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Introducing: Vickie Howell Montoya Merino

Montoya Merino

I’m truly excited to announce my very first private label yarn, Vickie Howell Montoya Merino, a lush, squishy, heavy-worsted, 100% superwash merino yarn hand-dyed in 12, saturated shades. It’s the perfect go-to yarn for anything from cap to cardigan, and pillow to pullover!

Montoya Merino is named for my original last name as an ode to my family’s New Mexican Spaniard heritage.  Each color gives a nod to the Southwest.

The Montoyas came to New Mexico in the 1600s. Although she and her family moved to California (where my dad was born) for the 2nd half of her life, during my paternal “granny’s” (see photo above) life span, that area of land was a country, territory, and then a state!

As the only child of my dad and his many siblings to be given a family name (after their oldest sister, Vickie, who died before I was born — above), I’ve found myself drawn to preserving and celebrating that part of my culture.

All that to say, although I hope the term “maiden name” will go extinct, it did seem fitting for my maiden voyage into the Vickie Howell brand of yarns (for which I hope there will be many in the future) to be named after my root moniker.

Thanks for humoring my personal story, and as always, for supporting our small business. I hope you love Montoya Merino as much as Team YarnYAY! and I do!

 

 

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Tunisian Tissue Pack Cozy

Tunisian Tissue Pack Cozy

This project and tutorial for this Tunisian Tissue Pack Cozy were created back in 2017 as part of a partnership between JOANN and The Knit Show. The pattern used to live on the JOANN blog, which no longer exists. The video remains in the same location on The Knit Show YouTube channel (scroll down to watch), but until now has been without a posted pattern for the past little while. Please see below for the written instructions.

This project is a great intro the Tunisian crochet. Even if you’ve never picked up a hook before, after watching the video, you should be good to go. Have fun!

MATERIALS

Worsted Weight Yarn in colors: A and B

Size U.S. I/5.5 mm Tunisian Hook

Tapestry Needle

 

SIZE

To fit a standard, tissue travel pack.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Approx 5 1/2” x 7 1/2”, before seaming.

ABBREVIATIONS

Ch = chain

Rep = repeat

Sk = skip

St(s) = stitch(es)

Tss = Tunisian Simple Stitch

YO = yarn over

DIRECTIONS

With A, crochet a 5 1/2” chain (approx. 20 ch sts.)

Quick instructions:

Work in Tss for 7 1/2”. Fasten off.

The following are more in-depth instructions:

Row 1:

FORWARD PASS

Beginning in the 2nd ch from hook, *insert hook into next ch, YO, pull loop through and onto hook; rep in every ch to end.

BACKWARD PASS

YO, pull through one loop, *YO, pull through 2 loops at a time; rep from * to last two loops on hook, JOINING B, YO, pull through last 2 loops.

Row 2:

FORWARD PASS

With B, sk first st,  *Insert hook into vertical bar of next st, YO, pull up loop onto hook; rep from * across.

BACKWARD PASS

YO, pull through one loop, *YO, pull through 2 loops at a time; rep from * to last two loops on hook, WITH A, YO, pull through last 2 loops.

Row 3:

FORWARD PASS

With A, sk first st,  *Insert hook into vertical bar of next st, YO, pull up loop onto hook; rep from * across.

BACKWARD PASS

YO, pull through one loop, *YO, pull through 2 loops at a time; rep from * to last two loops on hook, WITH B, YO, pull through last 2 loops.

Repeat Rows 2-3 until piece measures 6 1/2”, without switching to Color B at the end.

Fasten off, leaving long tail for seaming.

FINISHING

Fold piece width-wise so that the ends overlap about 1”. Sew ends; tack opening flaps so that there’s just enough room to slip in a tissue pack snuggly.

Tunisian Crochet Tissue Pack Cozy: Video Tutorial

Hooked on Tunisian Crochet?Check out the Vickie Howell Aqua Wood Interchangeable Tunisian Hook set!

Vickie Howell Aqua Interchangeable Tunisian Crochet Hook Set, manufactured by Knitter’s Pride

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YarnYAY! September Box #41

YarnYAY! September Box #41

It’s (almost) fall y’all, and we’re gearing up for cozy stitching season! Everything about the YarnYAY! September Box #41, will get you excited about making, wearing, and giving snuggly knits this season. Here’s what’s included:

Kinky | HiKoo

This month we’re serving up beautiful, superwash German wool in a way we never have before!

Hikoo Kinky is presented in a coil that’s been pre-knit into a tube, so that you can work directly from it, without needing to wind it into a ball.

HiKoo is a Skacel Knitting brand. It’s family-owned and distributed.

Ribbed Hat Patterns | Designs by Vickie Howell & designer in residence, Natalie Thomas

Who’s ready for Fall? We are, that’s who! This month we’re ready to go headfirst into the cooler months, by making lush, ribbed hats. The knit version, designed by Vickie, is worked in a deceptively easy, fisherman-esque rib.

Ski Bum, Knit Hat by Vickie Howell for YarnYAY!

 

The crochet version, designed by Natalie Thomas, is worked sideways and in back loops, to create an almost knit-looking rib.

See more of Vickie’s here. Follow Natalie at @detroitknots

Spray Dye Kit | Makers’ Mercantile

Fashion spray dye is absolutely the easiest type to create that speckled look that is so popular right now. Combined with Kinky coiled yarn and Makers’ Mercantile instructions, you’re set up for yarn-dyeing success! Kit includes 2 bottles of dye, gloves, and full instructions.

Makers’ Mercantile is based in Kent, Washington, and owned by Karin Skacel. 

Faux Fur Pompoms | YarnYAY!

Faux fur pompoms add an additional textile texture to your project. Sew one directly onto a hat, or add a button to make it removable. Any project with a pompom is a good project!

 

 

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2-Square Knit Scrunchie

Knit Scrunchie

This week on Ask Me Monday we’re closing out summer, with a knit scrunchie. This version, is made with swatches — two seed stitch squares, folded over a standard hairband to create a pointed-bow effect. Gather your fingering weight yarn scraps, a set of knitting needles, and let’s get started!

 

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, Wool Needle

 


2-Square Scrunchie: How-To  

MATERIALS

Mini-hank, fingering-weight yarn (approx 50 yds)

Size US 3/3.25 mm needles

Tapestry needle

Elastic hairband

Pins or clips

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

approx 7 1/2″/19 cm from tip-to-tip

GAUGE

6 sts per inch in Seed Stitch

 

DIRECTIONS

Knit squares (make 2):

CO 30 sts.

Rows 1-2: *K1, p1; rep from * to end.

Repeat Rows 1-2, until piece measures 5″/12.5 cm.

BO in pattern stitch.

FINISHING

Feed the corner of 1 square through the hairband. Fold in half over hairband to create a pointed, spade shape. Pin into place.

Using tapestry needle and yarn, either whip stitch or mattress stitch square edges together, easing where necessary to compensate for the gathering of the square’s fabric.

Repeat with the second square on the opposite side of the hairband.

Sew together the joining points of the two squares on the hairband.

And, you’re done!

 

Looking for a crochet scrunchie? Try my granny square version!

 

Need Supplies?

Washable Paper Caddy and Mad | Tosh TML Yarn in Vickie Howell Colors

 

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Crochet Flip Flops

  Crochet Flip Flops

This week on Ask Me Monday, we’re closing out the Summer months (and already planning for the weekend) with a quick project that personalizes a poolside staple! Crochet Flip Flops are just a pair of any type you like, with a little embellishment to make them uniquely YOU. In this tutorial, I show how to create a granny stripe stip, how to single crochet over a strap, and how to bring yarn (and studs) together to finish your pair. 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: Ginger Crochet Hooks

Crochet Flip Flops Pattern

MATERIALS

1 hank (makes several) Bzy Peach Tencel (100% Tencel; 50 gr/123 yds), in color: Fruity Cocktail —or equivilent DK weight yarn

Size G/4.5 hook

Tapestry needle

Flip Flops

Optional: Metal studs and glue gun

ABBREVIATIONS

DIRECTIONS

Granny Stripe Strap Cover (make 2):

Ch multiple of 4, to measure the length of the strap you’d like to cover. I chained 44.

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, 2 dc in same space as ch, ch 1, *sk 3, 3 dc in next ch, ch 1; rep from * last st, 3 dc.

Fasten off leaving a long tail for seaming.

FINISHING

Using tapestry needle and tail, whip stitch or mattress stitch piece to cross-strap. Repeat for other flip flop.

Cover remaining strap:

Sc around the entire strap (see video as a guide).

Fasten off. Repeat for other flip flop.

Weave in ends.

Optional: Hot glue metal studs to cross-strap. 

 

Get the yarn for this project!

LIMITED EDITION: Bzy Peach Tencel, in color: Fruity Cocktail

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Macrame Necklace

Macrame Necklace

This week on Ask Me Monday I show how to make a Macrame Necklace that’s the perfect intro to the craft for knitters and crocheters. Mostly stitched, only one type of macrame technique, the Square Knot, is required. It’s simple, fun, and results in a great, resort-wear accessory!

 

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 Double-Pointed Needles , Karbonz Circular Needle, Mindful Measuring Tape,
& Ginger Crochet Hook

 

 

 Macra-YAY! Necklace 

MATERIALS

Flax & Twine Daytime Linen (approx 10g needed per necklace)

Delta by Plaid Ceramcoat Paint, in color: Caribbean Blue

Paint Brush

3 Wooden Beads

Size H/5 mm Crochet Hook OR Size 8/5 mm Knitting Needles

Tapestry Needle

Scissors

Optional: Masking Tape

 

DIRECTIONS

Make necklace portion:

Holding a DOUBLE strand together, and leaving a 22″/56 cm tail (this is important for the macramé part, later), either crochet or knit an i-cord that measures 24″/61 cm (or desired length). Fasten off or bind-off, leaving another, 22″/56 cm tail.

Paint beads:

Using paintbrush and masking tape (if you want to keep some of your bead unpainted), decorate beads.

Let dry.

Prep necklace strand for macramé:

Fold the strand in half and knot together the ends, closest to the beginning and end of your crochet or knit stitches. You should now have four hanging tail strands.

Adding beads with macramé Square Knots:

*(A) Using tapestry needle, thread two center strands through bead. Begin Square Knot as follows: (B) Lay strand on far right over center 2 strands and under strand on far left side. (C) Bring strand on far left side under center 2 strands, then up through loop created by strand on far right side. (D) Pull so that knot sits close to bottom of the bead. (E) Lay strand on far left over center 2 strands and under strand on far right side, then (F) Bring strand on far left side under center 2 strands, then up through loop created by strand on far right side. (G) Pull so that knot sits close to bottom of the rest of the knot. Square knot complete!

Repeat Steps B-G, creating a second Square knot under the bead.**

Repeat from * to ** with the remaining 2 beads.

Make Tassel:

Cut four 12″/30.5 cm strands of yarn. Fold pieces in half and knot tightly with beaded strands. Trim ends to make even.

Yay, you’re finished!

Get the Macra-YAY Necklace Kit!

YarnYAY! teamed up with Flax & Twine and Plaid Crafts to create a necklace kit that is mostly knit or crochet, but with an intro to macrame to finish it off. Make it, wear it, flaunt it.  This kit comes with the YarnYAY! August Box or we have a limited amount of kits available in the shop. 

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YarnYAY! August Box #40

August Box #40

The YarnYAY! August Box #4 has arrived and we’re all about being pool-side! Bright colors, fruity cocktails, and windswept wavy hair is the vibe! Scroll down to see the box of happy we’ve put together, including the small businesses we’ve partnered with, to bring a summer smile to any stitcher’s face!

100% Tencel | Bzy Peach

Everything about this month’s featured yarn says. “summer vibes”. Dyer Bzy Peach has hand-dyed for us a silky smooth, DK-weight Tencel, in our exclusive color, Fruity Cocktail. You’ll feel tipsy with joy, stitching with this beautiful yarn!

Bzy Peach is a Georgia-based, BIPOC woman-owned and operated dye-house.

 

Lacy Headband Patterns | designs by Vickie Howell & Designer in Residence, Natalie Thomas

This month’s projects are pool party-ready lacy headbands. The knit version, designed by Vickie, is worked in a lattice lace stitch, with a ribbed border. The crochet version, designed by Natalie Thomas, uses a combination of chain and shell stitches to create a climbing, almost flower-bud motif.

See more of Vickie’s designs on her personal website. Follow Natalie at @detroitknots

 

Yarn Sock | Slipped Stitch Studios

Harness that hank with a sleeve for your yarn. Made in this month’s fruity cocktail (or mocktail) print fabric, this handy tool will keep your slinky yarns snuggled instead of tangled!

Slipped Stitch Studios is based in Huntington Beach, California, and owned by Laura Lundy. 

 

 

Macra-Yay! Necklace Kit | YarnYAY!

Kaftan accessory, anyone? YarnYAY! teamed up with Flax & Twine and Plaid Crafts to create a necklace kit that is mostly knit or crochet, but with an intro to macrame to finish it off. Make it, wear it, flaunt it.

 

 

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Sunburst Summer Scarf

Sunburst Summer Scarf

The crochet Sunburst Summer Scarf is a perfect accessory for the warmer months. Wear it with tees, tops, and tanks.

MATERIALS

Vickie Howell for Mad| Tosh Tosh Merino Light Unicorn Tails (100% superwash merino wool; 52 yds), in colors: 2 mini-hanks each of (A) Snaps, (B) Pinky Swear, and (C) Heart Hands. — or equivalent fingering weight yarn

Vickie Howell for Mad| Tosh Tosh Merino Light (100% superwash merino wool; 420 yds), in colors: 1 hank of (D) Shush Finger. — or equivalent fingering weight yarn

Size US G/ 4mm

Tapestry needle

 

FINISHED MEASUREMENTSApprox 4″/10 cm wide x 80″/203 cm long, excluding fringe

 

SPECIAL STITCHES

Starter Puff Stitch (SP) = ch 3, [YO, insert hook in stitch and draw up loop] THREE times (7 loops on hook), YO pull through all loops; ch 1 to close.

Puff Stitch= [YO, insert hook in stitch and draw up loop] FOUR times (7 loops on hook), YO pull through all loops; ch 1 to close.

Cluster Stitch (CS) = [YO, insert hook in stitch and trap up loop, YO, pull through 2 loops] 4 times (5 loops on hook), YO pull through all loops, ch 1 to close.

Looking for a tutorial? Check out this episode of Ask Me Monday, in which I show how to crochet Sunburst Granny Squares!

 

DIRECTIONS

Sunburst Granny Squares (Make 20):

Rnd 1: Using Color A and the Magic Circle method, ch 3 (counts dc), 15 dc in center loop. With Color B, join rnd with a sl st. — 16 sts

Cut A.

Rnd 2: With B, SP, Puff Stitch in the next st and every st around. Join rnd with a sl st.

Rnd 3: Sl st to first, ch-1 sp (joining Color C with the last sl st). With C, ch 3 CS , [CS, ch-1] in every ch-1 sp around. 

Rnd 4: Sl st to first ch-2 sp (joining Color D with the last sl st). With D ch 4 (counts as tr), 2 tr in same sp as ch, *3 dc in next ch-2 sp, 3 hdc in next ch-2 sp, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, [3 tr, ch 3, 3 tr] in next ch-2 sp; rep from * TWICE more, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, 3 hdc in next ch-2 sp, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp, [2 tr, ch 2] in the same space as the beginning. Join with a sl st.

Fasten off.

Assemble squares:

With D, sc squares together, end-to-end.

Edging:

Join D at top edge of scarf, ch 2, hdc evenly down one side. Fasten off. 

Repeat for the opposite side.

 

FINISHING

Fringe: (make 26)

Cut two, 10″/25 cm pieces. Hold two pieces together as if they were one; fold fringe in half. Using the crochet hook, *insert hook from WS to RS into short end of scarf and into fold of fringe, pull fold through edge of scarf, forming a loop, insert fringe ends into loop and pull tight against edge; repeat from * working 13 pieces of fringe evenly spaced across end of scarf. Repeat across other end of scarf.

Weave in ends. Block scarf.

Looking for yarn for this project?

 

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Wine Cork Knit Trees

Wine Cork Knit Trees

This week on Ask Me Monday, we’re celebrating Christmas in July with a sweet, scrap-buster project for the holidays. Wine Cork Knit Trees make adorable ornaments, magnets , and even stand-along decorations (wine cork tree forest, anyone). Decorate them for Christmas, with sequin and beads, or keep them plain for Winter or Earth Day. Regardless, you’ll love these cu-tree-pies!

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 Double-Pointed Needles

 



 

MATERIALS

Scraps Bulky (5) Yarn

Size US 9/5.5 mm double-pointed needles

Tapestry needle

Wine cork

Hot glue gun

Optional: sequin or beads

Wine Cork Knit Trees: Directions

STOCKINETTE TREE

CO 14 sts. Distribute sts evenly over dpns. Join rnd, taking care not to twist.

Rnd 1: Purl.

Rnds 2-5: Knit.

Rnd 6: [K2tog, k3] TWICE, k2tog, k2. — 11 sts

Rnds 7-8: Knit.

Rnd 9: [K2tog, k2] TWICE, k2tog, k1. — 8 sts 

Rnds 10-11: Knit.

Rnd 12: K2tog around. — 4sts

Rnds 13: [K2tog] TWICE, BO last st.

 

WELTED VERSION

CO 14 sts. Distribute sts evenly over dpns. Join rnd, taking care not to twist.

Rnd 1: Purl.

Rnds 2-4: Knit.

Rnd 5: Purl.

Rnd 6: [K2tog, k3] TWICE, k2tog, k2. — 11 sts

Rnds 7-8: Knit.

Rnd 9: [K2tog, k2] TWICE, k2tog, k2. — 8 sts

Rnd 10: Knit.

Rnd 11: Purl.

Rnd 12: K2tog around. — 4sts

Rnds 13: [K2tog] TWICE, BO last st.

 

SEED STITCH

CO 16 sts. Distribute sts evenly over dpns. Join rnd, taking care not to twist.

Rnd 1: *K1, p1; rep from * around.

Rnd 2: *P1, k1; rep from * around.

Rnds 3-4: Rep Rnds 1-2.

Rnds 5: Rep Rnd 1.

Rnd 6: [K2tog, p1, k1] FOUR times.

Rnds 7-8: P all knit sts, k all p sts.

Rnd 9: [K2tog, p1, k1] TWICE, k2tog, k1, p1.– 9 sts

Rnds 10-11: P all knit sts, k all p sts.

Rnd 12: [K2tog] THREE times, k1. — 5 sts

Rnd 13: [K2tog] TWICE, k1. — 3 sts

Rnd 14: K2tog, BO last st.

Looking for more Christmas is July Crafts? Try these Broomstick Lace Trees & Wine Cozies!

 

 

Pre-Sale Starts on July 27th!

 

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Granny Square Scrunchie

Granny Square Scrunchie

Granny squares are having (another) moment right now. This week on Ask Me Monday, I show a clever way to create a granny square around a hair band to create a uniquely shaped hair tie. A Granny Square Scrunchie is a great, quick way to use up those DK weight summer yarn scraps, and a fun project for teens and maker parties. Make one in every color!

 

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: Zing Crochet Hook Set and Ginger Crochet & Waves Hooks



Granny Square Scrunchie Pattern

MATERIALS

Small amount (approx 8 gr) Forbidden Fiber Proverbs, or equivalent DK Weight cotton and/or linen

Size G/4 mm crochet hook

Tapestry Needle

Medium hair elastic

Abbreviations

DIRECTIONS

Sc 80 sts OVER hair elastic. Join rnd with sl st in beg ch.

Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), [2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in same space as ch (corner created), [sk 4, 3 dc in next] 3 TIMES, sk 4, *[3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in next st, [sk 4, 3 dc in next st] 3 TIMES; rep from * twice more. Join rnd with a sl st in top of beg-ch. — 4 corners, 12 dc clusters

Rnd 2: Sl st to first corner, ch 3, [2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in same space as ch, [3 dc in next space in between dc clusters] 4 TIMES, *[3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in next corner space, [3 dc in next space in between dc clusters] 4 TIMES; rep from * twice more. Join rnd with a sl st in beginning ch. — 4 corners, 16 dc clusters

Fasten off.

FINISHING

Weave in ends.

 

Looking for more scrunchie patterns? Try these!

 

 

Hip to be Granny Square. Pillow Patterns by Vickie Howell

 

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