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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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Warmest Knitting & Crochet Stitches for Winter

Warmest Knitting & Crochet Stitches for Winter

It’s cold out there so this week on Ask Me Monday we focus on getting you warm using the three warmest knitting and crochet stitches. In this episode, I cover Fisherman’s Rib, the crochet Thermal Stitch, and Double Knitting. Once you get the hang of these stitches, use them — along with your favorite super bulky yarn, to create scarves, cowls, and other bone-chill-busting projects.

 

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 Waves, Zing!and Dreamz Crochet Hooks.



Warmest Knitting & Crochet Stitches: Swatches

MATERIALS

Yarn (I used my color collection in this line.)

Knitter’s Pride Ginger Knitting Needles in the corresponding size for yarn (I use the interchangeable set)

Knitter’s Pride Dreamz Hook

 

Abbreviations can be found here.

 

Warmest Knitting & Crochet Stitches: Fisherman’s Rib (knit)

Note: This stitch pattern is worked in multiples of 2 stitches.

CO 16 sts.

Row 1: Purl.

Row 2: *P1, k1 in stitch the row below; rep from * to last two, p2.

Rep Row 2 until the piece is desired length.

BO.

Warmest Knitting & Crochet Stitches: Thermal Stitch (crochet)

Note: I recommend going up a hook size or two for a less rigid fabric.

Ch 14.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and to end. — 13 sts

Row 2:  Ch 1 (counts as sc), *insert hook in BACK loop of next st AND loop (it will look like a parallel bar) from the ch row below, sc; rep from * to end. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, *insert hook into back loop of next st AND the unworked loop (would’ve been the front loop) from the row below, sc; rep from * to end. Turn.

Rep Row 3 until the piece is desired length.

Fasten off.

 

Warmest Knitting & Crochet Stitches: Double Knitting

Note: This stitch pattern is worked in multiples of 2 stitches, with two colors (A & B) of yarn and with either a circular or dpns.

Using both colors A & B, CO 24 sts using method shown in video. You’ll have both strands hanging.

Row 1: With A, *k1, sl 1 wyif; rep from * to end.

Slide sts back to the opposite side.

Row 2: With B, *sl 1 wyib, p1; rep from * to end.

Turn.

Row 3: With A, *sl 1 wyib, p1; rep from * to end.

Slide sts back to the opposite side.

Row 4: With B, *k1, sl 1 wyif; rep from * to end.

Rep Rows 1-4 until piece is desired length.

BO.

 

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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How to Crochet a Heart

How to Crochet a Heart

This week on Ask Me Monday I show how to crochet a heart ornament for the Galentine or Valentine in your life. Beginning with a magic circle and crocheted in just one round with a combination of chains, double crochet, and triple crochet stitches, this heart is a quick and addicting make. Finished off with a square knot macramé hanger, this project would also make a sweet keychain. I used avocado-dyed cotton for the example, but any fiber — from leather lacing to bulky wool — would work. 

Sending love your way!

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 Waves, Zing!and Dreamz Crochet Hooks.

 



How to Crochet a Heart Ornament

 

MATERIALS

Small amount of any weight yarn.

Crochet hook (size to correspond with DOUBLE STRAND of chosen yarn)

SIZE

Varies based on yarn chosen.

GAUGE

Does not matter for this project.

Abbreviations can be found here.

DIRECTIONS

Using a *DOUBLE STRAND of yarn, a 12″ tail, and the magic circle method, work the following stitches in the center circle:

Rnd 1: Ch 3, 3 tr, 3 dc, tr, 3 dc, 3 tr, ch 3; join ch with a sl st in center ring. 

Fasten off, leaving an equal length tail as the beginning tail. You should have 4 strands total of tail.

FINISHING

Macramé hanger (use video as a guide)

The hanger is made by creating a series of square knots as follows:

Flip the heart piece upside down so the tail strands are hanging downward.

Take the leftmost strand OVER the center two strands (It will look like the number 4) and UNDER the rightmost strand. 


Take the rightmost strand UNDER the center two strands and up THROUGH the loop created by the last step.


Pull taught.


Take the rightmost strand OVER the center two strands (It will look like the number 4) and UNDER the leftmost strand. 


Take the leftmost strand UNDER the center two strands and up THROUGH the loop created by the last step.


Pull taught. Square knot complete

Repeat Steps 1-6 until you have 2″/5 cm of macramé. leaving about 1″/2.5 cm of unknotted yarn, tie a plain knot to tie-off piece and create the hanging loop. Trim tails.

*Double strand necessary component for the macramé hanger. If you choose to crochet a chain hanger or other method, then a single strand of yarn will suffice.

 

More Valentine’s Projects

Knit Heart Plushie
Boho Wallhanging
Mooshy Gooshy Crochet Cowl
Open Crochet Heart Motif
Paper & Yarn Galentines
Love Rocks Knit Neck Garland

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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Scrap Bin Heart Plushie

Scrap Bin Heart

This week on Ask Me Monday, I show how to knit scrap bin heart plushies using the mitered method. This cute project is a great way to use those the scraps in your stash, then share a little love this Valentine’s Day. Keep your heart as a simple plushie, use them as pin cushions, add a loop to hang it as a V-day ornament, or fill them with dried lavender and chamomile for a sweet sachet. No matter what, who wouldn’t heart getting a handmade scrap bin heart? 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!

 



Scrap Bin Heart Plushie: Make it!

MATERIALS

Scraps of 3 yarns, in similar-weight, in different colors: A, B & C

(Shown: Loopy Mango Big Cotton, Knit Collage Gypsy Garden, and Valley Yarns Superwash Super Bulky)

Knitter’s Pride needles in the corresponding size to heaviest weight of yarn chosen

(Used in the video: Knit & Purr Interchangeable Set)

Stitch marker

Knitter’s Pride Wool Needles

Yarn scraps, cotton or polyfill stuffing

Optional: lighter weight yarn for seaming.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Varies based on yarn.

GAUGE

Not important for this project.

ABBREVIATIONS 

Go here.

DIRECTIONS (Make 2)

With A, CO 20 sts, placing marker at center point (after 10 sts.)

Row 1: With A, k to 2 sts before marker, ssk, sl m, k2tog, k to end.

Row 2: Knit.

Rows 3-4: Rep Rows 1-2

Cut A; join B.

Rows 5-6: With B, rep Rows 1-2.

Cut B; join C.

Rows 7-8: With C, Rep Rows 1-2

Row 9: Rep Row 1.

Row 10 (WS): Ssk, BO to last 2 sts (there’ll also be 1 st on your RH needle), k2tog, BO rem sts.

NOTE: If you’re working in an Aran weight or lighter, BO leaving a long tail for seaming. For heavier weight yarns, I suggest using a separate, lighter weight yarn for seaming.

FINISHING

With WS facing, place two hearts together; stuff ends so they’re sandwiched inside. Using the Wool Needle and strand of yarn, seam to pieces together while also adding more yarn scraps or stuffing as necessary.

Weave in remaining end.

More Valentine’s Projects

Boho Wallhanging
Mooshy Gooshy Crochet Cowl
Crochet Heart Motif
Paper & Yarn Galentines
Love Rocks Knit Neck Garland

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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Crochet Fabric & Rope Basket

Crochet Fabric Rope Basket

MATERIALS

Fabric scrap yarn (See tutorial here)

Medium-weight rope

Size 12 mm crochet hook

Optional: Large-eyed tapestry needle, sewing needle & thread

FINISHED SIZE

Approx. 9″/23 cm wide (excl. handles) x 3″/8 cm tall

DIRECTIONS

With yarn, ch 10 (or desired amount.)

Note: This project is worked in a spiral, so there aren’t traditional “Rounds.” Term is just used as reference.

Base:

Round 1: Holding rope parallel to the chain, with about 1″/2.5 cm of rope standing taller than yarn chain, sc into the 2nd ch from hook AND around rope; sc around rope and in every ch to end (after a few stitches worked, gently pull rope so it’s now at the same level as crochet — see this video, about 7 minutes in, for reference), bend rope so that it comes back against itself (like an oval spiral), 2sc around rope and in SAME st as the last st worked (3sc total in last st); *sc around rope and into the bottom of the next st; rep from * to last st, 3 sc in last st.

Round 2: Continuing to spiral the rope, [sc around rope in next st and to one end of the piece; 3 sc in center st of one end] TWICE.

Repeat Round 2 until the basket base measures 9″/23 cm long.

Body:

Next Round: Continuing to spiral the rope, sc around rope in next st and every st around (without increasing at either end.)

Repeat the last round until basket Body measures 3″/ 8 cm (or desired length) tall.

 

 

Handles:

Next Round: [Continuing as established until you get to 3 sts BEFORE the center of one side of the basket; WITHOUT working into basket BODY, sc around rope only for 7″/18 cm; skip 6 sts, re-attach rope by working into next st on basket Body] TWICE.

Secure rope end by sc into 1 row below, 3 times.

Fasten off; cut rope.

FINISHING

Using fingers or tapestry needle, weave in ends. 

Optional: With a sewing needle and thread, tack down rope end to secure further.

 

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Knitting and Crochet Abbreviations

It’s about time that I post on my site, the same knitting and crochet abbreviations list that is included in most of my books (courtesy of YarnStandards.com) Bookmark this for future reference! xx, VH

Knitting and Crochet Abbreviations

alt = alternate

approx = approximately

beg = begin/beginning

bet = between

BO = bind off

BP = back post

bpdc = back post double crochet

bpdc2tog = back post double crochet 2 together

BPdtr = back post double treble crochet

BPhdc=back post half double crochet

BPsc=back post single crochet

BPtr =back post triple crochet

byo = backward yarn over

CC = contrasting color

ch =  chain

ch-sp = chain space

cont = continue

dc = double crochet

dec = decrease

dc2tog = double crochet 2 together

edc = extended double crochet

ehdc = extended half double crochet

esc =extended single crochet

etr = extended treble crochet

FL or FLO = front loop or front loop only

foll = following

FP = front post

fpdc = front post double crochet

FPhdc = front post half double crochet

FPsc = front post single crochet

FPtr = front post treble crochet

hdc = half double crochet

hdc2tog = half double crochet 2 stitches together

inc = increase

k = knit

k1B = knit stitch in row below

kfb = knit 1 into front and back of stitch

ksp = knit 1 stitch, slip this stitch from right needle to left needle, pass second stitch on left needle over first stitch and off left needle; return stitch to right needle; single right-leaning decrease

k2tog = knit 2 stitches together; single right-leaning decrease

kwise = knitwise

lp = loop

m = marker

M1 = make one stitch

M1L – make one left slanting

M1R = make one right slanting

M1p = make one purlwise

M1lp = make one left slanting, purlwise

M1lr = make one right slanting, purlwise

MC = main color

p = purl

patt = pattern

pfb = purl into front and back of stitch

pm = place marker

p2tog = purl 2 stitches together

prev = previous

psso = pass slipped stitches over

pwise = purlwise

rem = remaining

rep = repeat

rev St st = reverse stockinette stitch

RH = right hand

RS = Right Side

rnd = round

sc = single crochet

sc2tog = single crochet 2 together

sk – skip

SKP = slip 1 knitwise, knit 1, pass slip stitch over knit stitch.

SK2P = slip 1 knitwise, knit 2 together, pass slip stitch over knit 2 together

sl = slip

sl1k = slip 1 knitwise

sl1p = slip 1 purlwise

sl m = slip marker

sl st = slip stitch

sp = space

ssk = slip 2 stitches knitwise, knit these 2 stitches together through the back loops

ssp = slip 2 sts knitwise, return these 2 stitches to left needle and purl them together

through the back loops

sssk = slip 3 stitches knitwise, knit these 3 stitches together through the back loops

sssp = slip 3 sts knitwise, return these 3 stitches to left needle and purl them together

through the back loops

st(s) = stitch(es)

tbl = through back loop

tch or t-ch = turning chain

tfl = through the front loop

tog = together

tr = triple crochet

tr2tog = triple crochet 2 stitches together

WS = Wrong Side

w & t = wrap and turn

wyib = with yarn in back

wyif = with yarn in front

yb = yarn back

yf = yarn forward

yo = yarn over

U.S. to U.K. Crochet Term Conversions

single crochet (sc) = double crochet (dc)

double crochet (dc) = treble crochet (tr)

half double crochet (hdc) = half treble crochet (htr)

triple crochet (tr) = double treble (dtr)

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How to Make Fabric Yarn

Fabric Yarn: 3 Ways to Make it!

On this week’s installment of my Facebook Live series Ask Me Monday I showed three ways to make fabric yarn. This episode covers different types of fabrics to try, methods for cutting, techniques for joining, what tools work well to knit & crochet fabric yarn with, and what projects we might make with it. Watch, enjoy, and tag @vickiehowell with your fabric yarn adventures!

 

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!

Made Fabric Yarn? Here are a few tools to use to make something with it!

Knitter’s Pride Ginger Needles (Sizes 13 and up), Jumbo Birch (Size 36/20mm), Waves Crochet Hooks (Sizes M/9 mm and up), Nostepinne (for winding), and Wool Needles (for weaving in ends.)

 Fabric Yarn Tutorial

Fabric Yarn: My Favorite Way to Join Strips

Although I also showed how to knot and sew fabric strips together to make yarn, my favorite is the loop method. Here’s a recap of to do it!

Fold top of strip over about 1″/2.5 cm; cut slip (taking care to not snip all the way to the edge.) Repeat for 2nd strip.
Overlap strips, pushing the top piece through the slit of the bottom piece. Pull top piece through enough that you can see it’s slit.
Loop the long portion of the top piece around and through its own slit.
Pull to secure. Smooth with fingers.

Repeat process, adding a new “top” piece until you have desired amount of fabric yarn.

Looking for more on fabric yarn? Here are a few posts you might like!

View this post on Instagram

C’est fini. The dye bath from the kit from August’s #YarnYAY has taken its last indigo breath, some of which whispered Shibori onto a men’s white tee-turned-“tarn” (t-shirt yarn.)

Portuguese Knit and Purl

Portuguese Knit and Purl

On this week’s episode of Ask Me Monday I showed how to Portuguese knit and purl. This method is considered by some to be easier on one’s fingers and quicker (for especially the purl stitch) to work. Give the episode a watch, then the technique a try. Let me know what you think by tagging @vickiehowell on Instagram or Facebook. 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!

 



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! 

The post Portuguese Knit and Purl appeared first on Vickie Howell.

Best of Ask Me Monday 2018

Best of Ask Me Monday 2018

This week in the last episode of the year, we take a look at the Best of Ask Me Monday 2018. I take you back through some of the most watched episodes, sharing clips from the Top 10. Give it a watch (psst…be sure to check out the giveaway at the end), then see below for links to full episode and all of the patterns referenced in the episode.

Enjoy, and thank you so much for being a major part of my 2018! xx, Vickie



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!

 

Best of Ask Me Monday 2018: Featured Knitter’s Pride / KnitPro Products

Support your local yarn stores and indie online shops. If they don’t already carry Knitter’s Pride/Knit Pro products, ask them to!

Dreamz Double Pointed Needles
Waves Crochet Hooks
Royale Single Pointed Needles
Ginger Interchangeable Circular Needle Set
Karbonz Circular Needles
Zing! Straight Needles
Wool Needles

Best of Ask Me Monday 2018: Top 10 Episodes

10.  How to Make Plastic Yarn (Ep. 93)

9. How to Crochet Buttons (Ep. 104)

8.  Crochet Rope Basket (Ep. 114)

7. How to Knit  Openwork Stitches for Spring (Ep. 94)

6. How to Knit a Latvian Braid (Ep. 86)

5. How to Knit Socks (Ep. 100)

4.  How to Knit Crochet Stitches (Ep. 98)

3.  How to Knit in the Round with TWO Circular Needles (Ep. 87)

2. Under 2-Hour Cowls (Ep. 119)

1.  How to Knit a Scrap Bin Stocking  (Ep. 116)

 

 

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Under 2-Hour Cowls | Quick Gifts

Under 2-Hour Cowls 

This week on Ask Me Monday we talk quick gifts to knit and crochet. Like, really quick. I show how to make both knit and crochet Under 2-Hour Cowls. In this episode, you’ll learn how stitch height affects the speed of completion of a project. We cover dropped knit stitches, double-triple crochet stitches and more! Watch below, then get the free patterns below. 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!

Under 2-Hour Cowls: Patterns

MATERIALS

Approx 40 yds, each super-bulky yarn (6 weight) in colors: A & B

Knitter’s Pride Size US 17/2 mm, 16″-24″ Ginger Circular Needle (KNIT VERSION ONLY)

Knitter’s Pride Size 12 mm Ginger Crochet Hook (CROCHET VERSION ONLY)

Knitter’s Pride Wool Needle

 

Under 2-Hour Knit Cowl

FINISHED SIZE

Approx 10″/25 cm tall x  28″/71 cm circumference

GAUGE

Approx 3 sts x 7 rnds = 4″/10 cm in Dropped Stitch pattern (Rnds 7-8)

DIRECTIONS

With A, CO 36 sts. Join rnd, taking care not to twist.

Rnds 1-4: *K1, p1; rep from * around.

Rnd 5: Knit.

Rnd 6: Purl.

Rnd 7: *K1 wrapping yarn around needle THREE times; rep from * around.

Rnd 8: *Purl, dropping extra wraps; rep from * around.

Rnd 9: Knit.

Rnd 10: Purl.

Cut A; join B.

Rnds 11-14: With B, rep Rnds 5-8.

Cut B; rejoin A.

Rnd 15-16: Rep Rnds 9-10.

Rnds 17-20: *K1, p1; rep from * around.

BO in established rib stitch.

Weave in ends.

Want tips on weaving in ends on bulky projects? Watch this Vic’s Tips segment from The Knit Show

 

Under 1-Hour Crochet Cowl

FINISHED SIZE

Approx 9″/23 cm tall x  32″/76 cm circumference

GAUGE

Approx 5 hdc x 3 rnds = 4″/10 cm 

Note: This pattern is written in U.S. Terms

SPECIAL STITCH

Double-triple Crochet (dtr)

YO 3 times, insert hook into next st, [YO, pull through two loops] 4 times.

DIRECTIONS

With A, ch 40. Join rnd with a sl st in first ch.

Rnd 1: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in next ch and every ch around. Join rnd with a sl st in top of beg-ch.

Rnd 2: Ch 5 (counts as dtr), dtr in next hdc and every hdc around. Join rnd with a sl st in top of beg-ch.

Rnd 3: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in next dtr and every dtr around. Join rnd with a sl st in top of beg-ch.

Cut A; join B.

Rnd 4: With B, Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in next hdc and every hdc around. Join rnd with a sl st in top of beg-ch.

Rnd 5: With B, Rep Rnd 2.

Cut B; rejoin A.

Rnd 6: With A, ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in next dtr and every dtr around. Join rnd with a sl st in top of beg-ch.

Fasten off.

Weave in ends.

Want a great gift for that knitter or crocheter in your life? Try a subscription to YarnYAY!

YarnYAY! is a woman-owned, independent business that strives to support other women and indie businesses. Every month, we feature a few,

great products from some of our favorite small businesses. 

LEARN MORE!

 

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