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Archive for the ‘Crochet’ Category

Knit & Crochet Toy Drive to Benefit Kids!

Posted in Crochet, Knitting, Vickie Howell, tagged on June 19, 2012 | 17 Comments »

Last week I  launched Purple Stitch Project to benefit children with epilepsy (read about the inspiration behind PSP here), and I’m already coming to you guys with a need. Next month in Bastrop (you know, where the HUGE fires wiped out 4,000 homes last year) there’s going to be this great camp hosted by The Epilepsy Foundation of Central & South Texas in partnership with Texas Parks & Wildlife. Camp Brainstorm is a 5-day experience for kids, ages 8-18 who have seizure disorders.
It’ll be a wonderful experience for the 40+ kids they’re expecting — one that I’d like to make even better by supplying each kiddo with their very own handmade plushie, courtesy of Purple Stitch Project. To make this happen though, I need your help! I’m asking that you knit, crochet or sew 1 (or more) plushie to donate for the cause.  Who’s with me?
Perhaps the PSP mascots, the Purple Ninjas will convince you?
Purple Ninja Speaks Knit
Knit this ninja for a kid camper! Get the pattern here.
Purple Ninja Speaks2
Crochet this ninja for a kid camper! Get the pattern here.
Here’s the scoop:
WHAT: Any plushie (animal, doll, robot, etc.) made or embellished with PURPLE yarn or fabric. Clock on the links above to get the patterns for the mascot ninjas, or work from your favorite pattern. Just keep in mind that the kids at this camp aren’t little-bitty, so let’s try and stay away from anything that seems to babyish.
WHEN: Finished plushies are due to me by July 20th.

WHERE: Send items to: 
Purple Stitch Project
9901 Brodie Ln.
Ste 160 #268
Austin, TX 78748

WHY: Because handmade = love.

Looking for purple yarn suggestions that work well for plushy making? Any of the following are great choices:
Sheep(ish) in colors: Magenta(ish) or Plum(ish)
Simply Soft in colors: Berry Blue, Lavender Blue, Irish, Passion, Grape, or Plum Perfect
Simply Soft Party in color: Purple Sparkle
Caron One Pound in colors: Lilac, Iris or Deep Violet
We dig comments, so let me know if you’re up to the challenge!
Please visit the Purple Stitch Project for more information on the initiative. Thank you SO much in
advance.
Stitch.Rock.Give,
VickiePsst…pass it on!

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Granny Square Boll Blanket in Interweave Crochet!

Posted in Crochet, Vickie Howell, tagged , on June 18, 2012 | 4 Comments »

After my dad passed away in 2010, I came across a few of my very first crochet projects while cleaning out his attic. One of which, was the multi-colored, granny square doll blanket pictured below. This finding reinforces the fact that handmade items are a representation of history — this blanket sharing a bit of mine.
Doll blanket I made when I was about 9-years-old.


For the latest installation of my Home Hooking column for Interweave Crochet’s Summer Issue, I share a bit of my story about learning to crochet as a child, talk about why granny squares are a great way for kids to learn to crochet, and give the pattern for a modern take on a dolly classic.

Hello, Dolly! blankie shown in Vickie Howell Sheep(ish) yarn

Grab the issue on stands or at Crochetme.com today– digital copies available, too!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

 

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Pop Color Trend: Turquoise

Posted in Crochet, Knitting, Vickie Howell on May 23, 2012 | 4 Comments »

Turquoise is hot right now. From nail polish and pillows to hats and haute couture, we’re seeing shades of beautiful blue-green everywhere. I personally consider turquoise ,”my signature color” (said with a Southern accent a la Steel Magnolias) so there’s no end to the glee I feel on a daily basis as I come across a plethora of aqua items! Here are just a few, dreamy things I’ve spotted on the inter-webs, plus TEN on-trend projects that you can make yourself!

10 On-Trend Turquoise Projects from Caron


1. Tuxita Baby Tunic (shown above)









Love turquoise, too? Follow my Pop Color Trend: Turquoise board on Pinterest!
xx,

Vickie

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Bunny Plushie for Easter!

Posted in Crochet, Vickie Howell on March 28, 2012 | 3 Comments »

Candy Bunny

Looking for a last-minute, Easter basket gift to make for your sweeties? Well then, try the Candy Bunny pattern. Cute, cuddly, and can be crocheted in just a couple of evenings. Hoppy Spring!

Materials

1 Ball Vickie Howell for Caron Sheep (ish) (30% wool/70% acrylic; 167 yds/ 153 m), in color: #0007 Hot Pink(ish) 
Size US H/8 hook
Tapestry needle 
Scrap of contrasting yarn for embroidery 
Stuffing Silk ribbon (optional)

Finished Measurement
11”/28 cm

Gauge
14sts x18rows= 4”/10cm

Directions (Make 2)
Body: Ch 10.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, and in each ch to end. Turn. (9 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1 (counts as 1st sc), sc to last st, 2sc in last st. Turn. (11 sts)

Rows 3-4: Repeat Row 2. Turn. (15 sts)

Rows 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22 & 24: Ch 1, sc in next st and in each st to end. Turn.

Row 7: Repeat Row 2. (17 sts)

Row 9: Repeat Row 2. (19 sts) 

Row 11: Repeat Row 2. (21 sts) 

Row 16: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 3 sts, sc2tog, sc. Turn. (19 sts) 

Row 18: Repeat Row 16. (17 sts) 

Row 21: Repeat Row 16. (15 sts) 

Row 23: Repeat Row 16. (13 sts)

Head: 
Row 1: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st. Turn. (15 sts)

Row 2: Repeat Row 1. (17 sts) 

Rows 3, 6, 11-13 : Ch 1, sc in next st and in each st to end. Turn. 

Rows 4-5: Repeat Row 1. (21sts) 

Row 7: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 3 sts, sc2tog, sc in last st. Turn. (19 sts) 

Rows 8-10: Repeat Row 7. (13 sts)

Right ear: 
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in next 5 sts. Turn. (6 sts)

Rows 2-3 (short rows): Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts. Turn. (3 sts.)

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts then CONTINUE sc in the last 3 sts (from two rows down). Turn. (6 sts)

Rows 5-11: Ch 1, sc in next st and to end. (6 sts) 

Row 12: Ch 1, [sc2tog] twice, sc in last sc. Turn. (4 sts) 

Row 13: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in last st. (3 sts). 

Fasten off.

Left ear: 
Flip piece over; join yarn with sl st in turning ch at the top edge of the WS. Work as for right ear.

Finishing
Using tapestry needle, contrasting yarn and photo as a guide, embroider eyes and nose with satin stitch onto front piece.

With WS facing, place two pieces together. Join yarn with sl st and sc evenly around, leaving an opening to stuff. Firmly stuff; continue sc around to close. Join with sl st to first sc. 

Fasten off.

Weave in ends. Tie ribbon around neck.



Looking for a printable version of this pattern?  Download now for free from my Ravelry Shop!

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Stitch.Rock.Crochet-along Photo Recap!

Posted in Crochet, Vickie Howell, tagged , on March 27, 2012 | 1 Comment »

L-R Noelle Corcoran (via FB), “Low Budget” (via Ravelry), “Mama Karen” (via Ravelry), “Mehere7″ (via Ravelry),  ”Art Like Bread” (via Ravelry)
Last weekend was the first, Stitch.Rock.Crochet-along in what I plan on being a series. The project, a quick one that’s perfect for the season: Springtime Scarf. I really enjoyed seeing everyone’s progression, as well as getting to feel like I still get to be a part of events, even with a career and 3 kids at home — I love the internet!
Thanks to all who participated, and especially those who asked questions, offered comments, and shared pictures. Without further ado, here’s a photo re-cap of the CAL!
Prepping
My creation
A few of the participants’ supplies ready to go!
Pre-CAL Chat
“I’m excited to do a knit [sic] along! Plus I’ve never had a springtime scarf so this should be fun!”–tltyog (via Rav)
“I’m in & I’m a newbie to crochet! A knitter to date!”–Penny Eaton (via FB)

“I’m in! This scarf looks FUN!”– Julia Painter (via FB)

Beginnings

My creation
“Chaining on!” (New term I’m trying to make big with the kids. ;-) )


Middles

My creation
A few shots of crochet-alongers’ WIPs.



CAL Chat
“First row ♥”– Angela Rae (via FB)

“Just getting started, also HAD to use something from the stash, Bernat Softee baby & a G hook, my girlfriends: “The Crochet Babes” are coming over tomorrow & we’re going to CAL with Vickie’s CAL!”– Roberta Thome (via FB)

“Stopped off at JoAnn’s last night and my son picked out two colors for me to choose from (Grey-ish and Camel-ish). I can’t decide which I like better, so I guess I have to do two scarves! I’ll “chain on” tonight and try to keep up through the weekend.”– Mama Karen (via Rav)

“…digging this pattern, Thanks for this CAL Vickie!” – Mehere7 (via Rav)

“Thank you for a beautiful, easy, and fun pattern, Vickie!” — Art Like Bread (via Rav)

“Have made 4 scarves in the last two days. Made the last one while I was under the hair dryer.” –Rosetta Williams (via FB)

Ends

My creation
More FOs!
DSCF3654_medium
“Ava’s Aunt Renee” (via Ravelry)
My creation
L-R: Candyce Lucas’ (via FB), Margot Potter’s (via FB), “Memaw9″ (via Ravelry), & “Camellia 3 (via Ravelry)
Cathy Boha FB
Cathy Boha’s Scarves (via Facebook)
Didn’t make it for the the CAL, but still want to make the scarf? No problem! The threads (including Q&A and how-to photos) will remain up on both Facebook and Ravelry, and you can nab the pattern here.
Got project ideas for a future Stitch.Rock.Crochet-along? Post ‘em in the comments section!
Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie
P.S. Don’t forget to join my on my regular Facebook page, Twitter & Pinterest!

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Pop Trend Color: Bright Pink + CAL

Posted in Crochet, Vickie Howell on March 20, 2012 | 7 Comments »

Bright pink is one of those rare colors that depending on how it’s used can be either girlie and goodie-goodie, or totally punk rock. I love it for that!  It also happens to be one of the pop colors trending right now, and thusly deserves a round-up. Here are just a few, great pieces in the palette. You can keep up to date with more blushing finds though, on my Pop Color Trend: Bright Pink Pinterest board.

In my daily life, I tend to wear a lot of black and grey. Although I love color, I’m really more comfortable wearing little bursts of it against darker shades than I am in head to toe brightness. With my latest design, the Springtime Scarf I can do just that. Crocheted in in Sheep(ish) color, Hot Pink(ish), this simple neck pieces adds a bit of trend-happy pink to any ol’ outfit.

Sheep(ish): Hot Pink(ish)

Join me on Facebook or Ravelry this Thursday for a Stitch.Rock.Crochet-along to make this project for yourself. It’s quick, simple and dare I say, a little bit sassy?

Get the Springtime Scarf pattern here: download now.

Also check out these other Caron yarns in bright pink:

Simply Soft: Watermelon

Simply Soft Light: Bubble Gum

NaturallyCaron.com: Rosalinda

Hope to crochet-along with you soon!

xx,

Vickie

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Handmade for the Home

Posted in Crochet, Knitting, Vickie Howell on March 16, 2012 | 1 Comment »

Sometimes thinking about how to create handmade items and incorporate them into the home can be a bit overwhelming. After all, not everyone has time to knit cotton rugs for all of the bathrooms, or crochet an afghan to drape over the couch. Still though, DIY decor items bring a personalized warmth to any dwelling. So what’s a busy stitcher to do? My advice: think small. Small project, that is.

Simple accessories that take less than a weekend to make are the perfect components for the home, no matter what your style. Coordinating throw pillows, crochet-embellished bowls, and wash cloths are all great examples of small touches of stitched style. If you want to pack a little more punch with your projects though, I suggest choosing a pop color and creating a small piece for an unexpected place. To show you what I mean, I thought I’d share a picture of my own kitchen (see above.)

On the table is a plain, vase from Ikea that I created a chevron-patterned vase sleeve for out of Sheep(ish) colors: Yellow(ish), Chartreuse(ish) and Coral(ish). The sleeve comes off so I can still wash the glass, or switch it out for another sleeve in different colors should I want to.

Hanging above the table is a plain ol’, white drum lamp that I be-cozied using the same coral color from the vase. To do this, I just knit a long, garter stitch piece on oversized needles. Then, I stretched the piece around the lamp — hot gluing along the outer edges as I went — and seamed up the back. It was so easy, and really broke up the over-whelming amount of white in that room. Oh, and for you sew-ers out there, the valances are made by cutting rectangles of fabric, hemming the edges, and creating a rod pocket at the top. Easy peasy!

I’d love to know what items you’re making for your own home. Share ‘em here, if you please!

Have a creative weekend!

xx,

Vickie

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Stitch.Rock.Crochet-along: Springtime Scarf!

Posted in Crochet, Vickie Howell, tagged , , , , , , on March 12, 2012 | 7 Comments »

Springtime Scarf
Just because warmer weather is on the horizon doesn’t mean it’s time to pack up your crochet supplies. No way, man! Working on light and open pieces will keep you happily hooking throughout the hotter months. To kick off the season, I designed the Springtime Scarf – a Sheep(ish), 1-ball project that’ll bring some pop to wardrobe and add a “Spring” to your step!
Get printable pattern pdf here OR on Ravelry.
Feel like hanging out? Hows about a weekender crochet-along for this project? The Springtime Scarf will be the 1st of 2012′s Stitch.Rock.Crochet-alongs! Pick your pleasure and join me on either Facebook or Ravelry. On Facebook, you just need to “Like” the new, Stitch.Rock.Crochet-along page, then post an, “I’m in!” On Ravelry, go to the usual Stitch.Rock.Love group, where I’ve started a new thread.
We’ll official start next Thursday, 3/22 and run through Sunday 3/25. In the meantime, go out and nab a ball of Sheep(ish) or other, worsted-weight yarn and a Size I (5.5 mm) hook. Feel free to upload a photo of your supplies to get the party started!
Looking forward to crocheting-along with you!
xx,
Vickie
Psst…pass it on!

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Granny Square Bunny Bag Pattern!

Posted in Crochet, Vickie Howell, tagged , , , , , , , on March 8, 2012 | 4 Comments »

Peepsaboocaption
I believe a gal should have a purse for every occasion, even if she isn’t quite old enough to need to carry one. With spring in the air and Easter on the horizon, every little lass needs a cute carry-all! Inspired by those marshmallow bunnies, the Peeps-a-Boo Bag uses simple granny squares to form a rabbit motif. It’s sweet and easy, and makes for the perfect egg-hunt companion. Switch out the pink for a brown or blue bunny, and make it for the lad in your life. Either way, your kiddo will hop for joy when she or he gets this tiny tote!

 

Peeps-a-boo-bag
Shown in Sheep(ish) colors: White(ish) & Pink(ish)
0008 Pink(ish)

Get the pattern on the CRAFT website, and the Sheep(ish) yarn to make it with HERE — or at a retailer near you!
Stitch.Rock.Love,
VickieP.S. Check out the picture of my daughter on the yarn label from a year or so compared to her now (modeling the bag) — her hair came it!

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Home Hooking: Tree Amigurumi for Interweave Crochet!

Posted in Crochet, Vickie Howell on March 6, 2012 | 1 Comment »

I’m happy to announce my new column for Interweave Crochet: Home Hooking! In each article, I’ll share personal anecdotes, suggest tips, and bring you a quick, easy, and absolutely doable project designed to bring a little yarn-y goodness into your family’s life.  It might be a small object to add to your home, a project to make with or for your children, or a sweet something to brighten your day—or someone else’s.

First up (and in plenty of time to make a forest’s worth of ‘em for Earth Day), Tree-garumi — a sweet, little crocheted tree! It’s perfect for your little one to carry around or for you to set on your desk as a tiny reminder of the great outdoors. Enjoy!
Home Hooking: Tree-garumi
Get the issue on stands now, or download the digital edition here!
Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie
Psst! Don’t forget to vote for me for About.com’s Reader’s Choice Award for Favorite Designer. Vote here.

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