Hi knitting friends,

In celebration of the upcoming US holidays, Flag Day (June 14) and Independence Day (July 4), I hope you enjoy this month's photo banner above that features Mini Lace and Beaded Flag.

And of course I want to give tribute to my Canadian neighbors for their upcoming O'Canada Day (July 1). You'll find HeartStrings designs for both US and Canada holidays in the Patriotic and Canada Day collections of pdf patterns at Shopatron.

Just a reminder, too, for Father's Day (June 17). Browse the HeartStrings For the Man collection of patterns for something to make now or as a "gift coupon" promise for later in the year.

I've got a lot more to share this month. Continue reading on for news and specials you won't want to miss.
Happy summer knitting,

Summertime Cool Projects
Summer is here and that means cool ideas for cool projects in cool yarns. Here is a sampling of ideas to start you off:

Summer Tops: Chevron Lace Gardens; Beanstalk

Lightweight Cover-ups: Put on the Gllitz Shrug; Elegantly Simple Triangle Shawl

Cotton Footies: A Bit-O-Lace (toe-up); Yankee Doodle (cuff-down)

Special offer at the Ravelry Store only: Purchase any of these 6 selected patterns with coupon code SUMMER6 at the Ravelry Store for HeartStrings Jackie E-S patterns to receive 10% off. Remember to enter your coupon code in the Ravelry shopping cart before checking out to Paypal. Offer is good only on these 6 patterns through the end of June 2012. Don't wait!

Victorian Elbow-length Lace Mitts

Terzetto Lace Mitts was originally released in yarn from Sanguine Gryphon in a greenish color for their Steampunk collection. Since the yarn (and company) is no longer, I wanted to take the opportunity to re-knit and republish these fingerless gloves in the vision I originally had for them - i.e. in a classic Victorian white or off-white.

And here they are! The yarn is Crystal Palace Panda Silk in one of their new colors called Sand Dollar.

The setting is the staircase in the Great Hall lobby of the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA).

What do you think? I hope you like them as much as I do! Thank you to Susan Druding of Crystal Palace for creating Panda Silk yarn that helped me achieve my vision.

Summertime Bits of Lace

This month's project for Summer Lace Anklets at Bits of Lace 2012 features a cable-and-lace edging as a turn-down split cuff for an anklet sock.

Of course, if socks are not your thing, feel free to use this pretty lace edging in other creative ways.

Unlike last month's project for the Lace Cable Bookmark that used lace eyelets to simulate the look of a crossed-stitch cable, the cable-and-lace edging of Summer Lace Anklets actually has crossed stitches. So for those who were asking about cables, here's your chance to have your lace and do cables, too!

Whether you are new to lace, or just want to have fun with some simple and interesting skill-building projects, Bits of Lace 2012 at KnitHeartStrings.com is the place for you. If you'd like to see what's going on, join at no cost to you.

Summer Lace Anklets will be available in the Free Membership Pattern area only through June 30, 2012. Get it now ...

Linda Epstein writes:
Jackie you have been such a big help in demystifying the whole lace process. I used to skip some very lovely patterns just because they had only the chart to work from, but thanks to you not any more. I eagerly look forward to each month, seeing the interaction among learners, and of course trying something that is beautiful, new and fun to do. Thanks!

Toys of the Trade

Kitchen gadgets are not just for helping us cook food to eat. A salad spinner is handy for small hand-washed items. Read more about Extracting Water ...

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News Nuggets

Summer Socks Kits
It's time to make summer socks. To help you along your way, I've brought back the popular cotton combo kits for making either
* Bit-O-Lace Sport Footies or
* Summer Lace Anklets.
Lots of choices for color combos in main sock color yarn and lace trim. If you need help picking colors, let me know.

June Birthday Club on Ravelry
Post your projects, "vote" on what you like, and everyone gets things all during the year. Check out the details and forum thread where you can participate at the Jackie E-S / HeartStrings Fan Group ...

Plan for Christmas in July
No Two Alike Snowflakes is a pattern that many of you have been patiently waiting for from me. The wait is finally over! You know how easy it is to let time slip away. Before we know it, we wish we had started our holiday knitting earlier. This year I actually am ahead of the game. How about you? See patterns for winter holidays here ...