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Springtime greetings,
At least the calendar says it is almost springtime, but I still am seeing wintery weather reports in quite a number of places. As I am typing this newsletter, I am looking out the window at budding trees, clear sunny skies, and a comfortable high 60's temperature. I know – not fair to some of you! If you are still in the cold, hang in there and I'll try to send some warm sunny weather your way.
I am hard at work (when not day-dreaming about the beautiful weather outside, lol) to have the new March 2008 release patterns ready to begin shipping in just a little over a week. So be sure to take a look at what is coming up. In this newsletter, I also tell you about the
- new downloadable paper-saving 4-up version of the HeartStrings Sample Catalog,
- upcoming advertorials in national knitting magazines to increase brand name recognition for HeartStrings and help you sell even more knitting patterns, and
- a summary of top-rated HeartStrings patterns as reported by the Shopatron service.
The newsletter got a bit lengthy, but I hope you will enjoy and find it informative. In sincere appreciation of your business and representing my HeartStrings patterns to your customers,
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New Patterns for March 20 Release!
The March 2008 release is on schedule, and another exciting set of new patterns is about ready. Shipping will begin March 20 so be sure to take a look now at what is coming up.
S26 Matchmaker Sport Socks
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A88 Lacie Blankie
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H47 My Beading Heart Scarf
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#S26 Matchmaker Sport Socks
A home for orphan balls of yarn! These socks are a fun way to use up a single ball of yarn in each of two colors. Sport/DK weight yarn. $5.00/2.50
Shown in Heirloom Breeze cotton blend yarn in colors 001 and 019.
#A88 Lacie Blankie
Even adults deserve a favorite blanket in which to cuddle and shut out the cares of the world! DK or light worsted weight yarn. $7.50/3.75
Shown in handspun Cotswold wool. A sample model of Lacie Blankie in Judith, a new 100% Prime Alpaca yarn from Schaefer Yarns, is currently being made and will be featured with the published pattern. The colorway we are using is Georgia O'Keeffe.
#H47 My Beading Heart Scarf
A double treat for lovers of knitted lace and beaded knitting. Laceweight yarn (use doubled). $6.00/3.00
Shown in Helen's Lace from Lorna's Laces in color #27 Black Purl and Miyuki size 8/0 glass seed beads in color #264 Lined Magenta AB.
Auto-ship Program Participants
If you are on auto-ship, your standing order is already in the queue. Beginning March 20, I will begin shipments of 6 each (or your already increased standing order quantity) of the three new patterns above. Please contact me before then if you want to increase quantity shipped of new patterns or to include 3 or more each of single pattern republications below. Be sure to also check your stock now to see if you need anything else, as you may add as much as you need to your auto-shipment and still take benefit of the favorable shipping cost terms (i.e. free shipping for US shipments, and reduced shipping cost equivalent to USPS Zone 8 cost for shipments to other countries).
Not on Auto-ship yet?
If you are not on auto-ship, you may request to begin your participation in the auto-shipment program with this release. More information .... Or you may pre-order your selections now in desired quantities (minimum 3 each of a title) to be placed in the queue for earliest shipment (actual shipping cost will be added).
Single pattern republications from The Sock Calendar
Since these are republications from The Sock Calendar, they are not automatically included in your standing order for new patterns on the auto-ship program. However, you may request your desired quantity (minium 3) of either or both of these patterns be included with your shipment.
T303 Vernal Equinox Socks
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T308 Kool-Aid Kidz Socks
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New downloadable paper-saving 4-up version of the HeartStrings Sample Catalog
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Save a tree! The complete set of PDF sample pages for all HeartStrings knitting patterns is now available in a reduced-size 4-up format. Large enough to see, yet conserves paper if you decide to print.
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Enjoy looking through all the pattern designs in the HeartStrings collections at your leisure. Can be viewed offline or printed as you choose. This catalog is a good way to display information about HeartStrings Knitting Patterns in a limited amount of space. More information and download page.
Although the complete set of full size sample pages is no longer available as a downloadable catalog, you may still download a full-size sample cover sheet for any individual pattern you wish to view/print. As before, the link to the downloadable sample cover page for each pattern is located at the bottom of the online design collections catalog web page for that pattern.
Upcoming HeartStrings Advertorials to help you sell more
Advertisements and media attention in national knitting consumer magazines are targetted to increase brand name recognition for HeartStrings designs and help you sell even more knitting patterns. Please keep these magazine issues and featured patterns in mind when planning pattern orders to meet anticipated customer requests:
Knit Simple, Spring 2008 Issue - H44 Wisps of Smoke Ring
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Knit 1, Spring/Summer 2008 Issue - #A51 Crossed Loop Market Bag
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Interweave Knits, Winter 2007 Issue - #H45 Ring of Lace Wrap
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Don't miss out on these Top-rated Patterns
Shopatron is the paid service that I use to route new 'instant gratification' customers and sales through that might otherwise be lost.
Even if for some reason you would not want to participate in filling orders and gaining new customers through Shopatron, you can still take advantage of other benefits (membership is free for qualified retailers).
If you are signed up to view HeartStrings FiberArts, Shopatron's Demand Rating report can be a helpful tool in determining if you might be missing out on stocking any high-demand HeartStrings patterns. Here is a summary of the top 10 effective today:
If you are not already signed up for Shoptron, consider doing so, even if only to check this and other reports. I'm paying for it so you might as well take advantage of it, right?
More about HeartStrings and Shopatron
I welcome your comments and suggestions. Don't hesitate to let me know how I am doing and how I can serve you even better. My best to you,
Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer
HeartStrings FiberArts
53 Parlange Dr
Destrehan LA 70047
1-888-955-8094 (toll-free) or 985-764-8094
jackie@heartstringsfiberarts.com
HeartStrings FiberArts / Jackie E-S Design Collections
From the classic to the uniquely appealing.
Skill-building, comprehensive instructions.
Yarn-generic patterns for your creative freedom.
Specializing in Knitted Lace and Beaded Knitting.
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