Hi knitting friends,

The calendar says its Spring, but it is snowing here in Colorado! Sorry I am running late for this month's newsletter. Like the weather, my schedule has been off because John had emergency heart surgery last week that took priority and had me rushing here to snowy Colorado. Fortunately he is doing much better now. So if things continue to go well, I should be able to return soon to the real springtime weather and pretty flowers at my New Orleans studio. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

With springtime and flowers in mind, I've featured Fairies and Flowers Lace Scarf above in the newsletter banner. Dainty fairy motifs at one end of this scarf transform into flowers at the other end. There's more info on Ravelry where you can also view/download the cover page of the pattern for free, see what others have made with this pattern, and even get your Fairy Name.

Enjoy the newsletter!

Bobbe J wrote: "You rock Jackie. You always publish what I am looking for. "

A Cape Worthy of Majesty

Fleur de Lis Lace Cape is HeartStrings' newest addition to the Jackie E-S pattern collections.

Wrap yourself like royalty in this majestic cape shawl. Beads (placed with the crochet hook method) embellish fleur de lis medallions against a background of easy trellis lace stitch.

The cape is worked top-down, starting with a half hexagon neckline of 3 beaded fleur de lis lace panels that continue down the front edges and center back. Increasing sections of mirrored trellis lace between the fleur de lis panels create the distinctive half decagon shape.

Take a look now at Fleur de Lis Lace Cape and other new patterns in the What's New section of HeartStrings FiberArts website.

Mini Lace and Beaded Flag KAL

For April we are knitting Mini Lace and Beaded Flag, a miniature version of the red, white and blue U.S. flag. The lacy stripes and beaded stars symbolize the flag proudly waving in the breeze.

Originally I was thinking we would do this project in May as a tribute to Memorial Day and also to be ready for the 4th of July Holiday. However, doing the project one month earlier should allow everyone to be done in time to celebrate Memorial Day.

Apologies to our non-U.S. members. I hope you will still knit along as there are a bunch of things I am going to point out that you can practice now and carry over to other projects. For example, a neat trick to carry the unused stripe color up the side edge without showing. No extra weaving in of ends!

Come join us now if you have not already. The pattern is free to KnitHeartStrings members during April. 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 Linda: "Jackie, thank you for sharing this great pattern. My late husband was a war vet and I so appreciate all our men and women and their families do for all of us. So glad you posted this pattern now and we have time to make before the holidays."

Toys of the Trade

Capture the Magic. Pretty flowers are sure to help your knitting grow. Take advantage of free Jackie and the Beanstalk Magic Seeds with your U.S. shipped order for kits of supplies through the end of April 2013. More details ...

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Nifty Nuggets

Tips for Changing Colors
Hate to create extra ends that will need to be woven in later? Want to avoid long carries between color changes in stripes? These tips are for you. Read more ...

Earth Day Market Bag
Make an eco-friendly, colorful string bag. Get the Crossed Loop Market Bag pattern at Ravelry for 25% off with coupon code EarthDay25. Expires April 22, 2013 Midnight CST.

Avoiding Finger Pain
Knitting should not be a pain. Read on ...