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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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YarnYAY! November Box #43

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 & WOOL

With 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

 

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Mock Turtleneck Shoulder Warmer

Mock Turtleneck Shoulder Warmer

This 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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How to Wind Yarn into a Ball (and why it doesn’t always come that way)

[image error]

How to Wind Yarn into a Ball

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

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Felted Pumpkin Hot Pad

[image error] Felted Pumpkin Hot Pad OR Coasters

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

Felted Pumpkin Hot Pad OR Coasters Pattern

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

Hot Pad Template

Coasters Template

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

 

ABBREVIATIONS

 

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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YarnYAY! October Box #42

SUBSCRIBE TO  OCTOBER

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 Yarns

This 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 Designs

These 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 Bella

Hand-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. 

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7 Halloween Projects to Make NOW

 

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!

Get the Knit Version!

 

Get the Knit Box Version!

 

Get the Crochet Box Version

    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 Fingers
 Either 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 Pattern

MORE 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

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