Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 4
October 3, 2023
YarnYAY! October Box #66
YarnYAY! October Box #66Oh, October, how I love you. The YarnYAY! October Box #66 is a direct expression of that! Including cozy (and sustainable) yarn in autumnal shades, perfect-for-gifting two wrist warmer patterns, kitty cat stitch markers, and a pumpkin needle felting kit this subscription box for knitters and crocheters will have you FALLing for autumn stitching … and dare we say, YarnYAY! Here’s what’s inside.
&Make Aran | The FIber Co
This month’s featured yarn is a perfect blend of Faire Trade Highland wool and alpaca twisted into a delightful 2-ply yarn. It’s a joy to work with, shows great stitch definition and our chosen shades of Spill the Tea and Mon Ami exude fall vibes!
Textured Wristers Patterns | Designs by Vickie Howell & Gavriella Tremino
As the weather gets crisper our handwear gets cuter, we love these textured wrist warmers!
Harvester Knit Wrist Warmers by Vickie Howell
The knit versions, Harvester (by Vickie) are worked in a combination of twisted rib and half-linen stitch. They begin and end in the round, with the thumb opening portion worked back and forth.
Forager Crochet Wrist Warmers by Gavriella Tremino
The crochet versions, Forager (by Gavriella) are made in linen stitch with an eyelet detailing. They’re crocheted flat, then seamed up, leaving an opening for the thumb.
Follow Vickie on Instagram @vickiehowell, and Gavriella @hellogavriella.
Cat Clips | Twice Sheared Sheep
These simple stitch markers are the cat’s meow! Slide these kitties onto your needles like an ordinary stitch marker, or clip them onto a stitch anywhere on your work. As far as handy tools go, they’re purrrfect. (You’re welcome.)
Pumpkin Needle Felting Kit | Felted Sky Studio
This beginner’s needle felting kit produces the cutest, little pumpkin — a perfect addition to your autumnal decor. You’re sure to Fall in love (har, har, har) with this fiber craft that expands past the passion for knit and crochet. Have fun, pumpkin!
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September 24, 2023
Until We Knit Again, Suzanne Middlebrooks
I am devastated by the loss of Hill Country Weavers founder, Suzanne Middlebrooks.
When I moved from L.A. to Austin 20 years ago, I was a new knitter and young mom who didn’t know many people. I felt lonely, isolated, and lost in this strange Texas-place. When I needed a pick-me-up, often with toddlers in tow, I headed over to Hill Country Weavers to browse or gain some yarn-wisdom from Suzanne — who didn’t even bat an eyelash when my then 4-year-old was attempting to climb up the buttons shelves! The little house on South Congress where HCW used to live, was a refuge for me. It was like visiting an eccentric aunt’s home filled with the most glorious treasures. That same year, I started an Austin chapter of a Stitch n’ Bitch group, which I had previously started in Southern California. Due to this connection (or perhaps sensing my need for community), Suzanne asked me to introduce Debbie Stoller when she came to the shop on tour for the first of her now legendary Stitch n’ Bitch series. As a longtime fan of BUST Magazine, I was beyond honored! And, as it turned out, this would be just the first of many times that Susanne and I would low-key partner on events.
It’s kindnesses like these and relationships like the one I had with Suzanne that I consider pinnacle to my now multi-decade career as a professional knitter and crocheter. Seeing her face light up when yarn-lovers like me came into the room, I believe, was the key to the success of her iconic shop.
None of that charm was lost when they moved to a crisper, more modern location. It just evolved, like the light within Suzanne was too bright to stay in the cozy cottage it once inhabited. It needed room to breathe, and a place to shine. I am filled with gratitude that we shot a segment for my series The Knit Show, at the new location and with Suzanne who was then still full-cheeked and healthy. It is a piece of her that I will most certainly revisit.
Suzanne had been sick for a long time but had been a master at not letting the illness get in the way of her living. So, if was often unimaginable that she wouldn’t be with us for longer. Last June during an industry convention in Chicago when Susanne came over to the bar booth I was sitting at and plopped herself next to me to chat, I had no idea that it would be the last time I’d get to see her. I’m so thankful though, that when we parted ways to go back to our respective meetings, it was with a hug. Rest in purls, my friend.
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Until We Knit Again, Susanne Middlebrooks
I am devastated by the loss of Hill Country Weavers founder, Susanne Middlebrooks.
When I moved from L.A. to Austin 20 years ago, I was a new knitter and young mom who didn’t know many people. I felt lonely, isolated, and lost in this strange Texas-place. When I needed a pick-me-up, often with toddlers in tow, I headed over to Hill Country Weavers to browse or gain some yarn-wisdom from Susanne — who didn’t even bat an eyelash when my then 4-year-old was attempting to climb up the buttons shelves! The little house on South Congress where HCW used to live, was a refuge for me. It was like visiting an eccentric aunt’s home filled with the most glorious treasures. That same year, I started an Austin chapter of a Stitch n’ Bitch group, which I had previously started in Southern California. Due to this connection (or perhaps sensing my need for community), Susanne asked me to introduce Debbie Stoller when she came to the shop on tour for the first of her now legendary Stitch n’ Bitch series. As a longtime fan of BUST Magazine, I was beyond honored! And, as it turned out, this would be just the first of many times that Susanne and I would low-key partner on events.
It’s kindnesses like these and relationships like the one I had with Susanne that I consider pinnacle to my now multi-decade career as a professional knitter and crocheter. Seeing her face light up when yarn-lovers like me came into the room, I believe, was the key to the success of her iconic shop.
None of that charm was lost when they moved to a crisper, more modern location. It just evolved, like the light within Susanne was too bright to stay in the cozy cottage it once inhabited. It needed room to breathe, and a place to shine. I am filled with gratitude that we shot a segment for my series The Knit Show, at the new location and with Susanne who was then still full-cheeked and healthy. It is a piece of her that I will most certainly revisit.
Susanne had been sick for a long time but had been a master at not letting the illness get in the way of her living. So, if was often unimaginable that she wouldn’t be with us for longer. Last June during an industry convention in Chicago when Susanne came over to the bar booth I was sitting at and plopped herself next to me to chat, I had no idea that it would be the last time I’d get to see her. I’m so thankful though, that when we parted ways to go back to our respective meetings, it was with a hug. Rest in purls, my friend.
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September 12, 2023
How to Seam a Knit or Crocheted Twisted Headband
How to Seam a Knit or Crocheted Twisted HeadbandAs we (hopefully) tiptoe into the possibility of cooler weather, can can also ease into knitting and crocheting warmer garments with something simple and stylish like a headband/ear warmer. That’s exactly what we’re focusing on in YarnYAY! September Box with: the Plot Twist (knit) and Twist of Fate (crochet) headbands, knit in Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Tweed. Quick, cute, and fun — my favorite type of stitching!In this video, I show how you create the twisting of the fabric in my favorite style of headband.
Give it a watch then head on over to my YarnYAY! Shop to get your box (including the yarn, both patterns and so much more!) New to YarnYAY? (Use code: FIRSTYAY15 for 15% off your first box!)The post How to Seam a Knit or Crocheted Twisted Headband appeared first on Vickie Howell.
September 11, 2023
YarnYAY! September Box #54
Curl up cozily with this month’s twisted headband projects in smart, classic, Woolstok Tweed from Blue Sky Fibers! Keep your notions near in a gorgeous little square olive wood notions bowl from Naturally Med. Put up your feet and listen to an audiobook while stitching and sipping on a nice cuppa of Peaceful Spirit Tea from Flying Botanicals. The Knitting Needle Patent greeting card from Patent Press memorializes the creation of tools that we stitchers can now, not do without!
Woolstok Tweed | Blue Sky Fibers
Oh, how we love a smart, classic tweed for the Fall! Soft, lofty, and rustic in character, this four-ply Aran weight is ideal for a variety of garments and accessories. We chose rich, creamy rose & plum shades to evoke an Academia-core sensibility.
Twisted Headband Patterns | Designs by Vickie Howell & Gavriella Treminio
An intellectual’s ear warmer? A thinking human’s headband? Simply adorable accessory? Curl up cozily with this month’s projects.
The knit version, Plot Twist, designed by Gavriella is knit in squooshy, Fisherman’s Rib that’s both warm and handsome.
The crochet version, Twist of Fate, designed by Vickie is worked in a back loop, yarn-over slip-stitch pattern that looks like knit rib. Both headbands are twisted in the seaming process.
Follow Vickie on Instagram @vickiehowell, and Gavriella @hellogavriella.
Olive Wood Notions Bowl | Naturally Med
These gorgeous little square olive wood bowls are perfect for displaying notions. Stitch markers, buttons, pins & needles — all will feel at home in this Tunisian-made beauty!
Knitting Needle Patent Greeting Card | Patent Press
What looks like part circular knitting needle, part Tunisian crochet hook is illustrated as the patent drawing for flexible knitting needles. This greeting card memorializes the creation of tools that we stitchers can now, not do without!
Peaceful Spirit Teabag | Flying Botanicals
Put up your feet and listen to an audiobook while stitching and sipping on a nice cuppa. This blend is an uplifting aromatic blend to raise your spirits, support your mind and warm your body—an excellent tea for calm focus.
Get YarnYAY! Monthly Today!
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August 29, 2023
Halloween Mini Retreat for Knitters & Crocheters
I’m thrilled to announce our very first virtual, thematic mini-retreat!
Are you a spooky stitcher ready to howl at the moon with cohorts? Then join us for our Virtual Halloween Mini Retreat! With your host, me, you’ll learn witchy knit, crochet, and embellishing techniques. Plus, you’ll get a creepy kit full of goodies and supplies to work your magic with. When all is said and done you’ll have a screamful of stitch markers, at least one cobweb embroidered piece, an Ouija Board Pillow project (WIP), and some cackling memories to last a lifetime!
There are only 16 spots left! (as of Aug 30th)
Let me tell you more about the Halloween Mini-Retreat in this quickie video!
When: Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 11amCT-5pmCT.
Where: Your place (via Zoom)!
It will be a day of stitching together, hanging out, and wallowing in our love for Halloween. See below for an overview of the workshops, projects, and techniques we’ll be covering.
Supplies: Go here for the full list of what comes in your Halloween Retreat Kit.
Halloween Mini-Retreat Itinerary
Welcome: Coffee talk
Introduce yourself (if you want, no pressure).Vickie to go over what’s in everyone’s kit, and share what to expect today, and also the inside scoop on how this mini-retreat came togetherWorkshop 1: Halloween Embroidery on Knits
Embroider a Spiderweb on knit or crocheted squares or optional wrist warmers (also made from squares). Small amount of prep homework to be assigned prior to retreat.Workshop 2: Make Your Own Halloween-themed Stitch Markers
Attach charms to jump rings and bulb pins for this quickie, creepy craft!Break for 30-Minute Lunch
Workshop 3: Knit or Crochet Edging on a Spooky Pillow
Part one: Blanket stitch foundation15-minute Pumpkin Spice Tea Break
Part two: Knit Eyelet Triangles Edging or crochet Bobbles EdgingPart three: Attach edging to pillow cover. (Overview only)Happy Hour
Cocktail or mocktailStitch-along on our pillow edgingsOptional: Apply Glow Face Mask (what’s Halloween without a mask?)End.
Get your spot while they last!
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August 7, 2023
YarnYAY! August Box #64 Unboxing: Beach Towel-Inspired Patterns and Dreamy Alpaca Cotton Blend Yarn!
YarnYAY! August Box Unboxing: Beach Towel-Inspired Patterns and Dreamy Alpaca Cotton Blend Yarn!
Are you looking for the perfect yarn and accessories for your summer knitting and crochet projects? Look no further than YarnYAY!’s August Box!
They had us at, “Beach Towel”
This month’s box features Serena, a beautiful alpaca/cotton blend yarn in the Beach Towel shade from Manos Del Uruguay. This dreamy yarn is a joy to work with and is perfect for all types of summer garments and accessories.
Hang Loose (knit) Skinny Scarf by Vickie Howell
To showcase the beautiful Beach Towel shade of Serena, YarnYAY! has included two skinny scarf patterns in the box. Hang Ten, a knit pattern designed by Vickie Howell, combines bands of garter stitch with incrementally longer, dropped yarn-overs.
Hang Loose (crochet) Skinny Scarf by Gavriella Tremino
While the crochet version, Hang Loose, designed by Gavriella Tremino, is made width-wise, employing crossed, double crochet stitches. Both scarves are embellished with fringe for extra summer vibes.
But that’s not all! YarnYAY! has teamed up with Della Q to bring you a limited edition, terry cloth zipper bag to store all your notions. Perfect for the beach or pool, this bag will keep your yarn and tools safe and dry.
And to tie everything together, YarnYAY! has included handmade flip-flop stitch markers. Versatile for both knit and crochet projects, these stitch markers are the perfect addition to your summer crafting.
Don’t miss out on this month’s YarnYAY! box with beautiful Beach Towel-inspired patterns and dreamy alpaca cotton blend yarn from Serena. Subscribe now and get ready to elevate your summer crafting game!
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July 12, 2023
The YarnYAY! Crochet Box
YarnYAY! Crochet Box Crocheters! I promise we love you so. This took more minutes than I wanted, but The Crochet Box is finally available for pre-sale!I’m really excited about this one. True story: months ago, my dear friend who also runs sales for the U.S. distributor of Wool & the Gang, texted me from the premiere industry show in Germany. She said that Prada was showing raffia bags in the same shade as the latest Ra-Ra-Raffia shade of blue. I loved the back (but not the $1,400! price), so right then and there decided to design my own take that crocheters could make themselves. The kit to make this bag, along with a few other goodies I’ve curated for you, is now part of the very first
YarnYAY! Crochet Box
. What’s in the box2 skeins, Wool in the Gang Ra-Ra-Rafia (100% viscose paper;100gr 250m / 273 yd), in EITHER Powder Blue or Hot PinkFull color, Runway-inspired Tote Bag Pattern, by Vickie HowellChiagoo Wood & Metal, Size G/4mm hookCocoknits Split Stitch MarkersTalking out of Turn Plaid Puffy Notions BagPink Sheep Design The Hooker Tarot Sticker
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July 3, 2023
YarnYAY! July Box #63
I’m so happy to reveal what’s inside the YarnYAY! July Box! This month we’re featuring FIVE different small businesses, assigned pooling, a cashmere blend, and more!
New to YarnYAY? Get 15% off your first box with code: FIRSTYAY15.
Here’s what’s included in the YarnYAY! July Box #63!
Dream in Color | Smooshy (Special YarnYAY! 50 gr hank)
This month we’re combining luxury with trend! Smooshy is the most delightful merino/nylon yarn. Combine its lovely drape with a dye technique perfect for assigned pooling, and you’ve got yourself a drool-worthy fiber experience. We love the luminescent palette of our shade selection, Violet Fields, too!
Assigned Pooling Scarves/Shawlette Patterns | Designs by Vickie Howell & Gavriella Tremino
Assigned pooling, made popular by Dawn Barker, is the technique of “assigning” a particular stitch pattern to a designated color in a variegated yarn. Usually, that means a plainer stitch for the main shade in the yarn, and then a textural stitch for the secondary color. We’re playing with this method in both of this month’s projects! You’ll have enough yarn for the scarves. Shawlettes will require a wee bit more.
Seeds & Flowers, Assigned Pooling knit scarf by Vickie Howell
The knit scarf (by Vickie), Seeds & Flowers, is a heart-shaped piece worked in Stockinette Stitch, then texturally embellished with Reverse Stockinette and Floret stitches. The crochet scarf (by Gavriella), Sun & Grain is worked from tip-out, dabbling in eyelets and back loop stitches.
Sun & Grain Assigned Pooling Crochet Project by Gavriella Tremino for YarnYAY!
We’re thrilled to welcome our Fall/Winter Designer-in-Residence, Gavriella Tremino! Support and follow her on Instagram @hellogavriella
Wraps Per Inch Tool | Twig & Horn
Using a classic method of establishing yarn weight, this handy-dandy tool can easily identify “mystery yarns” in your stash without the stress of hunting down original labels.
Lavender Sage Lotion | Avry Beauty
Calm and soothe your stitching hands with this vegan hand lotion in lavender sage. This light, aromatic, & earthy scent deeply nourishes dry skin. Skin and yarn will both be happy about that!
Oh, heyyyyy, how about shopping the July Box?
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June 11, 2023
YarnYAY! June Box #62
YarnYAY! June Box #62
The YarnYAY! June Box is one not to miss. Not only because it’s shiny and happy, but also because it includes my latest booklet AND has almost a $70 value. It makes me so happy
Shiny Happy Cotton | Wool and the Gang + PEARL 5 Cotton Bundle | DMC
There’s nothing like a soft, wonderful-to-work with cotton for the Summer. This month we’re sharing a wee collection of different types: a Lipstick red worsted-weight cotton, then a bundle of 3 (varying) colors of cotton floss. Get ready for some fiber play — yay!
Floral Zippy Bags | Designs by Vickie Howell
We are leaning ALL THE WAY into the embroidery on knitwear trend with this month’s project, floral bags. The knit bag, Flossie, is worked with plain stockinette stitch with a little garter stitch around the edge. Moxie, the crochet bag, is made with simple, single crochet. Both bags are then embroidered with shiny, happy flowers.
Bonus Skinny Scarf | Design by Afifa Sayeed
The June Box marks the end of Afifa’s Spring/Summer Design in Residency before she’s off to become an in-house designer for Universal Yarns. We’re so proud of her!
This month, Afifa designed a special extra for our knitters. The Petals scarf requires 2 balls of Shiny Happy Cotton and is knit straight, with lacy petal motifs and an i-cord edging.
Embroider Knit! Booklet | Vickie Howell & Becky Joiner
When we got the idea to focus on yarn-wear embroidery for this box, Vickie decided she’d write a wee book on the subject: as one does. Luckily, her trusty friend and YarnYAY! Maker of Things, Becky is also an illustrator. Together the two were able to self-publish this booklet in a matter of weeks. Guess what? You’re the first to get a copy– huzzah!
Leather Compact Card Holder | Latico Leathers
This minimalist, snap case from one of our favorite leather bag companies is not only a treat (retail value is $30!) but also highly useful. Carry cards, earbuds, tapestry needles, stitch markers, or whatever other little somethin’ that needs a spot to nestle.
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