Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 30

Rope and Crochet Basket | Halloween Candy Holder

Rope and Crochet Basket | Halloween Candy Holder

On this week’s episode of Ask Me Monday, I showed how to make a Rope and Crochet Basket that’s a perfect holder for Halloween candy. Using craft rope, worsted weight wool and a crochet hook this project works up in just a few hours.

I also, like a crazy lady, wore all of the yarn garments, because it’s actually chilly in Austin today! But I digress.

Watch the episode below, then make your own basket. Oh, and don’t forget to tag @vickiehowell with your Rope and Crochet Basket FO!

 

***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. 30 yds,  1/2″ Craft Cord or Rope

2 balls, Valley Yarns Valley Superwash, Colors by Vickie Howell (100% Superwash Merino; 98 yds.), in color: Siracha

Knitter’s Pride Waves or Zing! Crochet Hook

Tapestry Needle

 

Rope and Crochet Basket Directions

With yarn, ch 24 (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 craft 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 above video 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 12″/30.5 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 4″/ 10 cm (or desired length) tall.

Handles:

Next Round: [Continuing as established until you get to 4 sts BEFORE the center of one side of the basket; WITHOUT working into basket BODY, sc around rope only for 5″/12 cm; skip 8 sts, re-attach rope by working into next st on basket Body] TWICE.

Work one last round, as established, sc around rope and in every st around.

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

Fasten off; cut rope.

FINISHING

Weave in ends. 

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

    

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 Rope and Crochet Basket | Halloween Candy Holder appeared first on Vickie Howell.

Lovely Leopard Mittens

Make your own mittens, or simply embroider a store-bought pair, to match Thirty-one Gifts Fall print, Lovely Leopard. Either way, your look will be spot on!

Lovely Leopard Mittens 

MATERIALS

1 Ball sport-weight yarn
Set of size U.S. 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles
Tapestry needle
Stitch markers
Scrap yarn, in 2 additional colors

MEASUREMENTS

7 1/2” long / 8″ circumference

GAUGE

18 sts x 24 rows = 4”/10 cm in Stockinette Stitch

HOW TO

Right Mitten:

CO 34 sts. Divide sts evenly among needles. Join round, taking care not to twist. 

CUFF: 

Round 1: *K1, P1; rep from * around. 

Rep Round 1 until piece measures 2” from CO edge. 

BODY:

Divide sts as follows: N1: 9 sts, N2, 18 sts, N3 9 sts. 

THUMB SHAPING: 

Round 1: [K2, k2tog] 3 times. — 9 sts 

Rounds 2 & 4: Knit. 

Round 3: [K1, k2tog] 3 times. — 6 sts 

Round 5: [K2tog] 3 times. –3 sts 

Cut and weave yarn through remaining sts and draw closed. 

Left Mitten:

Work as for Right Mitten, reversing thumb gusset as follows: 

Round 5: N 1: k2, pm, k1, M1, k1, M1, pm, k to end of N 1, k sts on N 1 & 2.

FINISHING

Weave in ends. 

Embroidery: Using scrap yarn, tapestry needle, and chart as a guide, duplicate leopard print motif onto mittens front. 

Get Lovely Leopard Mittens Pattern PDF Here.

 

See Lovely Leopard print bags and scarves from Thirty-one gifts here!

The post Lovely Leopard Mittens appeared first on Vickie Howell.

Wearable Tools from Knitter’s Pride

Wearable Tools from Knitter’s Pride

This week my daughter Clover joined me on Ask Me Monday. I shared two handy, new, wearable tools from Knitter’s Pride. 

Later, we talked finger knitting for Halloween, including how to change colors for stripes and create a cozy for your kiddo’s slime jar and some spooky eyeball flowers. 

Watch the episode 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:

Row Counter Ring
Magnetic Knitter’s Necklace Kit

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 Wearable Tools from Knitter’s Pride appeared first on Vickie Howell.

How to Knit a Blanket | Basic Blanket Recipe

How to Knit a Blanket

In this episode of Ask Me Monday, I broke down the basics of How to Knit a Blanket. This video isn’t just for newbies, though. It’s for anyone who has wanted to tip-toe into designing but didn’t know where to start. We cover how to choose supplies, what stitch patterns work best, and how to write your own pattern. 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!

Global Warming Blanket from AwareKnits, by Vickie Howell & Adrienne Armstrong

How to Knit a Blanket: Picking Supplies

YARN: 

There aren’t really any rules about what yarn you can and can’t use to knit a blanket. Any weight from sock to mega-bulky will work, depending on the desired effect. Fiber content can vary, but usually, 100% wool and blends with silk, rayon, and cotton will provide solid results. If being washable is a deal breaker than look for Super Wash fibers (which have been treated to be able to handle a reasonable amount of warm water and friction without felting) or, of course, there are always 100% acrylics which these days are often just as soft as their animal fiber counterparts and as indestructible as, well, all plastic products. The latter are also often the least expensive and are readily available at big-box retailers.

Although, washability is usually of utmost importance for baby blankets if you’re truly making an heirloom — especially one including lace — I would consider that something that special deserves an occasional handwash. In other words, if you want to knit your new niece a cashmere stroller blanket I’m all for it! Just be sure to include washing instructions when you gift it.

All in all, find a yarn that is really soft in colors you love enough to live with for the tie it’ll take to knit a blanket. Blankets are an exercise in love and patience, so set yourself up for success by treating your experience to nice yarn.

Looking for a solid, staple wool for blankets? Try Valley Yarns Superwash Worsted. If you like a mid-century palette, then try my colors within that line!

Quick-Sew Ombre Stripe Hand Warmer

 



This post is sponsored by Thirty-one Gifts. Check out their Ombre Stripe Print bags here!

Ombre Stripe Hand Warmer

As colder weather soon will descend upon us we prepare for chilly mornings waiting for the school bus, crisp afternoons tailgating at a sporty-spice game, and brisk evenings by the campfire. This craft will have your hands’ back (wait, what?) for all of those activities!

Here’s a simple sewing project video I put together for my friends over at Thirty-One Gifts, and inspired by their Ombre Stripe print, for a DIY handwarmer. Make one for your entire family to keep their hands warm, and your crafty heart happy!

MATERIALS

1/4 yard each, 4 colors cotton fabric
Sewing thread & needle
Sewing machine 
Cutting Supplies
Embroidery needle and floss
Scissors
Uncooked Rice



Hand Warmer How-To

STEP 1: CUT FABRIC

Cut 1 each, 1 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ strip of two colors of fabric; cut 1, 2 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ strip of third fabric for FRONT.

Cut1, 4 1/2″ square for BACK.

STEP 2: SEW & EMBROIDER

With RS facing and using 1/4″ seam allowance, sew FRONT pieces together, width-wise. Finger press seams.

Using embroidery needle & floss, chain stitch decorative lines along FRONT seams.

With RS facing, sew FRONT piece to BACK piece, leaving a 3″ opening.

STEP 3: TURN & PRESS

Snip corners; turn piece RS out.

Using an iron, press flat.

STEP 4: FILL & FINISH

Fill pouch just created with rice.

Fold-in hem of open edges; hand sew shut.

 

The post Quick-Sew Ombre Stripe Hand Warmer appeared first on Vickie Howell.

How to Knit Trimmings

Knit Trimmings

This week’s episode of Ask Me Monday is the sister-segment to last week’s Crochet Trimmings show. In this episode, I’ll show how to make three knit trimmings: two original, and one from my book Wee Garter Stitch, all of which would make adorable gift wrappings, edgings or embellishments. Watch the video, then use the patterns below to play with creating your own knit trimmings. Oh, and don’t forget to tag @vickiehowell when with your knits!

 



***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 Product Featured in this Video:

Marblz Double-Pointed Needles Set
Marblz Double Pointed Needles (Individual)

Bobble Tape

SPECIAL STITCH

MB= Make Bobble

[Knit in the front and back of stitch] TWICE (4 stitches total), turn, knit those 4 stitches, turn, [knit 4 stitches] TWICE, turn, [knit two stitches together] TWICE, pass first decreased stitch over the second. You’ll be back to one stitch.

CO 3 sts.

Rows 1-4: Knit.

Row 5: K1, MB, k1.

Row 6: Knit.

Repeat Rows 1-6 until the piece is desired length.

BO.

 

Dashes & Smashes 

SPECIAL STITCHES

psso = pass slipped stitch over (decrease)

CO 3 sts.

Row 1: Knit i-cord as follows: K3, slide sts to opposite end of dpn needle, bring working yarn behind stitches (it will be closest to what is now the 3rd needle on the needle) so it’s in position to knit the 3 stitches again on the next row.

Rows 2-9: Repeat Row 1.

Row 10 (WS:) Knit. 

Note: This row is worked straight, not in i-cord, hence why you’re now working on the back of the fabric.)

Rows 11-14: Knit.

Row 15 (RS): Sl 1, k2tog, psso; [sl st back onto LH needle; k the stitch again] TWICE, sl st back onto LH needle. –1 st

Row 16 (RS): K in the front, back and front again of stitch. –3 sts

Repeat these 16 rows to the desired length, ending with a Row 9.

 

Lacey Point Trim

CO 4 sts.

Row 1 (RS): K2, yo, k2.

Row 2 and all WS rows: Knit.

Row 3: K2, yo, k3.

Row 5: K2, yo, k4.

Row 7: K2, yo, k5.

Row 9: BO 4 sts, k to end.

Row 10: Knit.

Repeat Rows 1-10, until the piece is desired length.

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 How to Knit Trimmings appeared first on Vickie Howell.

Spirals, Puffs, and Points: How to Crochet Trimmings

Spirals, Puffs, and Points

This week on Ask Me Monday, we’re playing with the sculptural aspect of crochet and learning how to stitch spirals, puffs, and points. These stitch patterns would work great on their own as ribbons and adornments, or attached to a garment as edgings. Play around and have fun!

 

***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 Product Featured in this Video:

Zing! Crochet Hooks Set
Zing! Single Crochet Hook

How to Crochet: Spirals, Puffs, and Points

CROCHET SPIRALS (A.K.A. CURLY CUES OR COILS)

All:

Crochet a chain to desired length plus 1″-2″/2.5-5 cm more to account for shrinkage due to coiling.

Single Crochet (sc) Spiral

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, 2 sc in same st, *3 sc in next st; rep from * to end.

 

Half-double Crochet (hdc) Spiral

Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook, 2 hdc in same st, *3 hdc in next st; rep from * to end.

 

Double Crochet (dc) Spiral

Row 1: Hdc in 4th ch from hook, 2 dc in same st, *3 dc in next st; rep from * to end.

Watch the fabric you’re creating coil while you work!

 

CROCHET PUFF STITCH (A.K.A. BULLION STITCH)

Row 1: Ch 2, *[yo, insert hook through 2nd ch from hook, pull loop through] FOUR times, pull through all 9 loops on hook (puff made), ch 3.

Repeat Row 1 until Puff Stitch Strand is desired length, ending with a Puff.

 

CROCHET POINTS (A.K.A TRIANGLES)

Row 1: Ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, tr in next ch (point made), ch 2.

Repeat Row 1 until your Point Strand is your desired length, ending with a point.

 

 

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 Spirals, Puffs, and Points: How to Crochet Trimmings appeared first on Vickie Howell.

How to Use a Nostepinne

How to Use a Nostepinne

This week on Ask Me Monday, I showed how to use the Nostepinne, an old-school tool for winding center-pull balls. This tool may seem archaic, compared to the hand-crank or electronic ball-winders, but it’s actually still relevant to yarn crafters. It’s highly portable (I recently threw mine in my suitcase during a trip), making it ideal for taking on knitter’s retreats or wool festivals. It’s also perfect for low-yardage, super bulky yarns for which the effort of setting up a swift and winder is hardly worth it.

Here’s how you use a Nostepinne:

 



***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 Product Featured in this Video:

Nostepinne

 

 

Step 1: Untwist a hank of yarn and place it on a swift or over a chair back.

 

 

Step 2: Leaving a tail (this will be your center-pull strand) wrap yarn around the nostepinne, in a spiral formation, and covering about 2″-3″ of the rod.

 

 

Step 3: Make one to two figure 8s around the nostepinne rod.

 

 

Step 4: Rotate the nostepinne a quarter turn; repeat Step 3.

 

 

Step 5: Repeat Step 4, rotating and making figure 8s with yarn until finished. Take care not to wind completely over the center-pull strand.

Slide ball off of nostepinne. You’re ready to yarn craft!

 

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 How to Use a Nostepinne appeared first on Vickie Howell.

That 70’s Slipper Sock Crochet Pattern

That 70’s Slipper Sock Crochet Pattern

Hey, crocheters! Here to remind you again that YarnYAY! doesn’t forget about you. In fact, we’re the only subscription box business that includes both knit and crochet patterns for the SAME project. That means, no one gets left out!

In July’s box, we crocheted The 70’s Slipper Socks, the sister project to the knit version. This project is a nostalgic delight, perfect to add to your holiday gift-making list!

Now that the July box is no longer available, I’ve put the pattern for purchase in my Ravelry Shop. Nab it now for only $5!

That 70’s Slipper Sock Crochet Pattern Materials

Approx 194 yds of Valley Yarns Superwash Colors by Vickie Howell, or equivalent worsted-weight yarn
Size U.S. H/5 mm hook
Tapestry needle
Pompom maker (optional)

 

For more information on YarnYay! by Vickie Howell click below. 

The post That 70’s Slipper Sock Crochet Pattern appeared first on Vickie Howell.

10 Tips on Caring for Knitting Needles

Care for Knitting Needles: 10 Tips for Lengthening the Life of Your Favorite Tool

This week on Ask Me Monday, I give ten tips on how to care for needles so that they last you as long as possible!

***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 Needles Featured in Video

Marblz
Zing!
Royale
Dreamz
Karbonz


10 Tips on Caring for Knitting Needles

1. Stay moisturized. High-quality wooden needles will naturally become slicker with use (from the lanolin in wool and oil from knitters’ hands) but it’s a good idea to occasionally clean and moisturize the needles with beeswax and a muslin or shammy.

2. There’s a wax for that. Polish bamboo needles with waxed paper to add a sheen when they become dull or “grabby” from use.

3. Smooth operator. To avoid potentially snagging yarn when knitting, use a very fine sandpaper or emery board to smooth out any rough patches on a bamboo needle. 

4. Pretend they’re vampires. Keep needles out of extreme temperatures and when possible, avoid direct sunlight.

5. Get to the point. Use point protectors on needles, especially smaller gauges and when tossed in your project bag, to prevent tips from chipping.

6. Don’t be a McGyver. To keep needles undamaged, use them for knitting ONLY (and not to open a wine bottle, poke holes in packaging, or help reach something from a high shelf.)

7. Shine on. If nickel-plated or electroplated brass needles start to tarnish, use a microfiber cloth to polish them back to their original shine.

8. Stay calm; dip and pull. To calm down curling circular needle cords, dip them in hot (but not boiling) water for a few seconds. Pull out and give a gentle tug to straighten. Repeat, if necessary.

9. Knit the straight and narrow. To straighten out plastic knitting needles, boil water in a pot on the stove; hold needles over the arising steam; remove from steam and straighten with your fingers; plunge straighten needles in cold water to set.

10. Know when to say goodbye. If metal, plastic or weed needles get a significant nick in them, in most cases, it’s time to let them go so you don’t damage your yarn by snagging or tearing it on the gash.

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!

Resources

Knitter’s Pride

Knit World

Knit Better Socks Blog

WEBS Blog

WikiHow

The post 10 Tips on Caring for Knitting Needles appeared first on Vickie Howell.