Hazy modeling her gram's Party Ponchette
Ready for a spring party in the park (actually, it was July…), granddaughter Hazel was the best. No bias here, of course, especially after this hug with her gram….
Gram and Hazy after the shoot
Archive for March, 2011
Party Girl
Posted in Uncategorized, Yarn on March 31, 2011 | 2 Comments »
MOVIE MONDAY: Mildred Pierce, Part 1
Posted in Movie Mondays with Vickie Howell on March 28, 2011 | 9 Comments »
Last night HBO debuted their version of the classic film, Mildred Pierce. Not quite a remake of the original (1945, starring Joan Crawford), director Todd Haynes takes the more in-depth approach into the life of a working mother in the 30′s and the tumultuous relationship with her sociopathically-ungrateful daughter.
Academy award winning actresses; whip-smart script; fantastic costuming–this one is a must-see! In the meantime, here’s a glimpse at how knit & crochet were represented in the 1st parts, of the 5-part miniseries.
Kate Winslet as “Mildred”, wearing a Chunky, Knit Jacket
Recommended Stitching:
NaturallyCaron.com’s Brigham Hat, by Lisa Gentry
Caron’s Cozy Knit Jacket, by Susan Shildmyer
NaturallyCaron.com’s Asheville Jacket, by Kathy Perry
Happy viewing; happy stitching!
Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie
See more Movie Monday posts here!
Most Crochet-Friendly Yarn Company – Caron!
Posted in Crochet on March 19, 2011 | 3 Comments »
Voice Your Choice for the Winners of the Annual CLF Flamie Awards!
Some of you know about Laurie Wheeler’s CLF organization’s Flamie Awards, but, for those of you who don’t, it’s an annual recognition of deserving designers, books, videos – and companies – who contribute to the promotion and support for all things crochet. And Caron’s nominated as the most crochet-friendly company. AND Tulip’s Etimo hooks the best crochet hook. Here’s a link to the nominations where you can also see some of the amazing books, videos, designer projects, etc. and here’s the link to where to vote.
Vote for your faves – the list is WAY too long to list everyone here – but do go to see everything Laurie has listed. Pretty amazing! Best of luck to everyone nominated. I voted – now it’s your turn!
Pocket Knitter Purselet
Posted in Knitting, Pocket Knitter, Uncategorized, tagged Pocket Knitter on March 18, 2011 | 2 Comments »
It’s been a while, but I finally found some time to work on another project using the Pocket Knitter. Using Simply Soft Party in Black Sparkle and Snow Sparkle, I made this little purselet. Great for storing a couple of personal items for your evening on the town, holding your cell phone, or even just a great little gift for a little girl!
MOON LAKE PURSELET
YOU WILL NEED:
- Caron International’s Party (99 % Acrylic, 1% Polyester; 3oz/85g, 171yds/156m): Shown in: # 0007 Black Sparkle (A) and #0001 Snow Sparkle (B)
- Pocket Knitter
- One size US H-8 (5.0mm) crochet hook
- 1/8” wide ribbon in white, approx 22” long
- 1” diameter button, or desired size
- Yarn needle
NOTES: This entire project is made working with two strands of yarn, one in each color.
PURSE: Working two strands of yarn, cast on 14 stitches with the Pocket Knitter. Work in St st until piece measures approximately 12 inches. Bind off across.
PURSE STRAP: With crochet hook and A, create ch about 20” long. Turn.
Row 1: Sc in each ch to end. Bind off. Weave ribbon in and out throughout the length of the strap. Tie a knot in each end. Trim ribbon and yarn ends as needed.
FLOWER: With crochet hook and B, ch 5, slip stitch in 1st ch, ch1. Round 1: 6 sc in ring, sl st to 1st sc. Round 2: ch 3, dc in same sp, dc in next sc, sl st in next st, repeat from * around 5 more times. Bind off. Weave in ends.
FINISHING: Fold in half. Using yarn needle and B, stitch sides together. With crochet hook and B, work one row sc around top. Sew Flower on front of purse. Sew button on top of flower. Run strap through alternating stitches oninside of purse all the way around and tie ends. Weave in all ends. Block lightly, if desired.
“Dazzled” Recipient
Posted in Knitting, Uncategorized, Yarn on March 9, 2011 | 1 Comment »
- Hazy wearing her new coat – styled with forehead stickers!
“Thanks, Gram!” says Hazy, be-decked in the “I miss you, Hazel” care package of a new fuzzy sweater-coat and valentine pendant, both appropriately shown Hazy-styled with forehead stickers. The sweater would be perfect worn with pants, but pants are not in this girly girl’s vocabulary – or wardrobe. Fuzzy is good, sparkly is good, definitely purple and pink are good - no, great! Hazy is 4 but is wearing a size 6-8 (the coat is a size 6) and it fits her perfectly.
Crochet Pattern: Bitty Bunny Amigurumi
Posted in Crochet, Vickie Howell, tagged amigurumi, bunny, Crochet, easter, free pattern, Vickie Howell on March 8, 2011 | 17 Comments »
Materials
1 Skein, Simply Soft Paints, in color: (Color A) Rose Garden
Scraps, Simply Soft, in color: (Color B) Soft Grey
Size US H-8 hook
Tapestry Needle
Stuffing
2, Small Buttons
Needle & Thread
Felt Scrap or Embroidery Thread
Velvet Ribbon
Finished Size
Approx. 6″ Tall (including ears)
Directions
Head:
Rnd 1: Using A, ch 4, join with a sl st in 1st ch. Sc 6 times in center ring. Joins with a sl st. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (12 sts)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, *sc, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (18 sts)
Rnd 4: Ch1, *2 sc, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (24 sts)
Rnds 5-7: Ch 1, sc in every st around. Join with a sl st.
Rnd 8: Ch 1, *2 sc, sc2tog; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st. (18 sts)
Rnd 9: Ch 1, *sc, sc2tog; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st. (12 sts)
Rnd 10: Ch 1, *sc2tog; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st. Tie off, leaving a 12″ tail.
Stuff head. Don’t worry, the small opening will be covered when the head is attached to the body.
Body:
Rnds 1-7: Work same as for head.
Rnds 8-11: Ch 1, sc in every st around. Join with a sl st.
Rnd 12: Ch 1, *2 sc, sc2tog; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st. (18 sts)
Rnd 13: Ch 1, *sc, sc2tog; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st. (12 sts)
Rnd 14: Ch 1, *sc2tog; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st. Tie off.
Stuff body and tuck any ends in as well (otherwise you’d need to weave them in).
Ears (Make 2):
Rnd 1: Using A, ch 4, join with a sl st in 1st ch. Sc 6 times in center ring. Joins with a sl st. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in every st around. Join with a sl st.
Rnds 3-4: Repeat Rnd 2.
Join B
Rnds 5-8: Repeat Rnd 2. Tie off, leaving a 6″ tail.
Stuff body and tuck in any ends (excluding tail).
Legs (Make 4)
Rnd 1: Using A, ch 4, join with a sl st in 1st ch. Sc 6 times in center ring. Joins with a sl st. (6 sts)
Rnd 1: Using A, ch 4, join with a sl st in 1st ch. Sc 6 times in center ring. Joins with a sl st. (6 sts)
Join B.
Rnds 2-5: Ch 1, sc in every st around. Join with a sl st. Tie off, leaving 6″ tail.
Stuff.
Finishing
Use tails & tapestry needle to sew pieces together (follow photo as a guide). Weave in ends.
Use tails & tapestry needle to sew pieces together (follow photo as a guide). Weave in ends.
Sew button eyes onto face.
Sew felt (or embroider) nose onto face.
Tie velvet ribbon around neck (velvet makes everything fancier.;-)
Stitch.Rock.Love,
Copyright Craft Rock Love Media, LLC. Pattern is for non-commerical use only.
Movie Monday (Music Video Edition): Farmer’s Daughter
Posted in Movie Mondays with Vickie Howell on March 7, 2011 | 4 Comments »
Today’s Movie Monday selection was sent to me from my friend Luke over at Buy.Caron.com. It’s not technically a movie but in the way that many music videos are, it’s certainly cinematic in its own right.
You may remember from the contestant-inspired, crocheted Lilly Earrings I posted a pattern for a year ago that we Caron peeps are a sucker for crafty, American Idol-ers. That said, you can imagine my delight of finding out that one of the greatest Idol finalists, singer-songwriter Crystal Bowersox, is a knitter! Check her out, showing her stitching skills in the video for her song, Farmer’s Daughter. Oh, and props to Crystal & the director for figuring out how to use knitting as the common thread (Thanks, I’ll be here all night!) through the video’s storyline. Enjoy!
Recommended Knitting:
Cardigan Neutral from AwareKnits
Caron’s Cozy Knit Jacket, by Susan Shildmyer
NaturallyCaron.com’s Iquitos Sweater, by Ann E. Smith
Happy viewing; happy knitting!
Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie
It’s Almost Spring!
Posted in Crochet, Knitting, Uncategorized, Yarn on March 4, 2011 | 9 Comments »
I love Simply Soft Party yarn! So in celebration of Spring being just around the corner, I used my favorite Party color (Yes, Spring), to make some quick ornaments. I made a small shamrock that can be used for just about anything (a pin, a pencil topper, a headband, etc). If you prefer the real luck of the Irish, then how about a 4 leaf clover? Using the Embellish Knit, I made a cozy for a pencil by just knitting the length of the pencil and inserting the pencil into the tube (a sharpened pencil works best). The really neat thing about this cozy is that you can twist it in different directions on the pencil and get a really ineteresting textured effect. To top the pencil cozy off, I added a little flower done in Spring and Snow. Or try knitting around a chenille stem and see what you can come up with. I coiled one around a chopstick and then added beads for embellishment. I bent another into the shape of a shamrock. If you want to make any of the projects pictured, my instructions are below. Happy Spring!
SMALL SHAMROCK: With F-5 crochet hook ch 5. Slip stitch in 1st ch, ch 4, sl st in same sp (1st ch), ch 4, sl st in same sp (1st ch). Sc in 1st 4 ch sp, *[hdc, 3 dc, sc, 3dc, hdc, sc] in same ch 4 sp, sl st in center, sc in next ch 4 sp, repeat from * 2 more times. Stem: Ch 7, sc in 2nd chain from hook, 2 sc in next ch from hook, sc in each remaining ch, sl st in center of clover. Bind off. Weave in ends.
FOR A LARGER SHAMROCK:With H-8 crochet hook, ch 6. Slip stitch in 1st ch, ch 5, sl st in same sp (1st ch), ch 5, sl st in same sp (1st ch).Sc in 1st 5 ch sp, *[hdc, 3 dc, sc, 3dc, hdc, sc] in same ch 5 sp, sl st in center, sc in next ch 5 sp, repeat from * for this and 3rd ch 5 sp.Stem: Ch 8, sc in 2nd chain from hook, 2 sc in next ch from hook, sc in each remaining ch, sl st in center of clover. Bind off. Weave in ends.
LUCKY 4-LEAF CLOVER: With F-5 crochet hook, ch 5. Slip stitch in 1st ch, ch 4, sl st in same sp (1st ch), ch 4, sl st in same sp (1st ch).Sc in 1st 4 ch sp, *[hdc, 3 dc, sc, 3dc, hdc, sc] in same ch 4 sp, sl st in center, sc in next ch 4 sp, repeat from * 3 more times.Stem: Ch 7, sc in 2nd chain from hook, 2 sc in next ch from hook, sc in each remaining ch, sl st in center of clover. Bind off. Weave in ends.
FLOWER: With F-5 crochet hook, ch 5, slip stitch in 1st ch, ch1.Round 1: 5 sc in ring, sl st to 1st sc, switch to B, ch 1.Round 2: With B, ch 3, dc in same sp, dc in next sc, sl st in next st, repeat from * around 4 more times. Bind off. Weave in ends.
PENCIL COVER: Using the Embellish Knit, knit a cord the length of pencil. Insert pencil into center of cord allowing tip to come out the other end. Bind off at top of pencil. Make small clover and attach to top. Weave in any ends.
CHOPSTICK COIL: Using the Embellish Knit, start knitting a cord. Insert a chenille stem into the center of cord and continue knitting the cord until the chenille stem is entirely covered. Bind of end. Coil around pencil. Add desired embellishments, such as beads. Weave in any ends.
EMBELLISH KNIT SHAMROCK: Using the Embellish Knit, start knitting a cord. Insert a chenille stem into the center of cord and continue knitting the cord until the chenille stem is entirely covered. Bind of end. Bend into desired shape working from the center of the cord so that the ends can be twisted together. With a yarn needle, stitch together. Weave in any ends.
Happy National Craft Month–Free Pattern!
Posted in Knitting, Vickie Howell, Yarn on March 3, 2011 | 7 Comments »
Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts is celebrating National Craft Month by featuring several designers from the Craft Community on in-store kiosks nationwide–I’m thrilled to one of those designers! For the entire month of March, free patterns from all of will be available at every store across the country.
Craft Community Pattern Kiosk at Jo-Ann Craft Stores
My design is a lacey ascot knit in NaturallyCaron.com’s Spa (shown in color, Ocean Spray). It’s a lovely accessory for the Spring, and works up using only one skein. Go in to a store near year and nab the pattern for it today!
Lacey Ascot
Don’t live near a Jo-Ann? No problem! Download the pattern from their website.
Happy National Craft Month!
Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie
