You might be amazed at how much of my Designing Day is filled with activities that are not strictly knitting design. In fact, sometimes it could be days, or even weeks, between times when I get to pick up knitting needles. It goes along with the saying … “There is more to the business of designing than just design“.

For example, the recent journey I undertook to improve the process for producing my HeartStrings newsletters and email announcements has taken on a life of its own. If you recall, I wrote last week about The new look of news from HeartStrings. The response has been overwhelmingly favorable. Of course, I am elated it is being received so well.

But upon getting replies to me that included the original newsletter, I saw that some things might be going wonky and not displaying as intended on the receiving end. For example, some text shifted or spacing was lost. It doesn’t devalue the newsletter itself, but I really want to make it as easy to read and aesthetically pleasing as possible for readers’ enjoyment.

I couldn’t discern why the newsletter layout went wonky for some people and not others. So I decided to ask for help via a short survey. Those who pitched in to help me make the newsletter even better also got a chance to win a Mardi Gras Bead Ball kit.

As stated in the survey, the drawing for the kit was yesterday. Congratulations to Janet in Virginia. When I heard back from Janet with her mailing address, she wrote: “To say I’m shocked is not really enough.  I never win anything.  Thank you so much for this gift!“. I already have the kit packaged and ready to mail to Janet today. She should have it in her hands before the weekend if USPS cooperates.

Mardi Gras Beaded Bead Ball

So that was the fun side of things. Now back to work. There were 742 people who answered some or all of the survey’s 6 quick questions. Of those 742, there were 504 who took the time to write something in the comment field. Either to re-confirm that the newsletter looked great to them (and what they particularly liked), or to explain more fully about what looked wonky on their end, or in some cases to just offer other comments related to the newsletter, or even un-related to the newsletter. That is fine. I really appreciate the time that people take to share and make comments, whether via this survey or writing to me directly.

So I have a lot of data to sift through. And I AM reading every one of those comments. If you offered a suggestion, please know that I am paying attention and will be doing what I can over time to make the newsletter and your association with HeartStrings FiberArts as enjoyable as possible for you.

According to the survey, the new layout for the newsletter looked as intended for 89% of the readers, for 10% it went wonky in some way, and 1% read the plain text version of the newsletter (i.e. unformatted). Unfortunately, with all the multitude of electronic devices and computer software, it’s impossible to test for absolutely every combination. By understanding more about that 10%, though, it will give me more to go on. I don’t fool myself that I can please everyone, but I certainly want to please as many as I can.

If you talk, I promise I will listen.

p.s. If you missed receiving the January 22^nd HeartStrings newsletter, you can read it in the online archive.

I just launched the KnitHeartStrings.com, a new membership site that I have envisioned for quite a while and am finally taking the leap. The focus of KnitHeartStrings is to take learning the art of knitting to new heights. Beginners to advanced are all welcome.

If you have been avoiding learning to knit lace because you think it is too hard, I am going to tempt you with darling little projects that will help you get over the hump.

Even if you already know how to knit lace, I think you will find the projects fun (and who knows, you might even pick up a tip or trick along the way). Or use the projects to help teach and encourage someone else.

I will treat KnitHeartStrings members with a little project each month (for free!). I am starting with a series I call Bits of Lace. Because all the projects are lace edgings done on just a few stitches, they are a practical way to explore the structure and techniques of knitted lace. Each project will take just a small amount of materials and time. I hope this will be perfect for the busy lives we all have!

The new KnitHeartStrings site is still pretty barebones. But since there were already several hundreds of knitters on my HeartStrings newsletter list already chomping at the bit to get started, I didn’t see any reason to hold off rolling out the first pattern of the 2012 series for Bits of Lace now. You can read about it here.

So grab this month’s free pattern now from the Free Content page of the KnitHeartStrings.com website. Not a member yet? Register here to join today to get the Free membership level.

I have lots of other features and content planned to add to the site.  Hope you will join in now to start taking advantage of it all. See you there!

I got to thinking about some people who may not have ready access to the supplies. So I decided on a whim to offer a Limited Edition supplies kit to make the beaded balls in the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold. Some orders have already come in, so I have been scurrying around today catching up on my promise to do these kits.

I made some pretty labels for the clear draw string bags. Wound the purple and green sock yarn from Lornas’ Laces (in the color Funky Stripe). Weighed and packaged the metallic gold beads (the good Japanese beads in the Miyuki brand that is on the top of my list of recommendations).  Weighed the fluffy non-allergenic stuffing. Pant – pant. And now I have a batch of kits ready to send out.

Mardi Gras Bead Ball Kits

If you don’t otherwise have a good source to get the supplies (e.g. your local stores or even stash-diving), then consider the Mardi Gras Bead Ball Kits as a way to conveniently get the yarn, beads and stuffing. Kits are available in 2 sizes: the single ball kit (i.e. to make one ball) OR the multi-pack (to make 3 balls, which is a 50% savings over buying a 3rd single ball kit plus a savings on shipping).

There’s been lots more exciting stuff going on at my HeartStrings  studio, so I’ll be back to tell you about that in a day or two. Also, I have a meatless recipe lined up to share with you in a few days. Oh, where does the time go? See you soon. Take care.

That is where my weekend was spent … TOTALLY in front of the computer. But I made big headway in not only laying out the new template, but also sending a newsletter in the new format to subscribers. After all, I was anxious to hear what other people thought, too!

So far, it appears to be well-received. I am really appreciative of so many people having taken the time to write me or post comments on Facebook about the new look of the newsletter. There have been SO many comments, but just to give you a flavor …

From Donna:
“ The new look is great. Quite enjoy the layout and navigable pages! ”

From Cindy:
“ I love the new look! Very easy to read & graphics are great! ”

From Naomi:
“ In the midst of re-design of my own blog, I was impressed by yours. All the elements, colors very engaging. And congratulations on all the recent success: wonderful reward for all your hard work over the years. ”

Barbara wrote:
“ Love it! Very refreshing and up to date. ”

… and many more along the same lines. Well, it looks like the new newsletter format is basically a go. Let me know if you think of other ways or things you’d like to see. I can’t promise I can do everything, but it might be something I can and haven’t thought of!

All in all, I am feeling quite accomplished as I start off the week. Hope it stays that way, lol.

What do YOU think?

Also there have been several comments about the Yarn Bowl in this most recent newsletter:

Bonne wrote:
” I love this wonderful creation! This should be a mandatory item in a spinner’s, crocheter’s, knitter’s collection of toys, er…… tools. ”

My thoughts:
Yes, so true. I’m going to rename that newsletter column from “Tools of the Trade” to “Toys of the Trade”!

Lynne wrote:
” Thanks for featuring the yarn bowl. I’d seen them at craft shows but hadn’t known what they were because they were called string bowls. ”

My thoughts:
Ahhh! I bet that the craft shows were marketing them as “string” bowls so as to appeal to people who might just want to use them as a pretty thing to put their packing string into?

BTW, I’ve noticed that some of these type bowls only have a closed hole. So if you would ever need to take the string/yarn out of the bowl while you were still knitting (e.g. maybe to transport your project somewhere else), you’d need to cut the yarn. That might be ok for packing string (which you’d probably want to cut anyway). You probably noticed on the picture of this one, that the hole has a slit up to the top edge so that the yarn can be removed without cutting.

p.s. If you are not already receiving the HeartStrings newsletter, there is a convenient signup form in the sidebar of this blog page to do that now.

p.p.s. You can find the blog article I did about the Yarn Bowl here.

HeartStrings #A29U Austrian Lace Stirrup Leg Warmers in Tilli Tomas Artisan Sock yarn, color #089 Mist

This is a “Classics Revisted” pattern republication of my Sock-Not Leggings from (would you believe this?) over 15 years ago. There is new, beautiful photography of samples knit in Tilli Tomas Artisan Sock yarn. And the instructions have been expanded to include both charts and written instructions.

Classics like this live on. And I hope you enjoy seeing and knitting this pattern, as well as the wearing.

My inspiration was to have a classy sock that could be worn with dress shoes. I think you will love these as a practical fashion alternative for warmth and wearability when you want a pretty cover-up.

Stirrup leg warmers fit great with dress shoes

Don’t be too intimidated by the seemingly complicated-looking stitch pattern. It actually is quite repetitive and easily ‘read’ after you’ve got a few rounds of the pattern underway.

Some other features that you will appreciate are

• the way the twisted-ribbing lace patterns decrease in pattern to becomingly conform to the shape of your calf
• there is a gusset underneath the foot that allows the stirrup to comfortably hug instep and arch

Becomingly conforms to your calf and foot

One other benefit that is so cutely, well-worded by Julia Grunau, the Prime Minister of Patternfish (where, by the way, is a great source for this pattern and all the other HeartStirngs pattern): “and should last far longer than a conventional sock. Great for fans of invisible darning … you can invisibly darn the invisible heel and toe!”

Can you imagine invisible darning? Love it! Thanks Julia for that laugh.

Mardi Gras Bead Balls

Probably only people close-by in New Orleans, Louisiana will relate to these. Or those who keep up with Mardi Gras. Each year at Mardi Gras, it seems that everyone is trying to out-do last year’s largest throw-me-somethin’-mista beads of the carnival parades. I won’t be throwing any of these giant beads to anyone, though (I am keeping them!).

I’ve used Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock yarn in color Funky Stripe. It is a purple and green yarn. With the galvanized gold seed beads, I think it carries off the theme of traditional Mardi Gras colors pretty well.

Completed balls vs. those before being stuffed and closed

If you’d like to knit some of these yourself, I’ve written up the variations to the original instructions at my Ravelry project page. But you will also need the original Beaded Stress Ball pattern to use for the basic instructions. Besides the overall beaded ball in the original instructions, the Ravelry page has guidance for these 3 variations:

1. Alternating sections beaded and un-beaded
2. Outer edges of each section beaded and remainder un-beaded
3. The negative of #2: Interior of each section beaded and the outer edges left un-beaded

The 3 variations

I love how such simple changes can result in attractive and interesting designs.

Each ball only takes about 25 yards of yarn. So, out of a single skein of yarn, you could make a bunch of balls. Or undoubtedly you probably have some partial skeins/balls in your stash for which this could be a fun use.

I can imagine in my wildest dreams to make an entire giant “beaded” necklace out of hand-knitted beaded balls like this, but I probably should get onto some other knitting now. What do you think?

Happy Mardi Gras!

As of January 22, 2012, USPS Delivery Confirmation will be free on first class domestic packages with electronic bar code. This commercial-based pricing will now be called “First-Class Package Service”. The maximum weight is 13 ounces (which can accommodate nearly any order placed for HeartStrings patterns on Shopatron). That means you save $.19 off the price you’ve been paying for electronic delivery confirmation tracking (or even more if you had not yet switched to electronic bar coding, which will now be required on all packages).

Of course, it isn’t a full $.19 savings, because that is offset by the base USPS price increase. For first class packages (e.g. HeartStrings patterns shipped in #5 bubble envelopes), it still works out to a net savings of $.11.

Yay! Every few pennies saved here and there is good, right?

Endicia.com has a good explanation on the details of the new USPS features and prices going into effect January 22, 2012. I can also recommend the free webinar that Endicia.com is putting on to explain the changes as it affects businesses. The schedule is in the left-hand side bar at the Endicia site here.

Anyway, I have wanted to revisit with you about thoughts of how we can help our children and grandchildren to be instilled with a love of the fiber arts and crafts at a young age.

Do you remember crafts that you were introduced to at a young age? My earliest recollection was playing with sewing cards while my grandmother guided me in various stitches I could do. I am going to guess that I was 3 – 4 years old at the time because prior to 3 years is a blank memory. And I could not have been older than that because I remember that I was not yet attending kindergarten.

I don’t have any of those sewing cards around any longer to take a photo, but I did find this link for some that were similar to mine.

How to Make Simple Practice Sewing Cards for Children

And even if your roots were not in fiber-y / crafty things at a young age, do you have favorite children’s crafts that you like to use in encouraging the fiber arts now?

Another suggestion I have for when motor control and attention span is established well enough (usually 7 – 8 years), is to introduce children to knitting or crochet. Here’s my favorite for a knitted bunny.

Bunny from a Square

The instructions are for beginning with a stockinette stitch square. But the bunny can also be made with a simple garter stitch square so that even the most basic beginner knitter can enjoy. My “chocolate bunny” below is an example in garter stitch:

Chocolate bunny in garter stitch

Children can be so creative, so don’t squelch that by limiting the color or size. Even flopppy ears or crouching bunny are all welcome and give each little bunny its own personality.

Each bunny has its own personality

Adults have a lot of fun making these bunnies, too. So, if you know someone who is just starting to learn to knit, send them on over to the HeartStringsFiberArts.com website to get the free pattern.

Cranberry and Apricot Couscous Spinach Salad

Cranberry and Apricot Couscous Spinach Salad
6 – 8 servings

1 –  10 oz / 284 g package Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat couscous, or other regular brand of your choosing
1 – 14.5 oz / 41 g can Swanson vegetable broth (or 2 cups of your own homemade vegetable stock)
¾ cup dried cranberries
¾ cup chopped fresh onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
10 dried apricots, chopped
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
salt and pepper to taste
fresh spinach leaves

Empty the package of couscous into a bowl for which you have a cover or can be covered with a plate.

Measure the vegetable broth and add water to bring it to the 2 cup level. In a sauce pan, bring this to just boiling. Add dried cranberries, turn off heat and cover for about 2 minutes to steep and plump the cranberries.

Add the broth/cranberries to couscous and cover the bowl.

Meantime, put the oil in a small frying pan. Add onions and lightly sauté until the onions just start to become translucent.

Uncover the couscous, add onions and apricots. Fluff lightly with fork. Let cool slightly. Add cilantro, salt and pepper. Mix lightly with fork.

Serve over fresh spinach leaves.

Variation/substitutions:

• Use parsley instead of cilantro
• Use either light or dark raisins instead of dried cranberries
• Substitute another favorite dried fruit for the apricots, or even coarsely chopped nuts
• Substitute romaine, iceberg, or other variety of lettuce for the spinach

Enjoy!

Looking across Jackson Square toward the St. Louis Cathedral

So I’ve been playing around with transferring some of the better slides to digital format. I am using the slide tray on my scanner. It is a bit tedious, but doable. I especially love this view of the Cathedral looking across the Jackson Square park.

Fascinating designs on ironwork gates

The intricate designs on old New Orleans ironwork such as these have always fascinated me.

If you are visiting New Orleans, I highly recommend drinking in the beauty of sites like this.