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From the Archives: How to Make Recycled Heart Crayons

Recycled Crayons

As Summer gets closer and the reality settles in of my the youngest of my littles needing activities during the break, I’m digging through my kids’ crafts archives from when her brothers were her age. This take on recycled crayons was a post I wrote in 2009 for PBS Parents. Nine years later though, and it’s still a great craft to kiddos’ creative juices flowing!

Materials

Unwanted  crayons

Silicon icecube tray

How-to

Break your crayons into small pieces.
Place the crayon pieces into a silicon ice tray. Kids love being a part of this process because they can mix & match colors to create their own, little works of art! 
Bake in the oven at 250 degrees (F) for 20 minutes, or until crayons are completely melted. Carefully remove them from the oven, taking care not to spill the hot wax.
Place the trays in the freezer for about 30 minutes to harden.

When they’re hard enough, pop your crayon creations out of the trays and enjoy!

 

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3 Openwork Stitches for Spring/Summer Knitting

Openwork Stitches for Spring & Summer Knitting

This week on Ask Me Monday, we focus on light and airy, openwork stitches for knitting during warmer weather. These stitches can be used in the whole of a garment, or just as panels within plain knitted pieces. Paired with an organic cotton, any of these patterns would be lovely incorporated into a top, worked into a bag pattern, or as a lightweight scarf. Watch my video tutorials, then take these stitches for a spin using the below swatch instructions. Enjoy! –VH

***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!

Supplies Used

US Size 8/5mm Knitter’s Pride Zing Needles (Great for working with cotton blend yarns!)

Kristin Omdahl Be So Tender (100% organic cotton), in color: Sky

Tapestry Needle

Decorative Ladder Practice Swatch

CO 19 sts.

Row 1: K8, k1tbl, p1, k1tbl, k8.

Row 2: P8, p1tbl, k1, p1tbl, p8.

Rows 3-14: Repeat Rows 1 & 2.

Row 15: Repeat Row 1

Row 16: P8, p1tbl, drop next st, YO, p1tbl, p 8.

BO.

Using Tapestry Needle, a strand of yarn, and using Ask Me Monday video as a guide, twist and weave dropped stitch ladder.

Openwork Stitches: Indian Cross Stitch

CO 16 sts.

Rows 1-4: Knit.

Row 5: Knit all sts, wrapping 4 times each stitch.

Row 6: (where the magic happens!): [Sl 8 sts p-wise, letting extra wraps drop; insert LH needle from front into first 4 stitches and lift over last 4 (but don’t drop off needle); transfer stitches back to LH needle in the new orientation and knit] TWICE.

Rows 7-10: Knit.

Repeat Rows 5-10, once more.

BO.

Elongated Cross Garter Stitch (Modified)

CO 18.

Rows 1-9: Work in Stockinette Stitch.

Row 10(WS): Using the video as a guide, insert needle as to knit and wrap yarn around both needles twice and then around the back needle only, once more; pull loop through all wraps dropping them and the last stitch. Repeat across.

Row 11: Knit.

Rows 12-13: Repeat Rows 10-11

Rows 14-18: Work in Stockinette Stitch.

BO.

 

REFERENCE: Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book (Updated Edition)

Tune in to Facebook on Mondays for more, Ask Me Monday videos. You can watch past videos here!

Hey, you. Love yarn and knitting treats? Want to hang and knit with me in a more intimate, virtual setting? Subscribe to my new, knitting subscription box service,YarnYAY!

 

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YarnYAY! Subscription Pre-Sales are LIVE!

YarnYAY! is live!

I am so excited to announce that my brand new knitting subscription box service (in partnership with CrateJoy), YarnYAY! by Vickie Howell is LIVE!

Join today and become one of the first subscribers and help build the YarnYAY! community. We’re launching with a limited amount of boxes, so nab ’em while they’re hot — pre-order now for shipping at the beginning of May.

What is YarnYAY!?

YarnYAY! is a knitting subscription box service lovingly curated by me.  Each month you’ll receive little bits of yarn-y happiness, delivered to your doorstep.

Included in each (aqua-colored!) box, are bite-sized portions of artisanal, hand-dyed or indie mainstay yarns, an original knitting pattern (which I have designed specifically with the monthly time frame and individual boxes’ yardage in mind), and at least two specialty items that will make your knitting heart swoon. Whenever possible, the majority of the items support small and/or local businesses (including pattern printing.) This means that by subscribing, not only are you wallowing in stitching delights and supporting my business, but you’re also taking part in a larger effort to fuel the independent businesses that make the yarn community so special.

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Why I started it.

For the past 15 years of my career within the knitting industry, I’ve been sharing with the community — through TV shows, books, tutorials, classes, live appearances, social media, etc. — my passion for knitting. That’s meant everything from great projects and my favorite designs to cool tools and of course, yarn.

Up until now, however, I’ve always had to send folks elsewhere to track down all of those great products. YarnYAY! by Vickie Howell changes that. Starting today, knitters can opt-in for receiving monthly packages which will include some of my favorite fiber finds. You can count on me to not only bring offerings from small dyers and indie craft companies right to your doorstep but also offer semi-private tutorials, exclusive live videos and a close-knit (har, har, har) community via a private Facebook group.

The Bigger Picture

Much like the intent behind my series, The Knit Show, my broader vision for YarnYAY! is to be a productive contributor to the well-being of the yarn industry as well as another nurturing component of our community. That sounds nice, you say, but what the heck does it mean? Here’s how I see it:

The rising tide lifts all boats. It’s my hope to be able to expose gorgeous products to my audience in batches that are affordable and sized for project-finishing success (I think it’s important for us to have little wins in our life, even within the context of crafting.) Once “YarnYayers” have the opportunity to play (and fall in love with) with these products, I encourage them to go out and shop for larger amounts at their local yarn store, Etsy shops, or favorite online small business. We’re all in this together, yo. Speaking of…

It takes a village. Maintaining creativity in our very busy lives takes effort, but encouraging and enabling others to do so is my absolute passion, and I believe that community is key to making that happen. We need each other. 

To that end, YarnYAY! isn’t just a retail service, it’s also an extension of our community. Subscribers will have the opportunity to virtually hang out and knit-along together, ask me questions, have access to tutorials, and participate in brainstorming sessions for future, YarnYAY! boxes. We’ll build this together!

 

 

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The Knit Show: Webby Awards Honoree!

Season 1 of the groundbreaking streaming series, The Knit Show with Vickie Howell is honored by The Webby Awards

AUSTIN, TEXAS – April 4, 2018 – In a programming landscape where high-quality, episodic craft programming struggles to get its seat at the broadcasting table, The Knit Show with Vickie Howell — the first community-funded, internationally accessible knitting and crochet series — is an Official Webby Awards Honoree in the DIY and How-To category.

 

In an e-mail sent to Honorees, Webby Awards Executive Director, Claire Graves noted that with over 13,000 entries from all 50 U.S. States and 70 countries, the 22nd year of the Awards is the most competitive to date. Official Honorees are considered to be amongst the top 18% of all entries.

The Knit Show with Vickie Howell (produced in partnership with ProductionFor) was greenlit by a fully-funded Kickstarter campaign, including finishing at 110% of its goal and international support from 1200 backers around the world, the lifestyle web series debuted the entire first season via YouTube in October 2017. Since the debut, there have been over 330,000 views of the channel, and subscribers are up 270%. For more information (or to binge-watch) the series, check out theknitshow.com.

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Granny Roseanne: Crochet a Granny Square Blanket

Those of you who’ve followed me over the years, know how I obsessively search out knitting and crochet in TV, movies, and fashion. Well, once again, pop culture meets yarn in the re-up of ABC’s hit comedy, Roseanne. The Connor house wouldn’t be the same without the iconic, granny square blanket. The new season — which by the way feels as smart and relevant as it did in its original, 1990’s incarnation– displays it in all its glory! Below is my view of it on the Connor couch, from where I sat on my own. (Psst … I’d love to know who made this one so I can give them proper adulation. Reach out if you’ve got the scoop!)

 

Recently, at SXSW (here in Austin, TX), versions of the above banket be-cozied many rickshaws promoting the show. This, of course, thrilled me to no end. However, seeing the piece on screen is the most fun of all, which inspired this post.

Hey, how about crocheting your own, Rosanne Granny Blanket? Sounds fun, right? Here’s how!

Granny Square Instructions

With Color A, Ch 6. Sl st in 1st ch to create ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 3, (counts as a dc here and throughout), 2 dc in ring, [ch 3, 3 dc in ring] 3 times. ch 3; join with sl sl in 3rd ch of beginning ch-3. — 4 dc clusters, 4 ch-3 spaces

Cut A; Join B.

Rnd 2: With B, ch 4, (counts as dc and ch-1 sp here and throughout), *(3dc, ch 3, 3 dc) In next corner ch-3 sp, ch 1; rep from * 2 more times, (3 dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in first corner ch-3 sp: join with a sl st in 3rd chain of beginning ch-4.

Cut B; Join C.

Rnd 3: With C, sl st in next ch-1 sp. ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), 2 dc in same ch-1 sp, *ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next corner ch-3 sp, ch 1**, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * 3 more times, ending last rep at **; join with a sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch-3.

Cut C; Join D.

Rnd 4: With D, ch 4, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, *ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next corner ch-3 sp**,[ch 1, 3 dc, in next ch-1 sp] twice; rep from * 3 more times. ending last rep at**, ch 1, 2 dc in last ch-1 sp; join with a sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch-4.

Cut D; Join E.

Rnd 5: With E, sl st in next, ch-1 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same ch-1 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, *ch 1, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) in next corner ch-3 sp**, [ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp] 3 times; rep from * 3 more times, ending last rep at **, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, join with a sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch-3.

Rnd 6: Ch 3 (counts as dc), *dc in next st, and every st until corner center st (this will be the center st of the corner grouping of sts), 3 dc in corner st; rep from *,  ending with dc at end of rnd, join with a sl st in 3rd chain of beginning ch-3.

Fasten off.

Weave in ends. Block, if necessary.

Roseanne Granny Blanket Recipe

MATERIALS

*Note: The Rosanne Granny Blanket will take approximately 3100 yards of yarn. The amounts per color, however, will vary greatly depending on how you choose to make it. The spirit of this project is to use many different colors, united by black borders. That said, here’s a general supply list!

Valley Yarns Superwash Worsted, Colors by Vickie Howell (100% Superwash Merino Wool; 98 yds), in colors: Shown: (A) Golden Girl, (B) Siracha, (C) Manic Panic, (D) Daiquiri Ice, (E) Black

Other Valley Yarns Superwash Worsted supplemental color suggestions: Careless Whisper, Pink, Spring Leaf, Orchid, Plum.

Size U.S. 8/5 mm Crochet Hook

Tapestry Needle

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

64″ x 64″/163 cm x 163 cm

GAUGE

1 Granny Square = 8″/20 cm

MAKE BLANKET

Crochet 64 granny squares (using pattern above), in various shades, but with the same “E” Rnds 5-6.

Sc or hand seem squares into an 8 x 8 grid.

Weave in ends.

 

Need help learning how to crochet a granny square? Check out my Crochet Maker 2  online class on CreativeLive!

Now, go be gaga for Granny Roseanne! 

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How to Make Plarn (Plastic Bag Yarn) for Charity Sleep Mats

How to Make Plarn (Plastic Bag Yarn)

The first time I learned about plarn (yarn created by cutting and tying together strips of plastic grocery bags), was in 2005 when British designer, Erika Knight was a guest on a TV show I used to host called, Knitty Gritty. She showed it made using a rainbow variety of bags, an array of which I have yet to come across here in the states, and knitted into a garden mat. At the time, it was revolutionary. Side note: Erika is my knitting spirit animal. But, I digress.

Years later, I applied her method to create a crocheted lunch bag for the book, AwareKnits (Knit, Purl, Save the World in the UK), which I co-wrote with Adrienne Armstrong.

More recently, however a childhood friend told me about how her mom’s church group was using plarn to crochet sleep mats for the homeless. Since plastic bags have now been banned in my home city of Austin, TX, to be honest, I’d completely abandoned plarn-crafts. Most seemed more novelty than not, anyway. This, though … THIS is a fantastic project with a worthwhile enough result to seek out other cities’ sack stashes!

This week on Ask Me Monday, I talk through making plarn, give the scoop on yardage, tips for working with it, and basic recipes for both knitting and crocheting these mats. Watch live on Facebook at 12pmCT, or here afterwards. Then, use the information below to start your own mat-making!

But first…

Basic Crochet Sleep Mat Recipe (Recommended)

Supplies:

Approx 58 plastic bags or 504 yards of plarn

Size 12 mm crochet hook

Scissors

How to:

Make plarn using the above episode of Ask Me Monday as a guide.
Crochet a 24″/61 cm chain, plus 2.
Hdc (half double crochet) in 3rd chain from hook and to end. Turn.
 Chain 2, hdc in next stitch and to end.

Repeat Step 4, until mat measures 72″/183 cm from edge. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Basic Knit Sleep Mat Recipe

Supplies:

Approx 140 plastic bags or 1260 yds of plarn

Size US 11/8mm

Scissors

Gauge

12 sts x 24 rows = 4″/10 cm in Garter Stitch

How to:

Make plarn using the above episode of Ask Me Monday as a guide.
Cast on 72 stitches.
Knit every row.

Repeat Step 3 until mat measures 72″/183 cm from edge. Bind off. Weave in ends.

Tune in every Monday at 12pmCT for Ask Me Monday, live on Facebook!

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How to: Extended Crochet Stitches

Extended Crochet Stitches

This week on Ask Me Monday, I showed how to work extended crochet stitches including extended single crochet, extended double crochet, and extended triple crochet.  Extended crochet stitches are a great way to add a little height, but without as much weight or girth as traditional, taller stitches. Watch the rebroadcast, then use the practice swatch instruction below to take your new skills for a spin! 

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Note: You are watching a RECORDED version of an originally live broadcast.
Extended Crochet Stitches US. and U.K Terms

U.S. / U.K.

Extended Single Crochet (ESc) / Extended (or Chain) Double Crochet (EDc or ChDc)
Extended Double Crochet (EDc) / Extended ( or Chain) Treble Crochet(Etr or ChTr)
Extended Triple Crochet (ETr) / Extended (or Chain) Double Treble Crochet (EDTr or ChDTr)

Extended Crochet Stitches Practice Swatches

Written in U.S. Terms, please reference above for U.K. translation.

Yarn Shown: Valley Yarns Superwash Superbulky in Colors by Vickie Howell: Moontower Mustard

Extended Single Crochet (ESc)

Ch 11.

ESc (insert hook into stitch and pull up loop; YO and pull through FIRST LOOP only; YO and pull through remaining two loops) in 3rd ch from hook, and across. Turn.

ROW 1: Ch 2, ESc in next st and across. Turn.

Repeat ROW 1 until you’re ready to high five yourself for finishing!

 

Yarn Shown: Valley Yarns Superwash Superbulky in Colors by Vickie Howell: Castaway Coral

Extended DoubleCrochet (EDc)

Ch 12.

EDc (YO and insert hook into stitch and pull up loop; YO and pull through FIRST LOOP only; [YO and pull through two loops] TWICE) in 4th ch from hook, and across. Turn.

ROW 1: Ch 4, EDc in next st and across. Turn.

Repeat ROW 1 until you’re a EDc master!

 

Yarn Shown: Valley Yarns Superwash Superbulky in Colors by Vickie Howell: AstroTurf

Extended Triple Crochet (ETr)

Ch 13.

ETr (YO twice and insert hook into stitch and pull up loop; YO and pull through FIRST LOOP only; [YO and pull through two loops] THREE TIMES) in 5th ch from hook, and across. Turn.

ROW 1: Ch 5, ETr in next st and across. Turn.

Repeat ROW 1 until you’re Extended Triples feel like an extension of yourself!

Tune in LIVE on Facebook every week for Ask Me Monday at 12pm CT for a new knitting, crochet, craft, or creative business topic!

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Join us at SXSW for a Facebook Live Networking Event

SXSW Facebook Live Broadcasters Meet-up

Whether you’re promoting a Fortune 500 company, building a small business, or just working a side hustle, Facebook Live is paramount to the cultivation of community and creating an engaged following for your brand. Come join DIYNetwork.com’s Jennifer Perkins, and Facebook Live niche series pioneer Vickie Howell (her series, “Ask Me Monday” is the longest running in the genre) along with other Facebook Live Broadcasters at a Meet-Up and networking event to share tips & tricks on staying current in an ever-evolving medium.

Seasoned pros *and* those considering pressing the “Live” button are welcome!

WHEN: Sunday March 11th at 11:00am-12:00pm
WHERE: JW Marriott, Room 213 (110 E. 2nd St.)

For more info, go here.

Hope to see you there!

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Three Bind-Off Solutions for Your Knitting

Bind-Off Solutions 

This week on Ask Me Monday, the focus was on Bind-Off Solutions to make your knitted cast-off edges tidier, stretchier, or sturdier. Watch the recorded version of the broadcast to learn the: Wendy’s SSK Bond-Off, Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off, and K2together Bind-Off methods. 

Ask Me Monday #91: Wendy's SSK BO, Jeny's Bind Off, k2tog BO.

Ask Me Monday #91: Three #Knitting Bind-Off Solutions!

Posted by Vickie Howell on Monday, March 5, 2018

Tune in (almost) every Monday at 12pmCT on Facebook for a tutorial, Q&A, yarn scoop, and more! 

 

Resources

Wendy’s SSK Bind-Off, was taught to me by Yarnivore‘s Wendy Pohlhammer
I found Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off via Knitty.
The K2together Bind-Off came for “Cast on, Bind off” by Cap Sease

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Boho Valentine Wallhanging

Boho Valentine Wallhanging

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to spread a little love for yarn crafting. Today, I did just that in a segment on “We Are Austin.” We talked knit, crocheted, and crafted projects to make and give to your galentine … or palentine, this V-day. Click above to watch the segment, then set off to make your a Boho Valentine Wallhanging like the one from the show. Happy love day!

Make it: Boho Valentine Wallhanging

MATERIALS

Vintage Arrow

Various Yarn and Trimmings — the more textures the better!

Faux Leather Lacing

Scissors

HOW-TO

Separate yarns and trimmings into color groupings.

 

Cut pieces of yarn and trimmings to twice the length of however long  you’d like your wallhanging to be.




Pair a few strands of similar colored pieces together; fold in half; place piece at folded point, over the arrow; pull tails through loop to secure. 
Continue in this manner, arranging colors from lightest to darkest.
Trim ends.
Tie faux leather lacing to either side of arrow, to create hanger.

Hang & enjoy!

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