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Knit & Crochet Heart Stitches

Knit and 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



ABBREVIATIONS

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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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 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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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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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)

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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

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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

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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.

 

 

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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.

 

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