Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 20
June 8, 2020
5 Ways to Upcycle YarnYAY! Shipping Envelopes
Upcycle Shipping Envelopes
Recently we decided to (literally) think outside of the box when it came to shipment packaging for my subscription “box” club, YarnYAY! As much as I love the aqua boxes that my monthly, curated goodies had been shipping in for a year-and-a-half, it bothered me how much labor went into assembling boxes and even more so, how much waste was involved in filling them with protective crinkle paper. So, my team and I decided to experiment with lessening our carbon (and wo/man-hour) footprint by sending out our subscription “packs” in heavy-duty, 100% recyclable, biodegradable & compostable kraft envelopes, made from 90% post-consumer materials and printed with water-based dyes. The result: packaging with a purpose! Not only are we able to fold the generously-sized envelopes to accommodate whatever yarns and notions we’re shipping that month, but we also printed graph paper — perfect for knitters and crocheters to chart out designs and schematics — on the back of each pack.
That all sounds pretty good, right? I mean, how can one not feel good about doing at least a little bit better for our gal, planet earth? Why, though, stop there? Now we know that we can recycle our packs, but hows-about we stir those creative juices with a few projects in which we upcycle the shipping envelopes into something completely new? Fun, yeah? Let’s do this!
5 Ways to Upcycle YarnYAY! Shipping Envelopes
#1 FESTIVE GARLAND
Add a little happy to your craft-space!
Other Materials:
Scrapbook Paper
Scissors
Glue Stick
Washi Tape
Ribbon or twine
How-To:
Cut 8″ x 8 ¼” triangle flags out of scrapbook paper.
Cut out the crafty elements from the kraft envelope.
Glue kraft envelope elements onto front-sides of triangles.
Using washi tape, attach ribbon or twine to back of flags.
#2 BE-POMMED BOOKMARK
Other Materials:
Scrapbook Paper
Scissors
Glue Stick
Yarn + Pompom Maker
How-To:
Cut out a 2 ½” x 7″ strip of kraft envelope, and a slightly larger strip of scrapbook paper.
Using desired method, make a small (appx. 1 ½”) pompom, leaving 3″ tails.
Sandwich the pompom tails, with about 1″ exposed, in between the kraft envelope and scrapbook paper layers. Adhere layers together using a glue stick.
#3 DESK CATCH-ALL VALET
Great for crafty notions!
Other Materials:
Scissors
4 paperclips OR Hot Glue Gun
How-To:
Cut a large rectangle (mine is 13″ x 11″) out of the kraft envelope.
Fold and make a crease 2″ in from each side and end.
Pinch corner and hold together with a paperclip or a dab of hot glue on the WS of the pinched portion. Repeat for 3 other corners.
#4 GRAPH NOTEBOOK
Chart out that design inspiration for your next project.
Other Materials:
Scissors
Ruler
Sharp Tapestry Needle
Bookbinding Thread or Embroidery Floss
How-To:
Cut out two, 8″ x 11″ pieces of the graph side of the YarnYAY! kraft envelope.
Note: if you’re using another type of kraft envelope, use the same method to make a sketchbook instead of a graph notebook!
Layer the sheets of kraft paper together; fold in half width-wise.
Using the ruler and tapestry needle, poke 5 holes equidistant from each other along the fold (aka “spine”).
Using tapestry needle and thread or floss and the Pamphlet Stitch, bind pages together.
#5 PROJECT TOTE BAG
Wait, what? You can turn the envelope your yarn came in, into the project bag you carry your knitting or crochet project in? Mind. Blown.
Other Materials:
Scissors
Sewing Machine & Thread OR
Hot Glue Gun
How-To:
Cut top 3″-4″ off of top of kraft envelope. Cut that piece into 2, even strips (mine are about 3″ x 16″ each). These will be your strap pieces.
Fold strap piece in half width-wise and glue together OR sew together using a ¼” seam allowance. Set aside.
Fold bag top down about 1 ¼” for hem; glue down OR sew using a ¼” seam allowance.
Sew or glue strap onto the WS of the front of the bag, spacing each end evenly from each side. Repeat for the second strap on the back of the bag.
The post 5 Ways to Upcycle YarnYAY! Shipping Envelopes appeared first on Vickie Howell.
June 3, 2020
YarnYAY! June Subscription Pack
YarnYAY! June Pack Reveal
It’s my favorite time of this month, and every month, when I get to reveal the knitting and crochet goodies I’ve selected for the latest YarnYAY! subscription pack. Let’s do this!
SPLENDID SINGLES | BY EMMA’S YARNS
This month’s selection is a special, mini hank (200 yds/50 gr) of single-ply fingering weight superwash merino wool, which shows its colors beautifully and feels incredibly soft. Colors appear even more tonal than normal and the effect is gorgeous, especially in our chosen shade: Iguana.
Emma’s Yarn was started by Emma, a then-15-year-old home-schooled student who was simply completing a math lesson on ratios when she fell in love with dyeing yarn. She, in partnership with her sister Aspen, turned that passion into a thriving business.
POINTED SCARF/SHAWLETTE |BY CHRIS BAHLS AND VICKIE HOWELL
This month we’re getting to the point with our stitching. The crochet shawlette by Vickie is lacy, drapey, and works as both kerchief, or, made larger, as a shawl. YarnYAY!’s own Chris Bahls designed the knit version in an unexpected dragon’s tail shape, that can start as a scarf and grow wider to shawlette. For more from Chris, go to: leftcoastdyeworks.com
To the Point Shawlette by Chris Bahls
On Point Shawlette by Vickie Howell
LEATHER SHAWL CUFF | BY ALLRED LEATHER COMPANY
This handmade leather cuff will keep your scarves, shawlettes, and shawls from falling off, while adding an unexpected layer to your favorite knit or crochet accessory!
Allred Leather company is owned by Vickie’s dear friend and leather tooling artist, Dian Allred. See more of her amazing work at: allredleathercompany.com
HIGHLIGHTER TAPE | ECONO
Highlighter tape will help you keep your place in that knit or crochet pattern. It highlights the row you’re on, then is easily removed and replaced as your project progresses!
YAY, GAUGE! RULER
Getting the right gauge can make or break a project, especially when it’s supposed to fit an exact size. This wee, wooden ruler is an old-school gauge-check reminder and cheeky cheerleader. Yaaaay, gauge! For more fun novelty goodies check out our Shop at: yarnyay.com
The post YarnYAY! June Subscription Pack appeared first on Vickie Howell.
June 1, 2020
Knit a Necktie
Knit a Necktie
This week on Ask Me Monday, I revisit an oldie, classic design from my 2009 AwareKnits (co-written with Adrienne Armstrong) while showing how to knit a necktie. This project is a great make for dad for Father’s Day, but let’s be honest, what he/she/them doesn’t look cool in a skinny tie?
Give the episode a watch and knit your own — oh, and don’t forget to tag @vickiehowell on social with your knit necktie 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!
Featured Knitter’s Pride Products: SmartStix Circular Needles, Ginger Double-Pointed Needles
Don’t know how to knit, but want to learn? Check out one of my e-courses!
How to Knit Necktie
MATERIALS
Approx. 109 yds worsted-weight yarn (Hemp, Linen, Cotton, and Bamboo blends are great for this project!)
Size U.S. 7/4.5 mm needles
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
2 1/2″ x 55 1/2″/ 6 x 141 cm
Tapestry needle
GAUGE
20 sts x 28 rows = 4″/10 cm
DIRECTIONS
CO 2 sts.
Row 2 (and all WS rows): Work p sts in all of the k sts, and k in all of the p sts.
These two rows create Seed Stitch.
Row 3: [P1, k1 in same stitch] twice. — 4 sts
Row 5: (K1, p1 in same st), k1, p1 to last st, (k1, p1 in same st.) — 6sts
Row 7: (P1, k1 in same st), p1, k1 to last st, (p1, k1 in same st.) — 8 sts
Row 9: (K1, p1 in same st), k1, p1 to last st, (k1, p1 in same st) — 10 sts
Row 11: (P1, k1 in same st), p1, k1 to last st, (p1, k1 in same st.) — 12 sts
Work in plain Seed Stitch, without increasing any further, until piece measures 21″/53 cm from the tip, ending with a WS row.
Next Row (RS): Ssk, work in seed st to last 2 sts, k2tog. — 10 sts
Work in plain Seed Stitch until piece measures 54 1/2″/138 cm, ending with a WS row.
Next Row (RS): Ssk, work in Seed Stitch to last 2 sts, k2tog. –8 sts.
Next Row: Work in Seed Stitch.
Repeat last 2 rows twice more. –4 sts
FINISHING
Weave in ends. Block if necessary.
Knit and crochet with me every month! Join the YarnYAY! Subscription Club.
The post Knit a Necktie appeared first on Vickie Howell.
May 25, 2020
Chain Plying
Chain Plying
This week on Ask Me Monday we revisit Chain Plying, a technique for triple plying yarn, as you knit or crochet, to create a thicker, more textured fabric. This method is particularly cool for manipulating those gorgeous, hand-dyed sock-weight yarns by our favorite dyers into a more versatile worsted or Aran weight.
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 Crochet Hooks, SmartStix Circular Needles, Ginger Circular Needles
Why Chain Ply?
There are two reasons I recommend adding Chain Plying to your yarn-craft skills repertoire:
Versatility (aka making do). Chain Plying is particularly cool for manipulating those gorgeous, hand-dyed sock-weight yarns by our favorite dyers into a more versatile worsted or Chunky Aran weight. Using what we already have is always a good thing, for both budget and the. environment, but especially right now when just popping into your favorite LYS isn’t always realistic, this method reinvents the lace, fingering, and sock weight yarns you may already own.
Texture and interest. Your yarn will seem like a textural paint of sorts when you play with combining chain plying and single plying in one garment. Have fun watching the drape and weave fluctuate as you switch back and forth!
Chain Plying: Practice Swatch
MATERIALS
Fingering or sock-weight yarn (I used Tosh Merino Light in Vickie Howell for Mad Tosh color: Peace Fingers)
Size US Knitter’s Pride Ginger 10 1/2 needles
DIRECTIONS
Chain Ply and CO 16 sts.
Note: Continue to Chain Ply as you go, as need be.
Row 1: *K1, p1, rep from to end.
Row 2: *P1, k1; rep from * to end.
Repeat Rows 1-2, until piece is square.
BO.
Unply to weave in ends.
Chain Plying & Single Plying: Knitting on the Bias Practice Swatch
MATERIALS
Fingering or sock-weight yarn (I used Tosh Merino Light in Vickie Howell for Mad Tosh color: Peace Fingers)
Size US Knitter’s Pride Smart Sticks 10 1/2 needles
DIRECTIONS
Chain Ply and CO 12 sts.
Note: Continue to Chain Ply as you go, when instructed.
Chain Knit Section:
Rows 1-2: With Chain Plied strand of A, knit.
Row 3: Kf&b, k8, k2tog, k1.
Row 4: *K1, p1; rep from * to end.
Rows 5-10: Repeat Rows 3-4.
Traditional Knit Section:
Revert to single ply.
Row 11: Kf&b, k8, k2tog, k1.
Row 12: Knit.
Rows 13-16: Rep Rows 11-12
Repeat Rows 3-10, once more.
Repeat Rows 1-2.
BO.
Unply to weave in ends.
Chain Plying & Single Plying: Crochet Practice Swatch
Chain Ply and ch 14 sts.
Note: Continue to Chain Ply as you go, when instructed.
Chain Ply Crochet Section:
Row 1: With chain plied strands, hdc in the 3rd ch from hook, and in every ch to end.
Row 2-4: Ch 2, hdc in next st and every st to end.
Traditional Crochet Section:
Revert to single ply.
Rows 5-8: Ch 2, hdc in next st and every st to end.
Chain Ply Crochet Section:
Rows 9-12: With chain plied strands, ch 2, hdc in next st and every st to end.
Fasten off.
Unply to weave in ends.
Put those chain ply + knitting skills to work, make the You Might Be Biased Scarf.
The post Chain Plying appeared first on Vickie Howell.
May 18, 2020
Lemon Peel Stitch Sunglass Case
Lemon Peel Stitch
This week on Ask Me Monday, I show how to crochet the Lemon Peel Stitch, a simple, textural stitch that’s great for really, any type of project. Give it a watch, then practice the technique while making an adorable sunglass case.
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!
Featured Knitter’s Pride Products: Waves , Ginger, and Aluminum Crochet Hooks
Lemon Peel Stitch Sunglass Case
MATERIALS
Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Worsted (100% Extra Fine Superwash Merino Wool; 97 yds), colors by Vickie Howell, in: (A) 1 ball Coral Corale, and (B) 1 ball Golden Girls
Size US 8/5mm Knitter’s Pride Ginger Hook
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
4″/10 cm wide
6″/15 cm tall
GAUGE
12.5 sts x 12 rows = 4″/10 cm in Lemon Peel Stitch
ABBREVIATIONS & US to UK CONVERSIONS
DIRECTIONS
With A, ch 14.
Row 1: Sc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next st, *sc, dc; rep from * to end. Turn. –11 sts
Row 2: Ch 1, (doesn’t count as st), sc in same st, *dc, sc; rep from * to end. Turn.
Join B. (Note: carry unused color along side edge as you work.)
Row 3: With B, Ch 3 (counts as dc), *sc, dc; rep from * to end. Turn.
Row 4: With B, rep Row 2.
Row 5: With A, rep Row 3.
Row 6: With A, rep. Row 2.
Rep Rows 3-6 until piece measures 12″ from edge.
Fasten off.
FINISHING
Fold piece in half length-wise. Rejoin A, sc through both layers of piece, evenly down one side. Repeat for the opposite side.
Weave in ends.
Want another project Lemon Peel Stitch? Try the High-Five Fingerless Mitts, featured in May 2020’s YarnYAY! subscription pack!
High-Five Crochet Mitts: Shown in Vickie Howell for Mad|Tosh Colors Snaps, Spirit Fingers, Heart Hands, Peace Fingers, and Pinky Swear
More Sunglass Case Projects
Mosaic Stitch Sunglasses Case
Plastic Canvas Sunglass Case
The post Lemon Peel Stitch Sunglass Case appeared first on Vickie Howell.
May 11, 2020
Singles Summer Scarf
Singles Summertime Scarf: A Crochet Project for those fingering yarn singles.
mini hanks.
This week on Ask Me Monday I show how to crochet the Singles Summertime Scarf, the perfect project for using those fingering yarn singles mini-hanks that we’ve all collected from our favorite LYS. This project is great for beginners, a quick-make (I made this one in an evening) for more advanced stitchers, and a bright, happy addition to our warmer-weather wardrobes.
Watch the video, scroll down for the pattern, then tag @vickiehowell with your finished projects. 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: Waves Crochet Hooks, Ginger, and Aluminum Crochet Hooks
Singles Summertime Scarf
MATERIALS
Vickie Howell for Mad|Tosh Tosh Merino Light or Tosh Tweed Unicorn Tails (100% merino wool; 52 yd/17 gr), in colors: A) 1 hank Pinky Swear, B) 1 hank Peace Fingers, C) Heart Hands, D) 1 hank Spirit Fingers, and E) Snaps, or any fingering weight singles mini-hanks, in 5 different colors.
Size U.S. G/4.5 mm Knitter’s Pride Aluminum Crochet Hook
Knitter’s Pride Wool Needle, or equivalent tapestry needle.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
50″/127 cm circumference
4″/10 cm wide
GAUGE
20 stitches x 10 rows = 4″/10 cm in V Stitch
SPECIAL STITCH
“V” Stitch: Double crochet (dc), chain 1 (ch 1), double crochet (dc) in the same stitch.
DIRECTIONS
With A, ch 240.
Row 1: “V” stitch in 4th ch from hook, *sk 2, “V” stitch in next ch; rep from * to end. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 3 (doesn’t count as dc), *“V” stitch in ch-1 sp; rep from * to last st, dc in top of 3rd of beg ch. Turn.
Cut A; join B.
Rows 3-4: With B, rep Row 2.
Cut B; join C.
Rows 5-6: With C, rep Row 2.
Cut C; join D.
Rows 7-8: With D, rep Row 2.
Cut D; join E.
Rows 9-10: With E, rep Row 2.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.
FINISHING
Weave in ends.
Using a wool needle and tail, stitch short ends together.
Block, if necessary.
Love this colorway? Get the High-Five Bundle, Mini-Hank Singles of My Colors of Mad|Tosh Yarn!
Vickie Howell for Mad|Tosh High-Five Bundle
The post Singles Summer Scarf appeared first on Vickie Howell.
May 4, 2020
YarnYAY! May 2020 Subscription Pack
YarnYAY! May Subscription Pack
Wow, how time flies. This month marks YarnYAY!‘s 2 year anniversary! To celebrate we’ve put together a gorgeous subscription pack (YarnYAY! subscription, this month, subscribers will be entered to win one of three prizes: 1, $250 gift e-card to Jimmy Beans Wool, and 2, $100 gift e-cards for the respective winners’ chosen local yarn shop.
Now, without further ado, here’s the scoop on our YarnYAY! May Subscription Pack!
WHAT’S IN MAY’S SUBSCRIPTION PACK
HIGH-FIVE BUNDLE | VICKIE HOWELL FOR MAD TOSH
We are THRILLED to announce this collaboration between Vickie Howell and the beloved yarn company Mad|Tosh. Exclusively for our 2nd Anniversary subscribers, Vickie created the “High-Five Bundle”, which includes 4 Tosh Merino Light and 1 Tosh Tweed minis dyed in Vickie’s colors and named thematically in shades: Spirit Fingers (turquoise tweed), Snaps (grey), Heart Hands (blush), Peace Fingers (orange) and Pinky Swear (magenta). Full hanks are available in our shop and will soon be available in LYSs nationwide! Mad Tosh is based in Fort Worth, TX, and newly established in 2019 when Laura Zander purchased the company.
HIGH-FIVE WRIST WARMERS | DESIGNS BY VICKIE HOWELL
Your hands will feel a little jazzier in this month’s knit and crochet project! Both pairs are striped in a playful pop-y manner. The knit version uses a Herringbone rib for subtle slants of fabric, and the crochet pair is made in a Lemon Peel stitch for added texture.
High-Five Wrist Warmers: Knit Version
High-Five Wrist Warmers: Crochet Version
WASHABLE PAPER YARN CADDY | YARNYAY!
We’re obsessed with the washable paper that’s taking over the textile world right now. It crinkles and wears similar to a waxed canvas, which gives it endless crafting capabilities. Our yarn bag caddy is in Rose Gold (because we’re fancy) and is perfect for setting your yarn in while you work so it doesn’t roll off the table. For more fun accessories go to here or the YarnYAY! Shop.
WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER POSTCARD | ROCK SCISSOR PAPER
Right now we think we all need a little reminder that We’re All in This Together. This endearing postcard is perfect for sending a hand-written message to someone whom you’re unable to see in person at the moment. Rock Scissor Paper is a Northern California-based stationary company, owned by sisters Heidi & Susie Bauer.
SOAK WASH MINI | SOAK
This month’s project will be made even better with a gentle hand-washing and blocking using warm water Soak Wash. The mini packet is good for a couple of small-projects’-worth of washings. Soak is a women-owned-and-operated company in Vancouver, Canada.
We’re Going Greener!
In an effort to lessen YarnYAY!’s environmental footprint, this month we’re experimenting with parting ways with larger boxes and wasteful crinkle paper, and instead of trying durable, 100% recyclable Kraft envelops made from 90% post-consumer materials. They’re gusseted to accommodate add-on purchases to subscription pack orders (so fewer shipments, creating less transportation pollution), and have printed graph paper on the back of each envelope so subscribers can upcycle it for charting out future designs and schematics. Yaaaaay, environmental consciousness!
The post YarnYAY! May 2020 Subscription Pack appeared first on Vickie Howell.
April 27, 2020
May Flowers Stitches
May Flowers Stitches
This week on Ask Me Monday, April showers bring May flowers stitches! We’ll learn how to knit the flower stitch and crochet the tulip stitch, both of which would be great additions to the hem of a baby sweater, included in a blanket, or, as I’ve done, applied to a flower pot cozy. These stitches are a great pick-me-up for the state of ennui that our world is currently in, as well as a sweet step towards making a Mother’s Day gift. Watch the episode, work up the practice swatches below, then put your new, flowery skills to work.
Don’t forget to tag @vickiehowell with hashtag #askmemonday with your May Flowers Stitches projects!
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 Crochet Hooks, SmartStix Circular Needles, Ginger Circular Needles
Get the Vivid Valentine Scarf kit HERE.
Flower Stitches Swatch Practice
Knit Flower Stitch Swatch
(Worked in multiples of 6 1)
MATERIALS
2 colors of desired yarn (A, B)
Corresponding size needles
SPECIAL STITCH
Flower Stitch (FS)
With yarn in back, slip next 5 stitches (1 stitch at a time) purlwise while letting the extra yarn-overs drop off. Bring yarn forward so it’s wrapping around the back of all 5 loops; slip stitches back to LH needle; bring yarn backward so it’s wrapping around the front of loops; slip stitches back to RH needle; bring yarn forward; slip yarn back to LH needle; bring yarn backward; slip stitches back to the RH needle for the last time.
With A, CO 19 sts.
Rows 1-2: Knit.
Rows 3 & 5: Knit.
Rows 4 & 6: Purl.
Cut A; join B.
Row 7 (RS): With B, knit.
Row 8: K1, *[k1 wrapping yarn around the needle 3 times] 5 times, k1; rep from * to end.
Row 9: P1, *FS, p1; rep from * to end.
Row 10: Knit.
Cut B; rejoin A.
Rows 11 & 13: Knit.
Rows 12 & 14: Purl.
Rows 15-17: Knit.
BO.
Crochet Tulip Stitch Swatch
(Worked in multiples of 2 3)
MATERIALS
3 colors of desired yarn (A, B, C)
Corresponding size crochet hook
With A, Ch 19.
Row 1: With A, dc in 4th ch from hook, and in every ch to end. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in next st and every st to end. Turn.
Cut A; join B.
Row 3: With B, ch 3 (counts as dc), sk 1, *(dc, ch1, dc) in next st, sk 1; rep from * to last st, dc. Turn.
Cut B; join C.
Row 4: Ch 4 (counts as dc and ch-1), *(dc4tog, ch1) in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last st, dc. Turn.
Cut C; rejoin A
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in next st and every st to end. Turn.
Row 6: Ch 3, dc in next st and every st to end.
Fasten off.
May Flower Stitches: Put your skills to work!
Flower Pot Cozy Recipe
After you’ve knit or crocheted your swatch, measure your stitch gauge (how many stitches per inch you’re getting using the yarn and needles you’ve chosen.
Measure the circumference of your pot. Subtract 1/2″-1″ from that measurement for negative ease (so your cozy will fit snuggly around your pot.)
Multiply your pot measurement number by your stitch gauge. Adjust the number to accommodate the multiples required for the stitch pattern. This is your cast-on number if you’re knitting, this is your chain number minus 3 for the crochet version.
Follow instructions for the May Flowers swatches, adding or subtracting plain rows to adjust the height of the piece to fit your pot height.
Once you’ve finished stitching your piece, fasten/bind off leaving a long tail for seaming. Weave in other ends. Using the tail and tapestry needle, seam ends together. You’re done!
May Flowerpot Cozy (knit) Example
Here’s the pattern for a version of a May Flowers Stitches pot cozy. Use this has is, or, along with the above recipe, alter it to make it your own by changing the gauge and size of the project. Have fun!
MATERIALS
Valley Yarns Superwash Super Bulky (100 % Superwash Merino; 55 yds), colors by Vickie Howell in (A) 1 ball Moontower Mustard, and (B) Pink Flamingo
Size U.S. 13/9mm Knitter’s Pride Ginger Needles
Large-Eyed Wool Needle
GAUGE
Approx. 2 sts per inch
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Stretches to fit 20″ pot
DIRECTIONS
With A CO 37 sts.
Rows 1-2: Knit.
Rows 3 & 5: Knit.
Rows 4 & 6: Purl.
Cut A; join B.
Row 7 (RS): With B, knit.
Row 8: K1, *[k1 wrapping yarn around the needle 3 times] 5 times, k1; rep from * to end.
Row 9: P1, *FS, p1; rep from * to end.
Row 10: Knit.
Cut B; rejoin A.
Rows 11: Knit.
Rows 12: Purl.
Rows 13-15: Knit.
BO.
Looking for more flower-inspired stitch projects? Try these from The Knit Show!
Aster Flower Scarf, by Loopy Mango from The Big Knits Episode
Clover Hat by Susan B. Anderson from the Handmade Holiday Episode
Hippie Headband
The post May Flowers Stitches appeared first on Vickie Howell.
April 20, 2020
Scrap Bin Scrunchies
Scrap Bin Scrunchies
Theyrrrrrr’e baaaaack. The 80’s-90’s hair essential, the scrunchie, seems to have made its way back into pop-fashion culture. Since I lived through the trend the first time, I’m admittedly accepting this only begrudgingly. That said, since I have a tween daughter, and we’re all at home with pandemic hair that can likely use a little wrangling, this seemed as good of time as any to dive into our yarn leftovers and get to knitting and crocheting our own version of scrap bin scrunchies.
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: Soft Grip Crochet Hooks, Waves Crochet Hooks, SmartStix Circular Needles, Dreamz DPNS
Crochet Scrap Bin Scrunchies
MATERIALS
Medium hair band
Scrap yarn in 2 (A & B) colors — Fingering-weight to sport-weight works great!
Corresponding size crochet hook
Tapestry needle
DIRECTIONS
Insert hook through center of hair band place slip knot in color A on hook and pull through center.
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in center of hair elastic; join B; with B 2 dc in center of hair band, *with A 2 dc, with B 2 dc; rep from * around while scrunching the stitches together on the band so that you’re overloading it. This will create a ruffled effect. Join rnd with a sl st in top of beg-ch.
Cut B.
Rnd 2: Ch 1 (doesn’t count as sc), sc in every dc around. Join rnd with a sl st.
Fasten off.
FINISHING
Weave in ends.
Knit Scrap Bin Scrunchies
MATERIALS
Medium hair band
Scrap yarn in 2 (A & B) colors — Worsted-weight to chunky-weight works great — feel free to mix!
Corresponding size needles to the lightest weight yarn chosen
Tapestry needle
DIRECTIONS
With A, CO 9 sts (add or substruct here for lighter or heavier weight yarn. Sample is made in a mix of worsted weight and chunky, on size U.S. 8/5mm needles.)
Row 1: WIth A, knit.
Row 2: With A, purl.
Join B; carrying A up along side.
Row 3: With B, knit.
Row 4: With B, purl
Repeat Rows 1-4 until piece mesures 2 – 2 1/2 times the circumference of the hair band. My band is 5 1/2″, and I knit and 11″ piece.
BO, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Yarn Tip: The lighter the weight of yarn, the longer you’ll make your strip to create the bulk necessary to give the ruffled effect of a scrunchie.
FINISHING
Weave in ends.
Using tapestry needle, yarn tail, mattress stitch, folding the knit piece width-wise around hair band, sew along the lenth of the piece. You’ll need to ease the piece, scrunching as you go, for it to all fit onto hair band. Seam short ends of knit piece together.
Weave in remaining end.
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The Knit Vibe, available in our YarnYAY! shop, on Amazon or wherever you get your books,
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April 19, 2020
How to Add a Zipper to a Knit or Crochet Bag
Dig all those cool, knit and crochet bag patterns out there, but intimidated by the prospect of attahing a zipper? No worries, I’ve got you!
There are several ways to approach how to add a zipper, but today I’m just going to focus on my favorite method using a crochet hook. Even though you’ll be crocheting the zipper on, you don’t need to be an experienced crocheter. This technique only requires knowing one stitch (which I’ll walk you through in the video below), and works on knit, crochet, and heavier-woven bags alike. Watch below to see learn how to do it!
How to Add a Zipper to a Knit or Crochet Bag: Written Tutorial
MATERIALS
Zipper
Steel crochet hook, Size US C or SMALLER
Crochet hook and yarn to match bag
Coordinating, light-weight yarn
Clips ot Sewing Pins
STEP 1:
Cut zipper down to desired length by machine stitching back-and forth, or whipstitching several times with a needle & thread, about 1″ above you cutting line, which will also be 1″ longer than your bag. Use pinking shears or scissors to trim zipper.
STEP 2:
Punch crochet hook through zipper fabric about 1/4″ in and down from one corner edge. Chain 1 (ch 1), *single-crochet (sc) evenly to (punching your hook through the zipper fabric as you go) the corner, 3 sc in corner; rep from * 3 more times. Join the round with a slip stitch. Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Pro Tip: Be sure to ease your zipper fabric, every few stitches, by tugging and smoothing with your fingers.
STEP 3:
Insert the zipper inside your bag and clip or pin evenly into place.
STEP 4:
Join yarn by inserting your hook through the first stitch of the bag’s edge and then the closest corresponding stitch of the zipper; pull the loop through. Sc in that stitch and all the way around, taking care to work 3 sc in each corner.
Note: You won’t like have the exact amount of zipper stitches as you do bag stitches. That’s no problem. Simply skip bag stitches, where necessary, to ensure that the fabric lays as smoothly as possible.
Looking for Bag Projects to Make? Try here!
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