Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 17

Peppermint Plaid Crochet Cowl

 Plaid Crochet Cowl

This week on Ask Me Monday, I show how to crochet a plaid cowl, using double crochet stitches, and a basic finger weaving technique. This project works up so quickly that you can make one today and give it as a gift tomorrow!

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 tutorial: Dreamz Crochet Hooks, The Mindful Collection Tapestry Needle

 

 

 

Peppermint Plaid Cowl

MATERIALS

1 ball each Valley Yarns Superwash Super Bulky (100%. superwash wool), in Vickie Howell colors: A) Boho Bordeaux, B) Astroturf, and C) Pink Flamingo

Size US M/9 mm hook

Large-eye tapestry needle

 

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

8″/20 cm wide x 24″/61 cm circumference

 

ABBREVIATIONS

 

DIRECTIONS

With A, Ch 19.

Row 1: Dc in 5th ch from hook (counts as dc and ch1), Ch 1, sk 1, dc, *ch 1, sk 1, dc; *Rep from * to end. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 4, sk 1, dc,*ch 1, sk 1, dc; rep from * to end. Turn.

 

Pro-tip: For a more even background, insert hook, not into top 2 strands of dc of previous row, but instead into top 3 strands, working as if it were into the body of the stitch.

 

 

Cut A; join B.

Rows 3-4: With B, rep Row 2.

Cut B; join C.

Rows 5-6: With C, rep Row 2.

Maintaining established stripe pattern, rep Row 1-6 until piece measures 24″/61 cm.

Fasten off, leaving long tail for seaming.

 

FINISHING

Create woven stripes:

Cut two, 36″ strands of colors A & C; weave over and under vertical rows, alternating colors every two rows.

Last steps:

Weave in non-fringe ends, excluding seaming tail.

Using the tapestry needle and tail, seam short ends of cowl, taking care to keep the fringe bits on the outside of the piece.

Trim fringe to make even.

 

 

NEW: Vickie Howell Aqua Wood Crochet Hook Set (Manufactured by Knitter’s Pride)

The post Peppermint Plaid Crochet Cowl appeared first on Vickie Howell.

Knit Ribbon Tree Ornament

Knit Ribbon Tree Ornament

For a couple of years now, I’ve had an adorable crochet ribbon ornament pinned to my holiday Pinterest board, as a reminder that I wanted to create a knit version. Inspired by designer Michelle Robinson‘s ornament, my version uses chunky yarn and garter stitch to create the ribbon-candy effect that makes this tree so sweet. This week on Ask Me Monday, I show you how to knit and assemble this project, plus offer tips on making this ornament uniquely your own. Happy holidays!

Oh, and don’t forget to tag @vickiehowell with your Knit Ribbon Tree Ornaments!

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 Gratitude and Explorer Sets

 

Knit Ribbon Tree Ornament: How-to Make

MATERIALS

Scraps, Super Bulky Yarn (I used this.)

Size U.S.  11/8 mm needles (I used these.)

Large-eyed Tapestry Needle

Mini pompoms, crochet buttons, and or wooden beads

Scrap of finer-weight yarn or string

Sharp needle

OPTIONAL: Glue Gun

 

Pro Tip: Play with different weight yarns and sizes of needles to created different sizes of Ribbon Tree Ornaments!

 

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Approx 5 1/2″ tall x 4″/10 cm at widest point.

 

DIRECTIONS

CO 4 sts.

Row 1: Knit.

Rows 2-136: Rep Row 1.

BO.

 

FINISHING

Assembly:

Working from bottom to top, lay your knit strip on a flat surface, zig-zagging up (while getting narrower with each level) until the entire strip is used. Seven folds should do the trick! Sandwich pompoms in a verticle row, in between layers.
Using the sharp needle and a double strand of thinner yarn knitted at the bottom, cum up from bottom and string through each pompom and strip layer until you reach the top. Add an additional pompom.
Create a loop with the yarn, snd know. Tie off.
OPTIONAL: Hot clue bead to bottom of tree.

 

 

 

Looking for more, crafty trees to make? Try these:

Broomstick Lace Trees

Felted Tree Hotpad

The post appeared first on Vickie Howell.

Holiday YarnYAY! Staff Picks 2020

 

Holiday YarnYAY! Staff Picks 2020

Looking for a gift? My YarnYAY! team had you covered! Here’s our very first Staff Picks list!

Limited Edition YarnYAY! Knit & Crochet Boxes

“Creating our Limited Edition Knit and Crochet boxes was a blast for me — combining two of my favorite things: collaborating with other creative folks, in this case to make a custom color of self-striping yarn, and teaming up with other small businesses to bring my community beautiful treats. I’m so excited for stitchers to open up one of these specialty boxes this holiday season!” – Vickie, Stitcher-in-Chief

YarnYAY! Knit Box

 

YarnYAY! Monthly Subscription Boxes

I totally love our monthly YarnYAY! boxes! Like literally, I love ALL OF THE THINGS about them. The aqua box just makes me smile, knowing that everything in it was picked with love and care. – Carin, Customer Services & Projects Manager
 

 
 

Fella Q Dopp Kit
“I am now completely obsessed with my Fella Q Dopp Kit! It’s the perfect size for a grab-and-go project. It’s super well made and handsome. I have to choose another color and get one for traveling!” – Chris, Operations Manager (aka: Ops Man)
 

Vickie Howell for Della Q Fella Q Dopp Kit, in color: Vroom

 
 


Vickie Howell Aqua Wood Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needle Set
“My pick is the Vickie Howell Aqua Wood Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needle Set. Can you ever have too many knitting needles? Make them aqua and interchangeable, and I think the answer is a resounding no!” – Chaitanya, Lead Patterns Editor
 

Vickie Howell Aqua Wood Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles

 
 

 
Rose Gold Washable Paper Caddy
“I adore the Rose Gold Washable Paper Caddy – it is so beautiful and I love the interesting paper it’s made of, plus it looks great on the shelves in my studio, overflowing with yarn of course!” – Faye, Tech Editor
 

Rose Gold Washable Paper Caddy

 

The High Five Nail Polish Collection

“I LOVE being able to match my fingernails to my yarn-crafts so, of course, my favorites are the High Five Nail Polish Collection any of the gorgeous yarns from Vickie’s latest collections from MAD|TOSH. – Felicity, Marketing Manager
 

 

“Peace Fingers” from the VH for MAD|TOSH Collections

“Peace Fingers is THE perfect persimmon red (like my fave lipstick), and it’s great for last-minute cowls and hats for anyone on your list. Bonus, it’s so soft and lush so it’s a dream to work with. Double bonus, there’s Peace Fingers nail polish to match!” – Becky, Gal Friday

 

 

Looking for more gifts?

Shop our specially-curated Gift Ideas shop @ www.yarnyay.com!

And don’t forget, now in the YarnYAY! shop, you can send your list to a loved one with Drop A Hint or use Afterpay to ease those holiday bills!

The post Holiday YarnYAY! Staff Picks 2020 appeared first on Vickie Howell.

YarnYAY! Tutorials | Video Lessons

Tutorials | Video Lessons

Looking for a Quick-Links Resource for My Video Tutorials? I’ve got you. Here’s a broad breakdown of types. Don’t forget, though, you can always check out my YouTube Chanel, The Knit Show YouTube Channel, my IGTV Feed, and/or my Facebook Video Playlists! 

 

Knitting Basics

 

Crochet Basics

 

YarnYAY! Project & Technique Tutorials

 

Ask Me Monday Series

 

 

The post YarnYAY! Tutorials | Video Lessons appeared first on Vickie Howell.

Knitter’s Pride The Mindful Collection

\

 

The Mindful Collection

This week on Ask Me Monday, we had a special treat, an unboxing of some of the amazing new knitting tools in the Knitter’s Pride Mindful Collection.

Watch the episode to see a deep-dive look at some of the goodies I unpacked, and scroll down for a quick-take look at some of my faves. 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

 



 

The Mindful Collection: Quick Glimpse

There are so many beautiful items in this selection, that it’s hard to choose which to feature, so be sure to watch the above video, and check out this website. Here’s just a glipse at a few, lovely tools from The Mindful Collection.

Madalas, abound in this beautiful collection! 

 

The Explore Set includes the rarer 10″ fixed circular needles, rainbow scissors, needle gauge, stitch markers,

darning needle and the aqua canvas cases.

 

Shaded of teal make Knit Blockers in The Mindful Collection extra special.

 

Beechwood dyed teal, and carved onto darning needles make for the loveliest litte notions set!

Chakra symbol stitch markers with align your knitting life.

 

 

The post Knitter’s Pride The Mindful Collection appeared first on Vickie Howell.

December YarnYAY! Box #32

December YarnYAY! Box #32

It’s hard to believe that it’s time to share the very last box. of 2020. Although the year itself has been incredibly difficult for our human community, I hope that my monthly subscription boxes have been a bright spot.

The. December YarnYAY! box supports 4 women-run businesses and is filled with hand-picked goodies for knitters and crocheters. Here’s what’s inside!

 

What’s in the December Box
Sweater DK | Rainbow Heirloom

This month, we reached across the pond to a small, lovely dye house specializing in vivid color (aka colour ;-)), to bring you a mini-hank combination of 2 dreamy shades of100% superwash wool mini-hanks:Wicked Pacific and Snow Melt.

Rainbow Heirloom is a one-woman operation based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

 

Mitts Patterns | Designs by Tanis Gray & Vickie Howell

This month we’re dotting our projects with colorwork, making mitts to help mask the December cold!

 

The knit version, designed by Tanis Gray, uses simple stranded knitting to draw dots and waves at the cuffs. 

The crochet version, by Vickie, mixes stripes and bobbles for a smattering of color and texture.

 

 

The Stitcher Enamel Pin | Stacey Martin

Specially designed for this month’s box, artist Stacey Martin created a gorgeous, 1920’s-inspired stitcher pin. This one’s extra special to Vickie, because the featured lady reminds her of her namesake, her Spaniard aunt whom she unfortunately never met.

Stacey Martin is a nationally renowned tattoo artist and illustrator based in Austin, TX.

 

Rope Yarn Bowl | YarnYAY!

Rope bowls have made a resurgence in both the maker and organizational worlds. We love the idea of one to hold our yarn as we knit or crochet from it, and had them made for this box to coordinate with it, too!

For more information about what comes with a YarnYAY! subscription and to subscribe, go here.

 

The post December YarnYAY! Box #32 appeared first on Vickie Howell.

10-Row Crochet Scarf | Quick Gift Idea!

10-Row Crochet Scarf

This week on Ask Me Monday I show how to make a cheery, 10-Row Crochet Scarf that whips up quick enough that you can make them for all of your friends for the holidays. In this tutorial, I go over an alternative to starting with the usual chain stitch for a more even scarf, how to work spike stitches, and talk about different yarns in every budget that will look great with this pattern. 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 tutorial: Dreamz Crochet Hooks

 



10-Row Crochet Scarf Pattern

MATERIALS

Vickie Howell x Mad | Tosh HOME (100% superwash merino; 110 yds/100 m), in colors: 1 hank each of A.) Pinky Swear, B.) Peace Fingers, and C.) Spirit Fingers

Size US M/ 9 mm Knitter’s Pride Dreamz Hook

Large-eyed Wool Needle

 

Looking for another yarn option, my color collection in Valley Yarns. Superwash Superbulky will work great, too!

 

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

5 1/4″ /13 cm x 48″/122 cm, excluding fringe

 

GAUGE

6 sts x 2 rows = 4″/10 cm in pattern stitch

 

SPECIAL ABBREVIATION

FHdc = Foundation half-double crochet

 

DIRECTIONS

Note: I’m offering two different methods for starting this scarf. You do you.

OPTION 1

With A, ch 135.

Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and every ch to end. Turn. — 133 sts

OPTION 2 (recommended)

Skip the chaining portion.

Row 1: FHdc 133. Turn. — 133 sts.

ALL OPTIONS PROCEED FROM HERE

Row 2: Ch 2 , hdc in  next st and each st to end; change to B in last st. Turn.

Row 3: With B, *spike-hdc in next st 2 rows below, hdc in next st; rep from * to last st, spike-hdc in last st. Turn.

Row 4: Ch 2, hdc in next st and each st to end’ change to C in last st. Turn.

Row 5: With C, *spike-hdc in next st 2 rows below, hdc in next st; rep from * to last st, spike-hdc in last st. Turn.

Row 6: Ch 2, hdc in next st and each st to end; change to A. in last st. Turn. 

Row 7: With A, *spike-hdc in next st 2 rows below, hdc in next st; rep from * to last st, spike-hdc in last st. Turn.

Row 8: Ch 2, hdc in next st and in each st to end; change to B. in last st. Turn.

Row 9: With B, *spike-hdc in next st 2 rows below, hdc in next st; rep from * to last st, spike-hdc in last st. Turn.

Row 10: Ch 2, hdc in next st and each st to end; change to B. in last st. Turn.

Fasten off.

 

FINISHING

Weave in ends.

Add Fringe:

Cut 18″ strands of all three colors (or whatever you have left). Holding 3 strands together, 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 fringe evenly spaced across end of scarf. Repeat across other end of scarf.

 

 

 

 

The post 10-Row Crochet Scarf | Quick Gift Idea! appeared first on Vickie Howell.

Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday: 12 Small Businesses to Shop!

It’s my absolute pleasure to get to partner YarnYAY! with so many other wonderful small businesses to bring you mindfully sourced subscription boxes, yarns, projects, tutorials, and crafty tools. This year supporting small businesses during the holiday season is more important than ever, so we’re highlighting twelve of our favorite yarn-craft, holiday gift ideas from just some of our amazing partners from 2020.  Give their shops a gander.  Tell a friend. 

 
Think big. Shop small.
 

Thank you so much for supporting my small business! XX

 

1. Flax & Twine Linen Macrame Feather Earrings Kit

My friend Anne Weil never disappoints when it comes to chic and classy, DIY designs. This Macrame Earrings Kit adds cool to that mix. Make ’em; wear ’em!

 

2. Coco Knits Accessory Roll

Washable paper + clever construction = clean, modern organization. This Accessory Roll has notions-keeping, in the bag!

 

 

3. Camelia Fiber Co. Special Mystery Yarn Bouquet

Shhh, it’s a surprise! This Special Mystery Yarn Bouquet includes a top-secret combo of gorgeously dyed yarns.

 

4. Felted Sky Cover Needle Felting Kit      

Needle felting has never looked so beautiful as it does on this blooming pillow. Everything your giftee needs to make it themselves, along with complete instructions on how comes in the Cover Needle Felting Kit.

 

5. Katrinkles  8-Hole Buttons

Button, button, who’s got the button? Your favorite stitcher will, that’s who if you get thee over to Katrinkles to snag them. These make for great stocking stuffers and gift-toppers alike!

 

 

6. Mad | Tosh x Josh Bennett Rooftop Blanket Kit

I wasn’t the only designer to team up with conic dye house Mad | Tosh this year! My buddy, prolific designer Josh Bennett also joined forces with MT to create kits that are the ultimate in knitting luxury. Splurge on the Rooftop Blanket Kit to knit, then wrap around your main squeeze.

 

 

7.  Hello Bargello, Big Love Bag

I’ve got a whole lotta love for the Big Love Bargello project bag. Stitch it using the kit, then use it to hold supplies for your next knitting adventure!

 

8. Purl Soho Simple Hand Warmers + Hat Kit

Have a new knitter in your like, then this Simple Hand Warmers + Hat Kit is the perfect gift. It comes in 15+ color choices, and includes everything the stitcher needs to make their next, go-to winter accessories!

 

 

9. The Loome Mini Weaving Pendants Kit

Tiny art is good for the heart and is easily accessible with this Mini Weaving Pendants Kit!

 

 

10. Makers’ Mercantile Pony Flair Crochet Set

Handcrafted crochet hooks, painted with organic colors, all nestled in a leather bag is pretty much the beacon of handmade hapiness!

 

 

11. Smile & Wave  Hooking: Latch & Lock e-Course

Gift the gift of learning a new art form! Brilliant designer and teacher Rachel Denbow shows how to master latch-hooking from the comfort of your own home.

12. Pompom Quarterly Print + Digital Subscription

A magazine subscription is a gift that keeps on giving. When that magazine is Pompom Quarterly, it’s also a gift to be treasured. Every single issue is book-worthy. Buy now, keep forever!

 
Psst, don’t forget to check out my YarnYAY! Shop, too. We’ve got some gorgeous gifties waiting for you!
 

 
 

The post Small Business Saturday appeared first on Vickie Howell.

12th Annual Birthday Giveaway!

12th Annual Birthday Giveaway


Heyo! It’s that time of year again, for my annual birthday giveaway. Every year when I level up, I love to give presents to my amazing, fiber community!


 

To enter, all you need to do is sign-up for my newsletter. If you’re already signed up, then you’re golden. We’ll choose winners from that list, lottery-style on November 23rd. Sign-up here.

 

Here are the deets!:


 










Open to all newsletter subscribers, this year’s birthday giveaway includes THREE fabulous prizes!














 

Grand Prize: One each of the 7 colors of HOME yarn from Vickie’s collection with MAD|TOSH. ($196 value)

 














 
 




Prize #2: The Higher Five Bundle & Cowl Pattern + the Higher Five Nail Polish Mini Collection ($95 value)
Prize #3: A YarnYAY! box! ($35 value)














 
 




































 














Everyone on our email list is entered to win! 

Know someone who’d like to enter? Please forward them this email! All they need to do is click here to sign up!










 

 

(P.S. We’re also celebrating by offering free shipping today, in my YarnYAY! Shop)

The post 12th Annual Birthday Giveaway! appeared first on Vickie Howell.

Vertical Stripe Slip Stitch

Vertical Stripe Slip Stitch

I’m on a vertical strip slip stitch kick lately, including them in designs for everything from light-weight flowing shawls, to chunky Christmas stockings. This week on Ask Me Monday I show how to use the technique both flat and in-the-round, plus offer some great vertical stripe slip stitch project options. 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 tutorial: Knitter’s Pride Smart Stix Interchangeable Needles

 



 

You can find ABBREVIATIONS HERE.

Vertical Stripe Slip Stitch Worked Flat

With A, CO 16 sts.

Row 1: Knit.

Row 2: Purl.

Join B.

Row 3 (RS): With B, *k1, sl1 wyib; rep from * to end.

Row 4 (WS): With B, *sl1 wyif, p1; rep from * to end.

Row 5: With A, *sl 1 wyib, k1; rep from * to end.

Row 6: With A, *p1, sl1 wyif; rep from * to end.

Rep Rows 3-6, until piece is square. Cut B.

Last 2 Rows: Rep Rows 1-2.

BO.

HOME for the Holidays Stocking, shown in Vickie Howell for Mad | Tosh HOME in colors, Shush Finger and Pinky Swear

 
Vertical Stripe Slip Stitch In-the-Round

Note: For this swatch, I recommend either using double-pointed needles or the Magic Loop method with a long circular needle.

With A, CO 20. Join rnd, taking care not to twist.

Rnd 1: Knit.

Join B.

Rnd 2: *With B k1, sl 1 wyib; rep from * around.

Rnd 3: *Sl 1 wyib, with A k1; rep from around.

Rep Rnds 2-3 until you have 4″ from CO edge.

Cut B.

Last Rnd: With A, knit.

BO.

 

 

Slipping Around Knit Cowl, shown in Vickie Howell for Mad | Tosh HOME in colors, Shush Finger and Spirit FIngers

 

 

 

 

 

The post Vertical Stripe Slip Stitch appeared first on Vickie Howell.