Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 25

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.

The post Russian Grafting appeared first on Vickie Howell.

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! 

The post 4 Round Crochet Earbud Taco appeared first on Vickie Howell.

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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YarnYAY! August Subscription Box

YarnYAY! August Boxes

YarnYAY! August 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. This month’s box is valued at $45! Watch the unboxing below to hear about the companies you’re supporting and info on the products!

YarnYAY! August Boxes: What’s inside


2 hanks of Kelbourne Woolens Mojave is a lovely, drapey blend of cotton and linen, making it pretty much the perfect yarn to work with during the summertime. This month’s color selections are Cactus, Turquoise, and Seafoam.

Kelbourne Woolens is a Philadelphia-based yarn and distribution company. It was founded in 2008 and is owned by Courtney Kelley and Kate Gagnon Osborn. Vickie met the duo for the first time when they were guests on PBS’ Knitting Daily during her tenure as host/producer. See the rest of their yarns at: kelbournewoolens.com



Al Fresca Placemat & Coaster Set Pattern (print & digital) by Vickie Howell

We were dreaming of picnics and patio dining when putting together this month’s box, so pop-y placemats seemed the natural project choice. The knit version is made with a lacy herringbone stitch for airy, textured pieces. 





Al Fresca Placemat Pattern (print & digital) by Vickie Howell

The crochet version of this month’s project uses shell stitches for a still lacy, but sturdier option. For more of Vickie’s patterns, go to the YarnYAY! shop or here.

 

Sublime Stitch Epic Alphabet Embroidery Transfers

You’ll be able to personalize everything with this easy-to-use pack of alphabet transfers. We suggest monogramming some napkins to go with this month’s project, thus completing your handmade dining experience, but you do you. Monogram all of the things!

Sublime Stitching is owned by Jenny Hart, who founded the business 20 years ago. She and Vickie were a part of the Austin Craft Mafia together before the group disbanded and Jenny moved her business to the Los Angeles area. She’s a pioneer in the needlearts world as well as a fine artist. showing here work worldwide. To see more Sublime Stitching products, go to: sublimestitching.com

Stitch-in-public Yarn Carrier

While you’re out enjoying your summer plans, or dining al fresca on your new, beautiful linen placemats, take your yarn with you. This wristlet carrier keeps your yarn at bay while you’re stitching on the go!

YarnYAY! Community

Access into our Facebook Group where we stitch along, do exclusive giveaways, post tutorials, and host interview/events with industry experts.

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Tunisian Honeycomb Stitch | Tutorial + Pillow Pattern

Tunisian Honeycomb Stitch

This week on Ask Me Monday we chatted Tunisian Honeycomb Stitch. I showed how to work the Tunisian Simple and Purl Stitches in combination to create the overall pattern. Watch the replay below, then put your skills to work by making a pillow. 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!

 



 

Tunisian Honeycomb Stitch Pillow

MATERIALS

Valley Yarns Superwash Super Bulky, colors by Vickie Howell: 5 balls  (A) Aqua Oasis, and 1 ball each (B) Moontower Mustard and (C) Peacock

FINISHED SIZE

16″ square

GAUGE

8 ​3⁄4″  stitches x 6 rows = 4″10 cm in Tunisian Honeycomb Stitch

SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS

Tps = Tunisian purl stitch

Tss = Tunisian simple stitch

See video above, about 10 minutes in,  for a demonstration.

DIRECTIONS

Note: Each row in Tunisian Crochet requires two passes: the forward pass picking up the loops (noted in the instructions) and the backward pass getting rid of the loops (not noted.)

FRONT:

With A, ch 35.

Work Foundation Row.

Row 1: *Tps, Tss; repeat from * to end. –35 sts

Row 2: *Tss, Tps; repeat from * to end.

Row 3: Repeat Row 1.

Join B; cut A.

Row 4: With B, *Tss, Tps; repeat from * to end.

Row 5: *Tps, Tss; repeat from * to end.

Row 6: *Tss, Tps; repeat from * to end.

Join C; cut B.

Row 7: With C, *Tps, Tss; repeat from * to end.

Row 8: *Tss, Tps; repeat from * to end.

Row 9: *Tps, Tss; repeat from * to end.

Join A, cut C.

Row 10: With A, *Tss, Tps; repeat from * to end.

Row 11: *Tps, Tss; repeat from * to end.

Row 12: *Tss, Tps; repeat from * to end.

Join B; cut A.

Row 13: With B, *Tps, Tss; repeat from * to end.

Row 14: *Tss, Tps; repeat from * to end.

Row 15: *Tps, Tss; repeat from * to end.

Join C; cut B.

Row 16: With C, Tss, Tps; repeat from * to end.

Row 17: *Tps, Tss; repeat from * to end.

Row 18: *Tss, Tps; repeat from * to end.

Join B; cut C.

Row 19: With B, *Tps, Tss; repeat from * to end.

Row 20: *Tss, Tps; repeat from * to end.

Row 21: *Tps, Tss; repeat from * to end.

Join C; cut B.

Row 22: With C, Tss, Tps; repeat from * to end.

Row 23: *Tps, Tss; repeat from * to end.

Row 24: *Tss, Tps; repeat from * to end.

Fasten off.

BACK

With A, ch 35.

Work Foundation Row.

Row 1: *Tps, Tss; repeat from * to end. –35 sts

Row 2: *Tss, Tps; repeat from * to end.

Rows 3-24: Repeat Rows 1-2.

Fasten off.

FINISHING

Weave in ends.

With WS facing and using Wool Needle and yarn, seam together sides and bottom. Insert pillow; seam top shut.

Looking for another Tunisian Crochet project? Try this post:

Tunisian Crochet Lace Summer Scarf (Ask Me Monday Episode 74)

 

Ask Me Monday is the longest-running Facebook Live series in the needlecraft genre. It’s on hiatus until May 2019. Until then, though, 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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July YarnYAY! Boxes Now Shipping!

 
July YarnYAY! Boxes

YarnYAY! July boxes are now available and shipping. As of today, this month, we only have 100 new-subscriber spots open, so grab one while you can!

Subscription is $35 + $6 flat rate (US) shipping. This month’s box is valued at over $62! Here’s what it includes:

2 Skeins (over 600gr!) We Are Knitters The Fabric Yarn

Fabric Yarn is made from reused leftovers from t-shirt production. Its sturdiness and structure will ensure long-lasting projects, perfect for home decor. This month’s color selection is Mint.







Organize knIT! Basket Pattern by Vickie Howell

This month’s box is all about organization, so baskets seemed like the natural project choice. The knit version is worked from the top down in Honeycomb stitch for a nice, thick fabric. Find my tutorial on this stitch pattern here. 

 

Hooked on Home Basket Pattern by Vickie Howell 

The crochet version of this month’s project is worked from the base up in single crochet for a sturdy construction. Need a single crochet refresher? Check out my YouTube tutorial . 

Llamarama Tray by Danica Studios

Llamas (and alpacas) are the unofficial mascot of us fiber-loving types. The Llamarama tray is designed with the cutest little llama, and makes for a smile-worthy holder for loose stitch markers, pins, and buttons.

Yarn Bobbins by Clover 

Yarn bobbins may be intended to hold small amounts when working in intarsia or stranded colorwork, but they also work great for organizing scrap yarn!
YarnYAY! Community

Access into our Facebook Group where we stitch along, do exclusive giveaways, post tutorials, and host interview/events with industry experts.

The post July YarnYAY! Boxes Now Shipping! appeared first on Vickie Howell.

Honeycomb Stitch for Home Decor

Honeycomb Stitch for Home Decor

This week on Ask Me Monday I show two ways how to knit the Honeycomb Stitch, a great and hearty stitch option for home decor items like the Organize knIT basket (see bottom of post). Keep this stitch pattern in mind (or better yet, Pin this page so you’ll have it) for making pillows or trivets in super chunky yarn, or super-warm garments in lighter weight fibers. 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 Deluxe Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set. Now Available in my YarnYAY! Shop.

 

 
Honeycomb Stitch Swatches

MATERIALS

Any weight yarn (Super Chunky works great for home decor!)

Knitter’s Pride Knitting Needles (I especially dig their Ginger Interchangeable set)

K nitter’s Pride Wool Needle

Optional: Stitch Marker 

 

SPECIAL STITCH

k1B = knit 1 below. Insert needle into the next stitch, 1 row down; knit.

Honeycomb Stitch (Worked Flat)

Worked over an odd number of stitches.

CO 11 sts.

Note: I used super chunky yarn and size U.S. 17 needles. If working at a smaller gauge, CO a larger amount of stitches.

Row 1: Knit.

Row 2 (RS): *K1, k1B; rep from * to last st, k1.

Row 3: *K1, pick up extra loop created from K1B and place it on your LH needle, k2tog the loop with the next st; rep to last st, k1.

Row 4:*K1B, k1; rep from * to last st, k1B.

Row 5: *Pick up extra loop created from K1B and 0pkace it on your LH needle, k2tog the loop with the next st, k1; rep to last st, pick up extra loop created from K1B and place it on your LH needle, k2tog the loop with the next st.

Repeat Rows 2-5 for pattern stitch, and until swatch is desired length.

Knit 1 row.

BO.

Honeycomb Stitch (Worked In-the-Round)

Worked over an even number of stitches.

CO as many even sts as needed to fill up your circular needle. Place marker and join round, taking care not to twist.

Rnd 1: Purl.

Rnd 2 (RS): *K1, k1B; rep from * around.

Rnd 3: *P1, pick up extra loop created from K1B and place it on your LH needle, p2tog the loop with the next st; rep from * around.

Rnd 4:*K1B, k1; rep from * around.

Rnd 5: *Pick up extra loop created from K1B and 0pkace it on your LH needle, p2tog the loop with the next st, p1; rep from * around.

Repeat Rnds 2-5 for pattern stitch, and until swatch is desired length.

Knit 1 row.

BO.

 

Honeycomb Stitch: Make This!

Now that you’ve got this stitch pattern down, are you ready to put it into action?  The Organize knIT basket is a great application for the technique! This basket can be used as a planter cozy, or a catch-all for anything in your home. The pattern. along with the upcycled t-shirt We Are Knitters Fabric Yarn, come in The July YarnYAY! Subscription Box. Get yours today!

 

Ask Me Monday is the longest-running Facebook Live series in the needlecraft genre. It’s on hiatus until May 2019. Until then, though, 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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