Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 24
November 25, 2019
Go-To Gifts: Cabled Mittens
Go-To Gifts Mittens
This week on Ask Me Monday, we’re rounding out our month-long focus on Go-To Gift projects from my book, The Knit Vibe. So far, we’ve covered the Go-To Chunky Hat, Go-to Slouchy Beanie, and Go-To Chunky Cowl. Next up: the gushy, Go-To Mittens!
For this tutorial, I show how to knit the Horseshoe Cable pattern that really makes these mittens shine, plus demonstrate how to set up and work a thumb gusset. Give Ask Me Monday a watch, use the practice swatches I’ve written up instructions for below, then make the Mittens from the book (available in my YarnYAY! shop, on Amazon, IndieBound, or wherever you get your books.)
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 product: Knitter’s Pride Ginger Double Pointed Needle Set & Smart Stix DPNs
Go-To Gifts Mittens: Learn How
Go-To Gifts Mittens: Practice Swatches
HORSESHOE CABLE (in-the-round)
MATERIALS
Koigu Chelsea Aran, or equivalent-weight yarn
Size US 9/5.5 mm Knitter’s Pride Ginger or Smart Stix DPNs
Knitter’s Pride Cable Needle
SPECIAL STITCHES
C3/3R: Sl 3 sts to cable needle, hold back, k3, k3 from cable needle.
C3/3F: Sl 3 sts to cable needle, hold front, k3, k3 from cable needle.
DIRECTIONS
Note: Horseshoe pattern is worked over 12 sts. The other sts are in REverse Stockinette and there purely for the purpose of creating a swatch in-the-round, as well as to prepare you for the Go-To Gifts Mittens pattern.
CO 26 sts. Divide sts evenly amongst dpns; join taking care not to twist.
Rnds 1-2: P7, k12, p7.
Rnd 3: P7, C3/3R, C3/3L, p7.
Rnds 4-7: P7, k12, p7.
Rnd 8: P7, C3/3R, C3/3L, p7.
Repeat Rnds 1-8 until piece measures 4″/10 cm from CO edge.
BO.
THUMB GUSSET
Note: The purpose of this swatch is only to practice setting up a thumb gusset in Reverse Stockette, and does not focus on the cable panel.
CO 26 sts. Divide sts evenly amongst dpns; join taking care not to twist.
Rnds 1-4: Purl.
Rnd 5: P5, pm, M1, p1, M1, pm, purl around.
Rnd 6: P to marker, sm, p to marker, sm, purl around.
Rnd 7: P5, sm, M1, p to marker, M1, sm, purl around.
Rnd 8: P to marker, sm, p to marker, sm, purl around.
Repeat Rnds 7-8 until you feel like you’ve got it.
BO.
Go-To Gifts Mittens
Put your skills to work by making the Go-To Mittens from my book, The Knit Vibe, available on Amazon or wherever you get your book!
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November 19, 2019
Home & Family Show Go-To Gifts Chunky Cowl
Debbie Matenopoulos and Cameron Mathison welcome Haylie Duff and she prepares baked brie with figs and pistachios. Actor Brian Austin Green visits our home. Actor Omar Gooding talks about “Family Time.” Chef Lori “Lorious” Rogers whips up chocolate bread pudding. Atlas Monroe founder, Deborah Torres cooks nachos with a twist. Dr. Elroy Vojdani discusses Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Knitting expert Vickie Howell makes a chunky cowl neck scarf. We share “The Ultimate ‘Home & Family’ Holiday Guide.” Kym Douglas is here with DIY holiday hostess gifts. Shirley Bovshow has DIY botanical candles. Maria Provenzano creates ornament earrings. Credit: © 2019 Crown Media United States, LLC | Photo: Keith Castillo/ Alexx Henry Studios, LLC.
I capped-off the California leg of my The Knit Vibe book tour, with a visit to the Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family show. Everyone, from casting director Jolie, to make-up artist Marty, to co-host Debbie, are always so kind and gracious — it’s an absolute pleasure to be a part of an episode!
This time, we did a quickie demo of one of the Go-To Gifts from The Knit Vibe, a lusciously Chunky Cowl. This project works up quickly (using super-chunky yarn and size US 13 needles) and beautifully in a slip stitch, spiral rib. Make one (or lots) today, even if you don’t yet have my book, by going to the Home & Family site where (courtesy of Abrams Books) we’re offering the pattern for free.
Don’t forget to tag me (@vickiehowell) with a photo with your finished cowls, if you make ’em! xx
Go-To Gifts: Chunky Cowl
Need more Go-To Gifts? There are a bunch in my book, The Knit Vibe, available on Amazon or wherever you get your book!
The post Home & Family Show Go-To Gifts Chunky Cowl appeared first on Vickie Howell.
November 14, 2019
CreativeBug Live!
Creativebug Live
This week I visited the Creativebug San Francisco studios to sit down with Liana Allday on an episode of CreativeBug Live talking about The Knit Vibe, our community, some great projects to make for the holidays, and how to get your knitting Mojo back.
You can watch the episode below. Enjoy!
The Knit Vibe: As Seen on Creativebug Live
Read all of the stories and get the patterns I spoke of on Creativebug Live in my book, The Knit Vibe, available on Amazon or wherever you get your book!
The post CreativeBug Live! appeared first on Vickie Howell.
November 11, 2019
Got-To Gifts Slouchy Beanie
Go-To Gifts Slouchy Beanie
All month on Ask Me Monday, I’m sharing the knit and crochet skills to make easy, fun gifts from my book, The Knit Vibe. Last week I focused on the Go-To Chunky Hat. Next up: the Twisted Rib & Cable stitch pattern used to make the Go-To Slouchy Beanie.
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 Interchangeable Needle Set
Go-To Gifts Slouchy Beanie: Watch the AMM Tutorial
Twisted Rib & Cables Swatch (in-the-round)
SPECIAL STITCHES (see the tutorial in the video above)
K1tbl
Knit the stitch through the back loop to create a twisted stitch.
T1/2L
Sl st onto cable needle hold to front, p1, k1tbl, ktbl from cable needle.
DIRECTIONS
CO multiple of 6 stitches. Join rnd, taking care not to twist.
Rnds 1-7: *K1tbl, p1; rep from * around.
Rnd 8: *T1/2L, p1, k1tbl, p1; rep from * around.
Rnds 9-15: *K1tbl, p1; rep from * around.
Repeat Rnds 1-15, once more.
BO.
Go-To Gifts: Slouchy Beanie
Put your skills to work by making the Go-To Slouchy Beanie from my book, The Knit Vibe, available on Amazon or wherever you get your book!
The post Got-To Gifts Slouchy Beanie appeared first on Vickie Howell.
November 4, 2019
Go-To Gifts: Chunky Hat
Go-To Gifts Chunky Hat
Wait, wha? It’s already November? Welp, I guess we’d better start talking about go-to gift projects, then! All month, on Ask Me Monday, I share the knit and crochet skills to make easy, fun gifts from my book, The Knit Vibe. First up: the Eyelet Mock Cable stitch pattern used to make this chunky beanie.
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 Smart Stix Interchangable Set.
Go-To Gifts Chunky Hat: Watch the AMM Tutorial
Eyelet Mock Cable Swatch (flat)
CO 18 sts.
Row 1 (RS): P2, *sl 1, k2, psso (pass slipped stitch over the knit sts), p2; rep from * to end.
Row 2: K2, *p1, yo, p1, k2; rep from * to end.
Row 3: P2, *k3, p2; rep from * to ends.
Row 4: K2, *p3, k2; rep from * to end.
Repeat Rows 1-4 until piece is square.
BO.
Eyelet Mock Cable Swatch (in-the-round)
CO multiple of 5 sts.
Rnd 1: Sl 1, k2, psso, p2; rep from * around.
Rnd 2: *k1, yo, k1 , p2; rep from * around.
Rnds 3-4: *K3, p2; rep from * around.
Repeat Rnds 1- 4 for four inches, BO.
Go-To Gifts: Chunky Hat
Put your skills to work by making the Got-To Chunky Hat from my book, The Knit Vibe, available on Amazon or wherever you get your book!
The post Go-To Gifts: Chunky Hat appeared first on Vickie Howell.
October 28, 2019
Crochet Ball Fringe Coasters
Crochet Ball Fringe Coasters
This week on Ask Me Monday we learned how to make the cutest little edging there ever was, Crochet Ball Fringe! Use this technique to embellish tea towels, pillows, and kids garments, or have fun making some seasonal coasters for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and beyond!
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 Zing! Crochet Hook Set and Rainbow Row Counter Ring
Crochet Ball Fringe
DIRECTIONS
Join yarn to the prepared edge (see video or below) of the fabric, knit, or crocheted piece you’d like to adorn with ball fringe.
Ch 5,* [in 3rd ch from hook, YO, insert hook, YO, pull through 2 loops] 4 times, (you’ll have 5 loops on hook) YO, pull through all loops on hook (first bobble made)*; ch 3, rep from * to ** (second bobble made); sl st into base of first bobble (this will connect both bobbles to create a ball); ch 3, sk next st, sc in next st.
Repeat process until fringe is complete. If you’re working in the round, join with a sl st.
Fasten off.
Crochet Ball Fringe Coasters: How-To
MATERIALS
1/8 yd Main Color fabric
1/8 yd Contrasting Color fabric
Medium-weight fusible interfacing (optional)
Sewing machine OR hand-sewing needle
Thread
Embroidery floss and needle
Lace-weight or sock-weight yarn, or crochet thread
Knitter’s Pride Zing! C/2 (2.75 mm) crochet hook
Iron
DIRECTIONS (make 4)
Sew coaster:
Cut 4 ½ ” pieces of both Main and Contrasting fabrics.
OPTIONAL: Cut 4″ piece of fusible interfacing. Iron on to Main fabric piece, according to manufacturer directions.
With WS facing and using a 1⁄4″ seam allowance, sew Main and Contrasting pieces together, leaving an opening for turning.
Turn piece RS out. Press.
Top stitch around entire piece.
Prep edging:
Using embroidery floss, needle, and video as a guide Blanket Stitch at 1⁄4″ intervals around RS of sewn coaster.
Add Crochet Ball Fringe
Join yarn at one corner of the coaster, at the first Blanket Stitch. Crochet Ball Fringe (see above or video) around the coaster, joining rnd with a sl st.
Fasten off. Knot to secure. Trim ends.
The post Crochet Ball Fringe Coasters appeared first on Vickie Howell.
October 23, 2019
The Knit Vibe Tour
The tour for my latest book, The Knit Vibe: A Knitter’s Guide to Creativity, Community, and Well-Being for the Mind, Body & Soul, is in full swing. See events below for upcoming fun or links to past events media.
About The Knit Vibe
A Knitter’s Guide to Creativity, Community, and Well-being for the Mind, Body & Soul
A knitting adventure with projects, patterns, rituals, yoga, creative inspiration, numerology, knitting experts, astrology, community, and more!
What if we look at our lives through the lens of the conduit that streams our creativity?
In her latest book (October 2019) The Knit Vibe: A Knitter’s Guide to Creativity, Community, and Well-Being for Mind, Body & Soul, author Vickie Howell pens a love letter to yarn craft. In it, she explores how for those in the knitting and crochet community, the act of creating with fiber is the through-line of how we choose to navigate life.
The Knit Vibe—a book like no other—with interviews, patterns, and an in-depth look at the knitting community and the creative potential of knitting. Dive into a special section on the wellness benefits of the craft, catch a glimpse of knitting’s superstars (including Bristol Ivy, Kaffe Fassett, Diva Zappa, Caitlin Hunter) in conversation with Howell, or try your hand at loads of how-tos and projects from the likes of Nancy Marchant, Marly Bird, Tanis Gray, Amy Small, and many more.
“Pick up some yarn, start where you are, get creative” is the message Howell weaves through the book and her series, The Knit Show. Gathering inspiration from all facets of the knitting universe, the book offers chapters on The Makings (go-to knitted gifts), The Surroundings (cool projects for your knitting space), and The Intention (vibe-y rituals, yoga, and self-care every knitter—and would-be knitter—craves).
Amazon #1 Release!
The Knit Vibe TOUR SCHEDULE:
October 3rd: Treetopia Blogger Tour: Halloween Vibes Tree, Social Media
October 8th: Book Launch at The Aviary Wine Kitchen , Austin, TX, 6pm-8pm
October 8th: The YarnThing with Marly Bird Podcast LISTEN HER
October 9th: Ewe Ewe Yarns blog + special knit kits!
October 10th: B. Hooked Podcast LISTEN HERE
October 12th: Hill Country Weavers , Austin, TX, 1pm (signing)
October 15th: Knit @Nite at Club Cumming , NYC (lower East side), 6pm
October 16th: Brooklyn Craft Company with London Kaye , Brooklyn, NY, 6pm
October 17th: Knitty City with Paula Pereira NYC (upper Westside), 6-8pm
October 19th: Rhinebeck Sheep & Wool Festival, 10am-1pm (signing) & 4pm (panel)
November 10th: Cambria Yarn , Cambria, CA, 2pm (The Knit Vibe chat and book signing)
November 12th: CreativeBug Facebook Live Appearance, 4pm
November 15th: The Little Knittery with Diva Zappa, Los Feliz Village, CA
November 16th-17th: Stitches SoCal , Pasadena, CA (classes, Make & Takes, Book signing at Yarnover Truck, Book signing at Jimmy Beans Wool booth, co-exhibit with artist London Kaye)
November 18th: Home & Family Show, Hallmark Channel (see your local listings)
February 2020: Stitches West, Santa Clara, CA
April 2020: Craftcation , Ontario, CA
The Knit Vibe Themed YarnYAY! box subscription available only in October!
Featuring exclusive book excerpts, limited edition tote bag and stitch markers, cashmere/merino yarn, two patterns, plus more benefits. Check out the October box here!
The post The Knit Vibe Tour appeared first on Vickie Howell.
October 14, 2019
Cabled Cuff Stitches
Cabled Cuff Stitches
This week on Ask Me Monday, I show how to create petite cabled cuff stitches for wrist warmers, mittens, socks, and beyond!
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 Smart Stix
Cabled Cuff Stitch (Knit)
SPECIAL STITCHES
C2F: Sl 1 st on cn, hold front, k1; k1 from cn.
C2B: Sl 1 st onto cn, hold back, k1; k1 from cn.
Directions:
CO a multiple of 4 sts. Divide evenly amongst dpns. Join rnd, taking care not to twist.
Rnd 1: Knit.
Rnd 2: *C2F, C2B; rep from * around.
Rnd 3: Knit.
Rep Rnds 2-3 until cuff measures desired length.
Cabled Cuff Stitch (Crochet)
SPECIAL STITCHES
FPdc: Front Post double crochet, make a double crochet around the front post of the stitch.
FPhdc: Front Post half-double crochet, make a half-double crochet around the front post of the stitch.
Directions:
Make a chain with an even amount of sts. Join rnd with a sl st on the first ch, taking care not to twist.
Rnd 1: Ch 2, hdc in next st and every st around. Join rnd with a sl st in top of beg-ch.
Rnd 2: Ch 2, *Sk 1 st, FPdc in next st, FPdc in sk st; rep from * around. Join rnd with a sl st in top of beg-ch.
Rnd 3: Ch 2, FPhdc in next st and every st around. Join rnd with a sl st in top of beg-ch.
Rep Rnds 2-3 until cuff measures desired length.
Cabled Cuff Stitches: Put Your Skills to Work
Make the Go-To Wrist Warmers from this month’s The Knit Vibe-themed YarnYAY! Subscribe now!
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October 7, 2019
Fiber-Inspired Halloween Decor Room Tour
Fiber-Inspired Halloween Decor Room Tour
This week on Ask Me Monday, I stepped away from my studio and gave you a tour of a room in my house, all decorated for Halloween, but with a knit vibe-y flair. Watch the replay of the tour, see some clever ways to incorporate fiber into your holiday decor, and learn how to win a Knitter’s Pride Rainbow Counter Ring. 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: Smart Stix Needles and Rainbow Row Counter Ring
Fiber-Inspired Halloween Decor Room Tour: Watch it!
Want more yarn-y ideas for Halloween? Check out this post!
The Knit Vibe hits stands on October 8th. Pre-order now though, and receive a free gift: an exclusive print by artist Rebecca Reitz! Go here for more info.
The post Fiber-Inspired Halloween Decor Room Tour appeared first on Vickie Howell.
October 3, 2019
Treetopia Vibe-y Halloween
Treetopia Vibe-y Halloween
What does a designer do when asked to join,(along with 12 other talented influencers) a scary room series blog hop for Treetopia during the same month that her latest book hits shelves? Well, like any good child of the ’80s, she pulls a “Your peanut butter’s in my chocolate! No, your chocolate’s in my peanut butter!” kind of mash-up. Ladies and gentlemen, in honor of both my love for Halloween and mystic sensibilities AND the release of The Knit Vibe: A Knitter’s Guide to Creativity, Community, and Well-being for the Mind Body & Soul, I give you, a Very Vibe-y Halloween … or Howell-ween, as the case might be. 
