Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 21
April 17, 2020
How to Line a Bag | Knit or Crochet
How to Line a Bag That’s Knit or Crochet
Do you love knitting and/or crocheting bags, but wish they were more stable for carrying things? Adding a lining is a great solution! Even if you’re not an accomplished sewist, it’s easy to create a fabric inside to complement a bag’s yarn. Here’s how to line a bag that you’ve knit or crocheted.
How to Line a Bag: Video Tutorial
How to Line a Bag: Written Tutorial
STEP 1:
Cut two pieces of fabric, 1/2″ wider and taller than your finished piece.
STEP 2:
With RS facing and using a 1/4″ seam allowance, machine or hand-sew sides and bottom of lining together.
STEP 3:
With WS facing, press seam allowances. Press top hem down 1/4″.
STEP 4:
With WS out, place lining into the bag. Using pins or clips and easing when necessary, secure lining into bag, a smidge below the top.
STEP 5:
Using sewing needle and thread and the Hidden Stitch (aka Blind Stitch), sew lining into bag. (See video for demonstration.)
Need DIY Bag Ideas? Here are a few!
Hip to Be Square Bags from April’s YarnYAY! Pack
Crochet Market Bag
Cro-Cork Bag
In-Circles Tote
Rosie Posie Bag
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April 6, 2020
Mitered Squares and Granny Squares!
Mitered Squares and Granny Squares
This week on Ask Me Monday, we’re being total squares! We’ll learn how to knit mitered squares and crochet granny squares, then talk about different modular projects you can make with them. Give the episode a watch, then use the practice swatches to give the techniques a try!
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!
Mitered Squares
MATERIALS
Any weight yarn
Knitter’s Pride Ginger Knitting Needles (I like using circulars for large squares and DPNs for small)
Stitch Marker
GARTER STITCH MITERED SQUARE SWATCH DIRECTIONS
CO an even amount of stitches, placing a stitch marker at the halfway point.
Row 1 (RS): Kto 2 stitches before marker, ssk, slip marker, k2tog, k to end.
Row 2: Knit
Repeat Rows 1-2 until four sts remain.
Last Row: Ssk, remove marker, k2tog, BO by passing the second st over the first st.
Squared Pillow: Get the Pattern here!
Granny Squares
MATERIALS
Any weight yarn
Knitter’s Pride Waves Crochet Hook
Removable Stitch Marker
3-ROUND GRANNY SQUARE SWATCH DIRECTIONS
With A, ch 4. Join rnd with a sl st in beg ch.
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, [ch 3, 3 dc in ring] 3 times, ch 3; join with sl st in top of beg ch-3 — 4 dc clusters, 4 ch-3 spaces.
Rnd 2: Ch 4 (counts as dc and ch1-sp), *(3dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next corner ch3-sp, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, (3 dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in first corner ch-3 sp: join with a sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4 — 8 dc clusters, 4 ch-3 spaces, 4 ch-1 spaces.
Rnd 3: With A, ch 1 (counts as sc), *sc in next st and each st to corner st, 3 sc in corner st; rep from * 3 more times, sc in last st, join with a sl st in 3rd ch of beg-ch — 48 sc.
Fasten off.
Hip Granny Pillow: Get the Pillow here.
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April 3, 2020
YarnYAY! April Subscription Goodies
YarnYAY! April Subscription Goodies
It’s YarnYAY! sub club reveal time, and I’m soooo in love with the YarnYAY! April choosings. Scroll down to take a look, and watch my unboxing for more info!
WHAT’S IN APRIL’S CLUB PACKAGE
Purl Soho Pocket Posy
Pocket Posy is 25g of a super soft blend of 75% superwash merino, 15% cashmere, and 10% nylon. The entire bouquet of eighteen Pocket Posy colors is beautifully hand-dyed in Peru. Each skein a subtle play of shades and all inspired by the details and revelations of a flower bed! Our selections are Chili Pepper and Pink Papaya.
Purl Soho is a gorgeous, New York City yarn and fabric boutique. It’s owned and run by sisters Joelle Hoverson, Jennifer Hoverson Jahnke & partner Page Marchese Norman. For more info go to: purlsoho.com.
Hip to Be Square Zippy Bag Patterns by Vickie Howell
Modular knits are one of our faves right now, especially when they involve bright pops of color! This month’s patterns focus on building blocks of squares — mitered for the knitters, granny for the crocheters — to create sweet zippy bags for our crafty notions!
Mini PomPom Maker by Loome
Mini pompoms make every project better! This durable paper Loome makes 2″ poms, perfect for embellishing the Hip to Square Zippy bags and beyond.
Loome is an equality-and-representation-driven company owned by Vilasinee Bunnag. For more info go to: theloome.com
YarnYAY! Pop Colors Stitch Markers
This brightly colored pack includes both interlocking and static markers for both knitting and crochet alike. Use them to mark the center of your mitered squares or beginnings of your granny rounds in this month’s projects.
Custom Leather Stitch Marker Pouch by Allred Leather Co.
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
YarnYAY! April Bonus Projects
Get these patterns for free in our YarnYAY! shop with the purchase of the extra Pocket Posy Pairs to make ’em with!
Buy Squared Pillow pattern here, OR get it for FREE with purchase of Pocket Posy Pairs!
Buy the Hip Granny Pillow pattern here, OR get it for FREE with purchase of Pocket Posy Pairs!
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April 2, 2020
DIY Face Mask Tutorial Round-up
DIY Face Mask Tutorial Round-up
During this time of the global COVID-19 crisis, information is continuously being updated, and directives are changing. The debate about whether or not medical personnel can accept handmade masks to wear inside of hospitals continues. However, when in the virus front-lines, one can argue that a layer or two of fabric is better than nothing, so many sewists have been making them just in case.
As of today, the “CDC recommends the community use of cloth masks as an additional public health measure people can take to prevent the spread of the virus to those around them“, so we have even further reason to get sewing! To get you started, here’s a round-up of various DIY face mask tutorials.
DIY Face Mask Tutorial Round-up: Pleated Versions
Face Mask with Filter Pocket (by Cathie Filian)
This version has versatile sizing, bias tape ties, and because the tutorial is written by DIY expert Cathie Filian, you can trust that it’s clear and concise. I’ll definitely be trying this one!
A.B. Mask (via Instructables by Jessica Nandino)
This option has generously-sized pleats, which allows for it to be worn over a medical-grade mask. It also uses bias tape ties, allowing it to fit a wide range of faces.
Face Mask Video Tutorial (by Erica Made Designs)
This one uses elastic to fit over the ears, and includes both video and written instructions.
DIY Face Mask Tutorial Round-up: Fitted Versions
Duckbill Style Face Mask (by Shannie Makes)
This pattern offers sizes from child- men’s and employs elastic loops for fitting over ears.
Duckbill Mask with Filter (via Instructables by Chris Holmes)
This version os designed by a physician/maker. It has a more traditional duckbill shape and includes a sewn-in filter.
Face Masks ( by Craft Passion)
This tutorial includes regular sewing patterns in 3 sizes, plus options for Silhouette and Circuit machines.
I used this version (main photo above) but added an additional inch at the sides to give more channel wiggle-room for elastic to feed through, and altered the lining by hemming it on the sides to create a filter pocket (see below).
No matter which route you choose, I’m sending healthy vibes your way!
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March 27, 2020
How to Finger Knit
How to Finger Knit
While we’re all housebound, there’s no time like the present to get those kiddos interested in yarn craft. My favorite way to do that is with finger knitting, so I’ve put together a quick video tutorial and a few free projects to get your little started. Grab some yarn, bribe your kids (kiddingnotkidding), and let the love of knitting begin!
How to Finger Knit: Watch and Learn
Finger Knitting Project Ideas
Want more Finger Knitting Project Ideas? Check out Finger Knitting Fun: 28 Cute, Clever and Creative Projects for Kids
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March 23, 2020
Organize Knitting Needles & Crochet Hooks with 5 Household Items
Organize Knitting Needles & Crochet Hooks with 5 Household Items
This week on Ask Me Monday, we chat organization. While we’re all hunkering down at home during the COVID-19 crisis, we may find ourselves with time to wrangle those craft supplies. In this installment of my weekly series, I show how to organize knitting needles and crochet hooks with 5 household items.
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!
Organize Knitting Needles & Crochet Hooks with 5 Household Items
1. Vases & Jars
I love displaying my straight knitting needles and crochet hooks in vases and mason jars around my office. Not only does it make them easily accessible, but displayed tools are also pretty adorable!
2. Pencil Boxes & Cases
While our kids are home from school, they won’t be needle pencil cases and boxes for carrying school supplies back and forth. We, however, can use them to contain our crochet hooks, double-pointed needles, and notions!
3. Plastic Containers & Shoeboxes
Plastic or cardboard shoeboxes are great keepers for circular knitting needles. They keep the needles all in one place whilst also protecting them from becoming toys of pesky (beloved) pets!
4. Plastic Zip Bags
Plastic zip bags are good for organizing pretty much anything, but I especially dig them for holding circular needles. Keep them stacked in a drawer, or do as I have and sew several of them into a fabric case, and you’ll easily be able to see whatever needle you need for your next knitting project! (Psst, see a past post on how to make a knit version of a zip bag needle case here.)
5. Travel Toiletry Containers
Has that trip of yours been canceled? Yeah, mine, too. Here’s an organization silver lining, though. Now you can use those empty travel containers or, perhaps even more timely, empty hand sanitizer mini-bottles, to hold some of your notions. Shampoo and lotion containers work well for holding smaller cable needles and tapestry needles, and cream pots or lip balm containers are perfect keepers for stitch markers!
Watch Previous Episodes of Ask Me Monday!
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March 20, 2020
Support Your Local Yarn & Craft Stores: Shop These Places Online
Support Your Local Yarn & Craft Stores
Due the COVID-19 pandemic, our beloved yarn, fabric and craft stores are being forced to shut their doors, threatening the survival of these small businesses. You can help, though. Through a simple, online purchase your dollars can provide a piece the revenue your local shop needs to stay afloat long enough to open their doors once we’re passed this crisis.
This post is a living list of shops that offer online shopping. Please give them a look and support what you can.
Be well, Community!
xo,
Vickie
YarnYAY!, founder
Want to add your shop info to our list? See info here.
Argyle Yarn Shop in Brooklyn
Argyle Yarn Shop in Brooklyn is a local, independent, family-owned small business with a great website. Argyle has become a haven, a community center, and an inspiration to many of us and we look forward to serving our community, far and wide.
Currently, we are offering free shipping on orders over $75, and $5 for anything under. We are offering in-store pick up for orders placed on our website, and are happy to give email color consultations.
The Curious Crafter
We are in St. Louis, MO. At our shop, we sell yarn, tools, and supplies for knitters, crocheters, and other curious crafters! We have a focus on indie and local yarn dyers, and also carry many familiar yarn brands.
We are offering free shipping for orders over $25 with code FREESHIP25.
Fangirl Hand Dyed Yarn
Fangirl Hand Dyed Yarn is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I sell sock/fingering weight yarn and silk mohair lace yarn; plenty of it dyed and ready to ship to you. Sport, DK, and select small skeins of silk mohair are on sale.
Four Purls Yarn Shop
Four Purls Yarn Shop — Central Florida’s Largest Yarn Shop
Central Florida’s Largest Yarn Shop with over 2,800 square feet of fiber fabulousness! Four Purls is a family-owned yarn shop named in honor of our four children A.K.A. our four purls. Whether fiber arts is your hobby or your passion, you’ll find something in our inventory of high-quality knitting & crochet yarns (including indie dyed favorites including Emma’s Yarn, Baah, Hedgehog, Spun Right Round, Dream in Color, Malabrigo and many more), needles & hooks, notions, books & patterns.
While the shop is closed we are filling online orders, offering curbside pick-up and FaceTime shopping appointments. Use the code YAYVICKIE for free shipping in the US.
The Kentucky Maker Co.
The KMCO is located in Versailles, KY. Our mission is to always be crafting awesomeness! We carry yarn, fabric, tea, beautiful things from local makers and have tons of classes. With social distancing, we have added a slew of virtual classes too. You can register for a class, pick up a gift card or stock that stash all while sipping some lovely tea.
The Sated Sheep
The Sated Sheep is located west of Austin in the beautiful little town of Dripping Springs, Texas
We have primarily natural fiber yarns and accessories, including Nonohana, Atenti and Baggu bags, and a screaming large collection of notions and gifts.
“Pandemic Specials” include free shipping nationwide with a $40 purchase, free shipping on any purchase in Texas, personal shopping, and a bi-monthly yarn special featured on the home page of our website. We love you!
Sheep Thrills Yarn Shop
Sheep Thrills is a one-stop-shop for all your knitting, crocheting, weaving and felting supplies. Located in Lauderhill, Florida, we have a large selection of yarns, needles, and rigid heddle looms which are available 24/7 in our online shop.
We are offering the following: On-line shopping 24/7, curbside pick-up, Pandemic Project Kits – we are putting together some of our most popular projects in kit form and offering a 20% discount. Thank you so much for finding ways to support us during these difficult times.
Wildfiber Studio
Wildfiber Studio is Santa Monica’s premier yarn shop and craft studio. Find your favorite knitting and crochet supplies in our friendly environment. Find indie dyers, and favorite brands like Blue Sky Fibers, Cascade, Shibui, Juniper Moon, Plystre bags and so much more.
We are offering free shipping for orders of $75 or more and flat $5 shipping for all others. Also, virtual shopping when arranged in advance.
The Yarn Shop at Alma Park
Rose started her yarn store on her alpaca farm in 2004 in a shed. Now over 2,000 sq ft of space, we’ve become a true haven for knitters/crocheters and spinners alike. Located in Jobstown (Burlington County) NJ, we carry all the major brands such as Malabrigo, Berroco, Plymouth, Chiao Goo, Louet Wheels, Brother Carders etc. The store showcases “Indy Dyed Yarn by Rose“ with over 1,000 hand-dyed skeins in stock at all times.
We’re offering Free US shipping over $50 and a large selection of sale items on the website under Yarn—> CLEARANCE.
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March 16, 2020
Five Fiber Crafts for Kids, Teens, and Beyond!
Five Fiber Crafts for Kids, Teens, and Beyond!
Hey, fellow parents, grandparents, and care-takers! Suddenly found yourselves at home with your mini-mes, at least for the time being? Whether you and yours are just hanging-out for Spring Break or sheltering in place due to COVID-19, there’s no better time than now to keep our hands busy. I’ve got you!
Here are five fiber crafts for kids, teens, and beyond. Wishing you at least a few stress-reduced moments while your kids are making projects, instead of making you crazy. #kiddingnotkidding.
1. Finger Knit Twister Scarf
This project has been a longtime favorite in our family. I originally created a version of this for Craftzine, back when my now 20-year-old was still in elementary school, then recreated the version you see here for my 2015 book, Finger Knitting Fun. The Twister Scarf is a great craft for a range of ages and is also a perfect use for those yarn scraps! (Recommended age: 5 and up.)
2. Wee Woven Wall Hanging
No loom needed here! This project is made with a paper straw and some washi (or masking) tape to keep strands taught while your kiddo gets weaving! (Recommended age: 7 and up.)
3. Mason Jar Twine Vases
From gluing strands to knitting a cozy, twine can be a great material for all levels of crafter to try. Teamed-up with a jar from the pantry, and some fresh flowers, this project will brighten up any space. (Recommended age: 3 and up, with adult help.)
4. Sari Scrap (or any yarn) Bangles
A bangle blank (or glued strip of cardboard) will live its best bracelet life with some colorful yarn crocheted over it! (Recommended age: 8 and up.) For crochet help, check out my YouTube channel’s “Get Schooled: Crochet” playlist.
5. Macramé Charger Cord
Add a little flair to your phone charger with some cotton yarn or embroidery floss and a simple macrame stitch. (Recommended age: 10 and up.)
New in the YarnYAY! Shop: Tween-and-Above-Friendly DIY Kits!
SHOP: Lucet Knit Rope Trivet Kit
SHOP: Lucet Knit Rope Necklace Kit
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March 9, 2020
Washcloth Stitches: 4 Great Knit & Crochet Washcloth Ideas
Washcloth Stitches
This week on Ask Me Monday I show how to knit and crochet 4 great stitches for handmaking washcloths. What makes them great washcloth stitches? I consider a few things when designing a washcloth: texture (for exfoliation), row variations (for interest), and drape (so the piece will feel nice against one’s skin). Give the episode watch, then use the instructions below to take a few of my favorite washcloth stitches for a spin!
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!
Washcloth Stitches: KNIT
Double Moss Stitch
CO a multiople of 4.
Rows 1-2: K2, *p2, k2; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Rows 3-4: K2, *k2, p2; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Repeat Rows 1-4 for pattern stitch.
Lace Columns
CO multiple if 4 + 3.
Row 1: K3, *k1, p3; rep from * to last 4 sts, k4.
Row 2 (and all WS rows): K3, p to last 3 sts, k3.
Row 3: Same as Row 5.
Row 5: K5, *k1, yo, s2kp, yo; rep. from * to last 6 sts, k6.
Row 6: K3, p to last 3 sts, k3.
Repeat Rows 1-6 for pattern stitch.
Washcloth Stitches: CROCHET
Subtle Bobble Stripes
SPECIAL STITCH: MB (Make Bobble)
*Yarn over, insert hook in stitch and pull through a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops; working into the same st, rep from * three more times, yarn over and pull through all loops on hook.
Ch a multiple of 4 + 3.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch to end. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), dc in each st to end. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st to end. Turn.
Rows 4-5: Same as Rows 2-3.
Row 6: Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, *MB in next st, dc in next 3 sts; repeat from * to end. Turn.
Repeat Rows 2-6 for pattern stitch.
Basket Weave
Ch multiple of 4 + 2.
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, and in every ch to end. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), dc in next st, *BPdc in next 2 sts, FPdc in next 2 sts; rep from * to last 2 sts, dc in last 2 sts. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 3, dc in next st, *FPdc in next 2 sts, BPdc in next 2 sts; rep from * to last 2 sts, dc in last 2 sts. Turn.
Repeat Rows 2-3 for pattern stitch.
Washcloth Stitches: Put Your Skills to Work!
Ready to make some beautiful washcloths? Check out the March YarnYAY! box which included SIX patterns for knit and crochet washcloths, plus Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton Pattern and more. Get your washcloth kit here.
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March 3, 2020
YarnYAY! March Goodies
It’s that time of the month when I get to reveal the goodies I’ve hand-picked for YarnYAY! subscribers. In YarnYAY! March, we’re springing into warmer weather with an organic cotton yarn and treating ourselves to some lovely products from companies founded and ran by a few fantastic women. Here’s what to expect in this month’s YarnYAY! packages!
The YarnYAY! March Box includes:
Printed Organic Cotton | Blue Sky FIbers
Blue Sky Fibers Printed Organic Cotton Worsted is a 100% certified organic cotton yarn with a cool, textured color design. The effect is created using a blend of an ink press and the artisan hand; this unique printing process creates a one of a kind hank. Subscribers will receive one hank in one of the line’s printed colors.
BSF is a woman-owned, U.S.-based company founded by Linda Niemeyer.
Spa Worthy Washcloths Patterns | by Vickie Howell
This month we’re offering you SIX different Spa Worthy Washcloth patterns, giving stitchers the choice between knit and crochet, lacy or textural, simple or more complex projects. Pair a washcloth set with a bar of organic soap, and you’ve got a beautiful gift for host, mom, teacher, or yourself!
Spa-Worthy Washcloths (3 knit patterns)
Spa-Worthy Washcloths (3 crochet patterns)
Oh Snap Bag + mini Dot Journal | Namaste
This mesh bag lets you see your project, and keep yarn snapped securely while stitching on-the-go. The mini-dot journal is great for quickie notes, chart ideas, and other knit-worthy doodles.
Namaste is a family-founded company now owned by Laura Zander, Products are designed in Nevada and consciously produced in China.
Anywhere Balm | Love + Leche
This little balm is the perfect size to keep in your notions bags as a remedy to those yarn-snagging, dry cuticles and chapped hands!
Love + Leche is a woman-owned, New Mexico-based business founded by Daven Lee.
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