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How to Sew a Smart Phone Cover

This tutorial is brought to you by Visible Mobile, an app-based cell service offering unlimited talk, text and data for only $40/month!

 



 

Sew a Smartphone Cover : Learn How!

 

MATERIALS

1/8 – 1/4  yard (depending on width of your phone) canvas

1/8 – 1/4  yard lining fabric

1, 3 1/2″  x  3/4″ piece leather or faux leather

Button Stud

Hole punch or awl

Craft knife

Sewing pins or clips

Thread

Sewing machine or sewing needle

Iron

 

DIRECTIONS

Measure Your Smart Phone

Measure the width (including around half the sides).
Measure the length beginning from the top front, down and around to the top back.

TIP: Leave the case ON your phone while measuring to ensure that the cover will fit.

Add Seam Allowances

Add a 1/4” seam allowance on each side measurement and front and top back. In other words, add 1/2″ total to your width measurement. Here’s an example:

Phone width: 3 1/4″ + 1/2″ = 3  3/4″

Phone length: 12″ + 1/2″ = 12 1/2″

Final measurements: 12 1/2″ x 3 3/4″

Cut Fabric 

Cut 1 piece of canvas, and 1 piece lining fabric to measurements from above.

Optional: Cut leather piece end at an angle.

Sew Pieces

With right-sides together, fold canvas piece length-wise. Using 1/4″  seam allowance, sew up side seams. Trim edges, turn right-side out.
With right-sides together, fold lining piece length-wise. Using 1/4″  seam allowance, sew up side seams. Trim edges. Wrong-sides will remain out.

Assemble & Finish

Fold top-edge of canvas piece under by 1/4″ ; press.  
Fold top-edge of lining over by 1/4″ ; press. 
Slip lining piece inside of canvas piece.
Slip leather piece in between lining and canvas piece, at the middle of the top-back edge. Pin into place.
Top-stitch around entire top edge.
Using a hole punch or awl, put a hole through both layers of the lining and canvas, about 1/4″ from the top-center edge. Screw button stud into place.
Using craft knife cut an X in the leather piece, to correspond with button stud.

Press the whole piece.

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Linen Stitch | How to Knit & Crochet this Textured Pattern

This week on Ask Me Monday I show how to knit and crochet linen stitch patterns. This pattern is great for easy-breezy Summer garments or home decor items.  I show you how to work the patterns both flat and in-the-round. Watch the episode, then practice by making your own swatches using the instructions below.

 

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!

Knitter’s Pride products featured in this episode: Marblz DPNs Ginger Circular Needles, Waves Crochet Hook, & Magnetic Knitter’s Necklace

Post a Topic Idea or Question for a Future Ask Me Monday Episode (by Friday May 17th at midnightCT) in the comments section for this video on Facebook!

 



 

Linen Stitch | How to Knit

Worked Flat (aka back and forth)

CO an odd amount of sts.

Row 1 (RS): *K1, sl 1 wyif  (with yarn in front); rep from * to last st, k1.

Row 2: *Sl 1 wyib (with yarn in back), p1; rep from * to last st, sl 1.

Repeat Rows 1-2 for pattern stitch.

 

Worked in-the-Round

CO an even amount of sts. Join Rnd.

Rnd 1: *K1, sl 1 wyif  (with yarn in front); rep from * to end.

Rnd 2: *Sl 1 wyif, k1; rep from * to end.

Repeat Rnds 1-2 for pattern stitch.

Linen Stitch Cowl Pattern Available in May YarnYAY! Box

 
Linen Stitch | How to Crochet

Worked Flat (aka back and forth)

Ch an even amount of sts.

Row 1 (RS): Sc in 4th ch from hook (counts as sc, ch1, sk 1), *ch 1, sk 1, sc; rep from * to end. Turn.

Row 2: Ch2 (counts as sc, ch 1), *sc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk sc; rep to end. Turn.

Repeat Row 2 for pattern stitch.

 

Worked in-the-Round (spiral)

Ch an even amount of sts. Join rnd, place stitch marker.

Note: This piece is worked in a spiral, so stitch marker is used to mark the beginning of rnds.

Rnd 1: Ch 2, sk 1 *sc, ch 1, sk 1; rep from * to end.

Rnd 2: *Sl 1 wyif, k1; rep from * to end.

Repeat Rnds 1-2 for pattern stitch.

Linen Stitch Cowl Pattern Available in May YarnYAY! Box

 

Love this stitch? Want to make a breezy cowl in my exclusive color? Nab a YarnYAY! Anniversary box!

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YarnYAY! Anniversary Box + Trip Giveaway!

 It’s YarnYAY!’s 1 year anniversary this month, and we’re celebrating with a box full of, well, YAY! See below for the goods, plus the scoop on our HUGE New York giveaway. 

Gauge is a new brand from the founders of Maker’s Mercantile! Whidbey is a brand-spankin’-new chainette yarn, debuting exclusively in this YarnYAY! box. It’s a breezy mix of bamboo, superwash wool & merino, so perfect for Summer stitching! The color is a limited edition developed especially for us, in self-striping logo colors, to celebrate YarnYAY!’s first anniversary. 

The rest of the line doesn’t hit stores until this Fall, but you can see the forthcoming colors at makersmercantile.com.

Linen stitch and self-striping yarn make for a clean, simple, but head-turning result. These knit and crochet cowls make for nice, drapey neckwear for warmer weather while adding a pop of color to any outfit.

Our anniversary is in the bag with this cotton, drawstring sack adorned with exclusive, commemorative artwork. Lightweight and roomy, this is the perfect pouch for taking small to mid-sized projects on-the-go. Hip, hip, handmade hooray!

Anda Corrie is an American illustrator, author & fabric designer, based in Berlin. For more info go to andacorrie.com

You know that thing when you’re swatching on-the-run, and just need to know how many stitches and rows equal 1″? Well, friend, this keychain has you covered. Attach it to your project bag handle, and you’ll be good-to-gauge go! Katrinkles is owned by Katy Westcott. For more info go to: katrinkles.com

 

 



 
YarnYAY! Anniversary Box Giveaway
















Go Big (Apple) or Go Home!

To celebrate our anniversary, how about a little YarnYAY! getaway? Each May box subscriber will be automatically entered to win a trip to  Vogue Knitting Live  New York, 2020!

Big Apple Weekender Package

4 (3-hour) classes, 3 lectures, 3-Day Marketplace

Ticket, Cocktail Reception Ticket, Gala Dinner Ticket,

Vogue Knitting LIVE Tote Bag, fabulous dinner swag bag

with contents valued at more than $100, copy of Vogue

Knitting: Norah Gaughan: 40 Timeless Knits, $150 coupon

to vogueknitting.com

2 nights at the Omni Times Square Hotel

$300 travel voucher

Trip valued at over $1600














 






















Subscribe & Be Entered to Win!

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Herringbone Stitch | Warm Up America Knit & Crochet Rectangles

Ask Me Monday is back from hiatus this week with the scoop on Knitter’s Pride’s partnership with Warm Up America. By May 31st, their goal is to drive as many knitters and crocheters, like you, to make squares towards blankets for those in need. In the episode, I show how to knit and crochet the Herringbone stitch for a warm, dense fabric that are great alternatives for a blanket square. Watch the video for the tutorial, then see below for the patterns.

Interested in knitting and crocheting squares along with others? See the Knitter’s Pride, Warm Up America KCAL thread on Ravelry here.

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!

 



Products shown in this video tutorial: Knitter’s Pride Ginger Interchangeable Needles & Waves Crochet Hooks

Herringbone Stitch: Knit 7″ x 9″ Rectangle

SUPPLIES

Worsted-weight superwash wool or acrylic yarn

Size 8/5 mm Knitter’s Pride Ginger Needles — or size needed to obtain stitch gauge

GAUGE

6.5 stitches = 1″

Note: Easily adapt this pattern work with any weight yarn and corresponding needle. Check gauge and CO appropriate even amount of stitches.

DIRECTIONS

CO 46 sts.

Row 1: K1, * sl 1 knitwise, k1, psso knit st without letting it fall off the needle but instead ktbl; rep from * to last st, k1.

Row 2: *P2tog without letting the sts drop off needle, p first of two loops on needle again letting both stitches fall off needle; rep from * to end.

Repeat Rows 1-2 until piece measures 9″ from CO ends.

BO.

Weave in ends. Block piece.

 

Herringbone Stitch: Crochet 7″ x 9″ Rectangle

SUPPLIES

Worsted-weight superwash wool or acrylic yarn

Size H/5 mm Knitter’s Pride Waves Hook– or size needed to obtain stitch gauge

GAUGE

3 stitches = 1″

SPECIAL STITCH: Herringbone Half Double Crochet (Hhdc)

Yarn over, insert hook through stitch, draw through loop; draw same loop through next loop on hook; yarn over and draw through that same loop (as for a chain stitch); yarn over draw through remaining two loops on hook.

DIRECTIONS

Ch 22.

Note: Crochet gauge is highly subjective. Be sure to check your gauge and go up or down hook sizes accordingly. 

Row 1: Hhdc in 3rd ch from hook and in every ch to end. Turn. –21 sts.

Row 2:  Ch 2, Hhdc in next st and every st across. Turn.

Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 9″. 

Fasten off.

Weave in ends.

 

Where to Send Pieces

Warm Up America! 

3740 N. Josey Lane, Suite 152 

Carrollton, TX 75007

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Third Eye Beanie | Chunky Cotton Hat for Spring

Third Eye Beanie

The “eyes” have it with this chunky, cotton hat that’s perfect for the transition between frigid Winter weather, and cool Spring. The Third Eye beanie was inspired by the tuning into one’s creative, higher self. I had the pleasure of spending a couple of days at the Visible Mobile summit with a collection of visionaries, across creative realms, whose candor, and energy reinvigorated that tuning in, for me.

Grab your needles, focus within, and enjoy!

This tutorial is brought to you by Visible Mobile, an app-based cell service offering unlimited talk, text and data for only $40/month!

 

Third Eye Beanie: How-To

MATERIALS

1 ball each Loopy Mango Big Cotton (100% cotton’ 48 yds), in colors: A and B.

Size US 15, 16″ circular needle

Large-eyed tapestry needle

Stitch marker

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

9″/23 cm Tall

21″(22″)/53 cm(56 cm) Circumference

GAUGE

9 sts x 11 rnds = 4″/10 cm

ABBREVIATIONS

Find the list here.

DIRECTIONS

Brim:

With A, CO 42 (44). Place marker; join, taking care not to twist.

Rnd 1: Knit.

Join B.

Rnds 2-6: *With B K1, with A p1; rep from * around.

Cut B.

Body:

Rnd 7: With A, knit.

Repeat Rnd 7 until piece measures 7″(7 1/2″) 17 3/4 cm(19 cm) from CO edge.

Crown:

Rnd 1: Knit, decreasing 2(4) sts evenly around. –40 sts

Rnd 2: *K6, k2tog; rep from * around. –35 sts

Rnd 3: Knit.

Rnd 4: *K5, k2tog; rep from * around. –30 sts

Rnd 5: Knit.

Rnd 6: *K4, k2tog; rep from * around. –25 sts

Rnd 7: Knit.

Rnd 8: *K3, k2tog; rep from * around. –20 sts

Rnd 9: Knit.

Rnd 1o: *K2, k2tog; rep from * around. –15 sts

Rnd 11: Knit.

Rnd 12: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around. –10 sts

Rnd 13: Knit.

Rnd 14: *K2tog; rep from * around. –5 sts

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Using tapestry needle, feed yarn through live stitches letting them drop of the needles. Cinch shut.

FINISHING

Using desired method, make a pompom. Sew onto top of hat.

Using Color B, tapestry needle, and the photo and video as a guide, embroider eye on front of hat.

Weave in ends. 

Wear it!

 

Modeled by Graphic Artist, Becca Reitz

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YarnYAY! April Subscription Box

YarnYAY! April Subscription Box

Love knitting and crochet? Obsessed with gorgeous yarn? Can’t get enough of knitterly tools and novelty items? Then, the YarnYAY! April subscription box is for you! This month’s box features:


Luxury Springtime Yarn, Big Cotton by Loopy Mango in One of Their Top 4, Best-selling Colors




1 Knit and 1 Crochet Pattern for Hot in Here Headbands









 Loopy Mango Large-eyed Tapestry Needle|




Cocoknits Iron Yarn Snips with Leather Cover




YarnYAY! Logo Measuring Tape




Access into the YarnYAY! Facebook Group for stitch-alongs, video tutorials, community, special events, and exclusive giveaways.

 

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How to Macrame Charger Cord

Macramé Charger Cord

Need a weekend project? How about a macramé 

Basic Top-Center-Out Shawl Recipe

Basic Top-Center-Out Shawl Recipe

This week on Ask Me Monday, I show a Basic Top-Center Out Shawl Recipe using 3, easy steps to design your own triangle shawls, shawlettes, and bandit scarves. 

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!

Products shown in this video tutorial: Knitter’s Pride Ginger Interchangeable Needles



 

Basic Top-Center-Out Shawl Recipe: Beginning Formula

The number of stitches you choose to cast on will vary based on yarn weight and your preference. Regardless, you’ll always cast on stitches for the left side, center tab (which will create a nice bit to sit at the nape of your neck, as well as a column of stitches to act as a sort of spine for your shawl.)

CO small amount (*even or odd number) of stitches for Left Side; place a stitch marker; CO an odd number (because this portion will ultimately be the tip of your triangle point) of stitches for the Center Tab; place a stitch marker; CO small amount (equal to Left Side) of stitches for the Right Side.

For the Love Triangle Shawlette, designed in a chunky-weight yarn and Stockinette & Garter body, the CO is 6 sts for Left Side; 3 sts for Center Tab; 6 sts for Right Side.

*NOTE: If you’re designing in a pattern stitch that requires an either even or an odd number of stitches OR multiples of a specific number, you’ll need to take that into account when determining how many stitches are cast on for the Left and Right sides respectively.

Basic Top-Center-Out Shawl Recipe: Increase Formula

For this method, you’re actually creating two triangles that then form the larger triangle-whole. To create that, you’ll need a series of FOUR increases every RS row.

Allowing for at least 1 edge stitch, increase ONE stitch (in whatever method desired) at the Left Side; increase ONE stitch before the first marker (i.e. on one side of the Center Tab);increase ONE stitch after the second stitch marker (i.e. on the opposite side of the Center Tab); increase ONE stitch (in whatever method desired) at the Right Side, before edge stitch(es). — 4 stitches increased

For the Love Triangle Shawlette, for which I chose YOs as my increases for the lacy effect, the first RS (aka increase) row looks like this:

K1, yo (

From here you just continue working your increase RS rows (in any stitch pattern you’ve chosen), then WS plain rows (without increases) until the piece is as wide as you want minus the edging and/or at the right stitch count multiples for the edging.

Basic Top-Center-Out Shawl Recipe: Edging Formula

It might seem overwhelming to calculate an edging doer the entire bottom of a shawl, but when calculating with this method, instead of working with the entire amount of stitches on your needle, you simply break the item into pieces: Left Side, Center Tab, Right side.

When considering the edging stitch pattern you choose for your piece, there’s really only one number you need to know, the amount of stitches of one of the sides minus edge stitch(es). Let’s call this number Side Body.

i.e. Left Side stitches – edge stich(es) = Side Body

Plug in the stitch pattern multiples into the Side Body amount. This same amount will apply to the opposite side.

All that’s left now are the Center Tab Stitches which will not change in stitch pattern, so you’ll continue as established, increasing on either side. The stitches created by the increases can be worked in Stockinette or Garter, and don’t need to be considered. They will create their own panels. 

For the Love Triangle Shawlette, I chose an edging that required a multiple of 6 stitches + 1. The Side Body number is 43 stitches (44 – 1 edge stitch). 6 (stitches) x 7 (repeats) = 42 + 1 = 43.

You will need to add additional stitch markers for the edging to help decipher between the increase panels that will be created on both Sides and on either side of Center Tab.

For the Love Triangle Shawlette, that looks like this:

K1, yo, pm, (

Want to try knitting a top-center out project first before designing your own? Make the Love Triangle Shawlette in this month’s YarnYAY! subscription box. Yarn, stitch markers and pattern included!  (Only 15 left in stock!)

Get the Love Triangle Shawlette Box!
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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February YarnYAY! Boxes are HERE

 

February YarnYAY! Boxes

February YarnYAY! boxes are here, and all but 45 have already been spoken for. Check out what delights are featured in this month’s love-themed box, then nab yours and join us in our private Facebook group to hang out, learn, and take part in special events and exclusive giveaways!

February’s Yarn Selection

Brooklyn Tweed specializes in gorgeous designs expressed through their American-made wools. It was founded by knitwear designer and photographer Jared Flood in 2010, and is now based in Portland Oregon.

Quarry is a lofty, chunky-weight yarn that is cleverly spun in a manner that appears to be unspun. The colors are heathered but almost evoke a tweedy-look. Our selections, in honor of Valentines Day, are Garnet and Hematite.

 

 

February’s Patterns: Love Triangle Shawlettes

This month’s Love Triangle shawlettes are both great introductions to stitching triangles. The knit version is worked from the top-center out in a welt pattern, then a wide, mock cable column border.

The crochet version is more abstract-looking than it’s knit sister. Its uber-open construction is worked from the bottom-up with a series of chains and DC clusters

February Notion #1 Selection

Removable stitch markers are a must-have tool for knitters and crocheters alike. The Addi heart versions will act as little reminders, that you and your hand-making are loved.

Skacel is a woman founded and run wholesale and distribution business which began when Ingrid Skacel started it more than 30 years ago. Her daughter Karin, is now at the helm.

February Notion #2 Selection

Share the handmade love by adding one of these tags the next time you gift one of your knits. In addition to the usual function of a gift tag, these also act as a guide to caring for the given garment. Simply circle the appropriate symbols that correspond with the yarn you use!

Knitterella is owned by knitwear and graphic designer, Jill Zielinski.

Get Your February YarnYAY! Box

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Message Heart Pillow

Message Heart Pillow

Love notes are the best use of messaging this month, well, and frankly, every month. Knit this Message Heart Pillow, then call the one you love. Happy Valentine’s Day!

This project is brought to you by Visible Mobile. For only $40 a month, get unlimited everything — including messaging of the non-knitted variety.



Message Heart Pillow: Knit It

MATERIALS

Valley Yarns Superwash Super Bulky, Colors by Vickie Howell: 2 balls (A) Pink Flamingo or Castaway Coral, and scraps (B) Aqua Oasis — or equivalent super bulky yarn

Size US 13/9 mm needles

Large-eyed tapestry needle

Stuffing or a generous amount of yarn scraps

Tip: For a smaller message heart, simply use a lighter-weight yarn and corresponding needles.

FINISHED SIZE

Approx. 8″/20 cm tall x 11″/28 cm wide

ABBREVIATIONS

DIRECTIONS

HEART: Make 2.

With A, CO 5 sts.

Row 1: Kfb, k to last st, kfb. — 2 sts inc.

Row 2: Purl.

Rep Rows 1-2 until you have 25 sts.

Next Row (RS): Ssk, k9, BO 1, k to last 2 sts, k2tog.

Next Row: P11, leaving the rem sts on hold. Turn.

LEFT BUMP:

Row 1: Ssk, k7, k2tog.

Row 2: Purl.

Row 3: Ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. — 7 sts

Row 4: Purl.

Repeat Rows 3-4, once more. — 5 sts

Next Row: Ssk, k1, k2tog. — 3 sts

Next Row (WS): Sl 1, p2tog, psso.

Cut yarn; feed through loop to fasten off.

RIGHT BUMP:

Rejoin yarn on WS.

Row 1: Purl.

Row 2 (RS): Ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog.

Row 3: Purl.

Rep Rows 2-3, twice more. — 5 sts

Next Row: Ssk, k1, k2tog.

Next Row: Sl, p2tog, psso.

Cut yarn; feed through loop to fasten off.

HEART SIDE

With A, CO 4 sts.

Row 1: Knit.

Row 2:  Purl.

Row 3: Knit.

Row 4: Knit.

Repeat Rows 1-4 until Heart Side is long enough to wrap around the entire circumference of your Heart. 

BO, leaving a long tail for seaming.

FINISHING

With B, tapestry needle and Chain Stitch (see video), embroider a message on front of one heart piece.

With long tail, tapestry needle and WS together, sew Heart Side around edge of entire circumference of one Heart piece.

With A, tapestry needle and WS together, sew second Heart to the opposite side of Heart Side, leaving an opening for stuffing.

Stuff heart with unwoven ends and stuffing or yarn scraps.

Sew opening closed; bury end.

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