Hi knitting friends,

Spring is not far away! I just love these dainty Woodland Phlox that are poking their heads up in the near-spring-time weather outside my studio. Their simplicity yet utter disregard to formal gardening make me happy. I think the message is "enjoy the beauty of the moment".

Featured above in the newsletter banner is Honeycomb Shadow Lace, the front-runner design introduced last month as part of the Spring 2013 Collection. Look interesting? There's more info here and you can even view/download the cover page of the actual pdf pattern for free.

Now let's get on with the newsletter. And then don't forget to pick out a new spring project to knit from one of the HeartStrings design collections. If you need help in selecting, just let me know!

From Shirley: " I just wanted to thank you for your beautiful designs. They are wonderful! I find them refreshing, exciting and interesting. I have my eye on a couple of the patterns, which I will purchase very soon. "

Buds in the Breeze

Get ready for spring and knit Buds in the Breeze Stole now.

Picture yourself in this light-as-a-breeze stole featuring a field of flower-like medallions centered with nupp "buds".

You've got easy options, too, if you'd prefer to substitue beads or just not do nupps.

Ellen of Earth Faire asked: I have a customer who emailed me that she would like to use beads in place of nupps in the Buds in the Breeze shawl ... Then she told me she plans to also use tear drops on the short edge points and needs to know how many points there are in the finished garment. Can you give a general estimate of either of these? "

I'm happy to help your with a count of both: There are 261 nupps and 66 edge points for the stole width and length planned in the instructions.

Alyne asked: " I am wondering if I can do this without nupps and don't want to substitute beads. "

Certainly. In place of where a nupp would be formed, just substitute a plain knit stitch on the right side rows and a plain purl stitch on the wrong side rows.

KAL for Pretty Awesome Yarn Pouch

For March we are knitting Pretty Awesome Yarn Pouch. This project brings together lace and beads to make a drawstring bag for center-pull yarn balls or cakes. Even your fussiest balls will love being tamed by this protective pouch. This project also introduces the crochet hook method of bead placement.

Come join us now if you have not already. The pattern is free to KnitHeartStrings members during March. Not a member yet? Register now. It's a great deal with free access to a pattern in the BOBBOL 2013 Series each month, along with bit-sized tutorials, tips and techniques posted throughout the month.

From sewcat08: "Thanks for a great pattern. I needed something to put my yarn in when I knit and walk around - this is perfect."

Toys of the Trade

Do you love silk, but hate when it snags on your hands while knitting or spinning? Here's a different take on Making Lemonade Out of Lemons

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Nifty Nuggets

Crochet Bind Off
This decorative crochet bind off does not require much knowledge of crochet. It makes a nice, loose bind off for lace knitting, too. Read more ...

Do You Hate to Purl?
How do you feel about purling rather than knitting? We're doing a just for fun poll. There are no wrong answers! Cast your vote and then see the trend so far.

Diana's Bunny Video
It's Easter and who wouldn't like a little Knitted Bunny? You don't have to be a machine knitter to take advantage of the tips for stitching up the Knitted Bunny that Diana Sullivan put together in this video ...