Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 44
May 31, 2016
Food & Lifestyle Photographer, Jody Horton!
This week on CRAFT-ish, Vickie talks with Jody Horton about his journey from struggling documentarian to James Beard Award-winning and internationally recognized Food & Lifestyle photographer, how he applies his degree in Anthropology to his work, and his views on infusing creativity into his young sons’ lives. Go here to listen, get links, and see a few of Jody’s photos!
May 27, 2016
New Project: In Circles Tote
In Circles Tote by Vickie Howell. Black & White wallet by Kailo Chic.
Summer prep has me running in circles which perhaps, is why I’ve been drawn to knitting them so much lately. Thanks to Clover’s new Knitting & Crochet Jumbo Wonder Clips, now there’s an easy way to hold them in place while piecing these curvy cuties together. This week’s project plays with this handy tool –along with a few other of my Clover favorites — to create a great tote for the well-rounded gal. Enjoy! xx, Vickie
Materials
Bernat Cotton-ish by Vickie Howell (55% cotton /45 % Acrylic; 282 yds/252 m), in colors: (A) 2 Balls Cotton Ball, and (B) 1 ball Cotton Club.
Size U.S. 9 (5.5 mm) Clover Takumi Knitting Needles
CloverJumbo Tapestry Needle
Set, Clover Knitting & Crochet Jumbo Clips
1/2 yd. canvas fabric
Sewing needle & thread
Set of leather handles (with punched holes for sewing)
Sharp, Large-eyed Needle
Sewing machine (optional)
Finished Measurements
Approx 14″x 13″h/ 35 cm x 33 cm, excluding handles
Gauge
14 sts x 8 rows = 4″/10 cm in Garter Stitch
NOTE: This project is worked with a TRIPLE strand of yarn throughout. Wind each color of yarn into three separate balls ahead of time.
Instructions
Circle Motifs (Make 12):
With a TRIPLE STRAND of A, CO 8 sts.
*Short row 1 (RS): K7, sl 1, bring yarn to front, return sl st to LH needle, turn (sl st is wrapped), k to end on WS.
Short row 2 (RS): K5, sl 1, bring yarn to front, return sl st to LH needle, turn, k to end on WS.
Short row 3 (RS: K3, sl 1, bring yarn to front, return sl st to LH needle, turn, k to end on WS.
Short row 4: (RS) K1, sl 1, bring yarn to front, return sl st to LH needle, turn, k to end on WS.**
Repeat from * 5 times more. Cut A, join B.
Repeat from * 6 times more.
BO, leaving tail for seaming.
Using tapestry needle, seam together CO and BO edges to complete circle.
Watch my short-row circle demo from this week’s, Ask Me Monday video!
Semi-circle Motifs (make 12):
Work as for Circle Motifs from * to **.
Next row (RS): Knit 8 sts (1st half of top of semi-circle), pick up 8 sts across 2nd half of semi-circle.
Next row: Knit.
BO.
Weave in ends on all motifs.
Assembly
Using main photo as guide, lay out 6 circles sandwiched by 6 (total) semi-circles out for FRONT of tote. Using ONE strand of yarn, tapestry needle & Jumbo Wonder Clips to hold in place, seam motifs together.
Repeat for BACK piece.
Once you have FRONT & BACK pieces assembled, use Jumbo Wonder Clips to hold them together (with wrong sides facing). Seam together sides, and rounded sections of the bottom motifs.
Finishing
Make lining:
Cut canvas to measurements of finished tote, adding seam allowance for sides and bottom, and hem allowance for top.
Pro tip: Painter’s drop cloths work great for tote bag lining. Bonus: they’re already hemmed!
With wrong sides facing, hem top; sew sides and bottom seams.
Turn right-sides out; press. Insert lining into bag; hand-tack to top, side seams of bag and along top motifs.
Using ONE strand of yarn and Sharp Tapestry Needle, sew handles to tote and lining.
Hooked on knitting circles now? Try making the Round Peg Blanket from my book, Wee Garter Stitch: Must-have Knits for Modern babies & Toddlers!
May 23, 2016
Knitscene Handmade
I’m so honored to be included in the special, Handmade edition of Knitscene Magazine which focuses on indie designers, dyers, artists, and shop owners. It’s such a great issue, filled with cool garments, interesting people and thoughtful features. Get the digital version now, and keep your peeps open for hard copies on shelves this week! xx, Vickie
May 18, 2016
Moogly on CRAFT-ish
Hey, crochet lovers! This week on the CRAFT-ish podcast I got to know Tamara Kelly of Moogly a bit. Tune in hear about her transition from mommy blogger to crochet curator, what she hopes her followers gain from her and more. Get the scoop on the Show Notes page here, and don’t forget to leave an iTunes rating here!
xx,
Vickie
May 11, 2016
Maypole Scarflette
Summer’s almost here which means night-night time for heavy wool. That doesn’t mean, however that those large hooks have to hibernate, too. No, my crochet-compadres, the warmer months are the perfect time to play with alternative materials! Strips of ribbon, grocery bags, and fabric can all be crocheted into beautiful items, and thanks to the sweet, sexy glide of Jumbo Amour Hooks it’s never been easier to experiment.
When yarn is made from non-traditional fibers, though yardage is often an issue. Hundreds of yards of textile yarn can get pricey! This week’s project addresses both cost effectiveness and the (read: my) desire to make something wearable for the Summer. The Maypole Scarflette utilizes just one, beautiful hank of fabric yarn (which I was recently gifted by the folks at Knit Collage) to create a scarf/necklace hybrid. It works up fast, which makes it a lovely project to crochet while sitting on the patio enjoying the weather. Ahhhh.
Happy crocheting!
xx, Vickie
Materials
Approx. 35 yds, cotton fabric yarn. I used 1 hank of this.
Size U.S. P/Q (15 mm) Clover Amour Crochet Hook
Large Eye Tapestry Needle
Finished Length
82″/208 cm (excluding fringe)
Gauge
Not important for this project.
Directions
Ch 106.
3 dc in 4th ch from hook (chain counts as first dc), *sk next 5 ch, 4 dc in next ch**, ch 4, sk next 4 ch, [sl st, ch 5, sl st] in next ch, ch 4, sk next 4 ch, 4 dc in next ch; rep from * across, ending last repeat at **.
Fasten off.
Finishing
Cut 4 lengths of fabric yarn, double the length of desired fringe.
Attach 2 pieces of fringe to either scarflette end as follows: Fold fringe strand in half; insert Amour Hook through the right side of scarflette end and lay strand at the folded point over the hook; pull the strand through, from back to front, just enough to create a loop; set aside Amour Hook and use your hands to fold the loop over the edge of the project, and pull the ends of the strand through the loop. Pull tight.
Want to make your own fabric yarn? Find a nice, light-weight cotton; use the Soft Cushion Rotary Cutter & straight edge to cut 1″/2.5 cm strips; knot strips together; roll into ball.
Wear it, and you’re ready for Summer!
May 10, 2016
New on CRAFT-ish
It’s Tuesday, which means another episode of the CRAFT-ish podcast. This week I talk with with textile artist and author, Anna Joyce about growing up as the daughter of artists, how she teachers her own girls to live creatively, and what it’s like running a creative business. Check it out on iTunes, or click here for more info on the show and where else to find it.
Breathe in. Craft out.
— Vickie
May 3, 2016
Zelma Rose’s Lisa Shaffer on CRAFT-ish
It’s Tuesday, which means another episode of the CRAFT-ish podcast. This week I chat with with artist Lisa Anderson Shaffer about creativity, motherhood, how we as women need to stop competing with each other, and how the definition of success if purely personal.. Check it out on iTunes, or click here for more info on the show and where else to find it.
Breathe in. Craft out.
— Vickie
April 20, 2016
Spring Cleaning: Crochet Hangers!
As the weather gets warmer, I find that my closet and I are exchanging knowing glances. It’s time. The mess must be dealt with. That Spring cleaning just got sweeter, though with some stitched wire hangers.
I see you, dirty closet, and raise you some crochet cuteness! Stitch these, then hang on.
Enjoy!
Materials
Wire Hanger
Size U.S. H (5 mm) Clover Amour Crochet Hook
Small amounts of 2 colors, worsted-weight yarn. I used Cascade 220 Superwash Effects
Clover Tapestry Needle
Instructions
With main color, join yarn around hanger with a slip stitch.
Single crochet (sc) around entire hanger as shown in Instagram video below.
A video posted by Vickie Howell (@vickiehowell) on Apr 19, 2016 at 2:07pm PDT
Take care to push stitches together firmly as you go, so that wire gets completely covered.
Fasten off.
Edging
Join contrasting through the back loop of one of the stitches towards the end of the hanger bottom.
NOTE: Since the stitch count may vary, you;ll have to fudge this a bit. Just do what you can to make it even.
1st Row: Join yarn by pulling loop through top of 1st blanket stitch. Ch 3, sk 4, sc in next st, *ch 2, sk 4, sc; rep from * to end. Turn.
2nd Row: Ch 3, *dc in ch-2 sp, 3 dc around the post of dc just made (makes 3 dc group), sc in next ch-2 sp; rep from * ending with sc in same ch-2 sp as last 3 dc group.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Happy hanging!
xx,
Vickie
P.S. Need something to listen to while you stitch? Check out my podcast, CRAFT-ish here or on iTunes!
April 12, 2016
Lunch Hour Knit Kits on Kitterly!
I. AM. SO. EXCITED. Today is the launch of my Lunch Hour Knit Kits collection for Kitterly! Each, totally doable D.I.Y. project is designed with busy knitters in mind. There are 4, individual accessory kits all of which are fun to make and can be knit in a handful of lunch breaks so that you, my spread-to-thin friends can work with gorgeous yarns and finish with a sense of accomplishment. Here they are!
Oven Mitt(ens) | Kit starts at $23.33 | Yarn: Manos Del Uruguay Maxima (Available in 3 colors!)
Patio Cafe Cowl |Kit starts at $44.33 | Yarn: Plymouth Baby Alpaca Magna (Available in 4 colors!)
Market Run Bag | Kit starts at $33.83 | Yarn: Blue Sky Alpaca Skinny Cotton (Available in 3 colors!)
Happy Hour Hat| Kit starts at $20.83 | Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash Effects (Available in 3 colors!)
Like what you see? Well then, click on over to Kitterly to nab your kit(s)! But wait. Come closer. Psst, if you listen to the Episode 4 of the CRAFT-ish podcast you’ll hear a special code for 20% off these kits (or any Kitterly kit.) So come on. Whattaya waiting for?
Happy kitting!
xx,
Vickie
April 6, 2016
Oval Loom Ankle Sock Recipe
I love playing with new tools, so when Clover sent me the new, Oval Sock Loom I dove right in. I found it to be a fun (and speedy!) alternative to knitting socks on traditional needles, and quickly altered the sock directions from the package into an ankle sock for Spring. To tighten up the looser strands created from a loom cast-on, I added a crocheted picot edging which also gives the sock a feminine touch.
Here’s a recipe to make your own ankle socks. Loom on, twinkle toes! —Vickie
Materials
1 Ball, worsted-weight yarn
Scraps, contrasting color worsted-weight yarn
Clover Oval Standing Sock Loom
Size U.S. H/8 Clover Amour Hook
Clover Tapestry Needle
Finished Size
Women’s Medium
Finished Measurements
9″ circumference x desired length
Directions (Make 2)
Following the manufacturer instructions, cast-on stitches to all 24 pegs.
Cuff:
Work on all 24 pegs.
Rounds 1-8: *Knit 2, purl 2; rep from * around.
See demo of this stitch pattern from this week’s live, Facebook video below.
Ask Me Monday #29: Rib Stitch on Sock Loom + CRAFT*ish Update!
Ask Me Monday #29: How to Rib Stitch on Oval Sock Loom
Posted by Vickie Howell on Monday, April 4, 2016
Rounds 9-14: Knit.
Heel (Work as for Knit Sock instructions in package as follows):
Knit on peg 1-12 only.
Decrease stitches:
Decrease one stitch on each side of peg 1 and peg 12.
Simply bring the working yarn loosely across the front of peg 1 (no loop), then knit from peg 2-11.
Without knitting peg 12, bring the strand around the peg from back to front, and across the front of peg 11. Remove as well.
Change knitting direction and proceed counter-clockwise. Knit Stitch peg 11-3.
Without knitting peg 2, bring the strand around the peg from back to front, and across the front of peg 3. Remove as well. Change knitting direction and Knit Stitch from peg 3-10.
Without knitting peg 11, bring the strand around the peg from back to front and across the front of peg 10. (same method of Step 7). Change knitting direction and stitch from peg 10-4.
Continue decreasing in this manner on both sides until you decrease peg 9. Knit Stitch peg 8-5 to complete the decreases.
Increase stitches. Firmly wrap the working yarn around peg 4 from front to back, use the hook to scoop up 2 strands from the peg and Knit Stitch both loops together. (”Knit Two Together”)
Change knitting direction, wrap the working yarn around peg 4 clockwise, and then knit stitch. Next stitch from peg 5-8.
Firmly wrap the working yarn around peg 9 from front to back, use the hook to scoop up 2 strands from the peg and knit stitch both loops together.
Change knitting direction, wrap the working yarn around peg 9 clockwise, and then Knit Stitch. Next, Knit Stitch from peg 8-4.
Increase both sides, as described above, with the Knit Two Together and knit stitches. Knit from peg 1-12. After stitching one each of the knit two together and knit stitches on peg 12, change directions, and knit back to peg 1 to complete the increases.
Top and bottom view of heeled worked.
Foot:
Knit on all pegs for approx. 8 1/2″/21.5 cm OR 1 1/2″/4 cm shorter than your foot.
Toe:
Work as same for heel. Cut yarn, leaving tail.
Finishing
With a length of yarn (shown in a contrasting color in photos) and tapestry needle, thread through loops from bottom to top on pegs 1-12, then from top to bottom on pegs 13-24. Remove loops from loom; loosely tie knot. This yarn is simply to hold stitches from dropping while you graft.
Graft toe using Kitchener Stitch instructions from manufacturer. For the traditional knitters reading this, you’ll treat the waste yarn as you would needles and proceed with Kitchener Stitch as normal. Here’s a demo video as a refresher! Remove waste yarn when finished.
Using contrasting color yarn, decoratively whip stitch a seam over the toe grafting.
Picot edging:
With crochet hook, join contrasting yarn to cuff edge with a slip stitch.
Ch 4, slip stitch (sl st) in 3rd chain (ch) from hook. Single crochet (sc) in next st, *ch 3, sl st in 2rd ch from hook, sc in next st; repeat from * around. Join round with a slip stitch.
Weave in ends.
