Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 16
March 3, 2021
YarnYAY! March Box #35
Spring is in the air, and definitely in the spirit of the YarnYAY! March Box. Here are the products and projects that we’ve handpicked for knitters and crocheters this month!

L-R: Pink Ladies & Paddle Board
YarnYAY! Spring BreakWoohoo, this month we’ve done something new, we’re bringing you a private label, limited edition YarnYAY! yarn: Spring Break! This superwash merino and nylon blend is hand-dyed in Turkey, boasts a whopping 440 yards (a special big-meal-treat, as our usual M.O. is to give subscribers just a taste), and served up in outdoor-inspired colors: Paddle Board and Pink Ladies.
Knitting Project: Wave Hello Infinity Scarf by Vickie HowellThis month we’re sailing into the warmer weather with Waves Stitches. Our lightweight, open-work infinity scarves are the perfect Springtime accessory. The knit version, designed by Vickie, uses progressive yarn-overs and drop stitches to create the waves.


Finished Measurements (Psst…bonus wrap variation included!):
Width: 7 ½ (16)” / 19 (40.5) cm
Length/circumference: 56” / 142 cm
Suggested Additional Materials:
Size US 5/3.75 needles
Crochet Project: Wave Goodbye Infinity Scarf by Becky Joiner
The crochet version, designed by YarnYAY!’s Becky Joiner, includes undulation courtesy of heightening stitches.


Finished Measurements (Psst…bonus wrap variation included!):
Width: 7 ½ (16)” / 19 (40.5) cm
Length/circumference: 56” / 142 cm
Suggested Additional Materials:
Size G/4 mm hook
YarnYAY! Tyvek Tote
Our latest logo bag is ready for those trips to visit the waves. The tyvek material it’s made from will repel water. Have fun!

Big Blue Moma Yarn Amount Tool
We’ve all been there, at our LYS or surfing the web, when we find a yarn we must have! How much to buy to make socks, a hat, a baby sweater, or other item, though? Hang this tool on your project bag, and you’ll have your answer!
Big Blue Moma is a Canadian based, woman-owned company that employs over 350 women in Africa.


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February 22, 2021
How to Knit a Fur Collar for a Jacket

This week on Ask Me Monday, I show how to make a knit fur collar for a coat. This is a great way to customize your favorite denim jacket, and add a little warmth while you’re at it! The best part is that it is really, really easy. Thanks to the give of Garter Stitch, and the forgiveness that novelty yarns like boucle or faux fur offer, a simple rectangle can be eased to fit over most style collars. Here’s how!
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: Smart Stix, Mindful Collection
How to Knit a Fur Collar for a JacketDIRECTIONS

MATERIALS
Boucle or novelty fur yarn (I used Knit Collage Serenity)
Appropriate sized needles (I used Knitter’s Pride Gingers Size 10/6 mm)
Tapestry needle
Sewing needle and coordinating thread
Sewing pins or clips
Jacket with collar
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Measure itLay your jacket on a surface, and unfold the collar so it lays flat. Measure the depth of the collar at its tallest point. Add 1″ to that measurement. The sample jacket had a 3″ depth + 1″ = 4″ (Step 2: Swatch it
Using your desired yarn and appropriate sized needles, knit a small swatch to determine Stitch Gauge (row gauge isn’t important for this project). Using Serenity yarn and size 10/6mm needles, I got 2.75 stitches per inch. ( Step 3: Calculate it Using the formula below, calculate the number of stitches you will cast on for your chosen jacket’s collar, using your desired yarn.
Step 4: Knit itKnit Fur Collar Formula: Stitch Gauge x Collar Measurement = Number of Stitches to Cast On
Knit every row until piece is the length of the jacket collar.
Bind off.
Weave in ends.Step 5: Sew it
Pin or clip fur collar to the top of collar (i.e. public facing when collar is folded down to wear). Using sewing needle and thread, whip stitch knit fur collar to jacket collar. Note: The knit fur collar will overhang approximately 1-1.5″ (with stretch) over the jacket collar.

Stay cozy in your new, shearling-inspired collar!
Are you a crocheter? I’ve got you! Simply swap out single or half-double crochet, for the the knit stitch. Follow the same formula above to get your chain number!

February YarnYAY! Box, featuring Knit Collage Serenity
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February 18, 2021
Knit or Crochet a Custom Boucle Pillow Front
Boucle textiles are a big trend in home decor right now. Since we’re featuring a boucle yarn in this month’s YarnYAY! box, what better time to play with bringing a little bit of it into our living spaces? In this tutorial, I offer a simple recipe for creating a knit or crochet boucle pillow front for any decorative pillow. Here’s to bringing some warmth into the room!
Psst… don’t for get to tag @vickiehowell #yarnyay with your cozy pillow front FOs!
Customize Your Own Cozy Boucle Pillow FrontMake the Boucle Pillow Front
bou·clé /bo͞oˈklā/yarn with a looped or curled ply, or a woven fabric created with that type of yarn.
KNIT VERSION
This pillow front is knit in Garter Stitch using Knit Collage Serenity and on Size U.S. 10/6 mm needles. If you’re using a different yarn, simply swatch in your chosen yarn, and measure your stitch gauge. Row gauge is not important for this project.
Knit Pillow Front Formula: Your pillow size width x 2.75 stitches per inch = number of stitches to cast on.
Using the above formula, CO appropriate number of stitches (ex. If I have a 12″ wide pillow, then I multiply 12 x 2.75 = 33 sts).
Knit every row until the piece measures the height of your chosen pillow.
BO.
CROCHET VERSION
This pillow front is crocheted in half-double crochet (hdc) using Knit Collage Serenity and on Size J/6 mm hook. If you’re using a different yarn, simply swatch in your chosen yarn, and measure your stitch gauge. Row gauge is not important for this project.
Crochet Pillow Front Formula: Your pillow size width x 2.5 stitches per inch = number of stitches to chain (ch) or foundation half-double crochet (Fhdc).
Using the above formula, ch or Fhdc the appropriate number of stitches.
Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch fr hook, and every ch to end. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 2 (counts ad hdc), hdc in next st and every st to end.
Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures the height of your chosen pillow.
Fasten off.
FINISHING (Both Versions)
Weave in ends.
Lay piece over the front of pillow. Using a sewing needle and coordinating thread, whip stitch boucle pillow front to pillow.

February ’21 YarnYAY! comes with 1 mini-hank (enough for a pillow front) of Knit Collage Serenity Boucle yarn
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February 8, 2021
Tips for Knitting & Crocheting with Bouclé Yarn

This week on Ask Me Monday we delve into working with one of my favorite fiber trends: bouclé
yarn!
Bouclé yarn is a novelty yarn that seeing a rise in popularity right now, in home decor and garment embellishment, due to the cozy vibe it’s textural component can add to any space. Because it’s less traditional than you’re average, non-novelty yarn though, some folks may feel hesitant to work with it. My goal with this post is to demystify the differences, and encourage stitchers to give knitting or crocheting with bouclé yarn a try. Here’s the scoop!
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: Zing, Dreamz, and Waves Crochet Hooks. Smart Stix Needles.
Shakra Stitch Markers.
What is bouclé yarn?
bou·clé /bo͞oˈklā/yarn with a looped or curled ply, or a woven fabric created with that type of yarn.

What is a bouclé yarn made from?
A bouclé is generally made from a core of nylon thread, plied with a wool, or faux wool fiber, which can include sheep’s wool, alpaca or even acrylic.

So Cozy Knit Mittens by Vickie Howell for YarnYAY!
What types of projects work well with bouclé yarns?Bouclé yarns are great for a range of projects! They’re perfect for more open-weave, but fluffy blankets, scarves and wraps. They’re lovely for cozy mittens, hats and boot toppers — or as an addition to a fabric garment as a shearling-inspired collar or cuff. Bouclé yarns are an adorable textile choice for plushies and toys. They’re also chic and textural for home decor items like pillow tops and woven into wallhangings.

Knit Collage Serenity Boucle, featured in the February YarnYAY! Box
Tips for Knitting & Crocheting with Bouclé YarnGo big. Size up your knitting needle or crochet hook by 2 or more from what would be recommended for a smoother yarn. The larger the needle or hook you choose, the more drape your project will have and unlike smoother fibers, a boucle yarn’s nubs will fill in some of the space created by the more open-weave so the resulting fabric is less likely to look like a net.
Get to the point. Or don’t. When crocheting or knitting with a bouclé yarn without discernible loops in the fiber and/or if working on a project with a tighter weave, such as a plushie or wrist warmers, use a hook with a pointier head, or needles with pointier tips, to make it easier to dive through those fluffy stitches.When crocheting or knitting with a bouclé yarn with pronounced loops in the fiber and/or if working on a project with a more open-weave, such as a wrap or scarf, us a hook with a blunter head, or needles with rounder tips, to prevent accidentally working into a small loop, instead of the actual stitch. Mark it. When working on a project that calls for bouclé yarn, be sure to use stitch markers to mark pattern repeats, right and wrong sides, and/or the beginning of rounds. Less guessing time means more stitching time! Frog it? Freeze it! If you find yourself needing to unravel (aka frog) a project made with a novelty yarn like mohair bouclé, stick it in the freezer first. Freezing the piece will take away some of the pliability and adhesion of fibers that can otherwise happen. Trust me, going cold will mean swearing less! Be Mindful. I invite you to see working with a textured yarn like a boucle as an exercise in mindfulness. This is not a fiber that requires finite movements, complicated stitches, and speed of work. Take a breath, put your shoulders back, make large gestures.Exception to the Go Big rule: If you’re making a sculptural project that requires stuffing, are a handwear that will benefit from a tighter weave, consider sizing up only one needle size from normal.
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February 3, 2021
February YarnYAY! Box #34

It’s time to reveal what’s inside of the February YarnYAY! Box, and I’m so excited to share it with you. From partnering with my buddy Amy Small (seen on The Knit Show and featured in my book, The Knit Vibe) and her company, Knit Collage, to bringing cozy mittens, healing hands and a warm belly, this box is all about comfort. Enjoy!
What’s inside the February YarnYAY! Box
Since the beginning, Vickie has been dying to partner with Knit Collage on a YarnYAY! box. She’s is a huge fan of their gorgeous yarns, the company’s mission, and its amazing founder. Well, now’s the time! We’re featuring a melange of colors of specially-sized 110-yard hanks of Serenity, a cozy boucle wool that gets delightfully soft after soaking in a little wash.
Knit Collage is owned by Amy Small, and based in Massachusetts, with a co-op of spinners in India.
This month your hands will match your warm heart thanks to some cozy handwear! The knit pattern is for fluffy, seed stitch mitts that can either be worked as fingerless gloves or full-coverage mittens.

Don’t let sore hands and wrists get your knitting and crocheting down! This notions bag-sized, all natural pain-killing oil will offer solace to the aches that ail you. Stitch on!
Sweetbody Laboratories is based in NE Portland, and owned by massage therapists Debi Mann & Rebecca Knutson.
The promise of a hot cuppa to come rounds out our cozy-themed box. Our wool-y friend will do the steeping, you’ll do the sipping!

A single serving of deliciousness! Texas Chai, is a black tea with cardamom, cinnamon bark and cloves. Ahhhh!
Texas Coffee Traders are based in Austin, TX.
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January 25, 2021
Tunisian Crochet Coffee Cozy

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 Product: Ginger Interchangeable Tunisian Hook
Venti Valentine
Tunisian Crochet Coffee Cozy
MATERIALS
Small amounts of bulky yarn, in colors: A & B. (I used Vickie Howell for Mad | Tosh HOME in colors: Heart Hands and Pinky Swear)
US M Knitter’s Pride Ginger Tunisian Crochet Hook
Large-eyed tapestry needle
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
4″/10 cm tall x approx. 10″/25 cm circumference (slightly stretched)
GAUGE
Approx 7 sts x 8 rows =4″/10 cm in woven pattern stitch
Pro Tip: Want to use a lighter weight yarn? No problem. Simply switch to a smaller hook size and crochet a chain that’s about 1″/2.5 cm shorter than your cup’s circumference, and in multiples of 2. From there, follow the pattern as is!
DIRECTIONS
With A, ch 18.
Row 1 Forward Pass: *Insert hook into next ch, YO and pull up loop; rep from * to end. –18 sts on hook
Row 1 Backward Pass: YO, pull through one loop, *YO, pull through 2 loops; rep from * to end. 1 st rem on hook.
Row 2 Forward Pass: *Insert the hook from front to back, between the two halves of the vertical loop, yarn over, and pull up a loop; rep to last st, insert hook into top-ch, YO pull through loop.
Row 2 Backward Pass: YO, pull through one loop, *YO, pull through 2 loops; rep from * to end. 1 st rem on hook.
Row 2 establishes Tunisian Knit Stitch (TKS)
Join B.
Row 3 Forward Pass: With B, insert hook through very first space and pull up a loop, pull up a loop in each space (in between the vertical bars) to the last space, sk that space, insert hook into edge stitch and pull up your last loop.
R0w 3 Backward Pass: YO, pull through one loop, *YO, pull through 2 loops; rep from * to end. 1 st rem on hook.
R0w 4 Forward Pass: With A, sk 1st space, pull up a loop in each space (in between the vertical bars) to end, including last st.
R0w 4 Backward Pass: YO, pull through one loop, *YO, pull through 2 loops; rep from * to end. 1 st rem on hook.
Rows 3-4 establish Tunisian Full Stitch (TFS)
Rows 2-3 establish Woven Pattern Stitch.
Continuing in established 1 x 1 stripe pattern, repeat Woven Pattern Stitch rows, TWICE more.
Last Row: With A, repeat Row 2.
Bind-Off Final Pass: YO, insert hook through bar of 2nd st and through loop on hook, *YO, insert hook through bar of next st and through loop on hook; rep to end.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.
FINISHING
Using tail and large-eyed tapestry needle, sew short ends together to create cylinder cozy shape.
Weave in ends.

Vickie Howell Aqua Interchangeable Tunisian Crochet Hook Set, manufactured by Knitter’s Pride
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January 18, 2021
Knit & Crochet Heart Stitches

This week on Ask Me Monday I’m showing you a little extra love with knit and crochet heart stitches!
The knit heart stitch is created by increasing with long loops, then decreasing in opposite slants to create a V shape.
The crochet heart stitch uses a series of bobbles and chains, nestled amongst plain stitches, to create adorable puffs of love.
Watch the tutorial, practice with the swatch patterns below, then put your skills to work with one of my cowls, designed with Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or any day one would benefit from being wrapped with love. 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: The Mindful Collection
Knit Heart Stitch Swatch
SPECIAL STITCHES
Sl1 wyif: slip stitch purlwise, with yarn in front.
Heart Stitch: On the LH needle, count 2 stitches to the left and 3 rows down. Insert RH needle into this stitch and pull up a loop, place it on the LH needle, and knit it; k3; insert RH needle into the same stitch as before (3 rows down), pull up a loop, place it on the LH needle, and knit it. You have now created two additional stitches – these will be decreased away on the next RS row.
This stitch pattern is worked in multiples of 5.
CO 20 sts.
Row 1 (RS): *P2, k3; rep from * to last 2 sts, p2.
Row 2: *K2, p3; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Rows 3-4: Rep Rows 1-2.
Row 5: *P2, Heart Stitch; rep from * to last 2 sts, p2.
Row 6: *K2, sl1 wyif, p3, sl1 wyif; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 7: *P2, ssk, k1, k2tog; rep from * to last 2 sts, p2.
Row 8: *K2, p3; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Rows 9-12: Rep Rows 5-8.
BO.

Pattern: Lovey Dovey Cowl (Get the kit!)
Yarn: Vickie Howell for Mad | Tosh HOME, in colors: Heart Hands and Glory Hands
Looking for a more traditional shaped cowl using the knit heart stitch? Try the I Heart Cowl!
Crochet Bobble Heart Stitch Swatch
SPECIAL STITCHES
Half Bobble: [Yo, insert hook into st, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 loops] twice, yo, pull through all loops on hook.
Bobble: [Yo, insert hook into st, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 loops] 3 times, yo, pull through all loops on hook.
Heart stitch needs multiples of 6 to be worked and spread out.
Ch 22.
Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and every st to end, turn.– 21 sts
Row 2: Ch 3, dc in next st, ch 3, sk 5, *[bobble, ch 2, bobble] in next st (creates Heart Stitch), ch 3, sk 5; rep from * once more, dc in last 2 sts, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1 (doesn’t count as st), sc in same st, sc in next st, ch 2, going over ch-3, sc in center 3 skipped hdc from the row below, *ch 2, sk bobble, sc in ch-2 sp, ch 2, sk bobble, going over ch-3, sc in center 3 skipped hdc from the row below; rep from * once more, ch 2, sc in last 2 sts, turn.
Row 4: Ch 2 (counts as st), hdc in each sc and ch-sp to end.
Repeat Rows 3-4, twice more.
Fasten off.

Pattern: Besties Cowl

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January 11, 2021
Single Color Brioche Stitch
Single Color Brioche Stitch
This week on Ask Me Monday, I show how to knit single color Brioche Stitch. This easy, textural stitch creates a squishy, cozy fabric, even out of lighter weight yarns.
Watch the episode, practice the technique by following the Swatch instructions below, then put your skills to work by casting on for a simple brioche project like the Brioche & Buttons cowl featured in the January YarnYAY! box. 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: The Mindful Collection
Single Color Brioche Stitch: Swatch it!
Special Stitches:
Brk = Brioche Knit Stitch
Knit stitch together with its accompanying yarn-over.
Sl1yo = slip one yarn over
Bring yarn forward, slip the next stitch purlwise, then bring the yarn over the needle to the back,
ready to work the next stitch.
You can find ABBREVIATIONS HERE.
Directions:
CO 20 sts.
Pro Tip: The way that the Brioche Stitch sequence is written can be confusing. Although it looks like he instructions are asking you to slip a stitch, then bring the yarn forward to yarn-over, the opposite is actually correct. Begin with your yarn in front, slip one stitch, then complete the yarn-over.
Set Up Row: *Sl1yo, k1; rep from * to end.
Row 1: *Sl1yo, brk1; rep from * to end.
Rep Row 1 until you have a square.
Last Row: *P1, brk1; rep from * to end.
BO in rib stitch.
Interested in more Brioche Tutorials? Go here!

Brioche & Buttons Cowl, featured in the YarnYAY! January Box

YarnYAY! by Vickie Howell January Box featuring HiKoo Squeno Tweed, Black Dahlia Lacquer Cuticle Oil, Skacel Buttons, Tote Bag
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January 3, 2021
January YarnYAY! Box #33

January YarnYAY! Box #33
It’s time to kick-off a new year with our very first YarnYAY! subscription box of 2021! The January YarnYAY! Box is a celebration of brightness and new beginnings. We’ve teamed up with three other women-owned designers and businesses to bring you a beautiful box of knitterly and crocheterly (is that a thing?) goodies. Here’s what to look forward to coming to your doorstep this month, in our signature aqua box!
What’s Inside the January YarnYAY! Box
Sueño Tweed | Hikoo by Skacel
We’ve teamed up with our friends at Skacel again, to celebrate the launch of tweed yarns within their popular Sueño (merino & bamboo) line. We’ve created at YarnYAY! exclusive color, which makes this month’s selection even more special. The found horn or leather buttons in this box are also from them.
Skacel Knitting is a woman-founded and ran company based in Kent, WA.
Button Cowl Patterns | Designs by Robyn Chachula & Vickie Howell
It’s a new year, so time for new cowls! This month’s designs will take you throughout the seasons, as a layering piece or simply, a drapey accessory. The knit version, designed by Vickie, is made with a simple, brioche stitch. The crochet version, by Robyn Chachula mixes clusters and mini-bobbles for a playground of texture.
Found Horn or Leather Buttons | Skacel
Adorn this month’s projects with the 5, 18 mm found horn or leather buttons are provided by Skacel.

Cuticle Oil | Black Dahlia Lacquer
This hand-poured, vegan cuticle oil is scented with essential oils and sized to fit in the notions pouch of your project bag. Your cuticles won’t snag your yarn on our watch!
Black Dahlia Lacquer is a mother-daughter owned business, based in Austin, TX.
Yay, A Tote Bag! | YarnYAY!
YAY it’s a New Year! We’re so happy to see the arrival of 2021, so we’ve created a tote bag to carry a little cheer (and yarn) along the way towards better days!
See more YarnYAY! bags here.
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December 22, 2020
Pantone Color of the Year 2021

Every year we design nerds, eagerly await the announcement of Pantone’s Color of the Year. In part, because that declaration drives so much of the color narrative — in clothing and home decor — but mostly because it’s like an Easter Egg reveal!
In 2021, there will actually be Colors of the Year – “Ultimate Grey“, and “Illuminating” (a sunshiny yellow).

NEW PANTONE 2021 PACKS!
In celebration, we’ve put together YarnYAY! Pantone Packs which include a Pantone Chip graph paper journal and one, or both, of my versions of these celebrated shades in luscious, MAD|TOSH HOME (merino wool): “Fingers Crossed” and “Snaps.”



“Snaps” HOME Yarn + Journal Bundle
Save $11 when you buy the two-color bundle!
“Fingers Crossed” HOME + Journal Bundle
SHOP THE 2021 PANTONE PACKS
Need a pattern or two?
Whether you make them in 2021’s Pantone shades or not, you’re sure to look amazing in any of my HOME-friendly knit & crochet patterns.


Knit Sloper Beanie Pattern
Crochet Alpining For You Cowl Pattern
SHOP MORE HOME PATTERNS
But wait, there’s more!
Both “Fingers Crossed” and “Snaps” come in MAD|TOSH TML, too!


Vickie Howell for MAD|TOSH TML in “Fingers Crossed” & “Snaps.”
SHOP MAD|TOSH TML
You can make the On-Point Shawl/Shawlette and many more of my patterns with MAD|TOSH TML!

Crochet On-Point Shawl/Shawlette Pattern
SHOP MORE TML PATTERNS
And so much more!
I have to admit that it feels good when my design-vibes pay off! Look at all these gorgeous project bags we have in stock – and all in the 2021 Pantone colors!



Fella Q Satchel
Fella Q Dopp Kit
Fella Q Rucksack
(Don’t forget, you can bundle all three of the Fella Q bags above and save! Just click here.)


Vickie Howell for Della Q Large Tink Totes
SHOP BAGS
And your nails can match it all! Check out my MAD|TOSH High Five Collection collab with Black Dahlia Lacquer!


Vickie Howell for Black Dahlia Lacquer High Five Nail Polish Collection
SHOP NAIL POLISH
Get Social



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