Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 21
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
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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.
Need another dose of inspiration? Check out my latest book and join my sub club!
The Knit Vibe, available in our YarnYAY! shop, on Amazon or wherever you get your books,
The post Scrap Bin Scrunchies appeared first on Vickie Howell.
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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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
The post How to Line a Bag | Knit or Crochet appeared first on Vickie Howell.
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!
The post YarnYAY! April Subscription Goodies appeared first on Vickie Howell.
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!
The post DIY Face Mask Tutorial Round-up appeared first on Vickie Howell.
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
The post How to Finger Knit appeared first on Vickie Howell.
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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