Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 23
January 15, 2020
Sway Wine Bottle Cozy
Sway Bottle Cozy
I recently noticed that JOANN craft stores had pulled down their blog on which I had several, patterns and tutorials. As I’m getting specific requests, I’m trying to get those patterns up on my own site. This one, for the Sway wine bottle cozy, seems apropos to post now ( although arguably there is no wrong time to be-cozy a bottle), as we’re heading into Galentine’s and Valentine’s Days in which bottles of bubbly will undoubtedly be shared. Enjoy!
MATERIALS
1 skein Buttercream Collection Alpaca Solids (80% Acrylic/20% Alpaca; 130 yds), in color: Cream, or equivalent bulky-weight yarn
Size U.S. 15/10 mm knitting needles
Large eyed yarn needle
Piece, ribbon
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approx 12”/30.5 cm tall, to fit standard wine or bubbly bottle
GAUGE
2.25 sts per inch
ABBREVIATIONS
BO = bind off
CO = cast on
k = knit
LH = left hand
p = purl
ssk = slip the next two sts knitwise one at a time; pass them back to the left-hand needle, then knit through back loops together.
st(s) = stitch(es)
WS = wrong side
yo = yarn over
DIRECTIONS
CO 22 sts.
Row 1 (RS): K2, *k2tog, yo, k2; rep from * to end.
Rows 2, 4, 6, 8, 10: Purl.
Row 3: K1, *k2tog, yo, k2; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 5: *k2tog, yo, k2; rep from * to last 2, k2.
Row 7: K1, *yo, ssk, k2; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 9: K2, *yo ssk, k2; rep from * to end.
Row 11: K3, *yo, ssk, k2; rep from * to last 3 sts, k3.
Row 12: Purl.
These 12 rows form Swayed Eyelet Pattern.
Continue in pattern until work from CO edge measures 8 1/2”/21.5 cm, ending with a RS row.
Next Row: Purl, decreasing 2 sts evenly across. — 20 sts.
Next Row (RS): *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
Next Row: *P2, k2; rep from * to end.
These 2 rows for Rib Stitch.
Repeat last 2 rows until piece measures 12”/30.5 cm from CO edge.
Bind off in Rib Stitch, leaving a long tail for seaming.
FINISHING
Using tapestry needle and tail, seam up back. Weave in ends.
Weave ribbon in about out of top-most eyelets. Tie in bow.
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January 13, 2020
I Heart Cowl
Heart Stitch Cowl Pattern
This week on Ask Me Monday we lean into the love, by making a heart stitch cowl. This project worked on super bulky yarn, and on size 15 needles, so it whips up lickety-split. Make one in time to wear on Valentine’s Day, or wear your heart on sleeve, er, neck, all Winter long!
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!
Heart Stitch How-To
I Heart Cowl
MATERIALS
Valley Yarns Superwash Super Bulky Colors by Vickie Howell (100% Superwash Wool; 55 yds), in colors: A.) 2 balls Boho Bordeaux, and B.) 1 ball Pink Flamingo —or equivalent weight yarn
Size U.S. 15/10 mm, 16″ circular Knitter’s Pride Smart Stix
Tapestry needle
ONE SIZE
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
11 1/2″/29 cm Tall x 23″/58 cm Circumference
GAUGE
7 sts x 16 rows = 4″/10 cm
Yarn Swap Pro Tip: Want to make a lighter weight cowl? Choose your yarn; knit a swatch in Heart Stitch; measure how many stitches per inch you get in the new yarn; multiply that number x 23″ and round up or down to the nearest multiple of 5. Voilà, there’s you cast-on number!
DIRECTIONS
With A, CO 40 sts. Join rnd, taking care not to twist.
Rnds 1-7: *P2, k3; rep from * around.
Rnd 8: *P2, insert right needle into 3rd stitch down from 2nd stitch on left needle and pull up a loop, k3, insert right needle into same stitch as before and pull up another loop; rep from * around.
Rnd 9: *P2, wyif sl 1, k3, wyif sl 1; rep from * around.
Rnd 10: *P2, sl 1, k1, psso, k1, k2tog; rep from around.
Rnd 11: *P2, k3; rep from * around.
Join B.
Color inspiration for this project was my favorite outfit when I was wee.
Rnds 12-15: With B, Rep Rnds 8-11.
Rnds 16-19: With A, Rep Rnds 8-11
Rnds 20-23: With B, Rep Rnds 8-11.
Rnds 24-27: With A, Rep Rnds 8-11
Rnds 28-31: With B, Rep Rnds 8-11.
Rnds 32-34: *P2, k3; rep from * around.
BO in pattern stitch.
FINISHING
Weave in ends.
Looking for more, projects from the heart for Valentine’s Day? Try these!
Mooshy Gooshy Cowl (crochet)
Galentines
Message Heart Pillow
Heart Motif Ornaments
Love Rocks Neck Garland
Scrap Bin Heart Plushie
Message Heart Pillow
The post I Heart Cowl appeared first on Vickie Howell.
January 10, 2020
Exclusive Mad Tosh Color + Tour of Madeline Tosh HQ
Mad Tosh Farm Twist
One of my favorite things about being in the yarn industry for all of these years, and now owning a subscription box business, is the opportunity to collaborate with other creative folks and their businesses to create new things. This month, for the January YarnYAY! box, I had the great fortune of working with my friend, Laura Zander and the reestablished Mad Tosh (aka Madeline Tosh) to bring subscribers an exclusive color in their gorgeous Farm Twist line we’re calling, Blue My Mind. We’re almost sold out of the boxes featuring this beautiful, indigo blue, so get thee to YarnYAY! while they last!
Meanwhile…
Since Mad Tosh is also a Texas-based company, I decided to hop in my car and go visit them in person in today. They were gracious, kind and allowed to me broadcast the first-ever, behind-the-scenes video of their HQ, si that you, dear stitchers, could be a part of the fun. Watch and enjoy! xx, VH
Mad Tosh: Live from their Headquarters
Want to see more, Mad Tosh yarn? Go here!
The post Exclusive Mad Tosh Color + Tour of Madeline Tosh HQ appeared first on Vickie Howell.
January 6, 2020
Crochet Spiral Rib
This week on Ask Me Monday, we kick off the year with the Crochet Spiral Rib stitch that I use in my latest YarnYAY! design, the Leggy Boot Toppers and Legwarmers. I’ll show how to work the stitch pattern in both in-the-round and flat methods so that you have the skills to make any Crochet Spiral Rib project. 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 Products: Knitter’s Pride Waves, Dreamz & Zing! Crochet Hooks
Crochet Spiral Rib: Watch and Learn
SWATCH MATERIALS
Small Amount DK weight yarn (I used Mad Tosh Farm Twist)
Size U.S. G/4 mm Knitter’s Pride Waves crochet hook
Crochet Spiral Rib Swatch #1 (worked in-the-round)
Worked in multiples of 3.
Ch 18; join rnd with a sl st in 1st ch, taking care not to twist.
Rnd 1: Ch 2, hdc in every st around. –18 sts
Rnds 2-4: Ch 2 (counts as BPhdc), *FPhdc in next st, BPhdc in next 2 sts; rep from * to last 2 sts, FPhdc, BPhdc; join with a sl st in top of beg-ch.
Rnds 5-7: Ch 2 (counts as BPhdc), BPhdc, *FPhdc in next st, BPhdc in next 2 sts; rep from * to last st, FPhdc; join with a sl st in top of beg-ch.
Rnds 8-10: Ch 2 (counts as FPhdc), *BPhdc in next 2 sts, FPhdc in next st; rep from * to last 2 sts, BPhdc in last 2 sts; join with a sl st in through the back loop of the top of beg-ch.
These 9 rnds create Spiral Rib.
Fasten off.
Crochet Spiral Rib Swatch #2 (worked flat)
Worked in multiples of 3 + 1.
Ch 16.
Row 1 (WS): Hdc in 3rd ch from hook, and every ch to end. Turn. — 15 sts
Rows 2 & 4 (RS): Ch 2 (counts as FPhdc), BPhdc in next 2 sts, *FPhdc, BPhdc in next 2 sts; rep from * to end. Turn
Rows 3 & 5: Ch 2 (counts as FPhdc), FPhdc, BPhdc, *FPhdc in next 2 sts, BPhdc; rep from * to end. Turn
Rows 6 & 8: Ch 2 (counts as BPhdc), *FPhdc, BPhdc in next 2 sts; rep from * to last 2 sts, FPhdc, BPhdc. Turn
Rows 7 & 9: Ch 2 (counts as FPhdc), BPhdc, *FPhdc in next 2 sts, BPhdc; rep from * to last st, FPhdc. Turn.
Rows 10 & 12: Ch 2 (counts as BPhdc), BPhdc, *FPhdc, BPhdc in next 2 sts; rep from * to last st, FPhdc. Turn.
Rows 11 & 13: Ch 2 (counts as BPhdc), *FPhdc in next 2 sts, BPhdc; rep from * to last st, FPhdc.
These 12 rows create Spiral Rib.
Fasten off.
Crochet Spiral Rib: Put Your Skills to Work
Make the crochet version of the Leggy Boot Toppers or Legwarmers from this month’s YarnYAY! Subscribe now!
Leggy Boot Toppers
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December 30, 2019
Ask Me Monday: Top 5 of 2019
Top 5 of 2019
This week on Ask Me Monday we finish off our year by taking a look back at some of our most-watched episodes, most loved techniques, and favorite tips of 2019. It’s been a pleasure starting my week with you this year, and I look forward to getting right back at it in 2020!
Special thanks to Ask Me Monday Sponsor Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro. I truly appreciate their products and support over the past year. If you’re looking for amazing needles and hooks, be sure to check them out online or at your favorite local yarn shop!
#5 Honeycomb Knit Stitch (Episode #134)
Watch the full episode and get swatch patterns here.
Get the Honeycomb Basket supplies in a YarnYAY! box here .
#4 Scrap Bin Hearts (Episode #123)
Watch the full episode and get swatch patterns here.
#3 Warmest Knit & Crochet Stitches (Episode #125)
Watch the full episode and get swatch patterns here .
#2 How to Make Fabric Yarn (Episode #122)
Watch the full episode and get swatch patterns here .
#1 How to Portuguese Purl (Episode #121)
Watch the full episode and get swatch patterns here.
If we did a Top 10 List of 2019 …Alas, there wasn’t time to show snippets of our top 10 most watched episodes of 2019, but here’s a list in case you want to check them out!
Ask Me Monday is the longest-running Facebook Live series in the needlecraft genre. As always, you can find all episodes of this series under the Ask Me Monday playlist on the Videos section of my Facebook page. Enjoy!
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December 16, 2019
Gift Card Sweaters
Gift Card Sweaters
This week on Ask Me Monday, I show how to knit sweater sleeves for those gift cards we’re all giving for Channukah, Christmas, Yule and more!
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!
Feautured product: Knitter’s Pride Smart Stix
Gift Card Sweaters: Video Tutorial
Gift Card Sweaters: How To
MATERIALS
Small Amount, chunky weight yarn (I used Brooklyn Tweed Quarry) in 1 color (cabled) or 2 c0lors (striped)
Size U.S. 9/5.5 Knitter’s Pride Smart Stix needles
Tapestry needle
Optional: lighter weight yarn for seaming
GAUGE
DIRECTIONS
With A, CO 9 sts.
Front Bottom Band:
Row 1: *K1tbl, p1; rep from * to last st, k1tbl.
Row 2: *P1tbl, k1; rep from * to last st, p1tbl.
Rows 3-4: Repeat Rows 1-2.
Front Body:
Join B.
Rows 1-2: With B, knit.
Rows 3-4: With A, knit.
Rows 5-20: Repeat Rows 1-4 , or until piece measures 3 1/2″ from CO edge, ending with Color A.
Neckline:
Row 21: With B, k3 (RS), turn, k3 back (WS), turn, k3 (RS), BO 3 (neckline), k2 (there’ll be 3 sts after neckline BOs), turn, k3 back (WS), turn, k3 (RS).
Row 22: K3, CO 3, K3.
Back Body:
Rows 1-2: With A, knit.
Rows 3-4: With B, knit.
Rows 5-20: Repeat Rows 1-4, or until piece measures 3 1/2″ from the neckline.
Back Bottom Band:
Cut B.
Row 1: With A *K1tbl, p1; rep from * to last st, k1tbl.
Row 2: *P1tbl, k1; rep from * to last st, p1tbl.
Rows 3-4: Repeat Rows 1-2.
BO.
Sleeves:
Row 1: With RS facing and measuring approximately 2 3/4″ from CO edge, with B pick up and knit 9 sts evenly (1 st in between garter ridges) alongside edge. — 9 sts.
Row 2: Knit.
Join A.
Rows 3-4: With A, knit.
Rows 5-6: With B, knit.
Rows 7-14: Repeat Rows 3-6.
Row 15 (RS): With A, ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. — 7 sts.
Row 16: Knit.
Rows 17-18: With B, knit.
Sleeve Cuff:
Row 1: *K1tbl, p1; rep from * to last st, k1tbl.
Row 2: *P1tbl, k1; rep from * to last st, p1tbl.
BO.
Repeat for 2nd sleeve.
FINISHING
Using tails or lighter weight yarn and tapestry needle, seam up side edges.
The post Gift Card Sweaters appeared first on Vickie Howell.
December 13, 2019
December YarnYAY! Box
YarnYAY! December boxes are ready and shipping! Get yours today, and knit or crochet along with our wonderful community. Here’s what’s inside:
VALLEY TWEED | ROWAN Rowan is an iconic British yarn company founded in the late 1970’s and known for color and classic style. Vickie, like every other self-respecting knitwear designer, has of course worked with Rowan yarns at times throughout her career, but her connection to the company is her friendship with Trisha Malcolm.
Trisha was the editorial director of Vogue Knitting for over 20 years and now works as a brand strategist for Rowan’s parent company, Metz Craft. Vickie and Trisha were thrilled to be able to find a way to work together again, while also sharing a gorgeous Rowan yarn. Spun and dyed in Huddersfield, the home of Rowan, Valley Tweed is a traditional pure wool tweed yarn, with its roots firmly in Yorkshire. Our December color selections are two rich berry shades: Marsh Orchid and Bedale. See the rest of their yarns at: knitrowan.com.
BRITS BEANIES PATTERNS | DESIGNS BY ROSEMARY DRYSDALE & VICKIE HOWELL
This month’s hats are patterns that you’ll want to keep in your library forever because they’re classic and will never go out of style. The knit version is designed and knit by design veteran Rosemary Drysdale, and combines simple Stockinette and Seed Stitch to create a textural striping. The crochet version is designed by Vickie and interprets the knit hat’s texture using front and back post stitches. For more of Vickie’s patterns go to: vickiehowell.com
FAIR ISLE JUMPER TEA TOWEL & ENAMEL PIN | DESIGN BY CERI STAZIKER We were so happy to team up with Welsh graphic artist Ceri Staziker to create the most adorable tea towel and enamel pin to share exclusively with YarnYAYers! See more of Ceri’s designs on Spoonflower.
YARNYAY COMMUNITY Access into our Facebook Group where we stitch along, do exclusive giveaways, post video tutorials, and host interviews/events with industry experts. This month includes a LIVE event with former Vogue Knitting Editor-in-Chief and Rowan Brand Strategist, Trisha Malcolm (read more about her in Vickie’s book, The Knit Vibe).
The post December YarnYAY! Box appeared first on Vickie Howell.
December 9, 2019
Sock Yarn Snowflakes
Sock Yarn Snowflakes
This week on Ask Me Monday, we put our sock yarn scraps to seasonal use, by turning them into snowflake ornaments. 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 Products: Knitter’s Pride Waves, Dreamz & Zing! Crochet Hooks
Sock Yarn Snowflakes: How to Crochet
MATERIALS
Small amount of Sock Yarn
Size D/3-3.25 mm Knitter’s Pride Waves Crochet Hook
26-28 gauge jewelry wire
Wire cutters or scissors
Tapestry needle
DIRECTIONS
Rnd 1: Using the Magic Circle method, work into the center of circle as follows: ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), dc, ch 2, [2 dc, ch 2] four times; join rnd with a sl st in top of beg ch-2. — 5 dc clusters, 5 ch-2 sps
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 5, sk to next dc cluster, *dc in each of next 2 dcs, ch 5, sk to next dc cluster; rep from * around, ending with a ch 5; join rnd with a sl st in top of beg-ch. — 5 dc clusters, 5 ch-5 sps
Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in next dc, *[ch2, dc, ch3, dc, ch2] in next ch-5 sp, dc in each of next 2 dcs; rep from * around, 4nding with a ch 2; join rnd with a sl st in top of beg-ch. — 20 dcs
Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 2*sk to ch-3 sp (in between dcs), [tr, ch1] 6 times in ch-3 sp, ch 1, dc in each of next 2 dcs, ch 2; rep from * around, ending with [tr, ch1] 6 times in ch-3 sp, ch 1; join rnd with a sl st in top of beg-ch. — 6, 6-tr, ch-1 clusters tr, 5 2-dc clusters
Rnd 5 (join wire): Holding wire parallel to back of work, ch 1, sc evenly around wire and in every st; join rnd with a sl st in top of beg-ch. Twist wire ends to secure in place; cut wire.
Rnd 6: Ch 4, sl st in same sp, *ch3, sk 4, [sc, ch 4, sk 1] five times, ch 3 (this will be the loops over the clusters of tr, ch-1 sps), sk to in between 2-dc cluster, [sl st, ch 4, sl st] in that same sp; rep from * around, ending with ch3, sk 4, [sc, ch 4, sk 1] five times, ch 3; join rnd with a sl st at base of beg-ch.
Fasten off.
FINISHING
Hanger:
Rejoin yarn at desired point; ch 20, sl st in same space as join.
Fasten off.
Weave in ends.
PRO TIP: Use this same pattern with different weight yarns and size hooks to create different results, from ornament, to coaster, to pot holder and beyond! Tag @vickiehowell with what you come up with!
The post Sock Yarn Snowflakes appeared first on Vickie Howell.
December 2, 2019
Knit and Crochet Tree Ornaments
Knit and Crochet Tree Ornaments
Holy, moly, it’s December! Which means if you celebrate one of this month’s holidays, it’s ON!
Many of us spent the weekend putting up (or at least thinking about it) our Christmas trees, so this week on Ask Me Monday, I thought it felt right to revisit two thematic projects: a knit, Scrap Bin Tree Ornament and crochet, Broomstick Lace Tree decoration. Both projects could be made as traditional, modern, or non-holiday specific (woodland forest, anyone?) as the maker would like. Have fun playing with color and embellishments. Happy Holidays!
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 product: Knitter’s Pride Ginger Deluxe Interchangeable Set & Dreamz Crochet Hook
Knit and Crochet Tree Ornaments: Watch & Learn
Knit Scrap Bin Tree Ornament
Broomstick Lace Tree Wallhanging
Bonus Pattern: Felted Tree Potholder
MATERIALS
1 skein Patons Classic Wool Roving (100% Merino Wool; 223 yds), in color: Cloverleaf or Aran
Size U.S. 19/15 mm knitting needles
Large eyed yarn needle
Scissors
Crochet Hook (Size U.S. H or I) OR Cording
Tree Pattern PDF
Zippered pillowcase or laundry bag
Hole punch, awl, or nail.
Optional:
Small Amount, Roving
Needle Felting Tool & Mat
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approx 8 1/2”/21.5 cm tall
GAUGE
Not important for this project.
ABBREVIATIONS
BO = bind off
CO = cast on
k = knit
st(s) = stitch(es)
NOTE: yarn for this project must be 100% animal fiber (wool) to felt.
DIRECTIONS
This project was originally in partnership with The Knit Show and JOANN. See the video tutorial here.
Pulling from center and outside of skein, DOUBLE STRAND yarn and CO 22 sts.
Knit every row until piece measures 12”/30.5 cm.
BO.
Weave in ends.
FELTING DIRECTIONS
Place knitted piece inside zippered laundry bag or pillowcase. Put in washing machine with a towel or jeans (to help with agitation), and a small amount (Tablespoon is plenty) of gentle shampoo or soap. Wash on a hot cycle, with a cold rinse. Check piece to see if the stitches have lost the hole portion of their definition and that the piece seems like thick felt. If not, repeat the cycle. If you’re working with a front-loading machine, you’ll need to do this several times.
Once you’re pleased with the integrity of the felt, lay flat to dry.
Note: Your piece will already work great as a hot pad without doing anything else. Bookmark this project for hostess gifts year-round!
FINISHING
Print out Tree PDF, and use it as a guide to cut tree out of felt piece.
Optional embellishment:
Using roving and needle felting tools, add needle felted “snow” or “garland” to piece.
About 1/2” down from treetop, use a hole punch or hammer and awl to create a hole at top of tree.
Create Loop:
Either use cording to create loop to tie through hole, or crochet a chain with one strand of yarn and attach to piece.
Hey, hottie — you just made a potholder!
Looking for Gifts for the Crafter in Your Life? Consider Shopping YarnYAY!
The post appeared first on Vickie Howell.
November 30, 2019
YarnYAY! + Small Businesses = TLA
YarnYAY! (my yarn craft subscription box business) prides itself as a “rising tide” company, aiming to work with other small businesses to help each other rise. In 2019 we were thrilled to partner with 25+ independent businesses. On this Small Business Saturday, we’d like to give them a shout out. Be sure to check out what they have to offer this holiday season … and beyond!
Neighborhood Fiber Co.
Robanda International
Outfab
Stitch Sprouts
Rebecca Reitz Designs
WEBS
Sublime Stitching
Kelbourne Woolens
Soak
Floops Stitch Markers
Mrs. Crosby
Makers’ Mercantile
Anda Corrie
Katrinkles
Coco Knits
Loopy Mango
Kiriki Press
Autumn & Indigo
Brooklyn Tweed
Skacel Knitting
We Are Knitters
Knitterella
Erika Knight
Danica Studios
Clubhouse Animation
Digital Technology Professionals
Wishing you a mindful holiday shopping experience.
To all of our subscribers, thank you so much for your support of YarnYAY!
Sincerely,
Vickie
https://vickiehowell.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/YarnYAY-Mystery-Packs-1.mp4
Psst… don’t forget to check out YarnYAY!’s holiday shopping specials, too!
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