Laura Patterson of Fiber Dreams
Laura Patterson of Fiber Dreams was our guest today on the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird, calling from Kelso, Washington.
Laura has visited the podcast before and since then has moved from Southern California. She and her husband, Dave, are enjoying the different climate. Dave has been a big help to Laura with Fiber Dreams Blocking Wires. Marly uses them and finds them a great tool for her knitting AND crochet.
Blocking wires are so helpful in giving your finished projects a professional look, making the pieces conform to their designed measurements. Many of Laura’s designs include lace and the blocking wires bring out the intricacies of their architecture.
Speaking of Laura’s designs, her most recent design was with Fiberista yarns, a beautiful shawl with a toothy edge called Great White (available only through Fiberista at the moment). Twist Collective also featured a shawl recently from Laura called Spinner. It features a wingspan with options between 39″ to 71″ and delicately beaded in laceweight yarn. Some of her patterns are self published, such as the recent Mountain Laurel Cardigan, which features a bit longer length, a scoop-neck, 3/4 length sleeves, and and outstandingly beautiful lace pattern in the sleeves and back. It has been a policy with Laura not to reknit any of her designs, but with Lalique she had to make an exception, as it was knit with Sanguine Gryphon yarns who wished to be the official model for the pattern and she is very small. It’s been too popular to go without having a sample of!
You can keep up with Laura Patterson through her website/blog and FiberDreams.com and for our ease, she’s everywhere else as Fiber Dreams, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Her Designs in Ravelry can be found at THIS LINK.
Laura Patterson previously visited the Yarn Thing podcast in 2011 and 2010, so it’s very nice to get caught up with her since she’s moved to Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find Laura Patterson’s patterns?
Honestly… Laura has a bunch of her patterns on Ravelry, and you can find a link to her designer page right here on the blog! Some of her patterns are self-published, too, like the super cute Mountain Laurel Cardigan.
What are blocking wires and why do I need them?
So here’s the thing… Laura and her husband Dave make these awesome blocking wires called Fiber Dreams Blocking Wires, and Marly uses them herself! They help make your finished knitting and crochet projects look super professional and match the designed measurements. They’re especially great for lace patterns to really show off all those intricate details.
Did Laura have to reknit any of her designs?
Yes! Laura usually has a policy of not reknitting her own designs, but she made an exception for her pattern called Lalique. It was knit with Sanguine Gryphon yarns, and they wanted to be the official model, but Laura is quite petite. So, she had to knit it up so they could have a sample of their own!
How can I keep up with Laura Patterson and Fiber Dreams?
Oh, it’s easy peasy! You can visit her website and blog at FiberDreams.com. She’s also all over social media as Fiber Dreams – you can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
What’s the latest with Laura Patterson?
Well, on this episode of the Yarn Thing podcast, Laura called in from Kelso, Washington. She and her husband Dave have moved there from Southern California and are really enjoying the different climate. It was so nice to catch up with her since her last visit back in 2011!
Fun to meet you and the cat on the podcast. I’ll be checking out your patterns.
My cats often try to snuggle up on my lap while I knit. I usually try to resettle them next to me instead. Knitting over top of them gets a bit tricky. I too need to look at your blocking wires. They come with such a favorable endorsement from Marly.
Marly: Exciting news you shared at the beginning of the podcast. I hope we hear wonderful things about the sweaters being worn since you’re working both ends of the candle to have them ready.
Between Marly’s dog and Laura’s cat, the animals got a lot of spotlight on this podcast. How fun!
Thanks for the introduction to Laura’s Fiber Dreams patterns and blocking wires – so glad your cat (and dog) got a bit of the spotlight!
I was looking on Ravelry during the podcast and have to say that Laura has the most beautiful patterns. Just gorgeous!
My cat just knocked my coffee over…gotta run.
I, too, was looking at Ravelry during the podcast…how on earth does Laura design so much delicate lace with a cat on her desk?
My cat loves when I get my knitting and spinning supplies out. Clicking needles with wobbling cables, snaky yarn movements, whirling skein winder. So exciting!
I have 2 cats and can empathize with you. My cats are always in the middle of whatever I’m doing.
What a informative podcast. I look forward to checking out Fiber Dreams. And the “special” dog & cat ” guests ” made it really fun to visualize their antics.
Thanks for another great show.
I was listening to the podcast when I pulled in to my favorite quilt shop for a writing class. Afterwards, as I looked forward to listening to the end of the program, I found myself browsing, then buying bundles of luscious browns and rosy pinks in a line called Cherry Chocolates. Then a couple of patterns jumped into the queue. An old pattern embellished with a lovely cat motif in the design made it new and would pop in these colors.. As I listened to the remainder of the show, I knew it was serendipity!
I usually knit with a cat in my lap. Laura designs the most beautiful patterns and Isaura will be perfect for some lace weight I’ve been waiting to use.
I am currently in a parked car knitting and listening to the podcast. I’m waiting for my husband to come out of Home Depot and also for the upcoming snow to start. I’m freezing and would love to have Laura’s cat or Pedro on my lap while I knit and listen. Sending my husband into Home Depot is like letting me loose in a yarn shop. I think he owes me.
More cats and dogs,please! Fun interview as usual. Thanks again ladies…keep up the good work.
I don’t have a cat to create mischief in my life or knitting, but I do have a bird who is jealous of my knitting. She wants to sit in my lap and keep me from doing anything except “scritching” her head.
I love to knit lace, so I enjoyed learning about Laura’s patterns. I am also going to have to check out the blocking wires.
isn’t it nice when the cat (and the dogs!) help with the podcast? lol
I don’t have a cat, but my dog does participate in my knitting activities. He feels the need to sit as close to me as possible while I try to knit! I have two sets of Fiber Dreams blocking wires – they are the best!
I love the lace patterns so much they are beautiful.
My 2 little puggles would like to have a cat to play.
I have no excuses… No cat, no dog and no kids and a fiber friendly significant other. I make my own yarns messes. Thanks for another terrific podcast. Robin RAD in NH
I can’t let my cat anywhere near my knitting because she sheds too much and she tries to bite my hands. Ouch! It was great hearing an update from Laura!
Knitters make great animal lovers. My cat likes to nibble the ends of my needles.
What lovely patterns and wonderful interview. No cat if I had a cat I would not have my wonderful husband. He is deathly allergic.
Funny, we were visiting friends this weekend, and their cat loved snuggling with me while i was knitting. Thanks for interview!
I enjoyed this podcast and looking at all of Laura’s designs! Cat and Dog lovers unite, what a great day!
I love that so many people who love knitting also love cats. I don’t have one but I enjoy sending funny videos and photos to some of my crazy cat lady friends!
I don’t have a cat, but I do love them!!! And I LOVE to hear sweet Pedro snoring! Thank you for another fantastic show!
I enjoyed this show a lot, and Laura’s designs look beautiful! I once crocheted a stuffed cat for a friend who was in the hospital…
I unfortunately can’t have pets where I live, but once I finish grad school and move out I am totally getting a cat! I enjoyed the podcast and I am intrigued by the whole blocking wires thing- sounds super useful!
I don’t currently have a cat but my dog likes to eat my wooden knitting needles and crochet hooks if I leave them around. It gives me a good excuse to buy more.