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Posts Tagged ‘Sheep(ish)’

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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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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New Pattern: Bestie Scarf–Just in Time for V-day!

Posted in Crochet, Vickie Howell, tagged , , , , on February 10, 2012 | 1 Comment »

Noelle, modeling her Bestie scarf in color: Hot Pink(ish)

Bestie
Triple-crochet infinity scarf for thrice the love!

My friend Noelle is new to crochet, so I was beyond thrilled when she showed up to our dinner date one night sporting a Sheep(ish) infinity scarf that she’d whipped after teaching herself the triple crochet stitch. It makes a bestie proud! I’d never seen her in hot pink before, and I loved the pop of color this little number brought to her outfit. So simple, but still such a statement piece. 

With Valentine’s Day upon us, I thought it’d be nice to write-up a pattern for Noelle’s scarf as a reminder that girlfriends + crafting = love. Enjoy! –Vickie

Materials
2 Balls Stitch.Rock.Love Sheep(ish) (30% wool/70% acrylic; 167 yds/153m), in color: Hot Pink(ish)
Size H-8 (5mm) Hook
Tapestry Needle
Abbreviations
st(s) = stitch(es)

Gauge for this project is not important.
Directions
Ch 28.
Row 1: tr in 4th ch from hook, and in ever ch to end. Turn. (25 sts)
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first tr), tr in next tr and to end.
Repeat Row 2, until piece measures 42”/107cm. Tie off.
Finishing
Using a tapestry needle and yarn, seam together the top and bottom edges to create a loop.
Weave in ends.
Wear is as one long infinity scarf, or double it for a snugger cowl effect!


Don’t crochet, but would love to learn? Take my online workshop, Crochet Lab on Craftsy today! 



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Crafts & Hobbies Show Photo Recap + Facts!

Posted in Machine Knitting, Vickie Howell, tagged , , , on February 6, 2012 | 3 Comments »

The Tree
Well, we pulled it off.  Two-and-a-half weeks before the show, Spinrite (the new owner of Caron) marketing exec Sara Arblaster and I decided that I should yarn bomb a 10 ft’ fake tree, live from the show floor. Normally, plans like these take months of planning. We however, like to live on the edge.
Thanks to the powers that be for approving it, the design wizardry of artist (and art director on Knitty Gritty) Dave Lowe who built us a tree, and to the knitting machine that helped me whip out the pieces to cover it lickety-split–our zany idea came to yarn-y life!
“Yarn Bombing” (aka knit tagging, knit graffiti) is a phenomena that saw a rise 5-7 years ago in the indie scene and has since gained popularity in the mainstream. Its purpose can be anything from making a statement against the stereotypical purpose of knitting/crochet, to challenge the modern perception of art, to offering a fun way to make a bright (but harmless) mark on an otherwise ordinary object.
IMG_1983
Sheep(ish) tree, yarn bombed on the CHA floor.
My creation
I made most of the tree pieces on the Ultimate Sweater Machine. 

Here they are, finished and ready to be packed for the trip!
Ustreamvid1
Screenshot of live streaming from the show floor.
Now that I know how to do it, maybe I’ll do more live events (only that aren’t 4 hours long!)
IMG_1981
Be-cozying in progress.
IMG_1985
Final touch: fabric tree “carving”.
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Fabric hanging: hand embroidered and machine sewn.

CHA Floor

Much like every convention in any industry, the CHA convention is wall to wall carpeting and booths. What makes this one different though, is an unusual amount of glitter, paint and yarn. Oh, and these guys.

Random CHA launch show.
Every year before the show doors open, a bag pipe procession plays through the aisles. Random.
Whipped up a Sheep(ish) cast cozy for Andrea from A.C. Moore
Andrea from A.C. Moore, kindly let me cover her cast in Sheep(ish).
Quick chat with my friend Deborah Norville at the booth. #CHAshow
Quick chat with pal, Deborah Norville.
Hope live body painting.
My friend Hope Perkins, painting a live model from the I Love to Create booth.
Last Minute Knitted Shade
Last minute lampshade cover, made on the USM the night before the show to fill space. Most of our stuff didn’t make it, so we had to do a wee bit of scrambling.
CYC Reception
White at CHA,  I attended the annual Craft Yarn Council reception. This is the meeting where the council presents to industry types, the data obtained through researching customer’s yarn habits for the previous year.  I always walk away with some interesting facts so this time, I thought I’d share a few. All information is based on the results of surveying 5,175 knitters and crocheters found via the web.

Out of the stitchers surveyed:

  • 63% both knit and crochet (This was a happy surprise to me! I’m so glad to see that the majority are bi-craftual. That keeps things interesting for us in the the design world.)
  • In 2011, 87% of knitters/crocheters said that they’ve taught at least one other person to stitch. (Recruiters!)
  • Hats and scarves are the most made projects (70-77% respectively)
  • Knitters and crocheters each averaged 33.4 projects in 2011. (This number blew me away! I suppose this speaks to the popularity of small projects. I’d also wager that many of these are charity projects.)
  • 98% of the stitchers surveyed, said they plan to make at least as many projects in 2012 as they did in 2011. (This is great news for local yarn stores, big box retailers, independent designers, publishers, and anyone else who’s in the industry or simply, loves the craft!)
For more information, check out the CYC website.
Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie

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Sheep(ish) Wrist Warmers in Petite Purls!

Posted in Crochet, Vickie Howell, tagged , , , , on January 11, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

PPwinter12cvr
The lastest issue of Petite Purls went live yesterday, and nestled amongst all of the adorable knit projects are my crocheted wrist warmers for kids!
Model: Clover / Photos: Dave Campbell

As a busy mama, wrist warmers are one of my favorite things to make. They serve the purpose of keeping little hands warm without restricting fingers from coloring, itsy-bitsy spider-ing, or playing on an iPad. They’re quick enough to whip-up though, that I can feel a sense of accomplishment from actually finishing something. Anything.
The Wristy Business version are crocheted, using front and back-post single crochet stitches to create an interesting texture and adding to the practicality of a button, ribbed cuff. These are sized from toddler to adult so make a pair for your kiddo, then treat yourself (and everyone you know) to a pair, too!

Get the pattern here, and the yarn to make ‘em at select JoAnn and Michaels stores.

Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie

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Stitch.Rock.Knit-along Recap!

Posted in Knitting, Vickie Howell, tagged , , , , , , on November 2, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

Last week we officially said “so long” to our Stitch.Rock.Knit-along. Unofficially however, it lives on. The threads on both Ravelry and Facebook are still up as well as the how-to cable video on YouTube, so feel free to continue working on cowls and sharing pictures–we love seeing ‘em!
Just like any host, I was nervous that no one would show up to the knit-along party. I was overwhelmed (in a good way) by the response, though! I truly enjoyed virtually hanging out with everyone, and watching their progress (and sharing mine)!  Here are just a few KAL finished projects.
L-R Mine, knit in Coral(ish), Tina Lindquist’s, Renee Blankenship’s
& Michelle Kovach’s (all via Facebook)
L-R Jessoliel, AnaBC, LiteraryLady & MamaKaren (all via Ravelry)

Here’s what people are saying about the knit-along:

“Thanks for the great pattern and KAL!-”-Debbie Jarmusik 

“I already wore [my cowl] before I blocked it, because it’s so cute I couldn’t wait!”
–Michelle Kovach

“The [how-to] video was great, thanks for the cable refresher…!”– Alice Reagan

“Please do knit-alongs more often. I don’t have friends who knit and this was really fun!”–Allison McCallister

“[Sheep(ish)] colors are just beautiful and vibrant!” –Stazerd (Ravelry)

“I have to say I am loving this yarn! I plopped on my couch last night and watched tv and knit the ribbing section up and I really loved the feel of the yarn–very soft. And am very pleased with the Gun Metal(ish) color.” 
–Literary Lady

“Loved this project. Now I can have fun making myself one!–Jmacal9425


See more photos in Flickr!

Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie

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Guest Post Project: Allison Hoffman’s Spooky Spiders!

Posted in Crochet, tagged , , , , on October 7, 2011 | 5 Comments »

Happy Fall! My favorite time of the year starts in September at my house. I know the calendar says that it’s still summer, but as soon as August is over, my kids are begging me to get out our big Rubbermaid container of Halloween decorations. Lots of the decorations are handmade, from paper plate Jack-o-lanterns to dried glue ghosts, and even though they’re not store-bought, they are the ones worth the most to us.



When Vickie Howell asked me to do a guest blog post for Caron using her Sheep(ish) yarn, I knew I had to take advantage of the amazing color palette she chose for her brand. Usually Halloween is all orange and black, and more recently purple, but I decided to have some fun and take a few liberties. This is where you get to use your imagination (and your stash of Sheep(ish)!) to make as many brightly colored spiders you want. Mix and match pipe cleaners to give them creepy crawly legs of all sorts. Of course if you want your decoration a little scarier and a lot more traditional, you can make them all black.
You might be “spooked” to find out how quickly this decoration comes together! If you’re a beginner, check out my Baby Monster pattern to learn how to do an adjustable ring.

Sheep(ish) Spiders!


You will need…

Yarn: 
 Stitch.Rock.Love Sheep(ish) by Caron
  Red(ish)
  Lime(ish)
  Hot Pink(ish)
  Magenta(ish)
  Lime(ish)
  Black(ish)


Hook:
  Size E/3.5 mm
  Size G/4.0 mm 

Notions:
  Black safety eyes (6mm)
  Polyester stuffing  
  Yarn needle
  Embroidery needle
  Black embroidery floss
  Pipe cleaners (I used silver)

Key: 
ch: chain 
sc: single crochet 
st: stitch 

Spider body

SPIDER:
Starting at top of head, make an adjustable ring, ch 1, and sc 6 into the ring. Pull closed.
Rnd 1: Work 2 sc into each st (12)
Rnd 2: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next st)* rep to end of round (18)
Rnd 3: (2 Sc into next st, sc into next 2 st)* rep to end of round (24)
Rnds 4-5: sc into each st (24)
Rnd 6: (Sc2tog, sc into next 2 st)* rep to end of round (18)
Rnd 7: (Sc2tog, sc into next st)* rep to end of round (12)
*Insert safety eyes and stuff spider firmly.
Rnd 8: Sc2tog around (6)
Fasten off. Use yarn tail to sew opening closed.
Using embroidery needle and black embroidery floss, embroider a “v” shape with loose stitches where the mouth belongs. Loose stitches will make the smile curve. Knot the floss and hide within the body.

Insert pipe cleaners through last rows of body.



Cut pipe cleaners in half. The standard length of a pipe cleaner is 12″, so just make sure you have four 6″ lengths (two pipe cleaners) for each spider. Insert each half pipe cleaner through the bottom of the spider’s body and out through the other side. Bend the pipe cleaners as shown above.


WEB
With Black(ish) yarn and a G hook, crochet a chain long enough to drape across the area you wish to hang your String of Spiders. I hung mine on the mantle and chained 275 stitches. Fasten off and set aside.


ASSEMBLY
With Black(ish) and a yarn needle, thread varying lengths of yarn into the tops of the Spiders’ bodies. Knot close to the surface and pull tail to pull knot inside. Tie the other end of the yarn to the Web. Space the spiders evenly across its length. Hang as desired.


*If the spiders are to be given to children as toys, please omit the safety eyes and embroider them, and use strands of yarn for the legs instead of pipe cleaners.

Happy Halloween!





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New Sheep(ish) Pattern: Vase Cozies on Craftzine!

Posted in Knitting, Vickie Howell, tagged , , on September 27, 2011 | Leave a Comment »


Knit Vase Cozies


Flowers aren’t the only way to add a pop of color to otherwise plain-Jane vases. With just a bit of yarn (Might I suggest, Sheep(ish)?) and an evening in front of the TV, you can whip up a craftier solution! These vase sleeves are worked up in the current pattern-craze du jour (see my Ode-to Missoni Blanket): the chevron stitch. Make them in your favorite colors, then change ‘em out to fit the season… or your mood!


Get the pattern HERE and snag the yarn at select Michaels and JoAnn stores!


Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie


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Sheep(ish) Ode-to-Missoni Project: Chevy Blanket

Posted in Crochet, Vickie Howell, tagged , , , , on September 12, 2011 | 10 Comments »

P1010436



AS SEEN ON



My excitement for the Missoni line launch at Target may possibly have reached ridiculous levels. The bold, graphic pieces they’re known for at prices that most can afford? A budget-conscious girl with a love for fashion never had a chance!
The Chevy baby blanket is my crafty ode to Missoni–the design house that has me silly for stripes and seeing chevrons in my sleep. Enjoy!–VH




Materials 

8 balls Stitch.Rock.Love Sheep(ish) for Caron (70% Acrylic/30% Wool ; 167 yds/153 m) yarn in colors: (A) Magenta(ish), (B) Chartreuse(ish), (C) Pumpkin(ish), (D) Robin’s Egg(ish), (E) Black(ish), (F) Taupe(ish), (G) Red(ish), (H) Turquoise(ish)

Size US J hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Tapestry Needle

Finished Size

39” x 36” (97 1/2” x 90 cm)

Gauge

13 sts x 6 rows= 4” (10 cm) in patt stitch


Special Stitch:

3DCtog: Decrease 3 stitches in to one by double-crocheting them together.

Directions

With Color A, Ch 130.

Row 1: DC in 4th ch from hook, * DC in each of 5 ch, 3DCtog over next 3 ch, DC in each of 5 ch, [DC, ch, DC] in next ch, repeat from *, ending with 2 DC in last ch. Turn.

Row 2: 3ch, DC in front loop of first DC, * DC in front loop of each of 5 dc, 3DCtog, over front loops of next 3 DC, DC in front loop of each of 5 DC, [DC, ch, DC] in ch sp, repeat from *, ending with 2 DC in 3rd of 3 ch. Turn.

Row 3: As for Row 2, but working in the BACK loops of stitches.

Repeat Rows 2 & 3 until blanket measures 36” (90 cm) and switching to Colors B, C, D, E, F, G & H every 4 rows for the first half of blanket, and every 2 rows for the 2nd half, ending with 4 rows of Color A. Use Color Stripe Chart as a guide.

Tie off.

<a title="ChevyColorchart by VickieHowell, on Flickr" href="http://2.bpChevyColorchart

P1010439
Stitch Guide

Finishing

Weave in ends.
P1010448
Get pattern pdf on Ravelry
Get Sheep(ish) yarn at select JoAnn & Michaels stores and online at Buy.Caron.com!

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New Sheep(ish) Pattern: Pumpkin Pixie Hat

Posted in Knitting, Vickie Howell, tagged , , , on August 26, 2011 | Leave a Comment »



It me be hot outside now, but before you know it you’ll be looking for something to keep your kiddos warm! My latest Sheep(ish) design, the Pumpkin Pixie hat, will have you (or your child’s head, as it were) covered!

Knit up in colors: Lime(ish) and Coral(ish), the graduating stripes, earflaps and nubbin top are a little bit elfin and a little bit punk rock! Get the pattern on Caron.com and nab the yarn at JoAnn Etc. stores or Buy.Caron.com.

Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie
Twitter: @CaronYarns

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