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Super Bulky Baby Blanket: New Pattern!

Super Bulky Baby Blanket

The latest pattern using my color collection collaboration with the folks at Valley Yarns, is now available on Ravelry. The Super Bulky Baby Blanket is a squooshy, cheery square of crochet goodness. It’s worked in the round at first, from a small granny square in one corner out, then reverts to granny stripes building upon two side angles. The edging is then added around the entire piece. This project is crocheted using a large-sized crochet hook and (as the name suggests) super bulky yarn so with a little effort, can be whipped up in a couple of days. It’s a great gift for the new baby, born to mum’s with a retro-modern esthetic.  Here’s what you’ll need to make the Super Bulky Baby Blanket:

Materials

Pattern

Valley Yarns Superwash Super Bulky (100% Superwash Extra Fine Merino Wool; 109 yds), in colors by Vickie Howell: (A) 3 Balls Castaway Coral, (B) 3 Balls Moontower Mustard, (C) 3 Balls Aqua Oasis, and (D) 2 Balls Tiki Turquoise

Size U.S. N/P (10.00 mm) crochet hook.

Tapestry needle

Finished Measurements

Approx 30”/76 cm square

Gauge

(3 dc, ch 1) = 2”/5cm

 

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Conversation with Andrea Pippins

On CRAFT*ish: Graphic Designer, Andrea Pippins.

This week’s episode is actually the last one of the 2016 season — and over the past 29 episodes Vickie’s had the absolute honor and pleasure of talking with creative types ranging from Artists and Professional Crafters to photographers and musicians. She’s learned something from each and every conversation, but there have been a handful that’ve really stuck with her — exchanges with guests who were both generous of spirit and thoughtful in mind. Their openness underlining the very reason she wanted to produce this podcast in the first place. In part it’s to feed her own curiosity about people and what makes them, well, them. Outside of her own satiation, however she hopes this show inspires thought and creativity amongst a community she loves being a part of. For Vickie, communication is the ultimate form of creativity.

The latest episode is one of those that she won’t soon forget. Earlier this week Vickie spoke with Graphic Designer, Illustrator and Educator, Andrea Pippins. At the time of this recording we are a little over 4 weeks away from the inauguration of an almost infamous, new President. For ultimate better or worse, to say that our American society is experiencing a period of unrest is probably an understatement. Vickie and Andrea took this meeting as an opportunity to have a very candid conversation about race, education, gender, and the power of creativity during times of personal — or global — insecurity.

Listeners can find CRAFT-ish on iTunes, Soundcloud, or Stitcher. Then go to the Show Notes page to get links and see photo’s of some of Andreas work and to enter to win one of her books.

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Five Ways to Make Yarn Ribbons

Five Ways to Make Yarn Ribbons

It’s that time of year when a lot of us are thinking about gift wrapping, and if you’re a fiber crafter chances are you also have a yarn stash that’s calling to you for adornment use. This week on Ask Me Monday I showed five ways how to knit, crochet, weave and knot yarn ribbons. Here’s a recap of the skills shown:

#1 Finger Crochet

Make a slip knot. Pull working yarn through loop of slip knot to create new loop, *pull working yarn through last loop to create new loop; rep from * until desired length. Fasten off; snip yarn tail.

#2 Crochet i-Cord

With yarn and corresponding sized hook, chain 3 stitches. 

Row 1: Insert hook in second chain from hook and pull up a loop and chain 1; insert hook in 3rd chain from hook and pull up a loop and chain 1. You’ll now have 3 loops on the hook. 

Row 2: Slip the first 2 loops off of hook (pinch between your fingers to keep them live), chain 1; place 2nd loop back on hook, chain 1; place 3rd loop back on hook, chain 1. –3 sts.

Repeat Row 2 until desired length. Fasten off; snip yarn tail. 

#3 Picot Knit

With yarn and corresponding sized needles, cast-on the appropriate amount of stitches for the length desired (see ball band for stitch gauge, aka how many stitches per inch the yarn gets on the suggested needles.)

Row 1: Knit.

Picot Bind-off: Knit 2, bind-off 1, *slip stitch on RH needle back onto LH needle, e-wrap cast-on 2 stitches, bind-off 4 stitches; repeat from * to end.

Weave in ends.

#4 Weave

Wrap yarn 6-20 times around package; using a tapestry needle and contrasting yarn weave over and under the wrapped yarn for as many rows as desired.

#5  Square Knot (Macrame)

Cut 4 strands of yarn the desired length. Knot them together at one end. A few inches down from knot, tie a square knot as follows:

Lay the strand on the far right side over the center two strands and under stand in the far left side.

Bring strand on far left side under center two strands, then up through the loop created by the strand on the far right side. 

Lay the strand on far left side over center two strands, and under strand on far right side.

Bring strand on far right side under the center two strands, then up through the loop created by the strand on the far left side. Pull gently to complete know.

Repeat Square Knot every few inches along yarn strand groupings. Finish with a standard knot.

 

Watch and learn how to make all of the yarn ribbons listed above!

 

Whether you wrap, hang, drape or tie them, yarn ribbons will add a pop of color and a thread of love eyes to the holidays.

Cheers!,

Vickie

Psst! Tune in LIVE to Ask Me Mondays weekly at 12pmCT at Facebook.com/vickiehowell 

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Super-Chunky Hooded Cowl

 

No longer am I sitting in my Austin, Texas house sweating, while working with my beloved bulky-weight fibers. Why, you ask? Because it’s FINALLY cold enough outside to sport super chunky knits. Oh, the glory!  Thankfully, just in time for Winter my friends at Clover sent me their latest installment of the Takumi Bamboo collection: Size U.S. 19 circular needles. Thanks to the pointy tips and signature slick finish of the set, I was able to whip out a cool (or rather, really warm) project in no time. My Super Chunky Hooded Cowl is large in scale, but require relatively little time to knit. That means that even if you live in a climate as I do –where the chilly days are numbered — there’s plenty of time to make and wear this piece. Here’s how!

Super Chunky Hooded Cowl
Materials 

Approx. 330 (360) yds total of Super Bulky Yarn in colors: 1 (2) Balls A, 1 Ball B, and  1 Ball C. I used this.

Size U.S. 19 (15 mm), 29″ (74 cm) Takumi Bamboo Circular Needle

Additional Size U.S. 19 Needle

Clover Large Eye Tapestry Needle

Leather Cording

 

Finished Size(s)

Women’s S/M (L/XL)

 

Finished Measurements

22″(25.5″)/56 cm (65 cm) Tall

40(43″)/101.5 cm (109 cm): Circumference

Gauge

6 sts x 7 rows = 4″/10 cm in Stockinette Stitch

Directions

Cowl:

With A, CO 60 (62) sts. Join rnd, taking care not to twist.

Rnds 1 & 3:  *K1, p1; rep frpm * around.

Rnd 2: *P1, k1; rep from * around.

Rnds 4-6: Knit.

Join B.

Rnd 7:  *With B K1, with A K1; rep from * around.

Cut B.

Rnd 8: With A, knit.

Join C when appropriate.

Rnd 9: *With A k1, with C k1; rep from * around.

Cut C.

Rnds 10-14: With A, knit.

Cut A; join B.

Rnds  15 & 17: With B, knit.

Join C; carry B.

Rnds 16 & 18: With C, knit.

Cut B & C; join A.

Rnd 19: With A, knit decreasing 4 sts evenly around. –56 (58) sts.

Rnd 20: [K1, p1] 11 times, BO 4, *p1, k1; rep from * to end of rnd, then CONTINUE around to beginning point of BOs. This will now be the end of a RS row. — 52 (56) sts.

Note: From here on you’ll work back and forth in rows.

Row 21: K1, p2tog, k2tog, *p1, k1; rep from * to last 5 sts, p2tog, k2tog, p1. — 48 (50) sts.

 

 

Hood:

Cut A, Join B.

Row 1 (RS): With B, k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. –46 (48) sts.

Rows 2 & 4: K2, p to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 3 : Knit.

Cut B; join C.

Rows 5 & 7: With C, knit.

Rows 6 & 8: K2, p to last 2 sts, k2.

Cut C; join B.

Rows 9 & 11: With B, knit.

Rows 10 & 12:  K2, p to last 2 sts, k2.

Cut B; join C.

Rows 13-16: Rep Rows 5-8.

Cut C; join A.

Rows 17 & 19: With A, knit.

Rows 18 & 20: K2, p to last 2 sts, k2.

Cut A; join B.

Rnds 21-24: Rep Rows 9-12.

Larger Size only: With B, work 2 additional rows in established pattern.

Do not bind-off.

Finishing

Flip piece inside out. Split sts evenly in half on circ cord. With RS together and holding the 2 needles parallel, introduce a 3rd needle and BO using the 3-Needle BO method. You can see the method demonstrated in this Ask Me Monday video.

Weave in ends.

Flip piece RS out; weave leather cording over and under the 1st row of ribbing before bind-offs.

Wear and stay cozy.

 

 

 

Enjoy!

xx,

Vickie

@vickiehowell

 

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Angeles Asymmetrical Scarf: New Kit!

Angeles Asymmetrical Scarf Kit

The last of my Vickie Howell Yarncraft Kit Series has finally arrived! The Angeles Asymmetrical Knitted Scarf is modern but wearable in gorgeous, hand-dyed teal or off-white Madeline Tosh Merino Light. This scalene triangle scarf is worked from point to flat edge, with alternating over-sized, peek-a-boo eyelets. 

Here’s a look at how the eyelets are created:

 



 

 

Here’s the details:

Finished Size: 13″/33 cm (at widest point) x 59″/124.5 cm (tip to tip)

Needles (not included): Size 6 (4 mm)

Gauge: 24 sts x 48 rows =4″/10 cm in garter stitch

Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light Yarn in Esoteric or Modern Fair Isle

Fiber content: 100% superwash merino wool

Ball size: 100 g balls – 420 yards

Yarn weight: 1 (fingering)

 

Shown in color: Esoteric

 

Get the kit today, and don’t forget to tag @vickiehowell with a photo of your finished, Angeles Scarf!

 

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Off Kilter Cable Crochet Throw

Off Kilter Cable Throw

I love a good, wool-y blanket. There’s nothing like wrapping yourself up in some super soft merino wool! Often however, crochet versions can look more kitschy (not that there’s anything wrong with that) than contemporary. So what’s a stitcher with a modern sensibility to do? I got you, kid. I got you. I give you the: Off Kilter Cable Throw.

The Off Kilter Cable Throw is crocheted in Vickie Howell for Deramores MOD Wool yarn (100% superwash merino wool), in midcentury modern-inspired colors. The cables are classic, but the asymmetrical stripes make the design feel current. 

This blanket is lap-sized which makes it totally doable for the busy crocheter and also perfect for couch or office. Get the pattern and yarn, then get hooking! 

Off Kilter Cable Throw: Learn how to crochet cables for this project and beyond!

 

 

Want to practice your cables with a quickie project? Check out my MOD Wool, Cuppa Cozie free pattern on the Deramores Blog!

 

 

Don’t forget to tag @vickiehowell when you make these projects. I love seeing your projects!

xx,

Vickie

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Birthday Giveaway: 8th Annual Event!

Birthday Giveaway

Here we are again, another November 18th. What does that mean for me? Well, it’s the completion of another trip around the sun. The more important question though is, what does it mean for you? Well, I think you’re going to like this.

One of my favorite ways to celebrate my birthday (other than wine, family & friends and a good cheese plate) is by giving gifts to my crafty peeps. (Guess what, that’s you!) Every year I host a giveaway of prizes — usually a collection of my own products/projects mixed with others that have been kindly donated by colleagues and companies I work with. This year is no different — I’ve got a dozen gifties to give, including magazines, books, kits and tools — so let’s get this party started! Have a look at the offerings (and don’t forget to bookmark those you might want to also shop for as holiday gifts for others), then see below for entry info.

Giveaway Prizes

2 Copies of the Abridged Version of CrochetSCENE Magazine. You can also buy the Big Bonus version here.

 

2 Copies of Wee Garter Stitch: Must-Have Knits for Modern Babies & Toddlers. You can also buy the book here.

*GREAT GIFT FOR NEW MOMS OR GRANDMAS!*

2 Clover Standing Oval Sock Looms

(Go here to see my free, ankle sock project using this loom!)

 

PRIZE PACK: I Spiral Cowl Kit (Pattern + Vickie Howell for Deramores Woolpaca Chunky Yarn)

OR you can buy the kit here.

**GREAT QUICK GIFT!**

1 copy of Finger Knitting Fun. You can also buy the book here!

*GREAT KIDS GIFT*

PRIZE PACK: 1 Ball Wrist Wonders Kit (Pattern + Vickie Howell for Deramores Mod Wool Yarn)

OR you can buy the kit here.

**GREAT QUICK GIFT!**

1 Copy of Crochet Taxidermy, by Taylor Hart.

**One of Vic’s Picks from Crochetscene 2017!**

1 Copy of Tula Pink’s City Sample: 100 Modern Quilt Blocks

**Hear the episode of the CRAFT*ish podcast featuring Tula here!**

PRIZE PACK: Arrow Head Hat Pattern + Valley Yarns Superwash Super Bulky to Make it!

Or you can buy the pattern and yarn here.

**GREAT QUICK GIFT!**

How to Enter

1.) Sign-up for my newsletter. You can do that HERE.

2.) Post a comment in the Comments Section below letting me know which prize(s) you’re hoping to win.

That’s it!

All entries must be posted by 10pmCT Friday November 25th. Winners will be contacted the following week through the e-mails attached to your profiles.

Good luck to all!

xx,

Vickie

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Oval Knitting Loom: Make a Wine Sleeve!

Oval Knitting Loom Wine Sleeve

As the holidays are upon us, I’ve been thinking a lot about host gifts, as well as creative ways to wrap them. For this week’s project I combined a few things I love: yummy wine, a cool tool (the Clover Oval Knitting Loom), and luscious yarn (my Woolpaca Chunky proved to work like a dream on the loom). The result: a wine sleeve that makes for a be-cozied bottle of good cheer to bring to your favorite festive occasion.

WINE SLEEVE HOW-TO

Materials

Clover Standing Oval Knitting Loom

1 ball each Vickie Howell for Deramores Woolpaca Chunky (80% Merino Wool/20% Alpaca/120 yds) in colors: (A) Goldengate, and (B) Creampuff

Clover Jumbo Tapestry Needle

Velveteen Ribbon

Directions

With A, cast-on yarn to all pegs.

Round 1: With A, *K1, p1; repeat from * around.

Round 2: *P1, k1; repeat from * around.

Seed Stitch Pattern established.

Join B.

Round 3: With B, **K1, p1; repeat from * around.

Round 4: *P1, k1; repeat from * around.

Carrying unused color of yarn along the inside of piece as you go, repeat Rounds 1-4 until piece measures 9″/23 cm, or as long as your wine bottle measures to the curving point.

Tip: To check the length as you knit, periodically slip the wine bottle in through the bottom of the piece.

 

Cut B.

Eyelet Round: With A, * K2tog (place loop from 2nd peg onto 1st peg — it will be tight; e-wrap around peg; slip both stitches over e-wrap and let drop off of peg), YO (lay yarn over empty peg); rep from * around.

 

 

Next Round: Knit.

Work 18 rounds in established, Seed Stitch Pattern.

Cast off using Sewn Cast-Off method.

Finishing

Weave in ends. Weave ribbon through eyelets.

 

Need a Oval Knitting Loom Refresher?

Watch a past episode of my weekly,  Ask Me Monday live stream! I cover both knitting and purling on the loom.

 

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Conversation with DIY Network Contributing Designer, Jennifer Perkins

On CRAFT*ish: Craft Designer, Jennifer Perkins.

This week I talked with my close, crafty compadre, Jennifer Perkins. Jennifer is a Content Contributor for DIYNetwork.com, Brand Ambassador for Treetopia, Blogger Team Member for Tuesday Morning Stores, and independent designer, crafter and artist. You may also know her from her years as the force behind the handmade jewelry company, Naughty Secretary Club or as the host of the TV show, CRAFT LAB.

How I know her, though? Well, that goes way back. Jen and I were in the Austin Craft Mafia together, were both co-hosts of a TV show called Stylicious, and have spent about 15 years talking crafts, business strategy and more recently carpool and Girl Scout Leader duties. She’s a good friend and a great person to have in your creative corner. She also decorates a mean Christmas tree!

Listeners can find CRAFT-ish on iTunes, Soundcloud, or Stitcher. Then go to the Show Notes page to get links and see photo’s of some of Jen’s work.

 

A Special Deal for CRAFT*ish Listeners

Thanks to our sponsor, eSigns who would like to offer 10% off signs to CRAFT*ish listeners  Just use code: CRAFTISH at checkout!

Enjoy!

–Vickie

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Crochet Color Work: Video Tutorial + Kit

On this week’s Ask Me Monday live stream, I showed an introduction to the crochet color work that’s used in my Bear Mountain hat, but can be applied to any project requiring creating a graphic look through crochet.

Crochet Color Work

My Bear Mountain Beanie plays with two types of color work: stripes and stranded. Stranded color work in crochet may look intimidating, but is really quite easy. By simply carrying the unused color behind the work and periodically grabbing the strand under your hook, the yarn moves along with out bunching. Whe you want to swith colors, just pick up the new one during the last yarn-over step of the stitch before the one you want worked in the new color.

Watch & Learn the Basics of Crochet Color Work

Now that you’re all knowledge-filled on crochet color work, why not give it a whirl? Get the complete Bear Mountain Beanie kits from my Yarncraft Kits for Interweave here.

Gray/Purple version: Finished Size: 21 (28)” in circumference. Yarn: Wool and the Gang Wooly Bully Alpaca (80% superfine alpaca, 20% merino wool; 43 yd [40 m]/13/4 oz [50 g]; CYCA #5): Shacklewell grey (B) and eagle grey (C), 1 (2) balls each; Margaux red (A) 1 (1) ball. Hook: Size K/101/2 (6.5 mm) hook. Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain gauge. Notions: Tapestry needle. Gauge: 11 sts and 9 rnds = 4″.

 

White/Orange/Blue/Gray Version: Finished Size: 21 (28)” in circumference. Yarn: Wool and the Gang Wooly Bully Alpaca (80% superfine alpaca, 20% merino wool; 43 yd [40 m]/13/4 oz [50 g]; CYCA #5): ivory white (B), eagle grey (C), 1 (2) balls each; Mr. Sky Blue (A), rusty orange (D), 1 (1) ball each. Hook: Size K/101/2 (6.5 mm) hook. Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain gauge. Notions: Tapestry needle. Gauge: 11 sts and 9 rnds = 4″.

Enjoy!

xx,

Vickie

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