Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 47

Knit the New Year!

I know it’s cliché, but the older I get the faster the years go and 2015 was no exception. I feel like I was just welcoming the last year, but it’s already time to ring in the next! I’m looking forward to 2016, though — and, as with most things in life, I choose to celebrate by putting yarn to needles.

This week’s project is simple: knitterly numbers to kick of ’16. It’s a soft, pop of color that’ll act as a sign (both literally and figuratively) of good things to come. Knit on for the new year, wontcha? Here’s how to make a knit-covered wire 2016!

Materials

Wire hanger

Wire cutters

Pliers

Tape

Worsted weight yarn

2, Size U.S. 5 (3.75 mm) Clover Takumi Double-pointed Needles (dpns)

Clover Tapestry Needle

How-to:

Using wire cutters, snip off hook portion of hanger.
Using hands and piers (and photos as guide), bend hanger into shape of “2016”.



You most likely will need to cut off a piece of hanger to create “belly” of the number 6. Shape wire and tape it to the “stem” portion of number 6. It doesn’t have to be super secure, as the knitting will ultimately be what holds it into place.

 

Using yarn and Takumi dpn, CO 3 sts.

Work i-Cord over wire number shape as follows:
Knit 3 sts. Slide sts to the opposite end of the needle, and switch hands so that the needle with the sts is in your left hand. The working yarn will appear to be at the wrong end of the row.
Holding piece in front of the top end of the number 2, bring the yarn behind the wire and the stitches and begin knitting again. The strand of yarn stretched across the back will encompass the wire.

Continue in this manner until all numbers are knit over, stopping and sewing down when necessary, then restarting. Take a deep breath, because this requires a bit of patience and perseverance.
BO. Weave in ends.

Here’s wishing you a 2016 filled with peace, love and bamboo knitting needles. Happy New Year!

xx,

Vickie

Yarn Arts Ambassador, Clover

Deck Your Gifts with Yarn!

We are days away from handing over our handmade holiday gifts. Just because we’ve finished knitting and crocheting these, though doesn’t mean we’re done with yarn play. Adding a little fiber-y touch to the packaging of presents makes for a sweet statement of time spent thinking out your gift’s recipient. Here are 5 ways to incorporate yarn into your wrapping this holiday week!

Put a hex on it. Or a hexaGON, as it were. I love the hexi granny shape, and a single motif (paired with velvet ribbon) makes a great topper for a gift. I used Sheep(ish) yarn, and the motif pattern by my designer friend Nicole, from Yarnspirations.

 

Make it un be-weavable. Wrap yarn 15-20 times around package; using a tapestry needle and contrasting yarn weave over and under the wrapped yarn for as many rows as desired.

Knit a wee stocking for it. Part ornament, part adornment a small knitted stocking is an adorable addition to any package. This version will hold a set of double-pointed needles, a couple of colored pencils, or even a candy cane. Get the pattern .

 

Put a pom on it! I used the Clover Pompom Maker, and worsted-weight yarn paired with some Midori ribbon to decorate this pressie.

 

Let your fingers to the knitting. A finger knit strip, folded and sewn into a flower shape makes for a cheery presentation for any present! Learn how to finger knit and get project directions for this adornment in my book, Finger Knitting Fun.

Happy wrapping!

xx,

Vickie

 

This Way, That Way Cowl

It’s been unseasonably hot here in Austin, TX lately, which is kind of a bummer when you’re wanting to be in the wintery spirit. I was thrilled this weekend though, when a momentary shiver made it’s way through our city. To take advantage of the chill I knew I had to act fast (our Mother Nature is a fickle lass), so I immediately grabbed some bulky yarn, my Takumi Adjustable Needle set and cast-on for a quickie cowl. I then spent a lovely day watching my arrow motif coming together while feeling the wool slide off the warm, bamboo needles. My finished project is one that I’m sharing with you today: a simple, graphic neck warmer that’s totally DIY-able (and giftable) for this holiday season…and beyond.

For those who live in colder climates: I wish you many, cozy days in the This Way, That Way Cowl. For the rest of us, let’s just have fun with the process of working with great tools, and having a cool piece to at least, stare at longingly.

3-Hour Mega Cowl Knit-Along!

Need a holiday present almost immediately? No worries; I’ve got your back! Our next, Knit Simple Knit-along is designed for all of us, super-duper, last minute gift makers. The Mega Cowl is made with Mega Bulky yarn and huge needles, so it works up in just a few hours. The lacey stitch pattern keeps the weight of the piece down, while adding interest. This is a big knit piece, that’ll be a big hit with your fashion-forward friends!

AS SEEN IN

This go-’round we’re posting supply, WIP (work in progress) and finished photos on my Facebook page (facebook.com/vickiehowell). The KAL officially starts 12/15, but you can start posting, and “I’m in!” here on this blog and/or the event invitation page, and sharing supplies as you get them.

***NOTE: Order supplies from Yarnspirations.com, and receive a 20% discount. Use code: MEGACOWL, a t checkout!***

Here’s what you’ll need:

Pattern (Knit Simple Magazine, Winter 2015)

2 Balls Bernat Mega Bulky

Size US. 35 (19mm) needles

Looking forward to making this with you.

Happy, handmade holidays!

xx,

Vickie

Needle Felted Tree Ornaments

Holiday ornaments are not only great for decking the halls; they also make lovely present toppers, or even great gifts in and of themselves. Handmade versions are extra sweet because they’re both fun to make and receive! Today I spent a really nice day in my studio making several ornaments, while revisiting a craft I hadn’t spent time with in a while: needle felting. Before this project, I’d never worked with anything other than just a plain, ol’ needle and upholstery foam matting. After using the Clover Felting Needle Tools & Mat, though I feel like I’d totally been roughing it until now! It’s so much quicker (and more satisfying) to turn roving into shapes, when you have easy-to-hold (multiple!) needles, and great-grasp bristles. The result of this afternoon’s fiber foray are these kitschy-cute trees, which I guarantee will have you addicted to ornamentation. Happy Fa-la-la-la felting! xx, Vickie

Materials

Tree-shaped Cookie Cutter

Clover Natural Wool Roving (in desired colors)

Clover Felting Needle Tool

Clover Pens Style Needle Felting Tool

Clover Large Needle Felting Mat

Various Trimmings

Hot Glue Gun & Glue and/or Sewing Needle & Thread

Scissors

String or Twine

Clover Tapestry Needle

How-to:

Place cookie cutter on Felting Mat
Lay a small amount of roving inside of cookie cutter frame; use Felting Needle Tool to “pounce” up and down on roving to felt. Add more roving as necessary, building up the depth of the felt to about 1/4″/.5 cm.

 

Once the main portion of your tree is felted the way you want it, use the Pen Style Needle Felting Tool to felt roving in the corners of the ornament where the larger tool couldn’t get to.

 

Remove cookie cutter; use Pen Style Needle Felting Tool to further define shape.



Peel felted tree from Needle Felting Mat. Use scissors to trim any fly-away fibers. You’ll now how a marshmallow-looking, little tree. I dare you not to find it adorable!



Decorate by adding trimmings by either hot gluing, hand sewing, or needle felting ribbons or natural fibers to your tree.

Tip: the scrapbooking section is a great place to find pretty decorations for your wee trees!



Cut a length of twine or string, and using Tapestry Needle to punch a hole, thread through top of tree. Tie knot.

Cable Star Cowl Pattern

 

For the entire month of November, I’m running a Fall Knitting & Crochet Photo a Day Challenge on Instagram. Before now I hadn’t hosted one of these events before, but now that I know what I’d been missing this one definitely won’t be my last. I’ve been so inspired by the 1200 (and counting) posts from people all around the world — these small glimpses into people’s stitching lives have renewed my love for our community!

How it works is that every day there’s a photo prompt (go here to see full list) for participants to use as a jumping-off point. They can interpret it in any way they choose, then post a picture with the hashtag #VHphotoaday (which helps us all find them). That’s all there is to it! If you’d like to join, please do at any time. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t posted for earlier prompts, or even if you only post for a few for the entire month. The point is to inspire and be inspired by fellow, knitting and crochet lovers.

Today’s photo prompt is: “Texture”, which is also what inspired this project post. Since it’s gift-making time, I wanted to come up with another, quick-but-cool project to knit for yourself or others. The texture is created with a combination of Star Stitch and cables, visually punctuated by the striations of the kettle-dyed yarn.

Thanks to the ease of my favorite, bamboo needles (from the Takumi Combo Set), and the chunkiness of the yarn this project packs a lot of punch into a small amount of time. This means you can make one for everyone you know, or in every color of your wardrobe. Enjoy! xx, Vickie

 

CABLE STAR COWL

Materials

1 hank (approx 90 yds/ 82 m), Super Bulky Merino Wool. I used this.

Size U.S. 13 (9 mm) Clover Takumi Bamboo Knitting Needles

Clover Jumbo Cable Needle

Clover Super Jumbo Tapestry Needle

 

Finished Measurements

6″/15 cm wide x 24″/61 cm circumference, blocked.

Note: to make a longer, eternity scarf version: use additional hank of yarn and double the length.

Special Stitches

MS = Make Star

Purl 3 stitches together, leaving them on the LH needle; YO, purl the same 3 stitch together again; let stitches drop off of LH needle. Star Stitch made.

C6B = Slip 3 sts onto cable needle and let fall back, k3 from LH needle, k3 from cable needle.

C6F = Slip 3 sts onto cable needle and let fall front, k3 from LH needle, k3 from cable needle.

Directions

CO 21 sts.

Rows 1 & 3 (RS): Knit.

Row 2: P1, *MS, p1; rep from * to end.

Row 4: P3, MS *p1, MS; rep from * to last 3 sts, p3.

Rows 5-16: Repeat Rows 1-4, 3 times more.

Row 17: K4, C6B, k1, C6F, k4.

Rows 18 & 20: Purl.

Row 19: Knit.

 

Repeat Rows 1-20 until piece measures 24″/61 cm, or desired length.

BO.

Finishing

Seam short ends together. Block piece.

 

Photo A Day Challenge!

I’m hosting my very first, Photo-A-Day Challenge for knitters and crocheters on Instagram! Join me every day (or any day — no pressure!) by posting a photo that corresponds with your interpretation of the day’s prompt. Hashtag each post with #VHPHOTOADAY, so that all participants can find your photos. All entrants will be eligible to win 1 of 3 prizes!

Hope to see you there!

xx,

Vickie

@VickieHowell

Fall Festival Mittens

Over the weekend, Austin, Texas FINALLY (albeit briefly) gave up its delusions of it still being Summertime. We had a bit of crisp air, a whole lotta rain, and the whisper of hope for more knitterly weather to come. This autumnal glimpse inspired me to start thinking “Fall” colors and, as I have been for the past couple of months, delve even further into my handmade holiday gift plans. The result was the design and creation of the Fall Festival Mittens, which I’m sharing with you today. Here’s to pumpkin patches, chai lattes, and warm hands — enjoy!

FALL FESTIVAL MITTENS

Materials

1 ball each Patons Classic Wool Roving (100 % Wool; 120 yds/109 m), in colors: (A) Natural, and (C) Pumpkin

1 ball Patons Colorwul (100% Wool; 90 yds/81 m), in color (B) Bramble

Set, U.S. 9 (5.5 mm) Clover Takumi Bamboo double-pointed needles –or size needed to obtain gauge

Set, U.S. 10 (6 mm) Clover Takumi Bamboo double-pointed needles –or size needed to obtain gauge

2, Clover Soft Stitch Markers

Finished Size

Women’s One Size

Finished Measurements

8″/20.5 cm Circumference

10″/25 cm Length

Gauge

13 sts x 16 rows = 4″/10 cm in Stockinette Stitch using larger needles

Special Term

ktbl = knit stitch through the back loop

Directions

Right Mitten

With A, and smaller needles CO 24 sts. Divide sts evenly among needles. Join round, taking care not to twist.

CUFF:

Rnd 1: *P1, k1tbl; rep from * around.

Repeat Rnd 1 until cuff measures 3″/7.5 cm from CO edge.

Next Rnd: Knit, while increasing 4 sts evenly.–28 sts

BODY:

Divide sts as follows: N1: 7 sts, N2, 14 sts, N3 7 sts.

Knit two rnds.

Gusset:

Rnd 1: Knit all sts on N 1 & 2, N3: k2, pm, k1, m1, k1, pm (4 sts between markers), k to end.

Rnds 2: Knit.

Rnd 3: K to marker, sl marker, M1, k to marker, M1, sl marker, k to end. (2 sts increased.)

Rep Rounds 2-3 (increasing 2 sts between markers once more. — 8 thumb sts between markers.

Next Rnd: Knit to marker, place 8 thumb sts on scrap yarn, k to end.–26 sts.

Join B when necessary.



Next Rnd: *With A, K1, with B k1; rep from * around.

Next Rnd: *With B, K1, with A k1; rep from * around.

Cut A.

With B, continue knitting every round until piece measures 8 1/2”/21.5 cm from CO edge, or 1  1/2”/4 cm less than desired length of mitten.

Join A when necessary.

Next Rnd: *With B, K1, with A k1; rep from * around.

Next Rnd: *With A, K1, with B k1; rep from * around.

Cut A & B; join C.

Next Rnd: Knit.

Next Round: Knit, while decreasing 2 sts evenly around. — 24 sts.

TOP SHAPING:

Rnd 1: [k2tog, k1] 8 times. –16 sts

Rnds 2, 4 & 6: Knit.

Rnd 3: [K2tog] 8 times. –8 sts.

Cut yarn, leaving a 6”/15 cm tail. Weave yarn through remaining sts and draw closed.

THUMB:

Sl sts from scrap yarn to 2 double pointed needles, Using 3rd, pick up 2 sts at thumb gap. –10 sts.

Divide sts evenly over 3 needles.

Rnd 1: With B, knit.

Repreat Rnd 1 until thumb measures 2”/5 cm, or 1”/2.5 cm less than desired length of thumb.

Cut B; join C.

Next Rnd: Knit while dec 1 sts. — 9 sts.

THUMB SHAPING:

Rnd 1: [K1, k2tog] 3 times. — 6 sts

Rnds 2 & 4: Knit.

Round 3: [K2tog] 3 times. –3 sts

Cut and weave yarn through remaining sts and draw closed.

Left Mitten:

Work as for Right Mitten, reversing thumb gusset as follows:

Rnd 1: N 1: k3, pm, k1, M1, k1, M1, pm, k to end of N 1, k sts on N 1 & 2.

Finishing

Weave in ends. Block.

The Craftys Awards

I’m excited to announce that I’ve been asked to be one of the judges of this year’s The Crafty Awards! I’m honored to be included in a panel that consists of so many esteemed designers, editors, writers, and ambassadors, and a broadcast hosted by my friend, Mark Montano. I look forward seeing the amazing designs submitted by the many, talented nominees!

If you’re interested in hearing more about the awards, give the short video below a looksie. Then, head on over to TheCraftys.com to vote for the best in crafts and D.I.Y.!

xx,

Vickie

P.S. Know someone who deserves to be nominated? There are still a few more days to do so. Nominations are open until October 25th!

Finger Knit Medusa Snakes

A while back I came across the most amazing Medusa wig (by Outfitters Wig) on Pinterest, and immediately new I needed to make my own version using yarn-y snakes in place of their slimy, rubber sisters. Thankfully, my friend, Jennifer Perkins throws the most amazing Halloween party (you may’ve seen her decorations and tutorials on the Tuesday Morning blog, DIYNetwork.com, Craft Gawker, Treetopia.com, etc.) every year, so I had motivation to make it, and an excuse to wear it (outside of the house.) I found the perfect wig at Goodwill (don’t worry, though; it was brand new, so this will be a lice-free Halloween!), and already had green, kettle-dyed yarn for the snakes in my stash. Along with some small, plastic snakes, a bunch of bobby pins (to haphazardly style the wig with), and the Snuggly Snakes pattern from my latest book, and I was good to go. The result was a maker’s Medusa that had people’s heads’ turning, and eyes averting. Here’s the how-to scoop!

Use the instructions (excerpted from my book, Finger Knitting Fun) to make the snakes, then follow these steps to make then wig ready:

Use yarn and tapestry needle to whip-stitch underside of snake (tube) closed.
Feed floral wire through snake body; using pliers, fold wire over a stitch of knitting to secure, then trim excess with wire cutters.
Using needle and thread, hand sew snake end to the wig cap.
Bend wire to make snake come alive!
Repeat process for all snakes. Note: I made my snakes in differing lengths. Play with it and have fun!

Medusa (aka Snuggly) Snakes

Supplies

• bulky yarn scraps

• set of colorful googly eyes OR black beads

• yarn needle

• hot glue gun or fabric glue

• felt scraps

Finished Size

18″ (45.5 cm) long

Make It!

Step 1. Yarn-wrap around four fingers—4 stitches.

Step 2. Finger knit until the piece measures 18″ (45.5 cm).

Step 3. Fasten off.

Step 4. Using a needle and yarn, sew a stitch on the underside of where you want your snake’s head to end to cinch it.

Finish It!

Step 1. Weave in ends.

Step 2. Cut tongue template from felt scrap.

Step 3. Glue on eyes and tongue.