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Ask Me Monday: How to Use Curved Double Pointed Needles

This week’s Facebook Live stream, Ask Me Monday was brought to you by Makers’ Mercantile, an online stop for gorgeous craft materials, tools, and gifts.

How to Use Curved Double Pointed Needles(knitting)

Episode 44 of Ask Me Monday focused on a new tool to the knitting world: Neko Curved Double Pointed Needles (cdpns). Since knitting’s been around for longer than anyone’s been able to specifically pinpoint thus far, the amount of “newness” in the instruments category is pretty rare. Sure, every generation reinvents the craft — reclaiming it with modern vim and vigor — but still, it’s two sticks and some yarn. The Neko needles, however through a curve ball to the industry. Or rather, a set of curved needles.

What’s the benefit of using them them?

CDPNS are meant for projects requiring to be knit in the round, and act as sort of a hybrid between traditional double-pointed needle knitting, and the magic loop method. The main benefits I see to using curved double pointed needles are: 1) there’s no worry of stitches dropping off the needles as they often do with straight dpns, and 2) the jog ladder at the beginning of each round that occurs with both the magic loop method and dpns, simply doesn’t with curved double pointed needles.

 

Watch the video for a tutorial on how to cast on, divide stitches, and knit on Neko Curved Double Pointed Needles! Then, head over to MakersMercantile.com to nab some needles of your own. They’re offering FREE SHIPPING on your entire, crafty order with purchase of two or more sets (exp 9/12.) Just use code: ASKMEMONDAY at checkout!

As always, thanks for spending a little part of your week with me. Be sure to tune in again next Monday for a new episode LIVE on Facebook.

Neko Curved Double Pointed Needles, Size US 6.

Enjoy!

xx,

Vickie

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A Conversation with Duct Tape Bags Author, Richela Fabian Morgan

“Duct Tape Bags” Author, Richela Fabian Morgan

This week on the CRAFT*ish podcast, I spoke with artist and “Duct Tape Bags” author, Richela Fabian Morgan. They talked about using a hardware store medium to create fine art, why she loves designing bags, and about the debate between art vs. craft.

Listeners can find CRAFT-ish on iTunes, Soundcloud, or Stitcher.  Then go to the Show Notes page to see photos of a few of Richela’s bag designs, artwork and to enter to win a copy of her latest book!

Enjoy!

–Vickie

The post A Conversation with Duct Tape Bags Author, Richela Fabian Morgan appeared first on Vickie Howell.

Ask Me Monday: How to Little Crown Stitch (knitting)

How to Little Crown Stitch (knitting)

This week’s Facebook Live stream, Ask Me Monday, was jam packed! I started the episode sharing sponsor, Clover Neeedlecraft’s new, Size 17 and 19  Takumi circular needles. Then I answered viewer questions about circular projects to knit, how to calculate yarn amounts for the Long Tail Cast-on, and how to adjust one’s gauge.

Next up, I talked about the upcoming Craft Yarn Council’s #SuperScarf initiative, and showed how to knit the Little Crown Stitch that will be used in my upcoming Super Scarf pattern contribution.

We wrapped things up with an exclusive announcement about a new, product partnership I’m a part of, and gave the needle giveaway details.

Watch the video for more info! Then, tune in next Monday for a new episode LIVE on Facebook.

Enjoy!

xx,

Vickie

The post Ask Me Monday: How to Little Crown Stitch (knitting) appeared first on Vickie Howell.

A Conversation with Made by Rae Blog Founder, Rae Hoekstra

Sewing Blogger & Made by Rae Founder, Rae Hoekstra

This week I had the pleasure of meeting Rae Hookstra, sewing blogger and the founder of the wildly successful sewing website, Made by Rae. Rae and I swapped stories about how leaving our former careers –hers as a Physics teacher; mine in the entertainment industry — to focus on being moms inadvertently lead us to start craft-based websites that would ultimately redefine our professional paths. We also discussed how the definition of feminism as we were taught it in the 80’s has evolved a bit, and about how her community of sewing followers has greatly influenced the type of business she’s chosen to nurture.

I found Rae to be a creative being who’s also a smart businesswoman, a parent who seems to have her priorities straight, and an interesting person who’s open to hearing and sharing ideas. One of the main reasons I started the CRAFT-ish podcast was so I can pick the brains of other creative entrepreneurs while also sharing the knowledge that came out of our conversations. An the interviewer, this episode was definitely one that I walked away from enriched so I’m excited for listeners to reap the same, human-experience rewards. 

Listeners can find CRAFT-ish on iTunes, Soundcloud, or Stitcher.  Then go to the Show Notes page to see photos of a few of Rae’s most popular pattern designs, and get links to her shop, sew alongs and more!

Thanks to our sponsor, Makers’ Mercantile who would like to celebrate sewist, Made by Rae by giving a 20% off discount on all Stenzo Fabric on their website. Stenzo Textiles produces high quality, digitally printed fabric from the Netherlands. Choose between Cotton Jersey and Cotton poplin. This fabric will look fantastic with any of Made by Rae’s patterns. Use code: VICKIEMAKES at check out — offer good through September 8th.

Enjoy!

–Vickie

The post A Conversation with Made by Rae Blog Founder, Rae Hoekstra appeared first on Vickie Howell.

CRAFT*ish: A Conversation with Illustrator, Travis Nichols

This week on the CRAFT*ish Podcast, Vickie talks with guest illustrator (Sponge Bob, Uglydoll, etc.) and author, Travis Nichols. He talks about the effect that the Austin Craft Mafia had on his career, how artists can protect their work, and about his journey from lifelong crafter to professional maker.

Listen on iTunes, Soundcloud, or Stitcher, then go to the Show Notes page to see photos of Travis’ work.

Enjoy!

–Vickie

Ask Me Monday (Facebook Live): How to Magic Loop (knitting)

This week’s Facebook Live stream (aka “Ask Me Monday”) tutorial came from a frequent request from viewers! I showed how to do the Magic Loop method for knitting smaller pieces in the round, using a long circular needle instead of double-pointed needles. I also answered a few viewers knit, crochet and craft questions. Click below to watch the recorded broadcast, and tune into Ask Me Monday streams live every Monday on my Facebook page at 10amPT/1pmET.

Missed past Ask Me Monday streams? No problem! You can watch them anytime on my Youtube Channel or by clicking on the “Videos” tab on my Facebook page. Enjoy! –VH

Crochet a Market Tote Bag!

Where I live in Austin, disposable plastic grocery bags have been outlawed, so I bring my own bags with me when I shop. From heavy duty paper and plastic, to canvas and nylon, there are of course countless reusable options to purchase. But, dear readers, we are stitchers — so why not make them ourselves? This crochet tote works up quickly using a chunky cotton yarn, and an Amour size “L” hook. This means means you can easily make several for yourself so you’ll be ready at all times to hold a serious amount of wares! This tote makes a great gift, too for for friends and co-workers — so don’t forget to bookmark it for the holidays! So grab your Clover hook, and get crocheting — in no time this project will be in the bag!

Materials

Chunky, 100 % cotton yarn (I used this), in Colors A (approx. 200 yds.), and B (approx. 100 yds)

Size U.S. L (8 mm) Clover Amour Hook

Clover Jumbo Tapestry Needle

Finished Measurements

18″ x 14 1/2″/46 cm x 37 cm

Gauge

8 hdcs x 6 rows = 4″/10 cm

Directions

BODY

Ch 60. Join rnd with a sl st in the first chain, taking care not to twist.

Rnds 1-9: With A, ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in next st and every st around. Join rnd with a sl st in the top of beg ch.

(Need some crochet stitch refreshers? Click on my video tutorials below!)

Cut A, join B.

Rnd 10: Ch 1, sc in next st and every st around. Join rnd with a sl st in the top of beg ch.

Rnd 11: Ch 3, dc in next st and every st around. Join rnd with a sl st in the top of beg ch.

Repeat Rnds 10-11, 6 times more.

Next Rnd: Ch 1, sc in next st and every st around. Join rnd with a sl st in the top of beg ch.

Repeat last rnd, 2 times more.

HANDLE

Rnd 1: Sl st in next 7 sts, ch 1 (counts as sc), sc in next 15 sts, ch 15, sk 15, sc 15,  ch 15, sk 8 sts PLUS 7 sl sts from beginning. Join rnd with a sl st in beg ch.

Rnd 2: Ch 2, hdc in all sts (including ch-15) around. Join rnd with a sl st in beg ch.

Join A.

Rnd 3: With A, repeat Rnd 2.

Cut A.

Rnd 4: With B, ch 1, sc in next st and every st around.

Fasten off.

Finishing

Flip bag inside out. Join a through both widths of fabric at corner. Ch 1, sc across to seam up bottom. Fasten off.

Weave in ends. Enjoy!

A Conversation with Grammy Award Winning Songwriter (and Knitter!), Siedah Garrett

This week on the CRAFT*ish Podcast, Vickie reconnected with an amazing woman she met at a Vogue Knitting Live conference where she was the keynote speaker. Siedah Garrett is most publicly well known as the co-writer of the song Man in the Mirror (sung by the iconic, Michael Jackson), the Grammy Award Winning & Oscar Nominated writer of “Love You I Do” from the movie Dream Girls, and as the back up singer for frankly, too many of the vocal greats to list here.

What the masses may not know about her, though is that she’s also an amazing knitting and crochet designer. During their conversation, we talked about how she got started as a singer, which legendary producer pushed her to song write, her childhood introduction to knitting and crochet, and about her utter enjoyment over making statement pieces for celebrities like Madonna.

Listen on iTunes, Soundcloud, or Stitcher, then go to the Show Notes page to see photos of Siedah’s stitch work, and listen to her original audition for Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” (co-written by Siedah!)

Enjoy!

–Vickie

Ask Me Monday (live stream): Provisional Cast On & Crochet Cables

On this week’s Facebook Live stream (aka “Ask Me Monday”) my tutorials came straight from viewer requests! I showed how to crochet a cable and how to do the Provisional cast on for knitting. I also answered viewer questions about when I learned to knit & crochet, and what kinds of products one should bring for their first, craft bazaar. Click below to watch the recorded broadcast, and tune into Ask Me Monday streams live every Monday on my Facebook page at 10amPT/1pmET.

Now that you know how to crochet a cable, make a scarf and wear it like the boss you are! The Cable Gal Infinity scarf is available in my Ravelry shop.

Cable Gal

 

Breathe in. Craft out.

xx,

Vickie

Twinkie Chan on CRAFT*ish!

 The latest episode of the CRAFT*ish podcast is up! This week I got to chat with the clever and crafty, Twinkie Chan. We talked business, empowerment, and the balance between selling out and making a living doing what you love. Learn more, here.

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