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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! 

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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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Scrap Bin Tree Ornaments

Scrap Bin Tree Ornaments: This week on Ask Me Monday

This week on Ask Me Monday, we delve into our yarn stash to make use of those little scraps of leftover yarn that we didn’t have the heart to throw away but didn’t know what to do with. Until now! We’ll put those knit bits to use by knitting Scrap Bin Tree Ornaments. In this episode, I show how to use the Magic Loop method, i-cord, and a few yards of yarn to make an adorable decoration for a Christmas tree, cubicle, or holiday gift. Give it a watch, then use the pattern below to make one (or ten) yourself.

Don’t forget to tag @vickiehowell with your finished Scrap Bin Tree Ornaments!

 



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 Tree Ornaments: The Pattern

MATERIALS

Any weight scraps of yarn in traditional, neutral or pop colors

Knitter’s Pride Ginger Interchangeable Needle Set (or, appropriate sized, at least 36″ long, circular needed for the thickest yarn you’ve chosen.)

Knitter’s Pride Wool Needle

Optional: If you’d prefer to use double pointed needles instead, I recommend Knitter’s Pride Dreamz

Small stick or dowel

Hot Glue and Gun

Additional scrap yarn or wool/polyfill stuffing

FINISHED SIZE

Varies based on yarn-weight 

GAUGE

Not important for this project.

DIRECTIONS

Note: This project is worked from the bottom-up, and in the round using the Magic Loop Method (see the video for a demonstration.) The pattern is written for one yarn, but feel free to stripe, or change yarns when you run out, whenever your holiday heart desires!

CO 20 sts, leaving a long tail for seaming. Adjust on long, circular needle for Magic Loop Method (double-pointed needles would also work for this project.)

Tree:

Rnds 1-2: Knit.

Rnds 3 & 6: Purl.

Rnds 4-5: Knit.

Rnd 7: *k2tog, k3; rep from * around. — 16 sts

Rnd 8: Knit.

Rnd 9 & 12: Purl.

Rnds 10-11: Knit.

Rnd 12: Purl.

Rnd 13: *k2tog, k2; rep from * around. — 12 sts

Rnd 14: Knit.

Rnd 15: Purl.

Rnd 16: *k2tog, k1; rep from * around. — 8 sts

Rnd 17: Knit.

Rnd 18: Purl.

Rnds 19 & 20: *K2tog; rep from * around. — 2 sts

Hanger:

Knit 2 st i-cord for 2″/5 cm. 

BO, leaving tail.

FINISHING

Using Wool Needle, feed tail through top of tree and sew to secure to create loop out of i-cord.

Stuff tree with loose ends. If need be, add additional scrap yarn, wool, or polyfill stuffing.

Apply hot glue to the top half of stick, and insert into Scrap Bin Tree Ornament stuffing.

Using wool needle and tail, seam Scrap Bin Tree Ornament shut.

 

Tune in next week for a new episode of Ask Me Monday on Facebook!

 

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

Shown: September Box

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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YarnYAY! on BuzzFeed

Shown: July Box

 

YarnYAY! on Buzzfeed

I’m beyond thrilled that my new(ish), little ol’ business, YarnYAY! is featured on BuzzFeed’s Top Gifts for Knitter’s list! If you’re looking for a gift to give to that stitcher in your life, check out the list. And of course, nab the December YarnYAY! box (unboxing on Dec. 8th on Facebook), too!

Love knitting and crochet? Obsessed with gorgeous yarn? Can’t get enough of knitterly tools and novelty items? Then, YarnYAY! by Vickie Howell is the subscription box for you! 

Included in each (aqua-colored!) box, are bite-sized portions of artisanal, hand-dyed, or indie mainstay yarns, TWO exclusive patterns for the same type of project — one KNIT & one CROCHET, at least two specialty items that will make your knitting heart swoon, and access to our private Facebook Group which includes tutorials, exclusive interviews and a wonderful stitch-along community!

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. 

Shown: September Box

 

Subscribe NOW!

 

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How to Crochet Poinsettias

How to Crochet Poinsettias

This week on Ask Me Monday I showed how to crochet chunky poinsettias to use as embellishments for clothing, home decor, gift wraps and more!

 



***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!

 

Crochet Poinsettias Materials

Chunky-weight yarn

Size M/9 mm Knitter’s Pride Wave Crochet Hook

Sequin/Sewing Needle & Thread

Tapestry Needle

How to Crochet Poinsettias: Directions

LARGE PETALS (Make 5):

Ch 8. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc; flip the piece over to work on the underside; sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc. Join petal rnd with a sl st in the first st. 

Fasten off.

 

SMALL PETALS (Make 4):

Ch 6. Sc in 2nd ch from hook hdc, dc, hdc, sc.

Fasten off.

 

ASSEMBLE:

With tapestry needle and yarn, sew large petals together in a star formation. Do the same with the small petals. Center small petal bunch on top of large one; tack in place to create poinsettia. 

Weave in ends.

Hand-sew sequin to the center of poinsettia.

Cut a small circle of felt. Hand-sew to the back of the poinsettia. 

Sew to a headband, add a pearl pin and use as a brooch, attach to a wrapped gift, or hot glue several to a wreath.

Want a gift to add this pretty flower to the top? How about a YarnYAY! Knitting & Crochet Subscription Box?

Looking for a knit poinsettia?

The Boho Flower from Ask Me Monday #105 will work perfectly if knit in red or white! 


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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YarnYAY! November Boxes Available Now!

 It’s that glorious time of the month when the latest YarnYAY! subscription box is available for purchase. I’m really excited about this one as it includes a yarn I adore, a coupla go-to patterns, coordinated greeting cards, and a stitcherly collab with my favorite indie craft store. Watch the unboxing and/or scroll down to see what’s inside November’s box. If you want to be surprised, the just click below to nab yours NOW. As always, there’s a limited amount and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

So, what are you waiting for?

YarnYAY! November Unboxing

UNBOXING: YarnYAY! November

***Spoiler Alert***YarnYAY! founder, Vickie Howell unboxes the November box. Only watch if you don't want to be surprised by your subscription box.Sales open at 12pmCT on November 13th. Get your subscription while they last. We've sold out every month so far!http://www.yarnyay.com

Posted by Vickie Howell on Thursday, November 8, 2018

 

YarnYAY! November | What’s in the box! 

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Scrap Bin Stockings | How to Knit for Christmas Using What You’ve Got

Scrap Bin Stockings

This week on Ask Me Monday we’re digging into our stash to make unique, modern Scrap Bin Stockings for Christmas. Using scraps leftover from projects past, either as they come or double or triple stranded, each stocking’s stripes tell a story. They’re chunky, colorful, customizable and can be knit in an evening. Make one for all of your loved ones! You choose whether or not to subject them to tales of what you originally made using the yarn for each, individual stripe.

Knit Plush Pumpkin Pattern & Video

Knit Pumpkin Plush

On this week’s episode of Ask Me Monday I show how to make a super chunky, knit plush pumpkin. These softie cuties make great hostess gifts for Fall parties, Thanksgiving decor, teachers gifts, and more. Watch the episode, nab the pattern below, then make your own. Tag @vickiehowell with your FO pics, too!

 

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!

MATERIALS

Approx 60 yds, Super Bulky Yarn (I used this)

Knitter’s Pride U.S. 17, 16″ Ginger Circular Needle

Knitter’s Pride Wool Needle

Polyfil Stuffing

Small branch

Hot Glue Gun

Felt scraps, Embroidery Floss & Needle (optional)

FINISHED SIZE

Approx 9″ wide x 4  1⁄2” tall (excluding stem)

Want a different sized pumpkin? Simply change your gage by going up or down in yarn and needle size!

SPECIAL STITCH

M1 = Make 1 stitch (increase)

Insert right-hand needle into the loop of the next stitch on the left-hand needle on the round below; place loop on left-hand needle; knit that stitch.

DIRECTIONS

CO 32 sts. Join rnd, taking care not to twist.

Rnds 1-8: Knit.

Rnd 9: *K4; M1; rep from * around. –38 sts

Rnds 10-13: Knit.

Rnd 14: K4, *k2tog, k3; rep from * around. –32 sts

Rnds 15-22: Knit.

Cut yarn, leaving an approx 24″ tail. Using Wool Needle, thread tail through live stitches letting them fall off the needles. Pull to cinch shut, leaving an opening for stem. This will be the pumpkin top.

FINISHING

Stuff piece. Using a long strand of yarn and Wool Needle, pinch, cinch and sew opening shut.

Using the Wool needle and the long tail from the opposite end, sew 4 long stitches around, from top to bottom of the pumpkin, pulling so that the plush indents.

Weave in ends.

Insert branch piece through hole at the top, burying part of it in the stuffing. Hot glue into place.

OPTIONAL: Cut out leaf-shape pieces of felt. Using embroidery needle and thread, embroider leaf lines on one felt piece. Hand-sew leaves onto pumpkin top.

Are you a crocheter? Here’s a crochet Plush Pumpkin pattern for you.

(Simply go up to a 12mm hook and chunky yarn to get a larger pumpkin like my knit version!)

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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CRAFT*ish Season Premiere is LIVE!

My podcast CRAFT*ish returns today with a new season! This round you can expect interviews with designers, knitters, writers, sewists, chefs, podcast producers, activists, and more! We begin, though, with New York Times Bestselling author, Lisa Unger. In this extended-cut episode, Lisa and I talk about creativity, her process, parenthood, and the craft of writing thriller novels. It’s a really great conversation for anyone who is a fan of hers, psychological thrillers, fiction novels, and/or psychology. 

Also this season, I introduce a new segment in partnership with Penguin Random House Audio called, “What I’m Crafting To.” This is an inside look at what keeps me entertained while I’m crafting including TV shows, music, and of course, audiobooks.

You can find the latest episode of CRAFT*ish, as well as all past episodes, wherever you find your podcasts or just nab all of the information here.

Happy listening!

xx,

Vickie

 

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