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Archive for the ‘Vickie Howell’ Category

Back from TNNA!

Posted in Uncategorized, Vickie Howell on June 26, 2012 | 3 Comments »

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Tulip Booth Display

I just got back from spending a couple of days at TNNA (The National Needle Arts convention) in Columbus, OH. This is the bi-annual trade show where yarn stores come to order new products and designers meet with yarn companies and magazines about future gigs. This year, I went on behalf of Tulip needles and hooks to hang out and demonstrate their products. It was a good time, and especially nice to see friends, talk shop and play with new yarns and tools! Here are a few, quickie shots I snapped while I was there. xoxo, Vic

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Tulip gifted me Carry T, Carry C & Rose Etimo Hook sets. I’m one lucky gal!
Got to see one of my favorite people in the industry -- the brilliant, Erika Knight.:) #TNNA 
One of my all-time favorite designers and over all amazing woman, Erika Knight.
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Here’s a lilac version of the Purple Ninja for Purple Stitch Project, hanging out to promote the charity.
With IC Editor, Marcy Smith
With Editor-in-Chief of Interweave Crochet, Marcy Smith at the Craftsy party. Love the Tammy Hildebrand tunic she’s wearing!
With designer, Ellen Gormley
With designer, Ellen Gormley at the Craftsy party.
With Drew Emborsky
With my buddy, Drew Emborsky (aka The Crochet Dude). Have you checked out his crochet tool empire, lately? So proud of him!

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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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Father’s Day Project: Golf Club Cover!

Posted in Knitting, Vickie Howell, tagged , on June 8, 2012 | 1 Comment »

Golf Club Cozy
With dad’s day coming up I thought I’d share the pattern for a golf club cover I made for my father-in-law a couple of years ago. Admittedly, I don’t know anything about golf, but this cozy was a special request so I did my best. I’m happy to say that Mr. Wayne Campbell was quite pleased with the finished product, and I’m hoping that the golfer in your life will be, too. Happy Father’s Day! — Vickie

Clubbed
Personalized Golf Club Cover
by Vickie Howell
Materials
1 Ball each Vickie Howell Sheep(ish) for Caron (70% Acrylic/30% Wool; 167 yds/153 m) in colors: (A) Espresso(ish) (00009), (B) Teal(ish) (00016), (C) Taupe(ish) (00011)
Set of size US 8/5 mm dpns — or size needed to obtain gauge
Stitch Marker
Tapestry Needle
Gauge
18 sts x 22 rows = 4”/10 cm in St st
Pattern
With A, CO 38 sts. Divide evenly over 3 dpns. Place marker and join, taking care not to twist.
Rnd 1: *K1, p1; rep from * around.
Rnds 2-6: Rep Rnd 1.
Join C.
Rnds 7-10: Rep Rnd 1.
Cut C. Switch to A.
Rnds 11-14: Rep Rnd 1.
Join B.
Rnds 15-16: Rep Rnd 1.
Cut B. Switch to A.
Rnds 17-42: Rep Rnd 1.
Rnd 43: Knit, inc 10 sts evenly around. (48 sts)
Rnds 44-50: Knit.
Join B.
Rnd 51: Knit.
Cut B. Switch to A.
Rnds 52-75: Knit.
Cut A. Join C.
Rnd 76: *K2tog, k2; rep from * around. (36 sts.)
Rnds 77, 79 & 81: Knit.
Rnd 78: *K2tog, k1; rep from * around. (24 sts)
Rnd 80: *K2tog; rep from * around. (12 sts.)
Rnd 82: *K2tog; rep from * around. (6 sts)
Cut yarn, leaving a 6”/15 cm tail. Using tapestry needle, feed tail through live sts on needles; let them fall off; cinch closed.
Finishing
Pompom:
Using strands of A & B held together and 3″/7.5cm piece of cardboard, wrap yarn around cardboard approx 50 times. Slip wraps off cardboard and tie a piece of yarn tightly around the center of the wraps. Cut both ends of wraps and fluff pompom. Trim.
Using beginning and ending tails of tie, tie pompom to each end.
Weave in ends.
Embroider desired initial, using a tapestry needle, chain stitch and B.



Embroidered Chain Stitch


 

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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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Ultimate Sweater Machine Tips Videos!

Posted in Machine Knitting, Vickie Howell on May 10, 2012 | 3 Comments »

Stop! Wait! Don’t drop that Ultimate Sweater Machine off at the thrift store. I know learning a new tool can be frustrating, but I’m here for you. I promise.

I’m a professional hand-knitter, but still relatively new to using a knitting machine. Using the Ultimate Sweater machine however, became crucial last fall as more and more companies began commissioning large, yarn-bombed pieces from me. Out of sheer necessity, I buckled down and got on board the USM train. Through trial-and-error, I picked up a few tricks that ultimately made my experience more successful. Now I’m sharing those tips, along with answering consumer questions, in 4 videos on the Bond America website. Give ‘em a look, and put what you’ve learned to work on your own USM.

Oh, and don’t forget, there are also traditional how-to videos and 24-hour help available, too! Learn more here.

xx,

Vickie

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Recap: Triangle Shawl Stitch.Rock.Knit-along!

Posted in Knitting, Vickie Howell, tagged , , on April 23, 2012 | 4 Comments »

KAL Prep
Literary Ladybug’s,  Jessica Kline’s and Chai Mama’s supplies ready to go!

Last week we wrapped up (har, har, har) the triangle shawl Stitch.Rock.Knit-along, and at the risk of being redundant I’d just like to say again how much I dig these virtual get-togethers! As a working mom of three kids, getting to hang out with fellow knitters working on a common goal — but on my own time and without leaving home — is a win-win. Hope you think so, too!

For those of you who weren’t able to make this one, here’s a recap of events.

First up, an explanation of the anatomy of a center-out shawl. Traditionally, a triangle is achieved by increasing one stitch at each end (every other row) so that the flat, top of the shawl “grows” on your needles as your work. In other words, you knit from the bottom point of the shawl outward (chart 1.1).
1.1 Anatomy of Bottom-up Triangle Shawl

For the “Shawl We Wrap”, we’ll be using the top-center out method (chart 1.2). This means that we cast on the first few stitches of the straight part of the wrap that will ultimately be worn near the back of your neck, and then work outward. To do this, you not only use the increases at both edges as you would with the bottom-up method, but you ALSO use two increases at the center. You’ll essentially be creating two triangles at a time, that will make up one, larger triangle. This means the the the “live” stitches on your needle are the bottom, angled edges. Cool, eh? Most lace shawl patterns that you see today, use this method. one of the things that makes this nice, is that if you’re knitting your edging you won’t have to pick up stitches. They’ll already on your needle!

1.2 Anatomy of a Center-out Triangle Shawl
Next, it was time to cast-on and get knitting! The great thing about a project like this is that you can see it taking shape almost immediately.
My mom, Libby’s first several rows.
A few days in, knitters were jammin’ along. I especially like how some people started experimenting with stripes!
Progress
Progress!

Clockwise: WIPs by Jessica Kline, Karen Ramisch, EvaporateDone & Susan Rodenhahn

For most of us unless we happen to be on vacation with dedicated knitting time, 7 days isn’t really enough to finish an entire shawl. Some superstar stitchers however, met the challenge! The last few days of the Stitch.Rock.Knit-along were spent chatting about edging options. We provided 3 different choices for this project, all of which came out of Vogue Knitting’s Stitchtionary 6. If you’re feeling math-y though, you could adapt this pattern to finish of with an entirely different edging of your choice.

Since most people tackling this shawl likely already know how to knit, I chose to demo the crocheted edging. I’m a huge fan of crocheted fishnet–the Helena top from my book, Pop Goes Crochetwas created almost exclusively with a variation of this stitch — because it gives a lacy look and a lot of mileage with relative ease.


For stitchers choosing one of the two knitted edging options, here’s a how-to video for the bind-off method used for both. Even if you don’t plan on making the Shawl We wrap, check out this bind-off anyway. It’s one of my faves for adding a little extra detailing, especially on delicate or kids garments.
As our week together came to an end, I was thrilled to see photos of participants finished shawls– makes mama proud!
Kim White’s Magenta(ish) Shawl with Fishnet edging.




FOs!
L-R: Mama Karen,  Maria Kegel, and Julie Bauer’s

 

NJ Knitter’s FO (front & back) with Picot Dot edging and Picot Bind-off.

 

My daughter, Clover feeling Sheep(ish) in our finished wrap.

Even though we’re no longer officially knitting-along for this project, the Ravelry thread and Facebook page will stay live with information and support. Please feel free to read posts at your leisure, ask questions of the group and most of all, share pictures of your projects!

The Shawl We pattern can be found in the Spring ’12 issue of Knit Simple Magazine on stands now, then available to purchase from the archives section of the Knit Simple website after that.

If you want to subscribe to the mag for future Stitch.Rock.Knit-alongs, you can do that here. To order Sheep(ish) yarn ahead of time, go here.

Stay tuned for the cabled beanie Stitch.Rock.Knit-along which will start on July 31!

xx,
Vickie

Psst! Don’t forget to visit me on Facebook!

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Knit Simple’s Stitch.Rock.Knit-along: Triangle Shawl!

Posted in Knitting, Vickie Howell, tagged , , on April 2, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

Join me next week on Facebook and Ravelry for the first official, Knit Simple Stitch.Rock.Knit-along! This time around we’ll be making the triangle shawl from my column in the Spring ’12 issue. 

If you’ve never knitted a shawl from the center neck out, this is a great project to learn the technique on. We’ll be using basic garter stitch for the “body”, along with yarn-overs to increase stitches and also push the shaping out. Once that’s finished, you’ll have the choice between 3 different edgings that range in difficulty levels. I’ll be there every step of the way to help!

To join, just “Like” the Facebook page or post on either the wall or Rav group that, “you’re in!”As you start gathering supplies, please snap a shot with your phone and share the pics at either the virtual venues. We’ll cast-on on April 10th!



Hope to see you there!

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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