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Textured Rib Wristwarmers

Textured Rib Wrist Warmers

This 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!

Products shown in this video: Ginger Double Pointed Needle Set

Textured Rib Wrist Warmers Pattern

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.

 

 

 

 

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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!

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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 needle

MEASUREMENTS

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?

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Vickie Howell Aqua Wooden Needle Sets

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Textured Rib Stitches: Knit & Crochet

Textured Rib Stitches

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

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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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