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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.

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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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.

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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.

7 Yarn-y Projects for Halloween!

 
I’m not going to kid you, it’s my favorite time of year. I get just as excited for the kitsch of holiday crafting as I do for the the feast-of-fashion in the “September Issue” of Vogue Magazine. I want to gaze adoringly at all of the things!
 
First up, we’re rounding out September. This month I’ve been focused on the Pantone Fall palette trend of coral and wine, spying it everywhere from knitting magazines (see Jacqueline van Dillen’s Striped Shawl in the Holiday issue of Knit Simple) to the red carpet at the Emmy’s (Taraje P. Henson’s was my favorite of the bunch). Of course, it’s also the theme of our current YarnYAY! (see below) box, featuring my newest shades in my color collection of Valley Yarns Superwash!
 
Next up, Halloween! Keep your eyes peeled for my knit vibe-y spooky tree and garland I decorated for Treetopia. That’ll go live on October 3rd. In the meantime, though, I’ve done a round-up of just some of my creepiest crafts for your handmade-Halloween enjoyment. 
 
Lastly, we’re just gearing up for the most wonderful season of the year, knit & crochet wear time. Thanks for knitting, crocheting, and crafting-along with me!
 
7 Yarn-y Halloween Projects


Creepy Cactus by Vickie Howell
Plush Knit Pumpkin by Vickie Howell
Macabre Macrame Wallhangings by DIY Network
Webbed Hanging Planter by Vickie Howell
Halloween Pompom Wreath by Vickie Howell
Skull Coasters by Vickie Howell
Scardey Cat Cards by Vickie Howell


















Speaking of Pantone…

There are only a few days left to get the September YarnYAY! box for only $35!














 





























“I’ve been a member from the very first and thoroughly enjoy the boxes! Trying new yarns and patterns is fabulous! And all the extra goodies are amazing! I look forward to the box every month!”    – Noni M.

“I love these boxes!”                               – Felicia K.

“So much fun! LOVE my awesome box!”                   – Carolyn M.



























Click here to get your September YarnYAY!



























 










 










 










 






 






 






 






















 

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Russian Grafting

Russian Grafting

This week on Ask Me Monday, I share a technique featured in my latest book (available for pre-order now) The Knit Vibe, Russian grafting. 

Unlike sister techniques, Russian grafting is not meant to be seamless but instead, decorative. Using only the live stitches on the needles as the joining force, this method provides a braided look that adds a sweet detail to shoulder seams, sock toes, and beyond!

We also took a look a the latest new product from Knitter’s Pride, Smart Stix double-pointed needles, and announce the winner of the Interchangeable set from last week’s episode, and answer a viewer’s question about how today’s technique can apply to crochet. 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, Bamboo Double Pointed Needles, Waves Crochet Hooks, and Rainbow Row Counter Ring

 

 

Russian Grafting: How-to

Step 1: Set up

Place an equal number of stitches on two needles and hold parallel.

 

Step 2:

Insert crochet hook knitwise into stitch on BACK needle and pull stitch off onto hook.

 

Step 3:

Insert crochet hook knitwise into stitch on FRONT needle and pull stitch off onto hook and through the first stitch on hook.

 

Step 4: Continue grafting

*Insert crochet hook knitwise into stitch on BACK needle and pull stitch off of the needle and through the stitch on hook.

 

Step 5:

Insert crochet hook knitwise into stitch on FRONT needle and pull stitch off the needle and through stitch on hook.

Step 6: 

Repeat from * until all stitches are grafted.

 

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.

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YarnYAY! September Subscription Box

YarnYAY! Septemeber

YarnYAY! September boxes are now available.  We only have a limited amount of new-subscriber spots open, so grab one while you can!

Subscription is $35 + $6 flat rate (US) shipping.  Watch the unboxing below to hear about the companies you’re supporting and info on the products!



YarnYAY! September Boxes: What’s inside


Be the first to get my two latest colors of Valley Yarns Superwash (100% Superwash merino)! The September box includes 1 ball each of Pantone Fall-inspired colors, Coral Corale and Wine Time!

Valley Fibers Superwash Worsted is a great go-to yarn for any number of projects. It comes in loads of colors, is super-soft, and of course washable!

Vickie truly admires the work that WEBS co-owners Kathy & Steve Elkins do within the industry. She considers Kathy a good friend and respected colleague. She was within their line of worsted wool to include two new shades, inspired by Pantone’s Color of the Year and Colors for A/W 2019. We hope you enjoy Wine Time & Coral Corale! See the rest of the Valley Yarns shades at: yarn.com

September Skull Cap (with slouchy option) Patterns.

As the relentless summer heat begins to subside, clearly, skull cap stitching is in order! The knit version uses bi-color Brioche to create a stretchy, shade-dimensional ribbing. The crochet version plays with horizontal stripes juxtaposed with the vertical columns of ribs. For more of Vickie’s patterns, go to the YarnYAY! shop or here.

 

Pantone Chip Journal by Chronicle Books

YarnYAYers know how we like a theme, right? Well, since this month’s colors are inspired by Pantone Colors of the Year, we thought it would be fun to lean in a little more with this Pantone Chips Journal. Use this to make notes about patterns, sketch out future ideas, use the graph lines to work out color charts, or wax poetic about YOUR colors of the year!

YarnYAY! Pen

Make note, you need a pen to go with that Pantone Chips Journal. We’ve got you! We get much of our branded items from a local small business, Austin Promotional Products.

Yarn Cutter by Clover Needlecrafts

A yarn cutter is one of those truly handy tools that you may not even realize you need until you have it. It’s TSA approved, not dangerous if you run with it, and can be put on a keychain or necklace for mobility. Cut to: easy yarn snipping!

 

YarnYAY! Community

Access into our Facebook Group where we stitch along, do exclusive giveaways, post tutorials, and host interview/events with industry experts. This month includes a LIVE event with WEBS co-owner Kathy Elkins and an exclusive giveaway!

The post YarnYAY! September Subscription Box appeared first on Vickie Howell.

Brioche Rib Decrease

This week on Ask Me Monday, we go a step past working straight rounds in Brioche Rib by upping the skill ante with a Brioche Rib decrease. The BRK3tog decrease is a creat option for decretive colorwork options ass you become a more advanced briocher (

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 from today’s episode: Knitter’s Pride Ginger Double Pointed Needle Set. Now available at yourer favorite retailer including the YarnYAY! shop!

 



Brioche Rib Decrease 

BRK3tog = Brioche Knit 3 together

K2tog (this will be a k st and its paired yo and the following purl st): slip st back on LH needle; insert the RH needle into the next st (will be a knit st and its paired yo) and pass st over the first st on the LH needle; slip resulting st back to RH needle.

 

Put your Brioche Rib Decrease skills to work. Make the September Skull Cap from YarnYAY! box #17!

 

Need a refresher on how to knit bi-color brioche rib? Check out episode #89 Ask Me Monday!

 

Ask Me Monday  is the longest-running Facebook Live series in the needlecraft genre. You can find all past episodes of this series under the  Ask Me Monday  playlist on the Videos section of my Facebook page. Enjoy! 

 

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4 Round Crochet Earbud Taco

Crochet Earbud Taco

This month marks the 4 year anniversary for my Facebook Live series, Ask Me Monday! To celebrate, we’re giving away two sets of 4, great prizes (watch video for details), and I’m showing how to make a 4″ and four-round project: a Crochet Earbud Taco. 

This project is made using a series of double crochets and chain spaces to create the body of the cord keeper, then lined with felt for a pop of color (and stability.) It’s quick, easy and a great little back-to-school gift for that kiddo off to their next adventure. 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 from today’s episode: Knitter’s Pride Waves Crochet Hooks and Knitter’s Pride Ginger Crochet Hooks. 

 



Crochet Earbud Taco 4 Round Pattern

MATERIALS

1 ball worsted-weight yarn

Knitters Pride US 8/5 mm crochet hook

Tapestry needle

Small button

Felt scrap

Sewing thread and needle

FINISHED SIZE

Approx 4″/10 cm circle

GAUGE

4 rounds = 4″/10 cm inches in pattern

DIRECTIONS

Rnd 1: Using magic circle method, ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), [dc, ch 1] eleven times. Join rnd in 3rd of beg ch-4. — 12 dcs, 12 ch sps

Rnd 2: Ch 3, (dc, ch 1) in same sp, *(2dc, ch1) in next ch-1 sp; rep from * around. Join rnd with a sl st in top of beg ch.

Rnd 3: Ch 3, [dc, ch 1] twice in same sp, *(3dc, ch 1) in next ch-1 sp; rep from * around. Join rnd with a sl st in top of beg ch.

Rnd 4: Ch 8, sl st in same sp (button loop created), sc in next st and every st around. Join rnd with a sl st.

Note: Watch the video to see my tip for tightening up the button loop!

Fasten off.

FINISHING

 

 

Trace around piece onto felt. Cut felt.

With WS facing, hand-sew felt to the inside of the piece.

Sew on button to correspond with the button loop.

 

Ask Me Monday, this month celebrating its 4th year, is the longest-running Facebook Live series in the needlecraft genre. You can find all past episodes of this series under the  Ask Me Monday  playlist on the Videos section of my Facebook page. Enjoy! 

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Lacy Herringbone Stitch

Lacy Herringbone Stitch

It’s too darn hot here in Austin to do much making of anything, really. The only thing that seems bearable is working with linen and cotton, and knitting lace.

This week on Ask Me Monday, we focus on the Lacey Herringbone stitch, a lovely open-weave pattern that’s easy enough to not be messed with by the brain-fog created by relentless temperatures. Watch the episode, then put your skills to work by swatching, using the washcloth pattern I’ve posted below, or nabbing one of our YarnYAY! August Boxes which includes supplies and the pattern for Lacy Herringbone Stitch placemats and coasters. 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 from today’s episode: Knitter’s Pride Ginger Size US 5/3.75 mm, 24″ circular needles. Now available in the YarnYAY! shop!



Lacy Herringbone Stitch Pattern

(Multiples of 3)

Row 1 (RS): *YO, sl 1, k2, psso; rep from * to end.

Row 2: *YO, sl 1, k2, psso; rep from * to end.

Lacy Herringbone Stitch Swatch

MATERIALS

Any yarn and corresponding size needles

DIRECTIONS

CO 19 sts.

Row 1 (RS): *YO, sl 1, k2, psso; rep from * to end.

Row 2: *YO, sl 1, k2, psso; rep from * to end.

Weave in ends. Block Swatch.

Lacy Herringbone Stitch Washcloth 

MATERIALS

1 hank Kelbourne Woolens Mojave (60% cotton 40% linen; 185 yds/169 meters)

Size US 5 Knitter’s Pride Ginger Needles

Tapestry Needle

FINISHED SIZE

8″/20 cm square

GAUGE

8 sts x 12 rows = 4”/10 cm in

SPECIAL STITCH

Seed Stitch (worked over an odd number of sts)

Row 1 (RS): *K1, p1; rep from * to last st, k1.

Row 2 (WS): *K1, p1; rep from * to last st, k1.

Repeat Rows 1-2 for pattern stitch.

DIRECTIONS

CO 39 sts.

Rows 1-6: Work in Seed Stitch.

Row 7 (RS): Work 3 sts in Seed Stitch, work Lacy Herringbone Row 1 (see Stitch pattern above) to last 3 sts, work 3 sts in Seed Stitch.

Row 8 (WS): Work 3 sts in Seed Stitch, work Lacy Herringbone Row 2 to last 3 sts, work 3 sts in Seed Stitch.

Repeat Rows 7-8 until piece measures 7 1/2″/19 cm from CO edge.

Work 6 rows in Seed Stitch.

BO in patt st.

FINISHING

Weave in ends. Block piece.

Lacy Herringbone Stitch: Al Fresca Placemats & Coasters

Al Fresca Set from August’s YarnYAY! Box

Now that you’ve got this stitch pattern down, are you ready to put it into action?  The Al Fresca Placemat & Coaster Set is a great application for the technique! The pattern, along with linen and cotton Kelbourne Woolens Mojave yarn, come in the Augustt YarnYAY! Subscription Box. Get yours today!

 

Ask Me Monday is the longest-running Facebook Live series in the needlecraft genre. You can find all past episodes of this series under the  Ask Me Monday  playlist on the Videos section of my Facebook page. Enjoy! 

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