Hi knitting friends -

With the name of HeartStrings, it should not surprise you that I love hearts. Just for fun, I've collected all the heart-themed patterns and made a collage of them for this month's newsletter banner above.

If you click the banner, it will take you to the Love and Friendship collection to discover (or re-discover) a favorite heart design to knit this month. Enjoy!

Speaking of hearts, did you know that I designed Cascading Hearts Faroese Shawl way back in 1995? I still consider it my premiere signature piece. In fact, this came up recently when I was interviewed by Sheri Berger of The Loopy Ewe, a wonderful LYS in Fort Collins, CO and she does mail order, too. (be sure to read through to the end of the interview for a special offer through Valentine's Day Feb 14th)

We're gearing up for Mardi Gras here in New Orleans. Just wanted to let you know in case you tried to reach me over the next couple of weeks. I'll still be checking in as frequently as possible, and will get respond to you as soon as possible. I appreciate your understanding.

Wishing you heart-y and happy knitting,

PG wrote: "It is refreshing to find patterns that are unusual - not the same sweaters and scarfs we see everywhere - keep up being creative."

Both Sides of the Story
Reversibility and Pleasingly Reversible Charm

Heather M wrote: "I especially appreciate scarf and stole patterns that are based on reversible patterns. I don't think this type of knitted item should have a right or wrong side."

When Heather wrote me sharing her ideas, it occurred to me that others might also be interested in guidance for selecting HeartStrings designs where you don't have to worry about a "wrong side" showing.

Here are 5 short stories with examples in each. I hope it inspires you think about both sides of the story in new ways.

Strictly Reversible - First up, there is the entirely reversible category (or nearly so for all practical visual purposes). Here are two examples to start. A hint to find others is searching for "reversible" in the pattern name.

Lace and Cables Scarf

Reversible Lace Cables

Pleasingly Reversible - You might prefer the look of one side over the other, but both side looks good. It's almost like getting two looks in one.

Qiviut Neck Muff

Flames of Fall

Single-sided - Moebius and enclosed tubes fall into this category. In the case of a Moebius, there is only one side and thus it is inherently reversible. In the example of an enclosed tube, only the right side shows while the wrong side is encased out of site.

Soft Cables Moebius

Misty Soft Infinity Tube

Garter Stitch - Don't overlook the inherent reversibility of any pattern in garter stitch. Shetland lace is typically garter stitch-based. After tension blocking, it can usually take a close look to see which side is facing out.

Elemental Changes Shetland Lace Stole

Shetland Lace Patterned Faroese Shawl

Garment Reversibility - Your garments can sometimes be made and worn reversibly, too! For example, omit the buttonholes and buttons of Chevrons and Ribs Sleeveless Cardgian and you automatically have a reversible vest given its seamless contstruction and invisible tubular ribbed grafting at the shoulders. Bold Diamonds in an example of Pleasingly Reversible in a garment.

Chevrons and Ribs

Bold Diamonds

Now that you've seen both sides of these stories, what do you think?

February's KAL for Beyond BOBBOL 2014

Sandie wrote: "... And yes, the more we learn, we discover there is more yet to learn, and learning is so much fun, no matter the age. "

Beyond BOBBOL 2014 at KnitHeartStrings carries on the tradition of monthly learn-and-knit-a-longs for small projects while learning and practicing in bit-sized steps.

For February: Go Green while celebrating luck and laughter in the Irish tradition

There is still time to join the February KAL for Irish Coffee Cozy in case you haven't yet. Check out the KAL page for Featured Techniques and Bonus Extras that will be posted throughout the KAL.

KnitHeartStrings KAL members get 50% to 100% off the pattern price depending on the membership plan you've chosen. (upgrades available anytime want to change your plan for increased savings). I also have kits available for your convenience in obtaining yarn and beads if you don't already have a source or stash.

Come join us if you haven't already for KnitHeartStrings monthly KAL's and more. Register now for a Free 30-Day Trial. Basic Level and Premium Membership upgrade plans are available to continue receiving a free pattern monthly and to expand your benefits. Or stay around beyond your trial on the Free Limited Content level to take advantage of free lessons and option to purchase KAL patterns at a favorable member-only discount. See Membership Plans at the site for more information.

Enjoying your membership while taking the art of knitting to new height? Please help me spread the word by inviting your friends to join at KnitHeartStrings.com.

Toys of the Trade

Sometimes your knitting can become something to help you knit!

Squish and roll this beaded ball around in your hands to provide relaxation and quick relief to stress, aching or stiff finger joints. Tiny pressure points of beads have a meditative quality. Read more about Beaded Stress Ball pattern and pattern links here.

The Mardi Gras variations shown above are written up on my Ravelry project page.

p.s. Remember that stressed spelled backwards is desserts. :)

Handy Links

  What's New  

  Design Gallery  

  Newsletter Archive  

  Kits and Supplies 

Nifty Nuggets

Designer Spotlight
I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Sheri Berger of The Loopy Ewe. See Sheri's very nice write-up posted at her blog. Enjoy! (be sure to read through to the end of the interview for a special offer) Read the interview ...

February Giveaway at KnitHeartStrings
No other month of the year says "pink" to me as much as February. How about you? See the prize ...

Knit the Perfect Cable
Never quite satisfied with your cables? Read this tip ...