Hi knitting friend,

If you don't recognize the design pictured in this month's newsletter banner, it's because it is a brand new pattern released just a couple of days ago: Swags of Lace Crescent Scarf

Yikes, I have been VERY busy in my temporary Colorado design studio these last weeks before I return to my Louisiana studio. Check out Swags along with 2 other new designs: Misty Soft and Fantasy Leaves. There is also the new Beaded Crescent Neck Lace for the October KAL. Read on about them all.

I'll resume shipping kits and supplies October 15. If you are awaiting an order you placed, be assured that I have you in the queue and will process your shipment as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience during my extended "summber break".

Enjoy the newsletter!
Happy knitting,

Barbara wrote " Jackie, you know that yours are my favorite "recipes" for making beautiful things from special yarns. You think through every detail, and it's the details that make your work exquisite. "

New Designs for October!

I am pleased to offer these newest designs as part of the HeartStrings pattern collections. Featured yarns are Panda Silk and Mini Mochi by Crystal Palace.

Swags of Lace Crescent Scarf

Fantasy Leaves Scarfette (limited time pre-release special)

Misty Soft Infinity Tube Scarf / Cowl

Click on the pictures to visit the HeartStrings website with more details.

I can't wait to hear what you think and which is your favorite.

Creative Expression

Using patterns as a jumping off point for your own creations

For ideas of how to use patterns as a jumping off point for your own creative expression, I am pleased to feature Bridget for "Friends of HeartStrings Gallery".

Bridget created 3 distinctive projects from adaptations of two BOBBOL 2013 patterns we used earlier this year for knit-and-learn-alongs at the KnitHeartStrings member site:
- Kitty Pillow (left)
- Pinwheel Tam, and
- Pinwheels Nap Time Baby Blanket.

See and read about all 3 of Bridget's projects at Friends of HeartStrings Gallery.

Beaded Crescent Neck Lace KAL for October

From Shari C: " I love the neck lace pattern and can't wait to start it. Such a great gift idea for the girls on my list! "

Simply beautiful — Lace for your neck

Join us at KnitHeartStrings this month to knit and learn along. The Beaded Crescent Neck Lace doubles as both a beautiful project in its own right and a small practice piece for techniques that might be new to you.

This KAL pattern is free for download during October for active KnitHeartStrings members. Be sure you are logged in with your member username and password so that you see the "Download" link rather than the "Buy" link. This limited-time offer ends October 31, 2013.

Come join us if you haven't already. Register now. Introductory Free Trial and Premium Level Memberships are available. You get free access to a KAL project pattern each month, along with bit-sized tutorials, tips and techniques articles for members.

From Isabel: " I am so appreciative of what you do, the dedication and effort you put into it. Go have some coffee, relax, and bask in the fact that to knitters everywhere, YOU ROCK! "

Toys of the Trade

In a pinch? Check the kitchen. It's unconventional stuffing, but it works for small decorative items like this. Read on ...

Handy Links

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Nifty Nuggets

A Peek Behind the Scenes
The designing of Peek-A-Bead Scarf. Read on ...

Warm Fibers that are Cool
Wool and silk are fibers that keep you both warm and cool. How do they know when to do which? Read how ...

October Giveaway
Win a Special Prize Edition Kit for the new Swags of Lace Crescent Scarf. Read about it ...

Featured Yarn Store
It was so good to see my friend Joanne Conklin again after 10 years from our last teaching gig together! Here is her blog article about our trip to The Loopy Ewe in Fort Collins, CO a couple of weeks ago.