your choice of pattern and I will add it to your Ravelry pattern library.</span></div>
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SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-38823050674540144862015-07-27T07:06:00.000-07:002015-07-27T07:06:01.196-07:00A long, boring, personal postSorry I have been absent for the last few weeks. I've wanted to write a post and there has been so much going on in my personal life, that I just didn't know what to say and I felt like I had a bit of writers block. Just before we left for our beach vacation, the company that Andy had been working at for the past ten years was abruptly sold. We were very grateful that Andy would keep his job, but things were still in a state of flux. After much thought and discussion, he decided to accept an offer from a new company that is coming to our area. We are both really excited about his new position and I'm very relieved that some of the stress that has been in our lives will hopefully be lessened. <br />
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Around the same time of the job upheaval, we found out that a family member has skin cancer. Since this person didn't want other family members to know, I'm not going to say who they are. It's been a battle to get them to agree to see the doctor, and then to let the doctor do a full examination. Fortunately, the first biopsy revealed that the area is not melanoma and is a more successfully treatable form of sarcoma. Please, get your skin checked every year by a dermatologist. Your skin is the largest organ on your body and if anything is found early, it is much more treatable.<br />
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I haven't been doing as much designing as I normally do this summer. I have knitted several pairs of stockinette socks, which are one of my favorite things to knit. These are from a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/galesart">Gales Art</a> stenciled sock black that I picked up at MDSW this year. The color is "The Big O". I love how they turned out and they colors are nice and cheerful.<br />
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My current stockinette sock project is with yarn from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/NeeleysKnits?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Neely's Knits.</a> The colorway is "Thing 1 and Thing 2". I had to make a bag just for these socks! I love the Cat in the Hat and the Things.<br />
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I also cast on for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/solitude-jacket">Solitude Jacke</a>t that is in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/knitscene-fall-2015">Knitscene Fall 2015</a> issue. I'm using Malabrigo Worsted in the Apple Green colorway. It's quite a bit brighter than the picture is showing and looks just like a Granny Smith apple. I haven't knitted a sweater in over a year, and I'm really enjoying the process. <br />
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What do you have on your needles this summer?<br />
<br />SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-60635262159399969192015-07-02T12:59:00.001-07:002015-07-02T12:59:27.536-07:00Shark Bite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Use coupon code: Amity for $2.00 off until July 5th. Don’t get caught with your socks in the water and have a Happy 4th of July!</b></div>
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Introducing <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shark-bite">Shark Bite</a>! I cannot describe how much fun these socks were to design and knit! JAWS is one of my all time favorite movies. Just hearing the first note from the theme makes the hair raise up on the back of my neck. I've been fascinated with sharks, particularly Great Whites, since I was kid. When Shark Week starts, you are most likely to find me glued to the tv with my knitting. </div>
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The Shark Bite socks were inspired by one of my all time favorite movies, JAWS. It’s a tradition for my husband and I to have a JAWS movie marathon over the 4th of July weekend every year. We hunker down in our den and watch the movies from beginning to end. 2015 is the 40th Anniversary of the original JAWS movie and I thought it was an appropriate time to design a pattern in homage to the movie.</div>
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Shark Bite is written from the cuff down. The cuff and leg portion of the socks are worked in the flat, and the joined at the ankle. The heel, foot and toe are worked in the round.</div>
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If you aren’t familiar with knitting colorwork, links to tutorials are provided in the pattern. While the colorwork details might look difficult to knit, they are really only over a small portion of the sock and some of them, like the swimmer and sharks teeth can be done in duplicate stitch once you are finished knitting.</div>
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The sample was was worked using KnitPicks Stroll unless otherwise noted. This is a perfect project to use mini skeins and left over yarn for the smaller details.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">Color A: White 15 yards </span><br style="font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1em;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">Color B: Blue Yonder 150 yards </span><br style="font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1em;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">Color C: Black 50 yards </span><br style="font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1em;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">Color D: Unplanned Peacock Peacock Sock, in Sun 5 yards </span><br style="font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1em;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">Color E: Cork 10 yards, </span><br style="font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1em;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">Color F: Thunderhead 345 yards</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-style: italic;">A
very special thank you goes to <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/MargiBorck">Margi, </a>whose help with test knitting and finding
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SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-91673365164783904612015-06-26T08:48:00.001-07:002015-06-26T08:48:33.220-07:00da da, da da, Da Da, DA DA DA DA DA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-88598681347464297102015-06-19T08:04:00.002-07:002015-06-19T08:04:49.835-07:00Miss Babs Knitting Tour <br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">SPOILER ALERT!!! IF YOU ARE IN THE MISS BABS KNITTING TOUR AND HAVEN'T RECEIVED YOUR JUNE PACKAGE YET AND WANT TO BE SURPRISED WHEN YOU RECEIVE IT, DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER!</span></b></div>
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I was so honored when <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/missbabs">Miss Babs</a> asked me to design a shawl pattern for the Miss Babs Knitting Tour last fall. Babs gave me some ideas of what she wanted and a jumping off point including the them of the pattern which is Atlantis. I'm a huge fan of mythology and really enjoy reading about it and like to be able to create a design that is related to something that I have either read about or have seen in a movie. The fact that the destination for this stop on the Tour was Atlantis, was a huge bonus for me as it was right up my alley!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/kibbin">Helen</a> who is one of the fabulous ladies who works for Miss Babs was a huge help with coordinating everything from contact with <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/SarahBess">Sarah</a> who is the test knitter for the Tour, to creating the written directions with<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/Carmen925"> Carmen </a>who also works for Miss Babs. I have to say that this has been one of the most fun projects and working with the wonderful ladies at Miss Babs has been more than a pleasure. <br />
Miss Babs sent me one of the kit's that went out to the Tour Travelers and I was so impressed! It came with a skein of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/miss-babs-yowza---whatta-skein">Yowza</a> in the Atlantis colorway, a beautiful glass stitch marker, a booklet that includes the pattern along with a couple of recipes and information about Atlantis, and a little packet of Swedish Fish. They even included one of the Tour bags, which I think Helen must have had a hand in since she knows that I am a knitting bag lover!<br />
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<a href="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/SpinningLara/308511860/Atlantis_5_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/SpinningLara/308511860/Atlantis_5_medium2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you didn't sign up for the Tour this year,<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/miss-babs-knitting-tour"> be sure to join the group on Ravelry</a> so you will know when sign ups for 2016 begin. There is a lot of value in the kit and the group is a lot of fun!<br />
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<a href="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/SpinningLara/308511900/Atlantis_4_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/SpinningLara/308511900/Atlantis_4_medium2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/journey-to-atlantis">Atlantis</a> pattern will be available for individual purchase in December. It uses one full skein of Yowza and works up really well in the variegated colors that Miss Babs is known for. The Atlantis colorway is a Babette which means that each skein is unique and this is something that I absolutely love! It's so nice to be able to knit up a pattern like Atlantis, and have what you make be totally unique. Not just because you made it, but because the yarn you used was created one skein at a time and is a work of art.<br />
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<a href="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/SpinningLara/308511835/Atlantis_3_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/SpinningLara/308511835/Atlantis_3_medium2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-55299370764292509592015-06-12T06:00:00.000-07:002015-06-12T10:23:59.567-07:00Untangling - a Knitting Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQhp_36p3hURiIowv9-9htDTeYDIAuhW2QR1cP6O2yrB1spjlJjWyzBUc7XBDNxbqQJ3cT_tWPPo2IwtnfUkfBi-90rCnDSMVXyx3UchP62EWETougFq2bpF1QAls4w8Il2w4MsQ-V-mj/s1600/IU+group+4+with+scarves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQhp_36p3hURiIowv9-9htDTeYDIAuhW2QR1cP6O2yrB1spjlJjWyzBUc7XBDNxbqQJ3cT_tWPPo2IwtnfUkfBi-90rCnDSMVXyx3UchP62EWETougFq2bpF1QAls4w8Il2w4MsQ-V-mj/s400/IU+group+4+with+scarves.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt;">Untangling
</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt;">is
</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt;">a
kit </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt;">collaboration between myself,
Michelle of </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://indieuntangled.us3.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=65d198cfaa7800dff9a30777a&id=11f13c506f&e=7a5fb6870e">Berry
Colorful </a></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://indieuntangled.us3.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=65d198cfaa7800dff9a30777a&id=11f13c506f&e=7a5fb6870e">Yarnings</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt;">, Vicki
of </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://indieuntangled.us3.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=65d198cfaa7800dff9a30777a&id=8fdb814255&e=7a5fb6870e">That
Clever Clementine</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt;">and
Lisa of </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://indieuntangled.com/">Indie
Untangled</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">. </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt;">I
absolutely love kit’s and I think you will really enjoy this one. It has three fabulous elements: a </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt;">skein
of Michelle’s incredible self-striping sock yarn in one of three available
colorways, </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt;">an infinity scarf pattern that was
designed specifically for Michelle’s awesome self striping yarn and </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt;">a
loop-handled Lulu bag handcrafted by Vicki. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt;">The
Untangling infinity scarf is worked in a manner so that there are only the cast
on and bind off ends to weave in while still having a fantastic striping
effect.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 18pt;">How awesome is
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">A
limited number of dyed- and sewn-to-order kits will go on sale at </span><span style="font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://indieuntangled.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=65d198cfaa7800dff9a30777a&id=d47246f8ad&e=7a5fb6870e">Indie
Untangled</a></span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> on June 15. </span></div>
</span>SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-36229323601944354542015-06-04T12:34:00.000-07:002015-06-04T12:34:56.127-07:00A New Sock Pattern and Spoiler Alert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/SpinningLara/306382325/Lartha_naked_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/SpinningLara/306382325/Lartha_naked_medium2.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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One of the things I love about working with variegated yarns is finding a stitch pattern that really shows off the colors in the yarn. It can be a bit of a challenge sometimes, but it's something that I greatly enjoy. Miss Babs is continually coming up with amazing hand painted colorways that catch my eye. One of them was a one of a kind Babette in Yummy 2 Ply that I knew would be perfect for a pair of cabled socks. I wanted something with a bit more interest then a plain cable and added a bit of lace to it. It's one of those stitch patterns that is easy to knit and easy to remember. I normally don't work on cables or lace while riding in the car because I tend to get motion sick if I have to read anything, but because these were so easy to knit these socks were the exception. I'm really excited to bring you<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lartha"> Lartha</a> and here is a little bit of background on the pattern and the name:<br />
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<span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px;">Several years ago Martha Stewart tweeted about how often her horses needed new shoes and I jokingly tweeted back to her that I didn’t see that as a problem because who doesn’t love new shoes, right? Well, she replied to my tweet and since then I joke that she and I are besties and our celebrity couple name is Lartha.</span></div>
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Maybe someday I will get to meet Martha in person and can give her a pair of Lartha Socks that I knitted just for her.</div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lartha">Lartha</a> is a cuff down sock with an easy to knit lace and cable repeat that is given in both written and charted instructions. A modified modified short row heel adds a bit of interest while being simple to knit. These socks look great in both variegated and solid yarns.</div>
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The sample in the photos was knitted using <a href="http://www.missbabs.com/collections/hand-dyed-yarns/Yummy-2-Ply" style="color: #666666;">Miss Babs Yummy 2</a> Ply in a one of a kind Babette. If you would like to use a similar colorway<a href="http://www.missbabs.com/products/2ply-perfectlywreckless" style="color: #666666;">Perfectly Wreckless</a> or <a href="http://www.missbabs.com/products/2ply-soulfood" style="color: #666666;">Soul Food</a> would be great choices. Seriously though, any of the colorways that Miss Babs dyes would be fantastic with this pattern!</div>
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<strong style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px;">Lartha is introductory priced on Ravelry at $4.50 until June 15</strong></div>
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<a href="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/SpinningLara/306381785/Lartha_1_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/SpinningLara/306381785/Lartha_1_medium2.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px;">Spoiler Alert!</b></div>
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<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kibbin/306562206/map_15_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kibbin/306562206/map_15_medium2.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>If you are in the Miss Babs Knitting Tour and don't want a spoiler, please don't click on the link below.</b></div>
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<b>I'm so, so excited that the Miss Babs Knitting Tour pattern has been added to Ravelry. This was one of the most fun patterns that I have worked on and the yarn is fantastic! I'm really trying not to give anything away so I'm not saying much right now. If you would like to check it out and see what it is along with pictures click on this link: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/journey-to-atlantis">Miss Babs Knitting Tour</a></b></div>
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<b>If you weren't in the tour the pattern will be available for purchase sometime in December. </b></div>
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SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-15109849750192418442015-05-22T07:42:00.000-07:002015-05-22T07:44:25.785-07:00Mail I think everybody loves getting a little something in the mail every once in a while. When I was a little girl I lived in Maine and my grandparents lived in NY. My grandmother would send me cards and letters and an occasional package which started my fascination with sending and receiving mail! A couple of weeks ago my friend <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/knitwitch39">Yvonne</a> sent me a tracking number and said to be on the lookout for a package. I couldn't imagine what she had sent me and then the day came when the package arrived. I was so surprised and very honored that she knitted me a shawl! She used my Tyrion's Gift pattern and added beads to it. The yarn is Madelinetosh lace and the colorway is Lapis or Tardi's Blue as I call it. Every time I've worn it, I've gotten a million compliments! I'm still overwhelmed by her generosity!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyuAbuP-L5fm1ziJeMcovhDyH5EY7_4eK4fNduqVxDOXmuiDgoL045Cl1ynXfLBriKgS7SEh0gyKQhoH8DY3QK82fWHvCCLBQpBUHJkER4OOAzlWWL0w9pRPCLg-bEC-NKmr5VCWA4D2u/s1600/DSC01020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyuAbuP-L5fm1ziJeMcovhDyH5EY7_4eK4fNduqVxDOXmuiDgoL045Cl1ynXfLBriKgS7SEh0gyKQhoH8DY3QK82fWHvCCLBQpBUHJkER4OOAzlWWL0w9pRPCLg-bEC-NKmr5VCWA4D2u/s640/DSC01020.JPG" width="598" /></a></div>
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Here is a close up that shows the beading:<br />
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Speaking of mail, I'm really excited to be able to reveal that <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wentletrap">Wentletrap</a> was the <a href="http://www.poststitchbox.com/pages/may-2015-sockstitch-reveal">May 2015 Poststitch Sockstitch club pattern</a>! If you haven't checked out <a href="http://www.poststitchbox.com/">Poststitch</a>, they have a subscription program and you can subscribe month by month which I love. Be sure to check out their <a href="http://www.poststitchbox.com/blogs/news">blog</a> too, they have some great knitting tips on there.<br />
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<br />SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-8346613284866213312015-05-11T07:49:00.000-07:002015-05-11T07:49:29.899-07:00MDSW Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Andy and I had so much fun at MDSW this year! We drove up on Friday, had lunch at UNO's, did a little shopping at the outlets in Haggerstown and then headed to our hotel. You know you are staying at the right hotel when the first thing you see when you walk through the lobby doors is a photograph of a sheep. There was a KFC across the street and we grabbed a quick dinner and brought it back to our room and hung out watching movies and enjoying some much needed down time.</div>
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I wore my sheep pajama pants which just happened to match the cover of this years show program. I did a bit of knitting on the plain vanilla sock in the Harry Potter yarn from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TrulyHooked">Truly Hooked</a>. I had a hard time deciding what to bring to knit on and wound up with this sock and a new cowl that I'm working on. They are both simple knits and perfect to work on in the car and carry around with me. </div>
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We headed out to the festival fairly early and didn't have any trouble getting into the parking lot. We wandered over to Miss Babs and did a bit of shopping there. While I was shopping I met <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/wythlovy">Wythlovy</a>. We started chatting and she was so nice, I really think I could have talked to her all day! While Andy and I were waiting in line we got to meet<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/ladyfernaco"> ladyfernaco</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/franciscangypsy">franciscangypsy</a> who have a podcast called Pen, Hook and Needles. It was nice to get to spend some time with them and chat. Did I mention that he line at <a href="http://www.missbabs.com/">Miss Babs </a>was pretty long? </div>
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<a href="http://www.missbabs.com/">Babs</a> yarn is definitely worth waiting for. I picked up a few skeins, but was trying to behave myself. From left to right: 2015 MDSW color on Yummy, Forever on Sojourn, Coral on Sojourn, and Mad Hatter on Yowza. They are all a little more brilliant looking in person, all these pictures were taken with my cell phone. </div>
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I was so proud to see a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mother-of-dragons-3">Mother of Dragons</a> in Miss Babs Yummy hanging up in the booth right next to her sign!</div>
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My next stop was <a href="http://going-gnome.myshopify.com/">Going Gnome</a>. The shop is run by two sisters who are just as nice as can be. Their felt creations are amazing. This owl and gnome were my favorite and are on my list to make. There is a corner in our living room that would be perfect to have something like this.</div>
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We then headed over to Maple Creek Yarns where I found out that my favorite yarn that they dye, Norfolk 30% silk, 10% cashmere 60% wool is being discontinued. This yarn is so soft and decadent that you kind of want to just roll around in it! I had only planned on picking up one skein, but wound up with five since this will be the last time it would be available to me. The yarn is really that shimmery in real life. I think it's the silk that does that. In any case, I love it!</div>
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I behaved myself at <a href="http://www.thefoldatmc.net/">The Fold </a>and only brought home one skein of <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=182_4">Socks That Rock in Lightweight</a> the color is KawKaw. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHEyhRqAotNW9EFjMSWyWHIaE7jFMaHHYNOOaMSx20Hl_wwMLDT1yDiYJPa5laMWmNDvzVT9PUk4CmyVsmDvEvU40o6QYe-N7JCwtjBUTsYAGyw7gLY5_-6ffCcSWwu-b9THegc9h5IcW/s1600/20150505_144233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHEyhRqAotNW9EFjMSWyWHIaE7jFMaHHYNOOaMSx20Hl_wwMLDT1yDiYJPa5laMWmNDvzVT9PUk4CmyVsmDvEvU40o6QYe-N7JCwtjBUTsYAGyw7gLY5_-6ffCcSWwu-b9THegc9h5IcW/s640/20150505_144233.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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It was after lunch by the time I got done picking up the Kawkaw, and time to head down to the Indie Untangled meet up. I was a few minutes early and the podcasters meet up was still in full swing. They made me feel welcome and the Indie Untangled meet up wound up overlapping and getting combined. It was so much fun to get to talk to so many knitters and podcasters all in one place! I handed out quite a few of my buttons and got some in return from: <a href="http://sheepishpodcast.com/">Sheepish</a>, <a href="http://www.carolinafibergirls.com/">CarolinaFiberGirls</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/julsey">Julia Allen,</a> <a href="http://twotangledskeins.com/">Two Tangled Skeins</a>, a cute stitch marker from <a href="http://fibretown.blogspot.com/">FibreTown</a> that was made by my friend <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/knitcubby">Knit Cubby</a>, and a flashlight from <a href="http://twinset.us/">Twinset Designs</a>. <br />
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I've been working on a secret project with Lisa from <a href="http://indieuntangled.com/">Indie Untangled</a>, Vicki from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThatCleverClementine">That Clever Clementine</a> and Michelle from Berry Colorful Yarnings. It was wonderful to meet Lisa and Vicki in person (Michelle had to stay at home in NM, but someday I hope we can meet!!!). Lisa was wearing her <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nights-watch">Night's Watch.</a> It's so exciting to see my designs being worn out in the wild!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPGIClcgOW8S2bmrDVm8uoMh-vuWwykq3bpbiJiXvonOv0Nrpp7soczunhAJNMDMw6D0vysR5RXd0VwBxClYqJ15EVnwGlN8nzLMYBNJKavPCFsh8mhAwaoPc9SVvRPfdXo6QE_2CHBgI/s1600/20150502_131304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPGIClcgOW8S2bmrDVm8uoMh-vuWwykq3bpbiJiXvonOv0Nrpp7soczunhAJNMDMw6D0vysR5RXd0VwBxClYqJ15EVnwGlN8nzLMYBNJKavPCFsh8mhAwaoPc9SVvRPfdXo6QE_2CHBgI/s640/20150502_131304.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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Speaking of designs out in the wild, the very nice lady who was working at <a href="http://www.ebay.com/usr/printyman?_trksid=p2047675.l2559">Jentz Prints </a>was working on her <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mother-of-dragons-3">Mother of Dragons </a>when I was in her booth! I think her name was Jen, and I apologize that I didn't write it down. She was kind enough to let me take her picture and I've been trying to read the name on her tag, but it just looks like it's the name of the booth.<br />
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There were some great antique prints in her booth. Lot's of sheep and other cool things. I brought home this one of two pugs and I'm planning on having it matted and framed. </div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/terri-rosenthal">Terri Rosenthal</a> and I became friends on Facebook earlier this year and made plans to meet up Sunday morning. She is one of those people that you just immediately like and we chatted like we had been friends forever. I could have talked to her all day, we really hit it off! She brought me some wonderful yarn that is made of mink hair. It's harvested when the little critters are in their natural shedding time so it's animal friendly. The minks are brushed to remove the shedding hair and then it's spun into yarn. I keep wondering who is brave enough to brush the minks? Kiwi our bunny, will give me an occasional nip when I'm brushing him and I think the mink teeth are sharper since they are carnivores. The yarn is really decadent and feels like it's softer than cashmere, kind of along the lines of <a href="http://www.windyvalleymuskox.net/qiviut.html">qiviut.</a> I plan on working this up into a lace shawl, it's absolutely fantastic yarn!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojzabHZ96rETKj6CGAeOMDb-jJSWDQPden1KqR4mOaT24nbHTmB6Z57xtQ5_DKixYVn1hbSpAAQvp6ihpABtAcP9P9tE6EqTGFUg0JknxgcTIqiSRMUO1DClRRpnPy2sNT_E3M3ZOjdI6/s1600/20150504_160408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojzabHZ96rETKj6CGAeOMDb-jJSWDQPden1KqR4mOaT24nbHTmB6Z57xtQ5_DKixYVn1hbSpAAQvp6ihpABtAcP9P9tE6EqTGFUg0JknxgcTIqiSRMUO1DClRRpnPy2sNT_E3M3ZOjdI6/s640/20150504_160408.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here is the lovely Terri and I. She's wearing her latest design and even made the buttons for it!</div>
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Andy and I decided to head home soon after meeting Terri. I had gotten a lot of sun on Saturday and was really wiped out. We passed these two black sheep on our way out and I thought it would be a cute end to this post. </div>
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SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-28009329751078005272015-05-06T13:24:00.003-07:002015-05-06T13:24:56.873-07:00MarshwoodI've teamed up with <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/brands/bare-naked-wools">Bare Naked Wools</a> to bring you <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/marshwood">Marshwood</a>. Bare Naked Wools will be offering a kit for Marshwood in their shop later this week, so be sure to check it out!<br />
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Marshwood is inspired by the many castles that are found throughout
Europe. The simple, but elegant texture of the body of the shawl is
reminiscent of castle walls and the picot edging represents the
battlements.<br />
Marshwood uses just two skeins of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/bare-naked-wools-confection-sport">Bare Naked Wools Confection DK</a>.
Beginning with a garter stitch tab and worked from the top down this is a
great project to take with you to knit group or work on while watching
your favorite show.<br />
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Weather you will be walking along the Moors of the Scottish
countryside or dining at your favorite pub this summer, Marshwood is the
perfect accessory for you to wear. The three sections drape nicely and
will lay over your shoulders without the use of a shawl pin.<br />
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Use coupon code: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/marshwood">BNW in my Ravelry pattern shop for $1.00 off of Marshwood through 5/11. </a><br />
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Later this week I'll have the MDSW recap. I don't think Blogger had enough coffee this morning as it keeps deleting what I've typed. <span id="transmark"></span><br />
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<br />SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-3928785150940232242015-04-18T08:56:00.000-07:002015-04-18T08:58:19.406-07:00Spring has SprungSpring is in full bloom here and we are really enjoying spending time outside. The Red Bud and Dogwood trees are blooming and the area we live in reminds me of some of the scenes in Willy Wonka and the new Oz movie.<br />
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Blogger is making my pictures super sized today and doesn't seem to want to let me resize them. Sorry about that!<br />
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We had several days of rain earlier in the week and I found these cute little mushrooms on our garden path. They appear to be huge in the picture, but are only about an inch and a half tall. The edging on them reminds me of fringe on a scarf.<br />
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I've been wearing <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tyrions-gift">Tyrion's Gift </a>in the evenings to keep the night air off my shoulders while we enjoy dinner out on the deck. It's knit up in <a href="http://www.missbabs.com/collections/hand-dyed-yarns/products/tarte-volcaniceruption"> Tarte in Volcanic Eruption and available on the Miss Babs site</a>. It's a really stunning colorway, so deep and rich. I just love it! <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/lesliewind">Leslie</a> sent me a lovely shawl pin and it works perfectly for keeping the Tyrion's Gift in place. The brass coloring goes perfectly with the yarn! It's a really cute design and reminds me of a heart or little scissors. <br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/ancient-arts-fibre-crafts">Ancient Fibre Arts</a> just released the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/catacombs-set">Catacombs</a> set in their <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/ancient-arts-fibre-crafts-superwash-merino---silk-4-ply-sock-fingering">4 ply Merino Silk </a>yarn from Meow collection that I designed for them. It's a really fun knit and the textured stitches are easy to work.<br />
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I just checked my count down app on my phone and there are only 14 days until <a href="http://sheepandwool.org/">MDSW</a>! I've made a list of vendors that I want to check out and have a few things on my shopping list. It looks like it might be a damp weekend, I'm hoping it won't be of course. But if it is, I am prepared with a new pair of short boots from LL Bean. I've been breaking them in so they will be ready just in case I need them. They were on sale, I think the darker tops may not have been as popular as the original lighter leather ones. Plus I had a gift card so I really couldn't go wrong! If you are headed to MDSW, there is a great packing tips thread in the MDSW group on Ravelry:<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/maryland-sheep--wool/996498/1-25"> Packing Tips </a>The tips are handy for other festivals as well. It seem that no matter how many times I go, and how carefully I pack, there is always something that I left at home. <span id="transmark"></span><span id="transmark"></span><span id="transmark"></span><br />
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Iggy wishes you a Happy Spring!<br />
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<span id="transmark"></span><span id="transmark"></span><span id="transmark"></span><br />SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-30516135765406992662015-04-10T12:11:00.000-07:002015-04-10T12:11:40.882-07:00It's KAL Time!I hope you can join us for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/lara-smoot-designs-2/3174259/1-25#reply_form">Tyrion's Gift KAL</a> in my group on Ravelry. It's being done in a casual style, cast on anytime you like and finish up by May 16th. If you haven't tried a KAL before, this is a great one to get your feet wet on. We have several experienced shawl knitters participating who are happy to answer questions and cheer you on. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tyrions-gift">Tyrion's Gift</a> is a simple lace pattern with resting rows on the wrong side which makes it a great first shawl/first KAL project. <br />
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Here are the fabulous prizes:<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/lesliewind">Leslie Wind </a>custom made this pin to go with Tyrion's Gift and it's called Tyrion's Closure. It's a wonderful design and easily slips into your shawl and stays in place while being worn. Tyrion's Closure will be available in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/lesliewind">Leslies shop,</a> if you can't wait until the end of the KAL to see if you won! <br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/gwenderful">Gwenderful,</a> my favorite stitch marker maker extraordinaire, has donated a set of her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/166490864/rainbow-snag-free-stitch-markers-fits-up?ref=shop_home_feat_1">Rainbow Stitch markers</a>.
I have several set’s from Gwen and they are fantastic! Plus they come
in a cute little tin which makes them easy to keep track of.<br />
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I’m donating a choice of any single pattern from my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/lara-smoot">Ravelry Pattern Shop</a> and one of the small project bags that I make and sell in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LaraSmootDesigns?ref=hdr_shop_menu">Etsy shop</a>.
This one has cute birds in cages and cheerful colors and is the perfect
size for socks or other small projects. I’ll be updating the shop with
more bags later next week.<br />
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SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-42588139324212247602015-04-01T08:07:00.000-07:002015-04-01T08:07:13.999-07:00Tyrion's Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm so pleased to announce the release of Tyrion's Gift, the fourth shawl patten in my Game of Thrones inspired series.<br />
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Tyrion's Gift is a top down triangle shawl that is deceptively easy
to knit. With resting rows on the wrong side, it's a perfect project to
take to knit group or work on while you watch the Game of Thrones
Season 4 Premier. This tribute to Tyrion and his lady friend Shae is knit up in <a href="http://www.missbabs.com/products/tarte-volcaniceruption">Miss Babs Tarte</a>, in the Volcanic Eruption colorway. Tarte has a wonderful hand and is a generous 500 yard skein. Miss Babs dyed some up just in time for the pattern release and you can purchase directly from her site: <a href="http://www.missbabs.com/products/tarte-volcaniceruption">Miss Babs Volcanic Eruption</a> <br />
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A huge thank you goes to my test knitters <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/MargiBorck">Margi</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/kibbin">Helen</a> who whipped through this pattern in no time and gave it raving reviews! <br /><br />Like
most couples, in the beginning Tyrion and Shae were truly in love. They
were both quite happy until Tyrion's father forced him to marry another
woman. <br />
<br />Shae refused to leave Tyrion, even at the risk of
her own safety. Tyrion was forced to resort to sending her away in a
rather brisk fashion. As a parting gift to show how much he cared for
her, Trion commissioned a shawl in deep reds of the Lannister colors. <br />
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single, simple gift to keep Shae warm was what Tyrion intended to give
to Shae. The betrayal that he got in return was most unexpected.<br />
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<strong>Use coupon code: Gift for $1.00 off of Tyrion's Gift in my Ravelry Pattern Shop, good through Easter.</strong> <br />
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SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-91745665509154910182015-03-27T13:25:00.001-07:002015-03-27T13:25:47.956-07:00The Cool Effects of Self Striping YarnsSelf striping yarns are so much fun to work with and can be used for a variety of projects beyond socks. Two great examples of this are these<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sugarplum-5"> Sugarplum</a> cowls that are knit up in two very different yarns. <br />
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This first one was knitted by<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/KristiRose"> KristiRose</a> on Ravelry for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/lara-smoot-designs-2/3130005/1-25">Six More Weeks of Winter KAL</a>. Kristi knitted it up in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/supernatural-yarns-pixie-sock">Supernatural Yarns Pixie Sock</a> in Haymitch. I love how the center section has more of a pooling look and the top and bottom are striped! I never would have expected yarn to do this, an it adds a lot of interest to the cowl. <img class="photo_image" id="photo_image_47619428" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/KristiRose/291244256/001_medium2.JPG" /><br />
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My friend Chrissy Fletcher knitted up in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/wollmeise-sockenwolle-80-20-twin">Wollmeise Sockenwolle 80/20 Twin</a> in Klapperstorch. The red, white and black stripes are really striking and it looks wonderful on Chrissy! If you haven't watched her pod cast yet, it's one you won't want to miss. I have to admit that I love her accent and before she started doing the video portion, I would listen to her in the mornings while I was having my coffee. You can find Chrissy on her blog: <a href="http://www.stitchedtogether.co.uk/">Stitched-Together</a> and in her Ravelry Group: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/stitched-together-designs">Stitched-Together</a>. She always has fun stuff going on in her group, so be sure to check that out as well. <br />
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<br />SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7989933561504171654.post-80661127884605202872015-03-20T12:51:00.001-07:002015-03-20T12:51:06.263-07:00Lakes Yarn & FiberI've been talking with <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/SourCherries">Am</a>i from <a href="http://www.lakesyarn.com/">Lakes Yarn & Fiber </a>about a new design and I am really looking forward to working with her. Ami sent three skeins of her <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/lakes-yarn-and-fiber-hayden-worsted">Hayden Worsted</a> in Hansa which is the dark pink, Sweet Clover which is the medium pink and a lighter pink which I think may be called Repeatable Pink. They coordinate perfectly with one another and it's going to be so much fun to design a new pattern with them! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOsXZknavD2xHMCBvSJ_vo79t5igO73zRB5Why70oebj23nEOO8j0O2M1jOjYx3vdpsuIO8wa6ZVSm98Kp3KAptRlZZRJRBgV5-JMQ4AtUHM-6OE5Zd2sMZEsY1MxwUbEH5Tjj3AAr0ql/s1600/DSC00726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOsXZknavD2xHMCBvSJ_vo79t5igO73zRB5Why70oebj23nEOO8j0O2M1jOjYx3vdpsuIO8wa6ZVSm98Kp3KAptRlZZRJRBgV5-JMQ4AtUHM-6OE5Zd2sMZEsY1MxwUbEH5Tjj3AAr0ql/s1600/DSC00726.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been able to sneak a bit of spinning in here and there on the weekends and finished up one fleece of alpaca. It's a 2 ply fingering weight and approximately 560 yards. It's not my best spinning, but it will knit up nicely and I think it's going to be a shawl. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBVQrNYgvEYSEeraTICG-rUqGjjpQZbKx3mGtWg4XtAnxsDVMlV_GYB9YoRywgMiWbOkPYmjstl-nEMHdQWPSSkIZ3vAD0J40g28us196FujdJOcKHGGDcBT1yxVflJASM_8rd_WqoLCS/s1600/DSC00702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBVQrNYgvEYSEeraTICG-rUqGjjpQZbKx3mGtWg4XtAnxsDVMlV_GYB9YoRywgMiWbOkPYmjstl-nEMHdQWPSSkIZ3vAD0J40g28us196FujdJOcKHGGDcBT1yxVflJASM_8rd_WqoLCS/s1600/DSC00702.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I also spun up a lovely batt from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KnitSpinFarm">Knit Spin Farm</a>. The colorway is Violets at my Feet and it has all sort of fun things in it like Angelian, Blue Faced Leicester, and Sari Silk to name just a few. It's leaning towards an Aran weight and should make a nice hat or cowl. It was a blast to spin and should be at least as much fun to knit!<br />
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My friend Yvonne sent me a lovely care package a couple of weeks ago. It had a few goodies for Iggy and a very special treat for me. It's a skein of Red Barn Yarn's Sock Sparkle in the Lavendar Fields colorway. It's a blend of merino, silk and nylon, and the silk is very noticeable. Socks or a shawl? It's going to be a hard choice!<br />
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<br />SpinningLarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09900693205964176688noreply@blogger.com0