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YarnYAY! February Box #46

YarnYAY! February Box #46

It’s time for the reveal of what’s included in the second YarnYAY! subscription box of 2022! The YarnYAY! February Box #46 features gorgeous products and projects from  SIX different women-owned (or co-owned) businesses. Here’s what’s inside!

 

Gunnison | Tahki Yarns

This month’s yarn evokes the spirit of warmth & coziness. When stitched up, the loft of the single-ply Italian wool mixed with a polyacrylic strand of color makes for unexpected pops of color.

Tahki Yarns was founded by Stacy Charles, and a part of the WEBS catalog of yarns. Learn more at: yarn.com

 

 

Professorial Mock Shawl Collar Cowl by Vickie Howell

Shawl collar Cowls patterns | Designs by Vickie Howell & Spring Summer ’22 Designer in Residence, Julia Madill

This month, we’re saying shawl, y’all! Shawl-collar cowls, that is. The knit version, designed by Vickie, is knit flat, collared with simple short rows, then creatively seamed.

 

Yacht Rock Mock Shawl Collar by Julia Madill

 

The crochet cowl, designed by our Spring/Sumer Designer in Residence, combines third-loop rib with short-rows. Both are topped off with a large button.  

For more patterns, check out yarnyay.com and follow Julia on Instagram: @juliamadill

 

Found Horn Button | Makers’ Mercantile

This found horn beauty adds a mixed-media warmth to any wool project. Put a button on it! 

Makers’ Mercantile is owned by button-lover, Karin Skacel. Learn more at: makersmercantile.com

 

Notions Basket | Big Blue Mama

Every Fair-trade basket made for this month’s boxes is unique in either size, shape, or color. Hand-woven in Ghana, these little treasures are perfect for holding tapestry needles, buttons, crochet hooks, double-pointed needles, and more!

Big Blue Moma is a Canadian-based, woman-owned company that employs over 350 women in Africa. To learn more, go to: www.bigbluemoma.com

 

Leather Heart Bookmark | YarnYAY!

Let the heart mark the spot in your favorite knitting or crochet book or our booklets!

These bookmarks and our booklets are both sourced locally in Austin, TX.

 

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Sock Yarn Heart Earrings

Ask Me Monday: Sock Yarn Heart Earrings

This week on Ask Me Monday, we dive into our scrap bins to make adorable, Sock Yarn Heart Earrings. Wear them for Valentine’s Day, make some for your best Galentines’, or share the love, any day of the week by donning them any time you’re feeling it!

This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro

See more KP products during “Vic’s Tips” segments of The Knit Show!

 

Featured Knitter’s Pride Products: Lantern Moon Ebony Double Pointed Needles, Interchangeable Circular Needles and Stitch Markers

 



 Sock Yarn Heart Earrings

MATERIALS

Scraps of 3 sock-weight (or fingering yarns  in different colors: A, B & C

Size US 3 needles

Stitch marker

Tapestry needle

Crochet hook (size unimportant)

Jewelry pliers

Set of earring hooks

4, small 0-rings (aka jump rings)

 

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Approx 2″ wide x 1.5″ tall, excluding fringe

 

ABBREVIATIONS 

Go here.

 

 

DIRECTIONS (Make 2)

With A, CO 20 sts, placing marker at center point (after 10 sts.)

Row 1: With A, k to 2 sts before marker, ssk, sl m, k2tog, k to end.

Row 2: Knit.

Rows 3-4: Rep Rows 1-2

Cut A; join B.

Rows 5-6: With B, rep Rows 1-2.

Cut B; join C.

Rows 7-8: With C, Rep Rows 1-2

Row 9: Rep Row 1.

Row 10 (WS): Ssk, BO to last 2 sts (there’ll also be 1 st on your RH needle), k2tog, BO rem sts.

NOTE: If you’re working in an Aran weight or lighter, BO leaving a long tail for seaming. For heavier weight yarns, I suggest using a separate, lighter weight yarn for seaming.

FINISHING

With WS facing, place two hearts together; stuff ends so they’re sandwiched inside. Using the Wool Needle and strand of yarn, seam to pieces together while also adding more yarn scraps or stuffing as necessary.

Weave in the remaining end.

Cut three, 6″ strands of yarn. Holding strands together, fold them in half. Using a crochet hook, pull loop created by fold through the bottom tip of the heart. Tie for fringe.

Attach 0-ring through the fabric of top-center of heart. Attach earring hook to o-rings.

Repeat for the second heart.

 

 Did you know that Ask Me Monday is the longest-running Facebook Live yarncraft show, and that there are over 200 episodes? Watch them on my Facebook Playlist or find them here.

 

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YarnYAY! 2022 Designers in Residence

YarnYAY! 2022 Designers in Residence

Happy New Year, friends! It’s with a truly warmed heart that I announce that we have two amazing humans joining Team YarnYAY! as our 2022 Designers in Residence! These designers will, respectively during their season, each design one of the patterns per month that are included in our subscription boxes. This is exciting because, in addition to my project offerings, you’ll also get another amazing creative perspective represented in each month’s offering. That’s double the designer goodness in every single box!

First up, is our Spring/Summer Designer in Residence, Julia Madill.

I first met Julia back in 2011 when Canadian company, Spinrite (aka Yarnspirations) bought Caron, the brand for which I was the spokesperson. Julia was one of what was then a small design team, whom I had the opportunity to work with and get to know over the course of the next several years. Maybe because of her taste in music, her love of leopard print, or because she looks like she could be a member of my own family, I immediately felt like we should be friends. A decade later, we’ve continued staying in touch. When she let me know that she was finally taking the leap and going out on her own, I didn’t even let her finish the sentence before I asked if she’d consider coming to work with us at YarnYAY! I cannot even tell you how lucky I feel that she accepted. Her natural eye for color and design, combined with her 15 years on a team that designed hundreds of garments over multiple brands and countless lines, is an invaluable asset. I’m so excited for you all to see what she brings to the table! If you get a moment, please support her independence by following her on Instagram.

Next up, our Fall/Winter Designer, in Residence, Toni Lipsey (aka TL Yarn Craft). I plan to wax poetic about Toni later this Summer when she steps into her role. I was too thrilled, though, about having her on the team to wait until then to mention her at all. I respect her, I appreciate her hustle, and I believe in the work she’s doing. She has a brand new book out, so be sure to check that out, and support her by visiting her website. She’s magic!

Here’s to a new year, inspiring projects, and women/designers/humans supporting one another!

xx,

Vickie

 

 

Julia Madill
Julia is a Toronto-based designer and graphic artist. She spent 15 years designing hundreds of knit and crochet projects as part of the Design Team for Yarnspirations (Caron/Red Heart/Bernat/Patons), and under her own name on Ravelry. Follow her on Instagram here.

 

Subscribe to YarnYAY! Monthly Boxes to be the first to see our Designer in Residence Projects!

 

Toni Lipsey
Toni, the designer and instructor behind TL Yarn Crafts, strives to inspire others’ creativity through online tutorials and modern, approachable crochet patterns. Follow her daily crochet journey on Instagram and pick up her book, The Tunisian Crochet Handbook, and patterns here.

 

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YarnYAY! January Box #45

YarnYAY! January Box #45

It’s time for the reveal of what’s inside the YarnYAY! January Box! This month we’re kicking of the year with cables and caps. Enjoy! 

 

 Woolstok Light | Blue Sky Fibers

This month’s yarn, Woolstok Light, is made from 100% Fine Highland Wool. It’s soft and lofty, with a beautiful stitch definition. We’ll surprise you with one of our featured shades of sublime blue, October Sky OR Spring Ice. 

Blue Sky Fibers is a consciously crafted fiber company, based in Minnesota and owned by Linda Niemeyer. Learn more here.

 

 

Crossroads Cabled Beanie (knit)

 

Cabled Beanie Patterns | Designs by Vickie Howell

We’re kicking off a new year with new beanies! This month we’re making lightweight versions that will take us all of the way through spring.

Conundrum Cabled Beanie (crochet)

The knit version includes lattice, side cable panels on a bed of rib, and a seamed top. The crochet version mixes half-double crochet stitches with strips of climbing cables.

  YAY! 2022 Tote | Yarnyay!
 We say, let 2022 be the year of yay! This large tote exclaims positivity on a canvas of cotton and cork.

Our totes are sourced through an Austin-based promotional products small business.

 

Minisoak Wash | Soak

Give your woolies a wash in our favorite wool care product, Soak. This mini packet will cleanse at least two small projects. 

Learn more here.

*One packet, in a surprise scent, comes in each box.

 

You Do You, Enamel Pin 

An oft-spoken phrase by Vickie, illustrated by Naterdoodle, and turned into a wearable pin. You Do You in 2022!

Stay tuned for more YDY-emblazoned products, coming soon on YarnYAY.com

 

*Each box comes with one hank of Woolstok Light and one packet of Soak. Colors and scent will vary.

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Last Minute Holiday Projects

With just days away until Christmas, I thought it would be fun to re-visit a few, last minute holiday projects! This week on Ask Me Monday, we take a look back at a few episodes from the past, with tutorials on cute ornaments, gift toppers, and super-quick gifts.

 

This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro

See more KP products during “Vic’s Tips” segments of The Knit Show!

Knitter’s Pride products featured in this episode: Ginger Interchangeable Circular Set, Symfonie Dreamz Crochet Hooks, Waves Crochet Hooks, Smart Stix

 

MATERIALS

Chunky-weight scrap yarn in colors A & B.Size US 11/8 mm needlesWool NeedleOptional: Size US J/6 mm crochet hook

 

 

Wine Cork Trees

MATERIALS

Scraps Bulky (5) YarnSize US 9/5.5 mm double-pointed needlesTapestry needleWine corkHot glue gunOptional: sequin or beads

 

Under 2-Hour Cowls

MATERIALS

Approx 40 yds, each super-bulky yarn (6 weight) in colors: A & BKnitter’s Pride Size US 17/2 mm, 16″-24″ Ginger Circular Needle (KNIT VERSION ONLY)Knitter’s Pride Size 12 mm Ginger Crochet Hook (CROCHET VERSION ONLY)Knitter’s Pride Wool Needle

 

More Last Minute Holiday Project Ideas Peppermint Plaid Cowl 1-Ball Wrist Warmers Poinsettia Pin Knit Gift Card Baggie

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5 Tips for Picking Up Stitches for Ribbing

Picking Up Stitches for Ribbing

This week on Ask Me Monday I show how to pick up and knit stitches for ribbing, alongside a piece for a button band, collar, edging, and more! Watch the episode, read the tutorial below, and be sure to tag @vickiehowell #askmemonday with your ribbing adventures!

This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by  Knitter’s Pride /  KnitPro

See more KP products during “Vic’s Tips” segments of The Knit Show!

Products shown in this video: Mindful Collection Gratitude Set

 



5 Tips for Picking Up Stitches for RibbingCircular Motion. Success in picking up ribbing, especially for collars, button bands or vests like the one I’m wearing in the video, relies, in part, on choosing the right supplies. I highly recommend using a long, circular needle so that the cord can both hold the weight of your stitches, but also offer a malleability that allows you to see approximately, how your stitches will lay. If you’ve got an interchangeable set on hand, even better, because you can swap out cord lengths as necessary. Gauge it! Since a knit stitch is shaped like a “V”, stitch gauge (how many stitches per inch) is rarely the same as row gauge (how many rows per inch.) Because of this, you can’t use the rows as a guide for how many stitches to pick up for ribbing, alongside the piece. It’s important to first do a little calculating so that you don’t pick up too many stitches (which will cause your ribbing to ruffle),  or too few (which will cause the piece to pucker). Don’t worry, it’s not difficult. Here’s what you need to do.*These instructions assume that you’re picking up stitches along the side of a piece, that was knit top-to-bottom.

First, measure the length of the piece, or portion of the piece, that you’d like to add rib. The swatch I used for this demonstration is 7“.Next, check your stitch gauge in the same ribbing and needle size that you plan to use (I know, I know, swatching, bleck, but it’s important!). The stitch gauge for the 1 x 1 twisted rib that I’m using, and on the smaller-sized needle that I want to use (I’m sizing down from the swatch from a US 9/5.5 mm to a US 8/5 mm) is 4.75 stitches per inch.Last, multiply the piece length by the stitch gauge. The resulting number is how many stitches you’ll need to pick up alongside your piece! For me, that looks like 7 x 4.75  = 33.25. For 1×1 rib, we need an even number of stitches, so I’ll round down. I need to pick up 32 stitches for ribbing. Choose Sides.  Generally, you want to pick up and knit stitches on the right side of your piece. That means that the first row of ribbing that you’re working will be knit on the wrong side. The exception to that choice would be if you’d like there to be an exposed seam alongside the public-facing, inner edge of your ribbing.  On the Mark(er). Do yourself a favor and don’t try to eyeball how to pick up stitches alongside a piece evenly. Instead, use removable stitch markers to act as your guides. Pick an increment of space, say 2″, and place a marker. Since I know that for my swatch I need to pick up 32 sts total, I’ll divide that number by the number of spaces between markers. That number will be how many stitches per marked section I need to pick up. Even Steven!

One Loop or Two?  When you’re ready to start picking up stitches, you’ll now need to decide whether you want to pick up the loops under both loops of the stitch, or just one loop. Choosing both loops is the option that offers the strongest seam. It can, however, depending on the weight of the yarn and size of the needle you’re using, cause holes. The larger the gauge/weight of yarn, the more likely that is to happen. If you find this is the case for you, then try picking up loops in only the front loop of the stitch.

Ok, there you have it! Best of luck with your ribbing. I believe in you!

 Put Your Skills to Work: Make the Vestibule Vest

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YarnYAY! December Box #44

YarnYAY! December Box #44I can’t believe it’s already time for the LAST YarnYAY! box of 2021! This month we have a gorgeous collection of festive treats for knitters and crocheters, from 4 women-owned, small businesses. Happy Holidays! Montoya Merino | Vickie Howell     

This month we’re sharing the first in my line of yarns, Montoya Merino (named after my father’s side of the family), in a YarnYAY! box exclusive color, Santa Fe Scarlett. This color is a rich, tonal red, perfect for the holidays and beyond!

Vickie Howell (hey, that’s me!) is a designer, author, and the founder of YarnYAY!

See more shades of Montoya Merino in the YarnYAY! Shop

 

Welted Mitts patterns | Designs by Vickie Howell & Designer in Residence, Natalie Thomas (aka @detroitknots)

Welties Mitts by Vickie Howell

This month we’re working with welts to make wristwarmers! The knit fingerless gloves, designed by Vickie, alternate between twisted rib, welted stripes, and stockinette stitch.

Welt Good Mitts by Natalie Thomas

The crochet wristers, designed by Natalie Thomas, use slipped stitches paired with extended half-double crochet stitches to create a welted pattern.

This month concludes Natalie’s time as our 2021 Designer in Residence. If you get a minute, reach out to her @detroitknots to wish her well!

 

Waxed Canvas Maker’s Sack | Della Q + YarnYAY!

We teamed up with our friends at Della Q to create our own shade of their Maker’s Sacks. We love these project bags so much, as they get better with wear!

Della Q is part of the Jimmy Beans Wool family of businesses.  

Sweater Baby Goats Sticker | Michele Maule

Do we need to say more than baby goats in tiny sweaters? We think not!

Michelle Maule is a Portland, Oregon-based artist. 

 

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Knit Gift Card Baggie

Knit Gift Card Baggie

Let’s face it, teens, teachers, healthcare workers, and other service people would probably prefer a gift card, then yet another batch of cookies. Sometimes, though, it feels a bit impersonal to just grab-and-go with something so generic, when we want to show their appreciation. No problem, crafty, you can add your own personal touch by knitting a wee Gift Card Baggie to be-cozie that cash card. Add a few peppermints, along with the gift, and it’ll be clear that you put some thought into this holiday treat!

 

This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by  Knitter’s Pride /  KnitPro

See more KP products during “Vic’s Tips” segments of The Knit Show!

Products shown in this video: Mindful Collection Generousity  Interchangeable Set.

 

See my unboxing of many more items from the Knitter’s Pride Mindful Collection HERE.



 Knit Gift Card Baggie: How-To

MATERIALS

Small amounts of Vickie Howell Montoya Merino (100% superwash merino), in colors (A) Hatch Chili, and (B) Granny’s Chili — or equivalent aran/heavy worsted-weight yarn

Size US. 9/5.5, mm, 10″ circular needle — or set of 9/5.5 mm DPNS

Stitch Marker

Tapestry needle

Optional: additional size 9/5.5 mm needle (any type)

Piece of Ribbon

 

FINISHED SIZE 

Approx. 3 1/2″/9 cm wide x 5″/12/5 cm tall

Fits a standard gift card, vertically.

 

GAUGE

16 sts x 32 rnds = 4″ /10 cm in pattern stitch

 

DIRECTIONS

CO 27 sts. Place marker and join to work in the round, taking care not to twist.

Cuff:

Rnds 1-12: *K1tbl, p2; rep from * around.

Join B.

Rnd 13: With B, knit around.

Note: If desired, you can add an eyelet row, K1, YO, k2 together; rep around. It’s unnecessary, though, as the ribbon easily fits woven through the regular stitches.

Body:

Rnd 1: With A, *sl1 wyib, k2; rep from * around.

Rnd 2: With A, *sl1 wyib, p2; rep from * around.

Rnd 3: With B, knit around.

Rnd 4: With B, purl around.

Rnds 1-4 establish pattern stitch. Repeat these rounds until bag measures5″ / 12/5 cm from CO edge.

Cut B.

FINISHING

Either bind off all sts, leaving a long tail, then use a tapestry needle to seam shut, OR, use the 3rd needle and wth WS facing, use the 3-needle Bind-Off method.

Weave in ends.

Weave a piece of ribbon in and out of the knit stit row, right below the cuff,

 

Love this stitch pattern? Want more? Try the Peppermint Pedi Stocking Kit!

 

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Brioche Stripe Super Scarf

[image error] Brioche Stripe Super Scarf

This week on Ask Me Monday, we revisit 2-color brioche stitch and chat making a Brioche Stripe Super Scarf. Brioche stitch, combined with bulk yarn, creates a squooshy, warm, reversible fabric. The Circus Stripe scarf uses the custom colors of Cascade Lana Grande that I helped develop for YarnYAY! This project is surprisingly quick (I made it over a weekend) to knit up, and boasts playful, eye-catching colors that will bring a bright spot to the winter cold. Enjoy!

 

 

This episode is brought to you by:

 


Circus Stripes: Brioche Stripe Super Scarf

MATERIALS
Cascade Lana Grande (100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 87 yds), in colors: 3 balls (A) Blue Corn, and 3 balls (B) Raspberry Cobbler

Size US 15/10 mm Circular Needle (of any length)

Crochet hook (any size)

Yarn needle

Want this pattern in PDF form? The pdf is included in the Circus Stripes Kit. Get it here.

 

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Width: 14″/38 cm 

Length: 70 in/178 cm 

 

GAUGE
Approx 6.75 sts x 14 rows =4″/10 cm in Brioche Stitch

 

SPECIAL STITCHES & ABBREVIATIONS

BP1 = Brioche Purl 1, purl together the slipped stitch and the YO from the row below.

BK1 =  Brioche Knit 1, knit together the slipped stitch and the YO from the row below.

Wyif =  with yarn in front

 

DIRECTIONS

With MC, CO 24 sts. Do not turn work.

Prep Row: (RS CC, forms purl columns in CC on RS) Slide work to opposite tip of the needle and attach CC wyif, *sl 1, yo, p1; rep from * across. Turn work.

Row 1: (WS MC, forms purl columns in MC) Wyif, *sl 1, yo, bp1 (purl together the slipped stitch and yo from row before); rep from *across. Do not turn, slide sts to the opposite end of the needle where CC is attached.

Row 1: (WS CC, forms knit columns in CC) With CC, *bk1 (knit together the slipped stitch and yo from row before), yf, sl 1, yo; rep from * across. Turn work.

Row 2: (RS MC, forms knit columns in MC) Maintain the CC yo of last worked st by holding it under left needle to the back; with MC, *bk1, yf, sl 1, yo; rep from * across. Do not turn, slide sts to the opposite end of the needle where CC is attached.

Row 2: (RS CC, forms purl columns in CC) With CC, wyif, *sl 1, yo, bp1; rep from * across. Turn work.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 RS and WS with colors indicated, until scarf measures 70″/178 cm and finishing with a RS CC row.

BO using CC as follows: K1, bp1, pass the second stitch over the first stitch on the RH needle (one st BO off.) Cont in this matter, knitting the knit stitches and bp1 ( the sl st and YO) while binding off.

FINISHING

Weave in ends. Block piece.

Tassels: Make 4

Holding strands of A & B together, wrap around a 7″ piece of cardboard, seven times. Cut ends connected to balls of yarn.Cut a length of color A. Slide strand under the top-wrapped portion evenly; knot to secure.Cut bottom strands, freeing yarn from cardboard. Wrap one of the loose strands around the bunch, a couple of times, and about 1″/2.5 cm down. Knot together with another strand from the bunch. Tuck in to hide.

 

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Knit Mosaic Chevron Stitch

Knit Mosaic Chevron Stitch

This week on Ask Me Monday, I show my favorite type of knit color work, mosaic knitting. For this tutorial, we’ll focus on the knit Mosaic Chevron Stitch, as called for in both my Zags Cowl and Vampire Teeth Scarf. The skills taught, however, will give you a good primer for how most mosaic stitch patterns work. Have fun!

This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by  Knitter’s Pride /  KnitPro

See more KP products during “Vic’s Tips” segments of The Knit Show!

Products shown in this video: Ginger Circular Interchangeable Set and Smart Stix Circular Needle

 Knit Mosaic Chevron Stitch: In-the-Round

CO a multiple of 6.

Rnds 1-2: With B, *sl1, k2; rep from * around.

Rnds 3-4: With A, *k1, sl1, k3, sl1; rep from * around.

Rnds 5-6: With B, *k2, sl1, k1, sl1, k1; rep from * around.

Rnds 7-8: With A, *sl1, k2; rep from * around.

Rnds 9-10: With B, *k1, sl1, k3, sl1; rep from * around.

Rnds 11-12: With A, *k2, sl1, k1, sl1, k1; rep from * around.

Repeat Rnds 1-12 until piece is desired length.

 

Knit Mosaic Chevron Stitch Chart (in-the-round). To convert to flat, simply purl the stitches on the WS that were knit on the RS.

 

Zags Cowl by Vickie Howell, featured in YarnYAY!’s November Box #43

 Knit Mosaic Chevron Stitch: Worked Flat

Row 1: With B,  k1, sl1, *k2, sl1; rep from * to end.

Row 2 (and all WS rows through Row 12): Work sts as they appear (p all p sts, and sl all sl sts).

Row 3: With A, k2, *sl1, k3, sl1, k1; rep from * to last st, k1.

Row 5: With B, k3, *sl1, k1, sl1, k3; rep from * to end.

Row 7: With A, k1, sl1, *k2, sl1; rep from * to last st, k1.

Row 9: With B, k2, *sl1, k3, sl1, k1; rep from * to last st, k1.

Row 11: With A, k3, *sl1, k1, sl1, k3; rep from * to end.

Row 12: Work sts as they appear (p all p sts, and sl all sl sts).

Repeat Rows 1-12 until piece is desired length.

Vampire Teeth Scarf by VIckie Howell for YarnYAY!

Get the yarn and pattern to make the Zags cowl in the YarnYAY! November Box!

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