Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 12
November 3, 2021
YarnYAY! November Box #43
It’s fall and the temperature is dropping, so it’s time to go big and bold! The YarnYAY! November Box #43 does just that with custom colors of super chunky yarn, mosaic stitch cowls, and more. Subscribe and get yours today!
Lana Grande | Cascade
This month we go big and bold with TWO balls of super-chunky wool, over-dyed especially for us in exclusive shades: Blue Corn and Raspberry Cobbler.
Cascade Yarns is an industry staple and family-owned business. Learn more at: http://www.cascadeyarns.com
Mosaic Cowl Patterns | designs by Vickie Howell & Designer in Residence, Natalie Thomas (aka@Natalie Thomas)This month we’re going graphic with mosaic colorwork cowls. The knit version, Zags designed by Vickie, is made in a classic, slip stitch chevron pattern made modern by its pop-y palette.
Steps, the crochet version, designed by Natalie Thomas, uses front and back loop stitches to create a striking, stair-step stripe effect.
Travel Candle | WAX & WOOLWith this hand-poured, cranberry-orange travel candle, holiday vibes can go with you where ever you find yourself this season!
Wax & Wool is a small, woman-owned, and operated candle studio located in the Puyallup Valley in Washington State. Learn more at: etsy.com/shop/waxandwooletc
Warmest Wishes Greeting Card | Ginger P. Designs
Knitters and crocheters truly do offer the Warmest Wishes. This holiday season, you’ll also have a cute card to pass along the sentiment, paired with that handmade gift!
Ginger P. Designs is a woman-owned, modern stationery company. Learn more at: gingerpdesigns.com
The post YarnYAY! November Box #43 appeared first on Vickie Howell.
October 25, 2021
Mock Turtleneck Shoulder Warmer
Mock Turtleneck Shoulder WarmerThis week on Ask Me Monday we talk magic loop method, how to set up for knitting a garment with shoulders from the top-down, and I offer up this free pattern for a stripy, Mock Turtleneck Shoulder Warmer. Enjoy!
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: Self Love Interchangable Circular Set and Mindful Collection Chakra Stitch Markers
Mock Turtleneck Shoulder Warmer Pattern
Prefer to have this pattern as a PDF? Get it for free in my YarnYAY! Shop HERE.
MATERIALS
Vickie Howell Montoya Merino (100% superwash merino; 175 yds), in colors: 1 hank (A) Bernadillo Blue, and 1 hank (B) Prickly Pear
Size US 8/5 mm, 32″ circular needles (or set of double-pointed needles)
Size US 9/5.5 mm, 32″ circular needles
4 stitch markers
Tapestry needle
SIZE
One size (with modification instructions)
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
10″/25 cm tall
21″/53 cm wide
Fits up to 17″/43 cm neck
GAUGE
16 sts x 20 rows = 4″/10 cm in Stockinette Stitch, on larger needles
SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS
k1tbl = knit 1 stitch through the back loop
kf&b = knit in front and back of the same stitch to increase 1.
DIRECTIONS
With smaller needles, A, and using the magic loop method (unless you opted for dpns), CO 56 sts. Distribute sts, and join rnd taking care not to twist.
Collar:
Rnds 1-12: *[K1tb] twice, p2; rep from * around.
Body:
Switch to larger needles.
Set-up Rnd: K9, pm, k10, pm, k18, pm, k10, pm, k to end.
Rnd 1: With A, [k to 1 st before marker, kf&b, sl m, kf&b] four times, k to end.– 8 sts inc.
Rnd 2: Knit.
Rnd 3: With B, [k to 1 st before marker, kf&b, sl m, kf&b] four times, k to end. — 8 sts inc.
Rnd 4: Knit.
Repeat rnds 1-4 nine times total (or until your piece measures 1″/2.5 cm shorter than desired length). — 200 sts.
Cut B.
Bottom Band:
Rnds 1-4: With A, *K1tbl, p1; rep from * around.
BO in patt st.
FINISHING
Weave in ends. Block piece.
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October 18, 2021
How to Wind Yarn into a Ball (and why it doesn’t always come that way)
Ever wonder why some yarn comes in a hank that you can’t knit or crochet directly from? Interested in knowing how to wind yarn into a ball, and the tools there are to assist you with the process? I’ve got you! 
Vickie Howell Aqua Wooden Swift
The post How to Wind Yarn into a Ball (and why it doesn’t always come that way) appeared first on Vickie Howell.
October 11, 2021
Felted Pumpkin Hot Pad
This week on Ask Me Monday, we continue to lean into the season with another project featuring Fall’s favorite fruit! A Felted Pumpkin Hot Pad (or coasters) makes for a great hostess gift or a fun addition to your own holiday table.
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: Smart Stix Circular Needles
MATERIALS
Zombie Yarns Scream (100% wool; 90 yds/50 gr), in color: Copperhead — 1 hank will make either 1 hot pad or 2 coasters
Size 11/8 mm needles ( I used these.)
Sheet of craft felt
Embroidery needle & floss
Sharp scissors
Sewing Pins
FINISHED SIZE
Hot Pad: Approx. 8.5″ x 9.5″--size may vary based on felting level
Coasters: Approx 5″ x 4″--size may vary based on felting level
DIRECTIONS
HOT PAD:
CO 32 sts.
Knit every row until the piece measures 10″, or until you run out of yarn.
BO.
COASTERS (Make 2)
CO 16 sts.
Knit every row until the piece measures 5.”
BO.
FINISHING (Both Versions)
Weave in ends.
Felt piece(s):Either machine or hand felt project as follows:
Machine felting:
Place the project into a zippered (or tied) pillowcase and place in the washing machine with about a teaspoon of detergent.
Wash on a short cycle, in hot water and a cold rinse. Check piece. If you’d like it more felted, repeat the process, once more.
Pin flat to let air dry.
Hand felting:
Fill a bowl with as hot of water as your hands can stand, and about a tablespoon of soap (wool wash, shampoo, any mild detergent).
Fully submerge the piece into the soapy water and begin to agitate the piece by rubbing it together against itself, underwater. Continue in this manner until the piece is felted to your liking.
Pin flat to let air dry.
Cut out pumpkin(s):Pin template to felted piece; cut out.
Optional: freeform cut out a leaf from felted piece scraps. Sew piece to stem.
Cut out a separate piece from craft felt.
Embroider edging/Attach craft felt:Pin craft felt to the back of the felted pumpkin.
Using embroidery floss and Blanket Stitch (and my video tutorial from this issue of Ask Me Me Monday as a guide), embroider through both pieces, and around the entire perimeter of the pumpkins.
And, your done. Good job, pumpkin!
Looking for a Winter Holiday project like this one? Try this Holiday Hot Pad.
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October 3, 2021
YarnYAY! October Box #42
YarnYAY! October Box #42 It’s officially Fall, aka the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year! We’re leaning into the season in a big way this month. The October box features products and projects from FIVE different (four woman-owned) indie businesses. Pumpkin spice, everything’s nice in the YarnYAY! October Box!
Scream | Zombie YarnsThis month’s yarn is a soft, fluffy, feltable wool from California sheep, Scream. It’s hand-dyed in the perfect autumn multi-shade, Copperhead.
Zombie Yarns is owned by Lorna Miser.
[image error] Felted Pumpkins | Patterns by Vickie HowellHey, pumpkin, who’s ready to felt? This month we’re knitting or crocheting, then machine-felting to create pumpkin plushies that are fit to decorate your home from Halloween to Thanksgiving! The knit version is worked in Stockinette stitch, from the bottom up, then cinched together. The crochet version is sculpted in single crochet stitches magically going from floppy circle to oval squash with the help of some decreases. Both are adorned in any way that makes you happy!
Pumpkin Scissors | Kelmscott DesignsThese American-made pumpkin-handled scissors will make your season’s snipping feel fall-festive!
Kelmscott Designs is based in Canada and owned by Paula Sibbald.
Pumpkin Spice Lip Balm | Bee BellaHand-crafted with Fair Trade ingredients, nothing says “it’s fall y’all,” like Pumpkin Spice and moisturized lips!
Bee Bella is owned by three college buddies turned beekeeper -business partners.
The post YarnYAY! October Box #42 appeared first on Vickie Howell.
7 Halloween Projects to Make NOW
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, here in YAYsville – it’s almost HALLOWEEN! And oh, how we love to celebrate all things spooky!
Our Limited-Edition Halloween Box was an absolute scream to put together, and we can’t wait for it to get in the hands of our spookiest of stitchers.
THERE ARE ONLY 7 LEFT SO DON’T WAIT TO GET YOURS!
For this limited release specialty Halloween box we’ve teamed up with 4 other women-owned small businesses – in the U.S., Canada and U.K – to create a custom collection of treats (sans tricks). Enjoy!
Here’s what’s inside:1 hanks each of Vickie Howell for MAD|TOSH HOME (100% superwash wool; 110 yds), in colors: Glory Hands, Black Thumb & Peace FingersEither Skull Squared (crochet) Scarf or Vampire Teeth (knit) Scarf printed pattern
Firefly Notes Vintage Cat Notions Tin & Orange and Black Bulb Stitch Markers
Kelmscott Designs Owl Scissors
RosyRetro Ouja/Tarot Print Needle/Hook Bag
Looking for just the new patterns? You’re in luck – we just released them! Pick your poison, below!
Shop the Skull Squared Scarf PatternShop the Vampire Teeth Scarf PatternMORE HALLOWEEN FUN
Looking for a few more fun Halloween-inspired patterns? Check out some of Vickie’s favorites, below – just click to the picture to get the FREE pattern!
Tunisian Crochet Pumpkins
Halloween Pom Pom Wreath
Ball Fringe Coasters
Macrame Wall Hangings
The post 7 Halloween Projects to Make NOW appeared first on Vickie Howell.
September 27, 2021
Textured Rib Wristwarmers
Textured Rib Wrist WarmersThis week on Ask Me Monday we incorporated a stitch pattern from a previous episode, into a new project. The Twisted Rib Wrist Warmers are a great stash-busting project that also makes for a great gift. Get ready to make eleventy pairs of these!
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!
Textured Rib Wrist Warmers PatternProducts shown in this video: Ginger Double Pointed Needle Set
MATERIALS
Makers’ Mercantile Kinky Yarn
Set of size US 8/5 mm double-pointed needles
Tapestry Needle
SIZES
S/M(L/XL)
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
8″(9″) Circumference
GAUGE
DIRECTIONS (Make 2)
CO 36(40) sts.
Cuff:
Rnds 1-8: *K1tbl, p1; repeat from * around.
Body:
Rnd 1: *K1, sl1wyif, k2; rep from * around.
Rnd 2: *P3, sl1wyib; rep from * around.
Repeat Rnds 1-2 until the piece measures 3″(3 1/2″) from CO edge.
Thumb Opening:
For this portion, you’ll work back and forth in rows, instead of in rounds.
Row 1: *K1, sl1wyif, k2; rep from * across. TURN PIECE.
Row 2 (WS): *sl1wyif, k3; rep from * across.
Repeat these two rows until the swatch is desired length.
BO in pattern stitch. TURN PIECE.
Repeat Rows 1-2 until thumb opening measures 2 3/4″(3″).
Re-close mitt:
For this portion, you’ll revert to working in rounds.
Next Rnd: *K1, sl1wyif, k2; rep from * around, RE-JOINING stitches on your last dpn with those on your first dpn.
Next Rnd: *P3, sl1wyib; rep from * around.
Repeat last two rnds until piece measures 7″ from CO edge, or 1″ less than desired finished length.
Cuff:
Rnds 1-5: *K1tbl, p1; repeat from * around.
BO in pattern stitch.
FINISHING
Weave in ends.
The post Textured Rib Wristwarmers appeared first on Vickie Howell.
September 20, 2021
Tiny Shells Tunisian Crochet Pillow
Tiny Shells Tunisian Crochet This week on Ask Me Monday, I showed the Tiny Shells Tunisian Crochet stitch and shared a pattern for a pillow cover. Dig in and enjoy! xx
This episode is brought to you by YarnYAY!
Get the yarn and hooks used in this tutorial at YarnYAY.com
Tiny Shells Tunisian Crochet Pillow
MATERIALS
Vickie Howell Montoya Merino (100% superwash merino; 100 gr/165 yds), in colors: (A) Blushed Adobe, (B) Prickly Pear, (C) Barton Springs, and (D) Rio
Note: If you’d prefer 1-2 colors for this pillow AND are only making the pillow front as I have, then you’ll only need 2 total hanks (between 150-175 gr of heavy-worsted/aran-weight yarn.
Size J/6 mm Tunisian Crochet Hook
Tapestry Needle
Coordinating sewing thread and needle
20″ pillow
Sewing clips, clothespins or sewing pins
FINISHED SIZE
20″ Square
GAUGE
slightly stretched
SPECIAL ABBREVIATION
RetP: Return Pass
DIRECTIONS (Make 1 for pillow front, or 2 for an entire pillow cover)
Note: Want to make a larger or smaller pillow front? No problem, just chain a multiple of 3 + 2 that measures your desired width!
Ch 68.
Foundation Row: Sk first ch, *insert hook in next ch, YO, pull up loop leaving it on the hook; rep from * across. — 68 sts
RetP: *Ch 2, YO, pull through 4 loops on hook (tiny shell made); rep from * until 2 loops remain, ch 1, YO, oull through 2 loops on hook.
Row 1: Sk 1st verticle bar, insert hook through top lop of ch-1, YO pull up a loop, *insert hook into shell loop (the resulting loop from joining the loops on the row before) YO pull up loop, [insert hook through top lop of ch-1 YO pull up a loop] in next two chains; rep from * to last 2 sts, insert hook into shell loop, YO pull up loop, insert hook into 2nd ch, YO, pull through loop, insert hook under the two outer verticle bars of last st, YO pull up loop. — 68 sts
RetP:*Ch 2, YO, pull through 4 loops on hook (tiny shell made); rep from * until 2 loops remain, ch 1, YO, pull through 2 loops on hook.
With A, repeat Row 1 until piece measures 2 1/2″ from edge.
Join B; cut A.
With B, repeat Row 1 until piece measures 5″ from edge.
Join C; cut B.
With C, repeat Row 1 until piece measures 10″ from edge.
Join D; cut C.
With D, repeat Row 1 until piece measures 15″ from edge.
Join B; cut D.
With B, repeat Row 1 until piece measures 17 1/2″ from edge.
Join A; cut B.
With A, repeat Row 1 until piece measures 20″ from edge.
Fasten off.
FINISHING
Weave in ends. Block if necessary.
Using clips or pins, temporarily attach piece to pillow front.
Using sewing needle and thread, whip stitch piece evenly to pillow.
Voila, you’re done!
The post Tiny Shells Tunisian Crochet Pillow appeared first on Vickie Howell.
September 17, 2021
Swatch Shrug
Swatch Shrug (aka Franken-shrug)Are you like me and have drawers full of swatches? Well, why not chronicle your knitting journey by turning years’ worth of swatches into a wearable piece of history? Forget ugly Christmas sweaters, Franken-shrugs are the new stitched-face that only a mother could love!
Here’s how to make a Swatch Shrug for yourself. Be sure to tag @vickiehowel on Instagram and Facebook with your finished piece!
MATERIALS
Recommended Square Sizes
You’ll need many knit or crochet squares, in varying sizes.
Sizes 2″- 16″ (variety)
Additional Materials
Coordinating yarn (worsted weight is usually the safest unless the majority of squares are lighter weight.)Corresponding circular needle, at least 32”Corresponding double-pointed needlesTapestry needleMEASUREMENTS
Sizes A (B, C, D)
To fit chest circumference 28-34 (36-44, 46-52, 54-60) inches
Each size fits a wide range of chest circumferences. To customize fit, hold your arms out and measure across back from wrist to wrist (or to desired sleeve length)
Width: 52 (56, 60, 64) inches
Height” 16 (17, 17.5, 18) inches
ASSEMBLY
Layout swatches in a rectangle, corresponding to measurements of your desired size (see above.)Using the desired method, seam together all squares.Fold piece in half length-wise. seam from piece towards the center to create sleeve (about 10″-15″, depending on size and desired fit.) Repeat for the opposite side.SUPPLEMENTAL KNITTING
Hem band:
Using circular needle and yarn, pickup an even amount of stitches around body-opening of shrug. Join round, taking care not to twist.
Rows 1-10: *K1, p1; rep from * around.
BO in pattern stitch.
Cuff:
Using circular double-pointed needles and yarn, pick up an even amount of stitches around body opening of shrug. Join round, taking care not to twist.
Rows 1-8: *K1, p1; rep from * around.
BO in pattern stitch.
ADDITIONAL FINISHING
Weave in ends.
Need Supplies?
Vickie Howell Aqua Wooden Needle Sets
The post Swatch Shrug appeared first on Vickie Howell.
September 13, 2021
Textured Rib Stitches: Knit & Crochet
We’re less than 2 weeks away from fall, so it’s time to pivot from those summer, DIY-dreams, to cozier makes for cooler weather.
This week on Ask Me Monday I show two Textured Rib Stitches that are both great choices for beanies, scarves, sweaters, and more!
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 Circular needles, Ginger Crochet Hook
Textured Slip Stitch Rib Worked Flat (Knit)
CO a multiple of 4.
Row 1: *K1, sl1wyif, k2; rep from * across.
Row 2: *sl1wyif, k3; rep from * across.
Repeat these two rows until the swatch is desired length.
BO in pattern stitch.
Knit Textured Slip Stitch Rib In-the-Round (Knit)
CO a multiple of 4.
Rnd 1: *K1, sl1wyif, k2; rep from * around.
Rnd 2: *P3, sl1wyib; rep from * around.
Repeat these two rounds until the swatch is desired length.
BO in pattern stitch.
Ski Bum Hat, by Vickie Howell for YarnYAY! (Pattern in the YarnYAY! Box #41)
Textured Rib Worked Flat (Crochet)
Worked in any multiple.
Row 1: Hdc in the 3rd ch from hook and in each ch to end. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 2, FPhdc in next st and every st to end. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 2, hdc in next st and every st to end. Turn.
Repeat Rows 2-3 until swatch is square.
Fasten off.
Snow Bunny Hat by Natalie Thomas for YarnYAY! (Pattern from YarnYAY! Box #41)
Put your skills to work!
YarnYAY! September Box #41
The post Textured Rib Stitches: Knit & Crochet appeared first on Vickie Howell.
