Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 35

‘Tis the Season to Yarn Craft… on TV!

 

 

 

In partnership with JOANN Fabric and Craft Stores and The Knit Show, I appear live, bi-monthly on their Facebook page. The latest episode aired on Tuesday (click image to watch the rebroadcast), and featured a tutorial on a great, host gift: the Swayed Wine Bottle Cozy. 

Knit it: Swayed Wine Bottle Cozy

 

 

During a recent press tour in New York, I visited the Little Things studios for an appearance on their REFRESH show. Go about 18 minutes in (click image) for my attempt to lure the audience over to the yarn-y dark side as we chat The Knit Show, and make Pompom Tree Ornaments! Watch to learn how!

Craft it: Pompom Tree Ornaments

 

 

Last week, I swung by the KTLA Morning News’ Los Angeles studios to talk handmade gifts and The Knit Show! Click image to watch.

As Seen on: Brit + Co. & KTLA News!

 











 

 

#110 The Holiday Episode

Holidays are made better when a little something handmade is involved. On this episode of The Knit Show with Vickie Howell we show stitchers how to make their season bright with projects to give and decorate with, plus gift ideas for the crafty types in your life! 

Designer and Co-Owner of Barrett Wool Co, Susan B. Anderson shows how to knit the unique, elongated stitch used in the Clover Hat, your go-to gift for everyone on your list — kid and adult alike!

Ewe Ewe Yarn’s Heather Walpole who shows a Southwestern take on the season. Her stranded stockings can be brilliantly converted from boot socks to Christmas stocking, by simply changing the needle size and weight of Ewe Ewe yarn you use!

Enjoy! 




























 









































Download Southwest Stocking & Clover Hat Pattens











 











 

Are you a journalist, publisher, blogger, craft business owner, influencer, or broadcaster? Or, do you know someone who is? We need you! The Knit Show is a series made for and by the community, so we’re hoping to work together to get the word out, too. There’s no publication too small — a mention in a newsletter, a quick snap on Instagram, or even in a personal Facebook feed is much appreciated! 

Want more info? Contact: Heather.Marohn@bullseyecomm.com for a press release, images and show clips for YOUR publication or social media platforms. 

Use #theknitshow and tag @vickiehowell and @theknitshow when you post!














 

 

 

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Santa Macramé Wall Hanging

Credit: © 2017 Crown Media United States, LLC | Photo: Alexx Henry Studios, LLC / jeremy lee | Holly Skirt Courtesy of ModCloth | Supplies Courtesy of JOANN

Last week, I had the pleasure of making my 4th appearance (I joked with them that if I come on again, I’ll need a 5 Timers Jacket, a la SNL) on Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family. This go ’round, I brought the kitsch with a vintage-inspired, Santa Wall Hanging that’s as fun to make as it is to display! Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned yarn crafter, or complete novice, this project is a great way to merry macramé . 

Watch the segment here, then make your santa (or elf!) from the instructions below. Happy handmade holidays!

Santa Wall Hanging

Merry Macrame!

by The Knit Show’s Vickie Howell

Materials

8” Macramé hoop (embroidery hoop will work, too!)

1 ball each Big Twist Yarns Natural Blend, in colors: Winter White and Scarlet

— or equivalent chunky-weight yarn

Scissors

Craft felt

Pompom

Hot glue & gun

Directions

FACE

Step 1:

Hold 3 strands of Winter White yarn together, cut to 40”. Tie yarn onto top of hoop using the Larks Head Knot as follows:

1a. Fold strands in half to form a loop; slide loop under hoop top.

1b. Feed tails over hoop top and through loop.

1c. Pull to close knot. You’ll now how a hanging yarn strand bunch.

Repeat this process across top of hoop, six times total (or until you’re satisfied with coverage.)

Step 2:

Tie 4 strands from hanging bunches at a time onto hoop bottom using the Half Hitch Knot as follows:

2a. Wrap yarn bunch over and around hoop bottom.

2b. Feel tails through loop creating by wrapping.

2c. Pull to close knot.

HAT

Step 3:

Cut 26” strand of Scarlet yarn. Using the Larks Head Knot (above), tie yarn onto top of hoop (nestling the Scarlet knots amongst the winter white), but let the strands hang in the opposite direction. Repeat process six times total.

Knot all hat strands together to form hat shape.

Step 4:

Make a white pompom (using your favorite method). Hot glue to top-knot of hat.

Step 5:

Tie an additional piece of yarn for hanger to hat knot.

BEARD

Step 6:

Trim bottom hanging strands to desired beard shape. Unravel yarn strands to create wavy beard.

FACE

Step 7:

Freeform cut Santa eyes, nose, cheeks, mouth and mustache from craft felt. Hot glue into place.

 

Photo: Alexx Henry Studios, LLC / jeremy lee

As Seen On
 

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Smart Getaway for Busy Mamas: Hyatt Hill Country Resort & Spa

Career-Parent Balance

Sometimes (read: a lot of times) as a freelancing working mom of three, balancing work, individual quality time with kids, and finances can be a challenge. Let’s be honest, it’s feast or famine in both cash flow and emotional availability. Along with these challenges, I confess, also comes a certain level of self-imposed guilt. I often feel like I’m not doing enough for everyone in any given situation. Most of the time, I shrug it off with the knowledge that I’m giving what I can … and for the most part, it’s enough. With my kids, though — especially my daughter who unlike her teenage brothers still craves a lot of activity-filled togetherness — the regret of precious moments lost to the soundtrack of, “I’m working right now, please hush!” sits deep within the muscles of my role as mother. During the lion’s share of this year while working on crowdfunding, creating, producing, and promoting a TV-style show the usual symphony of shushing evolved into a ruckus, rock concert. Thusly, that pang of wanting to be everything my daughter needed, reverberated throughout my soul. 

Making Things Work

I’m a big proponent of identifying a problem, then finding a workable solution. So, in between e-mails and conference calls, social media strategizing and content development, I pondered how to right a ship of which I was unsettled by its current direction. It occurred to me that, per usual perhaps, I was overthinking it. That it was ok if I couldn’t drop everything anytime my girl was bored, or had a question, or wanted me to act as her personal cruise director. What really mattered is that she got some time focused on just our mother-daughterdom. The real puzzle though, was how to make that happen within a tight schedule, and a limited budget. Enter, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa.

The key to a smart getaway is choosing a place that packs a lotta proverbial punch, meaning an all-encompassing destination that when done in a weekend (or overnight, in our case) doesn’t require you to go to a bunch of time-consuming and expensive attractions. If you keep it close, then you can do a lot — and love every minute of it! That’s what we did, and it was truly special. From that experience, I’d love to share my 6 tips for how to make the most, and have a blast while doing it, of a quick trip with your kidlet:

1. Get excited!

Before the trip, start a conversation with your kiddo about potential plans. Make sure to emphasize that this is your special time together– and that you’re so looking forward to it!

2. Get right to it.

The staff was all incredibly nice and helpful! Here, Guest Service’s Chauntel gives Clo the scoop on where the fun was to be found. 

When you choose a hotel like the Hyatt Hill Country Resort and Spa that has everything you need on the premises, there’s no need to dawdle whilst figuring out logistics. Upon check-in you’ll be greeted and given the low-down on a well thought out menu of family-friendly activities (ranging from movie nights and water games, to crafts and culinary delights), and handed a beach ball to get you started.

All that’s left to do from there is make a quick stop to the room to drop off everything but your swim-essenntials !

Ok, I brought a little work with me, but left it in the room while we played.

Play Hard

My girl loves her the swimming. And me, well, I love to float. Thanks to the Lazy River (located just steps from our room and amidst the backdrop of the hill country), we were both ahhhhhed.

There are also water slides, an adult pool, and golf courses. Pick yer pleasure!

Rest Easy

Pedicures and Pomegranate Mimosa (for mom only, of course.)

The Windflower Spa is located in a refurbished, historic farmhouse just paces from the main hotel. It’s lovely, serene, and offers a variety of treatments involving locally sourced, organic creams and balms. We opted for mother-daughter mani/pedis, complete with mini-me robe options!

The look on my little one’s face while experiencing her first, real spa just tickled me. The time getting pampered together, cuddling in the lounging swing, and sharing secrets, that though was priceless! 

Eat Well

Whether you rise early for the Texas-shaped waffles, have a hankering for poolside snacks, or are ready for a nice, sit-down meal the Hyatt Hill Country has your cravings covered! As vegetarians, finding favorable food while traveling is often a challenge. I really appreciated, though that when the chef heard there was a veg in the house on what was a BBQ themed night, she came out on the floor to offer to make a special pasta dish for Miss Picky and a delicious, Southwestern style tofu dish for me. All that eats well, ends well.

Live the Sweet Life

To round out our 24 hours of “us time”, I kept one surprise up my sleeve — and oh, was it a treat! With just one phone call, it’s easy to arrange for a cupcake decorating tray, complete with candy accoutrements and cups of milk, delivered to your room.  

Capping it all off with cupcakes — after a day filled with memory-making moments — creates the sweetest of endings!

If you ever find yourself in Central Texas, I highly recommend making a stop at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort and Spa for a quick getaway like we did, or a longer stay where you venture out to see The Alamo, Riverwalk, Amusement Parks and rich, San Antonio culture. 

 

**Disclosure: This post was written as part of a partnership with Hyatt Hill Country Resort and Spa.**

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Conversation with Embroidery Artist, Danielle Clough

This week for the CRAFT*ish Podcast, I chatted with South African embroidery artist, Danielle Cluff. Her journey’s an interesting one, and her art just blows me away. I’ve been following her Instagram feed @FinaceKnowles, for a while now, so getting to talk to her about her technique, inspiration and how American pop culture seeps into much of her work, was truly a treat. 

Click here to “meet” her now, then head on over to her Show Notes Page to see some of her amazing work. Enjoy!

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5 Tips to Organize Your Craft Supplies

5 Tips to Organize Your Craft Supplies

On the latest episode of my weekly, Ask Me Monday series I teamed up with a fantastic company, Globe In, that progresses fair trade for artisans worldwide. Using some of the amazing wares made by craftsmen from India, Mexico, Africa, and beyond, I gave my 5 Tips to Organize Your Craft Supplies.

Watch the rebroadcast below!

5 Tips to Organize Craft Supplies

As Seen on this Episode:

Tip #1: A wooden, lidded bowl makes a handy — and beautiful — place to keep your stitch markers, pins and yarn needles. I love this Spice Bowl made by artisans in West Bengal.

Tip #2: Wooden, lidded boxes are perfect for keeping crafty treasures, like your favorite velvet ribbons. The Upcycled Wood & Bone box would look lovely on any surface, too! 

Tip #3: Don’t be afraid to display your supplies! Different sized baskets are great to create supply vignettes on your shelves, while holding things like scissors, knitting needles, buttons, roving, and more! These palm leaf baskets are woven with care by artisans in a remote village Oaxaca, Mexico.

Tip #4: Use convertible displays, like cylindrical bags. Part container, part purse bags like the Juanita Tote will keep your latest project or your chunky yarn in place, or be ready to go when you’re taking your crafts on the road! 

Tip #5: Be prepared to increase your stash! Travel with a large bag that easily folds up into a small, packable purse. That way, if (read: when) you go fabric or yarn shopping while you’re in a new city, you’ll be prepared to carry it back home with you. This Upcycled Tote will do the job + makes a great project bag for larger items like baby quilts and adult sweaters! 

 

**Get $10 off an Artisan Box   at Globe In– USE CODE: VICKIE at checkout.

(Every purchase gives back to the Fair Trade artisan community!)**

Watch The Global Episode of The Knit Show with Vickie Howell 

 

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Macabre Macrame on DIY Network’s Facebook Live!

Macabre Macrame: Spooky Yarn Wall-Hangings for Halloween

Recently I got to reunite on a DIY Network platform, with me former Styleicious co-host and one of my besties as a guest on her Facebook Live series, DIY This with Jen Perkins. We got ferocious with fiber while I taught the simple, macrame knots used to make this creepy craft. Watch. Make. Enjoy!

Watch how Macabre Macrame is made on DIY this with Jen Perkins!

DIY This with Jennifer Perkins – Spooky Yarn Wall Hanging

DIY This with Jennifer Perkins – Spooky Yarn Wall Hanging

Posted by DIY Network on Thursday, October 12, 2017

Get Your Supplies!



Watched the video and ready to get making your own macabre macrame? Here’s what you’ll need!

Macrame Hoop (embroidery hoop will work, too!)
Chunky-weight yarn
Scissors
Craft felt
Hot glue & gun

Happy Handmade Halloween!

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TUNE IN ALERT: “THE KNIT SHOW WITH VICKIE HOWELL” PREMIERES OCT. 5

Creative Entrepreneur Vickie Howell Hosts and Executive Produces Studio Quality, Internationally Accessible Lifestyle Web Show for the Digital Age

WASHINGTON, D.C. – SEPT. 21, 2017 – Vickie Howell, the host of the wildly popular DIY Network and HGTV series “Knitty Gritty” and PBS’ “Knitting Daily with Vickie Howell,” along with producing partner Clint Howell of ProductionFor, are hooking up the global craft community with the very first studio quality, community-funded and internationally accessible knitting and crochet series “The Knit Show with Vickie Howell.” 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 debuts the entire first season via YouTube on Thursday, Oct. 5. In addition to binge watching the show on demand, project information and downloadable patterns for each episode will also be available on https://theknitshow.com.

An egalitarian, inclusive-to-all, knitting playground made especially for viewers, “The Knit Show with Vickie Howell” combines foolproof aspects from Howell’s former TV shows viewers loved. With elements speaking to today’s mindful and media savvy viewer, the series showcases industry experts and superstar guests, including The Breeders’ Singer-Songwriter Kelley Deal; knitting and crochet tips and techniques; and modern, totally make-able, high- quality downloadable projects. Along with a heaping dose of how-to content, each half-hour episode includes a knitting and crochet segment focused on mental and physical health and a fun glimpse into the shops, groups and lifestyles of the global craft community.

Viewers can join “The Knit Show with Vickie Howell” conversation by connecting via social media on Instagram and Facebook (@theknitshow) using the hash tag #theknitshow and catch clips and promos on the show’s YouTube Channel. Fans may also engage with Vickie Howell on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube via the handle @vickiehowell; @iamvickiehowell on Pinterest; and via her personal website at https://vickiehowell.com.

ABOUT VICKIE HOWELL

VICKIE HOWELL, HOST & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Breathe in. Knit out. Vickie Howell, the youngest craft host on the DIY Network during the craft revolution, is an internationally recognized blogger, magazine columnist, best-selling author and well-known television host of the DIY Network/HGTV “Knitty Gritty” TV series, as well as PBS’ “Knitting Daily with Vickie Howell.” A designer and instructor, Howell has produced thousands of hours of craft-based programming and contributed to hundreds of print, web and audio publications intended to inspire and empower people to be creative. She currently reaches an international audience via her YouTube channel, Live Facebook stream Ask Me Monday, CreativeLive & Brit+Co. online courses and her Craft*ish podcast.

ABOUT PRODUCTIONFOR

ProductionFor is an award-winning full-service production and post-production facility based in Austin, Texas. They are creatives, artists, directors, writers, cinematographers, photographers, editors, animators, designers and above all – storytellers. Thriving on a playing field that is constantly changing, growing and morphing – where the rules are constantly being rewritten – ProductionFor has created a wide range of diverse projects, from national ad campaigns, broadcast commercials and digital ad content, docu-style television pilots and feature packages for networks to music videos, PSAs, brand stories and product-launch visual packages. The ProductionFor collective has decades of experience in producing, editing, visual effects, motion graphics and comprehensive production and post-production. For more information about ProductionFor and samples of the company’s reels, feel free to visit www.productionfor.com. Viewers can join the conversation by connecting via social media on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@productionfor).

HOST & EXECUTIVE INTERVIEWS, SCREENERS & EPISODE GUIDE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

MEDIA CONTACTS: BULLSEYE COMMUNICATIONS

Heather Marohn: 908-268-3770 or heather.marohn@bullseyecomm.com

Brandii Toby-Leon: 865-963-2418 or brandii.leon@bullseyecomm.com

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Halloween Pom Pom Wreath

 


Halloween Pom Pom Wreath

Pom poms are having a moment right now — from traditionally topping hats, to playfully covering pillows — and I frankly, am wallowing in it. Or, for the purposes of this post, “Hallowing” in it! 

Today’s project, a Halloween Pom Pom Wreath, brings a little softness to the spooky veneer of the holiday. Using several different types of yarns in thematic colors, as well as three sizes of Clover Pom Pom Makers you’ll be able to create a petrifying pile of poms! From there, yarn-globes meet glue and you’re on your way to to sculpting the Halloween wreath of your dreams … or is it nightmares?

Here’s how!

Make the Halloween Pom Pom Wreath

MATERIALS

Clover Pom Pom Maker Pack (Size 2 1/2″ and 3 3/8″)

Clover Pom Pom Maker (Size 1 5/8″)

16″ Styrofoam Wreath Form 

Several Balls of Different Weights of Yarn in Colors: Black, White, Grey and Orange

Approx 12″ Long Piece of Ribbon

Hot Glue and Gun

Scissors

Bottle Brush Trees, or Other Adornments

DIRECTIONS

Make approx. 35 (or desired amount) Halloween pom poms using any combination of black, white and/or grey yarns, and the largest, Pom Pom Maker.Pom Pro Tip: Play with different yarn combos by either holding two strands together, or wrapping sections with different yarns!




Make approx 16 (or desired amount) Halloween pom poms using any combination of black, white and/or grey yarns, and the medium sized Pom Pom Maker.Pom Pro Tip: Avoid using single ply or roving yarns to tie around your pom pom to secure strands; chances are they’ll break while you’re knotting. Plied yarns or strong string work best!


Make approx 7 (or desired amount) Halloween pom poms using orange yarn and smallest Pom Pom Maker



Pom Pro Tip: Prevent your pom pom pieces from falling out by tying the center string around one time normally, and again with a knot. 
Tie piece of ribbon for hanging, around top of wreath. 
Using hot glue and gun, attach pom poms to wreath form, taking care to really fill the front and outer edge.



Glue bottle brush trees to bottom front.

 

Happy Halloween! 

Looking for another fun, Halloween pompom craft? A bouquet of eyeballs will bring some added “boo!” to your dastardly decor! 

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Valley Yarns Worsted: New Color Collection Collab!

Valley Yarns Worsted: Color Collab!

Hey, hey, hey! I had such a great experience partnering with WEBs to create a color collection within their Valley Yarns Superwash Super Bulky line (psst…check out the latest additions: Astroturf, Peacock, and Pink Flamingo!), that we decided to another one in their Superwash Worsted line. Pattern support will be rolling out soonish, but please consider this as a go-to yarn for any project requiring a worsted weight yarn. It’s 100% superwash merino wool, which means it’s crazy soft and easy to care for. See below for my colors, then head on over to Yarn.com to nab some for your stash! xx, Vickie

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Pompom & Flower Loom Earrings

This week on my regular series, Ask Me Monday I implored you STOP before throwing away those yarn scraps. Instead, turn them into sets of handcrafted earrings! Thanks to the Clover Pompom Maker and Mini Flower Looms, it’s easy to make those artisanal ear baubles that are so popular right now.

Pompom & Flower Loom Earrings : Watch the Episode Now!

Supplies Needed for This Project:

Clover Small Pom Pom Maker




Clover Mini Flower Loom




Yarn and Fabric Scraps
Embroidery Floss
Jump-rings
Jewelry chain
Earring hooks
Jewelry pliers
Scissors
Sharp embroidery needle

If you make a pair, don’t forget to tag @vickiehowell on social media. I love seeing what you make!

xx,

Vickie

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