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Hi knitting friend,
It's great that we, as knitters, can create our own one-of-a-kind gifts, isn't it? I hope you enjoy the satisfaction of clickin' those needles through the holidays.
And now with the hub-bub of festivities upon us, I know that everyone is extra busy, as am I. Out of all the things you have to do, I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to join me in this newsletter. Enjoy the announcements and features!
Jackie E-S / HeartStrings FiberArts
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Winter Holiday Contest Results
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I hope you had fun with the Winter Holiday Contest. I'm sure everyone is anxious to hear the results of the contest winner drawing. But first, let's review answers to the contest questions —
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- What kind of yarn is used for the "snow"?
The generic specification in the pattern lists a fine brushed yarn for the "snow" accent yarn.
Examples of yarn you could use are mohair or angora. Remember that a good cook uses what's available. In HeartStrings patterns, I try to help you use what is on hand or available at your local store by giving you general yarn types rather than requiring a particular yarn by a specific company. This can be helpful to spinners who make their own yarn (had you noticed the HeartStrings logo includes a spinning wheel?). Or to someone who might be allergic to protein fibers (e.g. based on the generic specification, a brushed acrylic would work well, too). If a commercially available yarn was used in a pictured model, then that is also listed. For the socks pictured, Henry's Attic Kid Mohair was used.
You got credit if your answer gave the generic type, or example(s), or the specific yarn used in the pictured model. Some people included them all, and that is ok. I just wanted to make sure everyone understood that HeartStrings patterns include generic yarn information so that you have a lot of leeway in your choice of the specific yarn you want to use.
- How many beads are needed for the trees in these socks?
400 beads are needed for the trees in the smaller size, and 480 for the larger size.
Did you notice that the pattern listed both the exact number of beads needed, as well as an approximate weight? You got credit for your answer if you gave the exact number of one or both sizes, or the approximate weight. I am easy, lol.
Just so you understand that the bead count I give in HeartStrings patterns is exact, i.e. not approximate. As someone commented – "It is good to know that the number [of beads] you give is exact ... that way if it is really a bead you want to use and it is close, you know if you can go ahead."
The gram weight approximation is handy to use as a 'shopping list' amount. For pattern writing purposes, I use the exact bead count to convert to an approximate weight, then round up somewhat to allow for variance in bead finish, defects and minor spillage.
Congratulations to Patricia Williams who is the winner of the prize drawing for a Beaded Winter Wonderland Socks complete kit. Patricia chose the Day's Delight color scheme, which is the same as that shown in the model.
Sorry that everyone couldn't win. If you are interested in getting a kit for yourself or a gift, there is still time to send out to you or the giftee before Christmas. Buy complete kit or Materials Pak only
Popular cover-ups for cold weather knitting
Team up HeartStrings patterns with your favorite warm and cozy yarns for the winter months ahead. Since you might still need some last-minute gift knits, here are ideas to get you started –
#A49 Flared Lace Smoke Ring
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The Flared Lace Smoke Ring makes a versatile accessory that can be worn around the neck or pulled over the head as an elegant head covering. The design features a stunning knitted lace pattern of ribs that radiate like a fan.
Team up with lace or fingering weight luxury yarns like alpaca, cashmere, angora, qiviut, etc.
More information
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#A27 Handsome Dickey
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Handsome Dickey is a quick and easy-to-knit sweaterette suitable for teens, men and women. It's great to wear as a casual dress-up under a shirt, crew neck sweater or sweatshirt. The dickey is knitted starting with a handsomely patterned turtleneck, then proceeds seamlessly to the raglan-style yoke.
Team up with a classic yarn like Brown Sheep Naturespun Sport or any other soft and cozy smooth texture sportweight yarn.
More information
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#KH04 Norwegian Braid Hat
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This roll-brim hat features a decorative Norwegian braid band. Made in luxury yarn, its softness will bring warmth and comfort to body and soul.
Team up with your choice of worsted weight yarns.
More information
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In the next newsletter I will announce a new contest. Also, for 2010 newsletters, I will again resume the Q&A's and photo gallery articles featuring the creations of fellow knitters using HeartStrings patterns.
Meantime, I hope you enjoy the holidays and find time to to do some knitting for yourself, too.
Thank you for being part of HeartStringsFiberArts.com. Happy knitting,
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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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