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Independent Designer Interview - Deb Breland

She's Not a Poe-seur Deb Breland hails from Louisville, Kentucky, where she creates a striking line of knit accessory patterns as "Goldberry Knits".  From fingerless mitts to socks and scarves, Deb's Ravelry store is a delight for knitters of all levels.  She recently designed the gorgeous Annabel Lee Shawl for us as part of the Independent Designers Program using Louisa Harding Pittura.  I knew we would get along fine when in our first email exchange we discovered a mutual love of Poe's poetry and puns.  I hope you enjoy getting to know Deb better through this interview! Sasha for Skein Shop (SS):  Hi Deb!  What do you want to make sure the Skein Shop Community know about you? Deb Breland...

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Independent Designer Interview - Mary Rose

Meet Mary! Mary Rose is a knit designer from Central Ohio who is unbelievably speedy with the needles!  Though she might finish her samples in record time, she meticulously checks and double checks her patterns to ensure that they are easy to work from and accurate.  Her classic style, which favors lace and texture, means her designs never go out of fashion.  Mary recently participated in our Independent Designers Program, creating the lovely Second Saturday Shawl for us out of Katia Lino.  She also authored a blog post on successfully working with linen yarn, complete with a free pattern for a spa cloth (which handily enough is a perfect swatch for the shawl!). Sasha for Skein Shop (SS):  Hi Mary!...

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Guest Blog Post - Swatching with Linen by Mary Rose

Mary E. Rose is a very talented designer from central Ohio.  She's part of our Independent Designers Program, and her pattern will be released next week.  In anticipation of that, we asked her to write an article for you on how to successfully work with linen - a versatile fiber we're seeing more and more of.  She has some great tips and a free pattern for you! Swatching With Linenby Mary E. Rose It's nearly summer here in central Ohio, and that can only mean one thing:  daytime and evening temperatures high enough that all those wonderfully wooly knits I have made through the years get cleaned, neatly folded, and put away for another season.  It is always a bittersweet time...

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Independent Designer Interview - Laurie Kahn

Sugar Skulls, and Spider Webs, and Lacy Hearts, Oh My! Laurie Kahn, aka Spider Mambo, designs amazing crochet creations from sunny Southern California.  Her signature sugar skull motifs look great on trick-or-treat bags as well as hats, jackets, and tanks.  Her striking visual style is unmistakable, and we are so pleased that she took the time to design the Asymmetrical Heart Shawl for us with the Pixile DK.  She's offering a coupon code "HEART", good through 7 February 2017, to get the shawl pattern for FREE!   Take a look at her Ravelry page, where you will find a plethora of patterns, both free and very reasonably priced.  We asked Laurie a few questions so you could get to know her...

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Independent Designer Interview - Paula King

All Hail the Felting Queen! Paula King is a prolific designer of amazing felted objects.  She recently completed our Independent Designer Program using Noro's À La Mode and Kureopatora to create the ruffle-licious Merengue Knot Bag.  Her other published patterns include a wide variety of felted bags in all shapes and sizes, as well as some cute felted animals.  Take a look at her Ravelry page and see if some of her fancy bag designs tickle your fancy!  She's doing two promotions in December - 25% off the new Merengue Knot Bag through 15 December 2016, and 20% off all other patterns through 24 December 2016.  How generous! Sasha for Skein Shop (SS):  Hi, Paula!  I've really enjoyed getting to...

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