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HeartStrings FiberArts
Knitterly News and Views #126
November 5, 2011
www.heartstringsfiberarts.com
Taking the art of knitting beyond the ordinary —
From the classic to the uniquely appealing

Hi knitting friend,

Things have been really busy and exciting around the HeartStrings studio. I've been looking forward to this month's newsletter so I can share with you.

But there is one other exciting thing I need to wait on until it is announced by one of HeartStrings' retailer partners.

Rather than holding off another week, I am sending this regular issue out now so you can enjoy it sooner than later. There's even a limited-time offer that I want you to have a chance to use before it gets too near running out, so be sure to read about that.

Then plan for me to be back with a short Special News issue sometime next week.

Happy knitting!

Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer (Jackie E-S) Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer (Jackie E-S)

Jackie E-S / HeartStrings FiberArts

http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/e-news.shtm


New HeartStrings PATTERNS

Whether you are looking for a small, quick project in skinny yarn on tiny needles, or a full-size project with thicker yarn on larger needles, I've got something new this month for each. I'm looking forward to hearing what you think and seeing your own projects using these new designs.

Lace Cross Lace Cross
Pattern #A98. This ornate Lace Cross is knitted using an interesting seamless construction. It can be used as a bookmark, communion gift, or mounted and framed. Makes a friendship gift, too. Let someone know you care. More ...
Moose Lace Afghan Moose Lace Afghan
Pattern #N37. This attractive, practical afghan is an example of "moose lace", i.e. lace knitted in a heavier yarn than usual. The lace makes this afghan lighter in weight for its size, yet pleasingly warm and snuggly. More ...

Part 1: A Focus on One-Skein Projects

As the holidays quickly approach and gift-making is top-of-mind, here are suggestions of HeartStrings patterns to help you breeze through your list. These are all quick-knit projects using small amounts of yarn – usually just partial balls or even scraps.

Many of the styles and sizes of wrist warmers/wristlets take less than 100 yards. Here are some recommended favorites:

Filigree Lace Wrist Warmers
#A135 Filigree Lace
Errant Lace Hand Coverings
#A167 Errant Lace
Simple Beaded Cuffs
#S14 Beaded Cuffs

Whimsies and minis do double-duty as both gifts and ornaments or package decorations. These take hardly any yarn (I don't think I saw anything over 40 yards, and usually quite a bit less), so are practical on the budget or could be done with just scraps. Check out all the ideas in the HeartStrings Doilies & Coasters, Ornaments, Bookmarks and Jewelry Collections. Here are a few holiday-themed ones to give you a preview:

Bells On My Toes Mini Sock Ornament
#A93 Bells on My Toes
Antique Satin and Lace Ornament
#A81 Antique Satin and Lace
Lacyflakes
#H22 Lacyflakes

Toys are great for kids, including the young at heart of all ages. How about a Bunny decked out with a bit of festive holiday colors, or Miniature Sweater for dressing a small doll, or make cuddly Teddy Bears? Enjoy the making and the giving!

Bunny
Bunny (free)
Miniature Sweater
Mini Sweater (free)
Teddy Bear
#H51 Teddy Bear

I hope this gives you plenty of ideas and fun. Next up in Part 2 will be suggestions for projects with less than 300 yards.


Moose Lace Afghan - free pattern offer

Do you think it is too corny to photograph a large stuffed toy moose with a "moose lace" afghan? Maybe so or maybe not (I am a kid at heart and still love stuffed animals, lol).

Either way, I want to offer you the new Moose Lace Afghan pattern for free when you purchase at least one HeartStrings pattern through the Ravelry Store.

Use Coupon Code HSMOOSE. This promotion will only last until November 15th and is valid only in the
HeartStrings Store at Ravelry
(remember to put the Moose Lace Afghan into your Shopping Cart so that you get it free with the coupon offer along with the other patterns you purchase)

Now here's what you can do for me if you don't mind. Tweet about this offer. Post it on your Facebook page. Set up a project on Ravelry for the Moose Lace Afghan. Or however you can talk-up HeartStrings with your knitting groups and friends. I appreciate you spreading the word.


Zephyr-In-A-Net

Exclusive HeartStrings product offering

Zephyr-in-a-net exclusive product offering from HeartStrings

Jaggerspun Zephyr laceweight wool/silk is a favorite among lace knitters. Each center-pull ball is cradled in a squishy net mesh sleeve that helps keep the yarn tamed while you knit. More ...


Q&A: Where to get heart "pin"?

Several people have asked me about where to get a heart "pin" like the one photographed with the V-Start Neck Kerchief Scarf.

My answer:

The heart scarf decoration shown in the main picture is actually a belt/sash buckle. Just pull the narrow ends of scarf through each side of the buckle and arrange as desired. You can probably look in places that sell novelty/art deco accessories or sewing stores that have an interesting variety of findings. Or use those search terms on the web, and it might bring up something interesting on one of the auction sites or whatever. Have fun!

Perhaps this will prompt you to think of ways that things intended for one use might be used in a different way.


Thank you for being a fan of HeartStrings and supporting subscriber of this newsletter.

Best regards,
Jackie E-S / HeartStrings FiberArts

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.

HeartStrings FiberArts - Jackie E-S Design Collections

 

© 2011 Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer