Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 18
November 9, 2020
Knit & Crochet Shell Stitches
Shell Stitches
This week. on Ask Me Monday, we talk Shell Stitches with techniques for both knitters and crocheters. Shell stitches are a great pattern choice for tops, scarves, and cowls like the Shell Cowls featured in our YarnYAY! November Box #31. Give my tutorials a watch and practice with the swatch instructions below, then you’ll be on your way to the Highway to Shell!
(You’re welcome.)
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 Ginger Interchangeable Needles
You can find ABBREVIATIONS HERE.
Shell Stitch: Crochet Swatch
Ch 26.
Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and to end. Turn. — 24 sts
Row 2: Ch 1 (doesn’t count), *sc, sk 3 sts, 7 tr in the next st, sk 3 sts; rep from * across, ending with a sc. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, *sc, BPsc in next 7 tr; rep from * across, ending with a sc. Turn.
Row 4: Ch 3 (counts), 3 tr in same st, sk 3 sts, sc, *sk 3 sts, 7 tr in next st, sk 3 sts, sc in next st; rep from * across to last 4 sts, sk 3 sts, 4 tr in last st. Turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, *BPsc in next 4 tr, sc in next sc, BPsc in next 3 tr; rep from * across, ending with a sc. Turn.
Repeat Rows 2-5 until you have a square.
Last Row: Ch 1, sc in every st to end.
Fasten off.
Shell Stitch: Knit Swatch
CO 21 sts.
Rows 1 & 3: Knit.
Row 2: Purl.
Row 4: Knit.
Row 5 (RS): *K1 [YO, k1] twice [YO x 2, k1] five times, [k1, YO] twice; rep from * to last. st, k1.
Row 6: K1 *K5, sl next 5 sts purl-wise wyif, dropping the double YOs, k4; rep from * around.
Row 7: K4, sl next 5 sts purlwise wyib, k4, k5, sl next 5 sts. purlwise wyib, k6.
Row 8: K1, *K5, k5tog, k4; rep from * to end.
Rep rows 1-8 until piece is a square.
BO.
Shell Cowls by Natalie Thomas and Vickie Howell featured in the November YarnYAY! box
November YarnYAY! subscription box, featuring knit and crochet, shell stitch cowl patterns
The post Knit & Crochet Shell Stitches appeared first on Vickie Howell.
November 3, 2020
November YarnYAY! Box #31
Happy November, everyone! Or, as they say in my now, home state, “happy fall y’all!” It’s that time of the month when I get to reveal what products and partnerships are bringing the November YarnYAY! subscription box toy you, dear knitters and crocheters. Here we go!
Superwash DK | Sweet Georgia
This month we’re thrilled to be able to bring you a FULL hank of pure spun, Sweet Georgia Superwash DK merino, in the most beautiful shade of purple with hints of amber, Dried Lavender!
Sweet Georgia is a Vancouver, Canada-based artisan yarn company, founded by Felicia Lo.
Shell Cowls | Natalie Thomas and Vickie Howell
All shell’s breaking loose this month! (You’re welcome.) This month we’re playing with different interpretations of shell stitches. The knit version, designed by Vickie, joins double-yarn-overs to create a fanning and wave effect.
Shell’s Bells Cowl by Vickie Howell Model: Leslie Mims, The Mims Agency, Goosehead Insurance
The crochet version, by Detroit Knot’s Natalie Thomas, matches traditional shell stitches with back-post stitches for an embossed look.
Shell Shock Cowl by Natalie Thomas Model: Adrienne Duncan, Particular Home Design
Bracelet Kit | Hello Bargello
Bargello’s back, thanks mostly to the great eye, and modern messaging of Hello Bargello‘s Brett Bara. This month she’s sharing a simple bracelet kit, sized from child’s to XL! If you’ve never tried this craft before, get ready to get hooked!
Hand Made Tags | Kylie and the Machine
Gifts made by hand make the best gifts! Tag your cowl, and more, with these cheeky, handmade tags!
Kylie and the Machine is a woman-owned business, based in Brisbane, Australia.
The post November YarnYAY! Box #31 appeared first on Vickie Howell.
October 26, 2020
Center Out Knit Shawl Primer
Center Out Shawl
This week on Ask Me Monday, we chat center-out shawl design and how, once you understand the set-up, it’s easy to design your own Garter Stitch (and beyond) shawl, using any yarn that you love! Watch and swatch below!
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 Ginger Interchangeable Needles
Center Out Shawl Practice Swatch
Ok, before you get started, let’s talk a little anatomy of a center-out shawl. This style is one large triangle made up of 2 smaller triangles that magically appear as you knit! You start at the top-center of the piece (think: where a finished shawl would hit the nape of your neck if you wore it in the traditional way) and work outwards, increasing by four stitches on every right side row. Placing the increases on either end and with 2 in the middle, create the shape. You can use any increase method you want, but for this swatch *and because I like the lacy detail it adds, we’ll be using yarn-overs.
Grab your needles (I recommend circulars, at least 24″ long, so that the cord can bear the weight of the fabric as you knit), and yarn and have fun!
You can find ABBREVIATIONS HERE.
With any yarn and corresponding sized needles, CO 4, pm, CO 1, pm, CO 4. — 9 sts
Row 1 (RS): K1, YO, k to marker, YO, sl m, k1, sl m, YO, k to last st, YO, k1. — 4 sts inc’d
Row 2: Knit.
Repeat Rows 1-2 until your piece measures 4″/10 cm from top-center to tip, OR keep on going until you have 15″ for a shawlette, or 30″ for a shawl!
Yay, you’ve got it!
Experiment using the same swatch pattern with different weights of yarns! Shown here (B-T) super bulky, worsted, and fingering.
Looking for a Basic Shawl Recipe? Check out this post!
Flying V Shawl
Yarn: 1 hank each TML+Tweed in Vickie Howell for Mad | Tosh colors: Shush Finger & Spirit Fingers, 1 mini-hank in Fingers Crossed.
The post Center Out Knit Shawl Primer appeared first on Vickie Howell.
October 19, 2020
Tunisian Crochet Pumpkins
Tunisian Crochet Pumpkins
This week on Ask Me Monday, I show how to make 3 different sizes of squishy, Tunisian Crochet pumpkins. These super-cute squash are great for Halloween and Thanksgiving decor, host gifts, table name markers, and more!
I this tutorial I show how to work the Tunisian Simple Stitch, how to increase, and how to decrease. Enjoy!
Oh, and don’t forget to tag @vickiehowell. #askmemonday with your pumpkin FOs!
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!
Shown in Vickie Howell for Mad | Tosh color, Peace Fingers
Tunisian Crochet Pumpkins
MATERIALS
Vickie Howell Mad | Tosh HOME (100 % superwash merino wool; 109 yds), in colors: Peace Fingers, Pinky Swear, or Fingers Crossed
US L/11 Knitter’s Pride Ginger Tunisian Crochet Hook
Large-eyed. Tapestry Needle
Stuffing
Hot Glue Gun
FINISHED SIZES
Approx. 2 ½”(3 ½”, 4 ½”) tall
GAUGE
Not important for this project.
SPECIAL STITCHES
Inc 1: Increase 1 stitch
On a Forward Pass, insert hook into the space BETWEEN two stitches, YO and pull up a loop.
Dec 1: Decrease 1 stitch
On a Forward Pass, insert hook through TWO bars,
YO and pull up a loop.
DIRECTIONS
Ch 14(24, 34).
Row 1 Forward Pass: *Insert hook into next ch, YO and pull up loop; rep from * to end. –14(24, 34) sts on hook
R0w 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 hook into front bar of 2nd st, YO and pull up a loop, *Insert hook into next bar, YO and pull up loop; rep from * to end. –14(24, 34) sts on hook
R0w 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 Simple Stitch (TSS)
Repeat Row 2, 1(2, 4) times more.
Increase Row Forward Pass: Repeat Row 2, inc 1 evenly across, 4(5, 7) times. –18(29, 41). sts
Increase Row Backward Pass: YO, pull through one loop, *YO, pull through 2 loops; rep from * to end. 1 st rem on hook.
Repeat Row 2, working straight TSS, 4 times more.
Decrease Row Forward Pass: Repeat Row 2, dec 1 evenly across, 4(5, 7) times. –14(24, 34). sts
Decrease Row Backward Pass: YO, pull through one loop, *YO, pull through 2 loops; rep from * to end. 1 st rem on hook.
Repeat Row 2, working straight TSS, 1(2, 4) times more.
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 the tail and tapestry needle, seam the side edges together to form a tube.
Pinch and stitch to gather and seam (see the same method used to close a beanie top here) the bottom of the pumpkin.
Stuff pumpkin.
Pinch and seam the top, same as for the bottom.
Sew 3 long stitches around, from top to bottom of the pumpkin, pulling so that the plush indents.
Hot glue stem onto the pumpkin top.
Are you a knitter or crocheter? Here are knit Plush Pumpkin and crochet Plush Pumpkin patterns for you!
The post Tunisian Crochet Pumpkins appeared first on Vickie Howell.
October 12, 2020
Owl Cowl for Fall!
Owl Cowl for Fall!
This week on Ask Me Monday, I show how a clever cable lends itself to creating a spot-on seasonal accessory for fall. The Owl Cowl is knit in-the-round and from the bottom-up, using luscious, chunky Mad|Tosh HOME yarn in two of my own colors: Peace Fingers and Snaps.
The cabled owl is a traditional pattern, made kitschy-cool in autumnal, Halloween colors. Who dat, Owl Cowl?
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: Ginger Circular Needle Set
<<>>
Owl Cowl
MATERIALS
Vickie Howell for Mad|Tosh HOME (100% Superwash Merino Wool; 110 yds/100 m), in colors: 1 hank (A) Peace Fingers, and (B) Snaps
US 13, 16″ Knitter’s Pride Ginger Circular Needle
(Optional) Cable Needle
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
22″/56 cm circumference x 11″/28 cm tall
GAUGE
11 sts = 4″/10 cm in Reverse Stockinette Stitch
SPECIAL STITCHES
K1tbl: Knit 1 stitch, through the back loop
Insert needle through the back loop of the stitch and knit.
C4B: Cable 4 Back
Slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle, and hold in BACK of work; knit 2, knit 2 stitches off of the cable needle.]
C4F: Cable 4 Front
Slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle, and hold in FRONT of work; knit 2, knit 2 stitches off of the cable needle.
DIRECTIONS
With A, CO 60 sts. Join, taking care not to twist.
Cuff:
Rnd 1: With A, *K1tbl, p3; rep from * around.
Join B.
Rnd 2: With B, *K1tbl, p3; rep from * around.
Rnds 3-4: Rep Rnds 1-2.
Body:
Rnd 1: With A, purl.
Rnd 2: With B, purl.
Rnds 3-4: With A, purl.
Rnds 5-6: With B, purl.
Rnd 7: With A, purl.
Cut A.
Rnd 8: With B,*C4B, C4F, p4; rep from * around.
Rnds 9-11: *K8, p4; rep from * around.
Rnd 12: Rep Rnd 8.
Rnds 13-16: *K8, p4; rep from * around.
Rnd 17:. *K2, p4, k2, p4; rep from * around.
Rnd 18: *K8, p4; rep from * around.
Rnds 19-24: Rep Rnds 17-18.
Rnd 25: *C4B, C4F, p4; rep from * around.
Rnds 26-28: *K8, p4; rep from * around.
Rnd 29: *C4B, C4F, p4; rep from * around.
Rnd 30: *K8, p4; rep from * around.
Rejoin. A.
Rnd 31: With A, purl.
Rnd 32: With B, purl
Rnds 33-34: Rep Rnds 31-32.
Cuff:
Rnd 1: With B, *K1tbl, p3; rep from * around.
Rnd 2: With A, *K1tbl, p3; rep from * around.
Rnds 3-4: Rep Rnds 1-2.
BO in pattern stitch.
FINISHING
Weave in ends. Block, if necessary.
RESOURCE: Japanese Stitches Unraveled, by Wendy Bernard
The post Owl Cowl for Fall! appeared first on Vickie Howell.
October 3, 2020
YarnYAY! October Box #30
YarnYAY! October Box
Oh, October, how I love you! It’s officially Fall, the leaves are turning, deep earthy shades are everywhere, and cozy is key! With that in mind, I’m thrilled to share the gorgeous, autumnal yarns, projects and products I’ve put together for my YarnYAY! subscribers.
The YarnYAY! October Box # 30 features partnerships with 4 different women-owned and BIPOC artists and businesses. It. celebrates creativity, partnership, the change that comes with the turning of the seasons. Subscribe today (cancel at anytime), and settle in with me to stitch along!
Merino Worsted | Camellia Fiber Co.
This yarn is beautifully spun 100% superfine merino in a versatile 4-ply worsted weight, with a firm twist and round shape, making it ideal for rendering crisp stitch definition. Our selections this month are Autumn-worthy shades, Terracotta and Dahlia.
Camellia Fiber Co. is a BIPOC artist, women-owned/run luxury hand-dyed fiber company in Nashville, Tennessee.
Headband Patterns | Designs by Angela Tong & Vickie Howell
This month’s projects are giving us a head start on Fall fashion! The knit version, designed by Angela Tong, incorporates playful, wavy ribbing.
The crochet version, by me, juxtaposes two multi-directional rib techniques.
Issue No. 30 | Pompom Quarterly
This stunning, Autumn issue of one of Vickie’s absolute favorite stitching + lifestyle magazines, is a feast for the eyes — not to mention the needles and hooks!
Pompom Quarterly is a UK-based, women-owned publishing company with an office in Austin, TX.
Vote Stitch Markers | Katrinkles
The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote in the United States. We’re celebrating with custom stitch markers from our friends over at woman-owned business, Katrinkles!
The post YarnYAY! October Box #30 appeared first on Vickie Howell.
September 28, 2020
Halloween Hanging Ornaments
Halloween Hanging Ornaments
This week on Ask Me Monday, I show to make Halloween Hanging Ornaments, a quick crochet project that uses scrap yarn from your stash.
It’s Halloween, season, folks!
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: Waves, Aluminum, and Ginger Crochet Hooks
MATERIALS
Small Amounts of Fingering/Sock-Yarn (I used Vickie Howell for Mad | Tosh TML Unicorn Tails in colors: Peace Fingers and Snaps)
Knitter’s Pride US E/3.5 mm Aluminum Hook
2″/5 cm Wooden Ring
Tapestry Needle
Scraps, Black Felt
Glue
FINISHED SIZE
Approx 6″ long, excluding hanging loop
DIRECTIONS
Make Center Circle:
Using desired color, ch 3.
Rnd 1: 6 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Join rnd with a sl st. — 6hdc
Rnd 2: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in same space as ch, 2 hdc in next st and every st around. Join rnd with a sl st. — 12 hdc
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Cover Ring:
Insert hook through the center of the wooden ring, place a slip knot on the hook, pull the loop through the wooden ring, ch 1.
Sc AROUND the wooden ring, until it’s completely covered. Join rnd with a sl st.
Fasten off.
FINISHING
Assemble:
Using long tail and tapestry needle, whip-stitch Center Circle to the inside of Ring.
Tie a 2″ hanging loop to top of ring.
Cut six, 8″ fringe strands yarn. Holding 2 pieces together, fold and attach fringe to center-bottom of Ring (through the loops of one, sc). Repeat on either side with 2 more pieces of fringe.
Weave in ends.
Pumpkin Only:
Out of black felt, cut out 2, triangle eyes; 1 triangle nose; 1 snaggle tooth mouth.
Glue pumpkin face to Center Circle.
Ghost Only:
Out of black felt, cut out 2 oval eyes, and 1 wobbly mouth.
Glue pumpkin face to Center Circle.
Looking for more creepy craft ideas? Go here!
The post appeared first on Vickie Howell.
September 21, 2020
September 14, 2020
Knit & Crochet Mock Cables
Mock Cables
Manipulating fibers to create bending shapes if one of the most fun things to do with knit and crochet stitches. This week on Ask Me Monday, I’ll show you how to do that with two stitches, one knit and one crochet, by creating mock cables.
Give the episode a watch, practice the swatches below, then give the Racer & Rever hat patterns, both with mock cables panels, a try. Both patterns come in the YarnYAY! September box. 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!
Featured Knitter’s Pride Products: Ginger Circular Needles and Ginger Crochet Hooks.
<<>>
Knit Mock Cable Swatch
SPECIAL STITCH:
EL – Elongated Stitch, Left: Insert the right needle 4 stitches to the left and 3 rows down and bring up a long loop. Place it on the left needle and knit it together with the next stitch.
ER – Elongated Stitch, Right: Slip the next stitch purl-wise onto the right needle. Insert the right needle 4 stitches to the right and 4 rows down and bring up a long loop. Slip two stitches purl-wise back to the left needle and knit them together.
CO 21 sts.
Row 1 (RS): *P2, k1tbl, p2, (k3, p1) x 2, k3, p2, k1tbl, p2.
Row 2 and all WS rows: K2, p tbl, k2, (p3, k1) × 2, p3, k2, p tbl, k2.
Row 3: Rep Row 1.
Row 5: P2, k tbl, p2, (EL, k2, p1) × 2, EL, k2, p2, k tbl, p2.
Row 7: Rep Row 1.
Row 9: *P2, k1tbl, p2, (k2, ER, p1) x 2, k2, ER, p2, k1tbl, p2.
Repeat Rnds 2-9 until the piece is square, ending after a Row 2 or Row 6.
BO.
Knit Mock Cable Panel, in the Racer Hat by Chris Bahls for YarnYAY!
Crochet Mock Cable Swatch
SPECIAL STITCHES
YO-slst = Yarn-Over Slip Stitch: Yarn over hook, insert hook through the stitch and pull loop through stitch AND the 2 loops on the hook.
BL-YO-slst = Yarn-Over Slip Stitch through the Back Loop: Working through the BACK LOOP only, work a YO-slst.
ldc = YO, insert hook in stitch 2 rows down, finish working double crochet as usual in that stitch.
Ch 24.
Row 1: YO-slst in 2nd ch fr hook and to end.
Rows 2-4: Ch 1, BL-YO-slst in same st and in each st to end. Turn.
Row 5 (RS): BL-YO-slst in each of next 5 sts, ldc in next st; rep from * 3 more times, BL-YO-slst in each st to end. Turn.
Row 6 (WS): Ch 1, BL-YO-slst in same st and in each st to end. Turn.
Rows 7-8: Rep Row 6.
Row 9: Ch 1, BL-YO-slst in same stitch and in next 6 (8) sts, ldc in next st, *BL-YO-slst in each of next 5 sts, ldc in next st; rep from * 3 more times, BL-YO-slst in each st to end. Turn.
Rows 10-12: Rep Row 6.
Repeat Rows 5-12 until the piece is square.
Fasten off.
Crochet Mock Cable Panel in, Racer by Vickie Howell for YarnYAY!
Put those skills to work with the September YarnYAY! Box Projects, Racer & Rever Hats!
The post Knit & Crochet Mock Cables appeared first on Vickie Howell.
September 3, 2020
YarnYAY! September Box
YarnYAY! September Box
Oh, joy of joys it’s September which traditionally (at least in the “Before Times”, when time and space mattered) has meant the official kick-off of crafting season! Of course, most of us never stop making, but nevertheless, yaaaaaaaay Fall/Winter seasons!
To celebrate, for the YarnYAY! September box, I’ve worked closely with partners to create a specially curated collection of goodies that support small businesses and altruistic projects and treats YarnYAYers to over $65 worth of gorgeous items for our subscriber price of $35! We could all use a little feel-goodness in our lives right now, and it’s my intention that the YarnYAY! September Box is just that. Here’s what’s inside!
Harvest Worsted | Urth yarns
Harvest is a squishy, extra-fine merino yarn that’s hand-dyed with roots, fruits and nuts. Our selections this month are earthy shades Fig and Black Grape. Subscribers will be surprised with one of these colors at random.
Urth Yarns is a family-owned business, powered by the women dyers in Istanbul and Mersin. The company plants a tree in Africa for each hank purchased.
Hat Patterns | Designs by Chris Bahls & Vickie Howell
This month’s projects are inspired by the straight lines and curvy turns of a racetrack. The Rever Hat, by YarnYAY!’s own Chris Bahls, is knit with mock-cable panels amidst a bed of rib and is finished off with a paper bag-style top.
The Racer Hat, by Vickie, is crocheted flat and through the back loops of stitches to create a knit-looking rib with spike stitch mock cables.
Self-Opening Scissors | Slice
These Self-Opening Scissors are ideal for fiber artists or anyone with arthritis, hand weakness, or dexterity challenges. The innovative Zirconium oxide blades will never rust, and BPA, phthalate. and lead-free.
Slice is a California based business, founded by TJ Scimone. One percent of sales are donated to Autism research.
Fella Q Drawstring Bag | Vickie Howell for Della Q
This racing-striped drawstring bag is a YarnYAY! exclusive, in celebration of the launch of Vickie’s latest collaboration with Della Q, Fella Q: Project Bags for the dapper in all of us. YarnYAYers will get the Navy version paired with the Fig yarn, OR the Olive version paired with the Black Grape.
The post YarnYAY! September Box appeared first on Vickie Howell.
