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Holiday greetings –
For those in the US, this is a special day of celebrating thankfulness. Here at HeartStrings, I have a lot for which to be thankful. One of the things for which I am most grateful is your friendship and support of HeartStrings knitting patterns.
Wherever you are, I wish you the best of the best this Thanksgiving day. Whatever makes up your holiday, I hope it is a grand day for you and yours. For those who have loved ones far away, I send hopes that you will be reunited soon. For those who will be traveling during the holiday, I wish you safe journey. For those who are cooking, I wish you an enthusiastic clean-up crew. To those who are on clean-up detail, I wish you good luck in fitting all the leftovers into the fridge.
Enjoy the newsletter!
Jackie E-S / HeartStrings FiberArts
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Attention Newcomers - If you are receiving this newsletter from someone else and would
like to start receiving your own issues, I welcome you to sign up at my website
http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/e-news.shtm
Skill Spotlight: Simple Beading Needle Options
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When knitting with beads, many designs call for stringing beads onto the thread/yarn first. To do this, do not think you have to use a special beading needle. Here are 3 simple beading needle options using common things you might even already have on hand, and thus avoid purchasing specialty needles.
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Small tapestry needle (left in photo)
You must be able to thread the needle with your yarn, as well as be able to pass the threaded needle through the hole in the bead. Therefore this option usually works best for larger beads only (usually no smaller than size 6/0 (4mm) seed beads).
Small sewing needle with "sewing thread eye" (center option in photo)
Sewing needles not only come in thinner sizes than tapestry needles, but the eye on some styles is slimmer. This is a good option for the smallest beads. If you have trouble getting your yarn through the eye of the needle, you can make your own larger "sewing thread eye" as follows:
- Thread the eye of your needle with a short length of sewing thread.
- Holding both ends of the sewing thread together, make a simple overhand knot and pull snugly.
- Clip the ends of the knot a short distance from the end. Now you have an "eye" through which you can easily pass your yarn.
Nylon dental floss threader (right in photo)
This "needle" option won't stick you, and the collapsing eye is easily threaded with your yarn. Here is a picture of how the beads slide over the "eye", collapsing it in the process of the beads being strung onto the yarn.
Holiday ideas for knitting with beads
If you've been hesitant to try stringing beads because of thinking you need special equipment, I hope this helps get you started on new explorations. Looking for some ideas for knitting with beads for the holidays?
Bells on My Toes Mini Holiday Sock
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Antique Satin and Lace Ornament
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Beaded Winter Wonderland Socks
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Qiviut Neck Muff
Being that this is the 101st issue of HeartStrings Knitterly News, this is a good time to tell you about another "101". It is the book Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders: 101 Small Indulgences.
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I wanted to let you know there is a pattern of mine that is included in this recently published book. The pattern is Qiviut Neck Muff, pictured on page 21 and instructions on page 124.
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I hope you will look it up if you happen to have already gotten this book or will be getting it.
There is just the one photograph in the book, so I thought you'd enjoy some other ideas of wearing this versatile accessory. The pattern stitch is pleasingly reversible, so wearing to either side gives a slightly different look, too.
Worn in the style of a loose cowl
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Worn as turtle-neck style
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Reminder — December Win-a-Kit Contest
Just a reminder to get your entry for the December Win-a-Kit Contest Drawing emailed to me if you have not already done so.
A question came up about whether this is only for US participants. By no means, NO! Sorry if there was confusion about that. Anyone can enter, and all entries will be included in the drawing on December 16th. So if you have not entered because you are outside the US, please reconsider and join in on the fun. Here is the scoop again, and remember to send in your entry no later than December 15th if you have not already done so.
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It's simple — just email me the correct answers to both these questions by December 15, 2008 to be entered into the contest to win a kit for Sock Therapy. Kit includes yarn, 'chocolate' ribbon and pattern.
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Answers can be found on the HeartStrings FiberArts website.
- For which month of The Sock Calendar was Sock Therapy featured?
- For whom did Catherine Wingate suggest you first make these socks?
Tip: If you are having trouble finding the information, use the search feature (upper right hand corner of each webpage) at the website to find key words or terms.
Prize drawing will be made on December 16, 2008 for all entrants with correct answers. Announcement will be made shortly after that. Have fun and good luck in winning!
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That's all for now. Until the next newsletter when I 'c' you — Warm regards and happy knitting,
p.s. Your thank you donation will be used to help me continue to provide you free educational resources and newsletters.
Please do not feel any obligation ... each person knows what they are capable of and is in their heart to do. Even an occasional donation, whether small or large, is very much appreciated.
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HeartStrings FiberArts / Jackie E-S Design Collections
From the classic to the uniquely appealing for today's modern knitter.
Skill-building, comprehensive instructions to advance the art of knitting.
Yarn-generic patterns for your creative freedom.
Featuring innovative designs for Knitted Lace and Beaded Knitting based on tradition in updated techniques.
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