Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 49

September 3, 2015

New Crochet Pattern: Trick or Sweet Dress

Trick or Sweet Dress


Trick or Sweet: Crochet Halloween Dress Pattern!

As those of you know who watch my “Ask Me Monday” videos on Facebook, a couple of weeks ago I got a wild hair to design a girls’ crocheted dress for Halloween — the combination of scoring this awesome, vintage-looking cat fabric along with a Halloween photo shoot my buddy, Jennifer Perkins was already planning, was too much motivation to ignore! Well, I’m happy to announce that the dress is finished and photographed, and the pattern written, edited, and ready to go. It’s been forever (years?) since I’ve designed something that’s not for a company or magazine, or as a promotion on my own site. Man, I’d forgotten all the work that goes into taking an idea from conception to a pretty pdf, but it felt good to add a pattern to my Ravelry store!


Trick or Sweet is a hauntingly cute dress that’s perfect for your favorite, little monster. It’s made with a top-down, seamless, crocheted bodice and fabric skirt, which makes it relatively quick to whip up. This is definitely a project that can be made in a weekend, so if you start now your cool cat will have a plenty of time to wear the Halloween heck outta it before the big day. Here’s the scoop:


Trick or Sweet2Trick or Sweet2

MATERIALS

Trick or Sweet Pattern


1 ball each, Bernat Cotton-ish by Vickie Howell, (55% cotton/45% acrylic; 258 m / 282 yds) in colors: (A) Cotton Harvest, (B) Cotton Club, and (C) Cotton Ball (optional) — or similar, sport-weight yarn.


Size G/4 mm crochet hook — or size needed to obtain gauge


Tapestry Needle


4, split ring stitch markers


1/2” yard, cotton fabric


Straight pins


Coordinating sewing thread & needle


Sewing machine (optional)


1, 7/16” button


Fabric covered button (optional)


If you make this dress, please be sure to tag @vickiehowell on social media with any pictures. I love seeing them!


Happy, Halloween hooking!


xx,

Vickie


Psst…Change the colors and fabric and it works for any holiday or theme!

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Published on September 03, 2015 09:59

September 1, 2015

New Mag + Fringe Tree Wall Hanging


It’s so fun to watch a magazine go from conception to reality! Thus was the case for me with Interweave’s new, craft-of-all-trades cutie, Craft.Girl. About a year ago, my buddy Louisa Demmitt shared with me that she pitched a magazine to her bosses at F+W that would speak to the cool kids who are up for trying anything crafty. Thanks to her vision, a supportive team, and the projects from a bunch of designers: the first issue was born!


I was thrilled to be a part of the C.G. launch through my contribution of a Wintry Tree Wall Hanging, made using weaving sticks and different types of yarn. If you’ve ever wanted to dabble in wall tapestries, this is a great way to start. It’s easy and fun to make, and the finished product lents itself to to Fall or Winter decor!




It’s shaggy, 70’s-lovin’ look can be yours asap, too because Interweave has created a kit which includes all of the main supplies. Nab it now, and have yours done in time to decorate for the cooler months.



Enjoy!


xx,

Vickie

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Published on September 01, 2015 10:13

August 28, 2015

Plant Happy: Crochet Planter Hanger

Clover VH_BLOG_BANNERPlant Hanger

Crochet Hanging Planter

Every time I think I’m going to sit down and teach myself how to macrame a plant hanger, I end up looking longingly over at my crochet hooks. Crochet is so much more my jam! Truth be told, though I much prefer the look of bulkier yarn hangers, made with chunky yarns. Unfortunately, though until recently I didn’t have a large enough hook that would both do the job, and be comfortable to work with. I love the look of big crochet but man, sometimes creating it makes my wrist angry. Well, my friends, I’m pleased to report that my crochet dilemma is no longer! Thanks to my friends at Clover, I’m now the proud owner of a size 12 mm, Jumbo Amour Crochet Hook which is not only super-comfy to crochet with, but also comes in my favorite color: turquoise.


Man, I dig this hook — and when I also came across the same shade of jersey, t-shirt yarn I knew they’d be besties, right away. The result of their partnership is: Plant Happy, a bulky planter holder that’s fit to be tied onto anyone’s patio awning. Make one for yourself today, then bookmark this pattern for teacher gifts later. Enjoy!


 


PLANT HAPPY


Materials

T-shirt or Jersey yarn (12 oz. I used 1/2 a cone of this.)

Size 12 mm Jumbo Amour Crochet Hook

Split Ring Stitch Marker

Super Jumbo Tapestry Needle

Tara-cotta pot (7″/18 cm diameter at mouth x 6″/15 cm tall)

Book or 8″/20 cm piece of cardboard


Plant Hanger Tools

Finished Size

Stretches to approx 25″/63.5 cm long (excluding tassel and hanging loop)


Gauge

9 sts x 8 rows = 4″/10 cm in sc


Abbreviations


Directions

Bottom:

Ch 7; join with a sl st, taking care not to twist. Place marker.


Rnd 1: Ch 1 (counts as sc), sc in next ch and in every ch around. Join with a sl st. –7 sts.


Rnd 2: Ch1, sc in same st, *2 sc in next st; rep from * around. Join with a sl st. –14 sts.


Rnd 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in next st, *sc, 2 sc; rep from * around. Join with a sl st. –21 sts.


Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in next st and in every st around. Join with a sl st.


 


Plant Hanger2

 


Main Section:

Rnd 1: Ch 5, sk 2, sc in next st, *ch 4, sk 2, sc in next st; rep from * around. Join with a sl st in first ch of beginning ch 5. Place marker. –7 loops made.


Plant Hanger3

 


Rnd 2: *Ch 4, sc in loop space; rep around. From here you’ll be working in a spiral, but use the marker as a guide to know when you’ve made a full round.


Continue as for Rnd 2 until piece stretches to approx. 4 1/2″/11.5 cm tall, ending with a ch 4, sl st in the loop closest to the marker.


Fasten off.


 


Plant Hanger 4 small

 


Hanger Strands:


Divide planter Main Section into fourths. Join yarn at the loop space of one of those four points.


Crochet a 14″/35.5 cm chain.


Fasten off, leaving at least a 9″/23 cm tail.


Repeat for remaining 3 points.


Finishing

Make tassel:

Wrap t-shirt yarn 15 or so times around cardboard piece. Slip an additional piece of yarn through the top loops of all of the strands; tie.


Carefully slide yarn off the cardboard, and pinch together about 1″/2.5 cm down from top, cinching tightly, using an additional strand of yarn.


Cut the bottom loops to create tassel strands.


Knot the four, Hanger Strands together, then create a hanging loop by tying an additional knot with the chain tails.


Weave in ends.


Place pot inside Planter Hanger. Donezo!


 


Plant Hanger1

xx,

Vickie


Psst! Learn more about knitting, crochet, and cool products like the Jumbo Amour hooks on my, “Ask Me Monday” live video streams. Log on and tune in to my Facebook page every Monday at 10amPT/1pmET. Hope to see you there!

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Published on August 28, 2015 16:04

August 20, 2015

Knitting Pattern: Watermelon Baby Bib!

Clover VH_BLOG_BANNERwatermelon bib3

You may’ve noticed that just as fruit goes in and out of season, its respective member’s likenesses go in and out of style. Last year you couldn’t walk more than a few paces in your local department store or boutique shop without seeing something inspired by pineapples. This year, the same seems to be the case for its less-acidic friend, the watermelon! I’ve seen slices everywhere — from beach balls and buttons, to handbags and headbands, to dolls and dresses. Watermelon is the new pineapple. Clearly.


After spying this trend (again, and again), while out and about, I jumped on Pinterest to do further research. The result was a rabbit hole of watermelon findings, of which I curated my favorites onto a virtual board. That particular board, I promise, is bursting with fruit flavor! Click here to scroll through, and repin to your juicy, heart’s content. But I digress.


Watermelon Bib

My point is that I was inspired. That inspiration combined with the fact that I was headed on a trip to visit some of my favorite bubbies, got me thinking about cute ways to apply the trend to something a baby would wear. It’s so dang hot right now, though that the only knitwear I could bear to subject a little one to, is a sweet bib. So, I grabbed the Takumi needles from the set I always travel with (you can watch the video on Facebook from this week’s, “Ask Me Monday” live feed to hear more scoop on knitting while traveling), and cast-on for this wee watermelon, wearable-treat! Here’s how you can make one too.


Enjoy!


xx,

Vickie


IMG_2207 WATERMELON BIB


Materials

1 ball each of Bernat Cotton-ish by Vickie Howell, in colors: (A) Crimson Twine, (B) Jade Jersey, and Scraps of (C) Cotton Club

Clover Takumi  Bamboo 16″ (41 cm) Circular Needle, Size U.S. 5 (3.75 mm)–or size needed to obtain gauge

Optional: 2, Clover Takumi Bamboo Double-pointed Needles (dpns), size U.S. 5 (3.75 mm)–or size needed to obtain gauge

Clover Chibi Tapestry Needle


IMG_2259

Finished Measurements

Length: (at center) 5 1/4″ /13.5 cm

Width:  9 1/2″/24 cm



Gauge


21 sts. x 44 rows = 4″/10 cm in Garter Stitch


Directions

Note: This section is worked in short-rows, and can knit with either a circular needle or two dpns.

With Color A, CO 24.



Row 1: K 23, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn (last st will now be wrapped.)


Row 2: K 23.


Row 3: K 21, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 4: Knit 21.


Row 5: K 19, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 6: Knit 19.


Row 7: K 17, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 8: Knit 17.


Row 9: K 15,  sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 10: Knit 15.


Row 11: K 13, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 12: Knit 13.


Row 13: K 11, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 14: Knit 11.


Row 15: K 9, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 16: Knit 9.


Row 17: K 7, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 18: Knit 7.


Row 19: K 5, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 20: Knit 5.


Row 21: K 3, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 22: Knit 3.


Row 23: K 1, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 24: Knit 1.


Repeat Rows 1-24, seven times MORE.


Note: If you chose to use dpns for last section, switch to circular needle here to accommodate extra sts.


Next Row: K 24, pu 23 across top of piece. –47 sts


Next Row: Knit.


Neck shaping:

Row 1: K 15, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 2: K 15.


Row 3: K 14, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 4: K 14.


Row 5: K 13, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 6: K 13.


Row 7: K 12, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 8: K 12.


Row 9: K 11, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 10: Knit 11.


Row 11: K 10, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 12: K 10.


Row 13: K 4, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 14: K 4.


Row 15: K 3, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 16: K 3.


Row 17: K 2, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 18: K 2.


Row 19: K 1, sl 1, bring yarn fwd, sl st back to LH needle, turn.


Row 20: K 1.


Left neck shaping done.




Row 21: Knit 47.


Rows 22-41: Rep rows 1-20 (only wrap and turn rows will now be works on WS rows.)


Right neck shaping done.


BO.




Edging:

Note: You can use either dpns or circular needle for this section.


With Color B and RS facing, pu 88 sts evenly along entire bottom edge.

Row 1 (WS): Knit.

Row 2: Knit, picking up 7 sts evenly. –54 sts.


Row 3: Knit.



Row 4: Knit, picking up 2 sts evenly. –56 sts.

Row 5: Knit.


BO.



 


IMG_2192

Ties:

With Color B and either dpns or circular needle, pu 4 sts at top corner of bib.

Work in i-cord for 10″/25.5 cm.


BO.


Repeat for opposite side.


IMG_2206

Finishing


Using Color C and tapestry needle, duplicate stitch “seeds” in desired pattern across bib.


Weave in ends. Block if necessary.


IMG_2209
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Published on August 20, 2015 19:44

August 18, 2015

Finger Weaving from Japan’s Naoko Minowa!

fingerweaving

I get a lot of books for potential features or reviews, but rarely do they feature yarn-y techniques that I’m unfamiliar with. That (along with the fact that I *heart* anything, Japanese craft-related) is why I was thrilled to receive Finger Weaving by, Naoka Monowa. And, thanks to the folks at Stackpole Books, I’m even more excited to be able to share a HUGE excerpt showing the basics of this new-to-me method with you! I hope you’re as inspired by Naoka as I am. Happy finger weaving! –xx, Vickie


LOOP START METHOD


This method requires you to cut long pieces of yarn that will be folded in half when attached to the ruler. Always use this method when a project calls for the fringe to be finished with a Braided Loop (see page 52).


1. Tie a 59″ (150 cm) long string to both ends of the ruler.

FW_p32A


2. Pull the string taut at the center. Use a full plastic water bottle as a weight to hold the string and ruler in

place.

FW_p32B


3. Fold one piece of yarn in half and bring the loop under the ruler.

FW_p32C


4. Insert both ends of the yarn through the loop and pull to bring the knot up to the edge of the ruler.

FW_p32D


Note: When using multiple colors, pay attention to the order in which you attach the yarn to the ruler as this will influence the finished pattern. Refer to the individual project instructions for specific order.


5. Repeat steps 3-4 to attach the remaining pieces of yarn to the ruler.

FW_p33A


6. Completed view once all pieces of yarn have been attached to the ruler using the Loop Start Method.

FW_p33B



BASIC WEAVING TECHNIQUE


The basic weaving technique uses the far left strand in each row as the weft (horizontal) yarn. This method produces a slanted, striped pattern when worked in two or more colors of yarn.


MATERIALS


—20 yards (38 g) of super bulky-weight (#6 super bulky) wool yarn in orange


—20 yards (38 g) of super bulky-weight (#6 super bulky) wool yarn in brown


GETTING STARTED


1. For each color, cut 6 pieces of yarn that measure 118 1/4″ (300 cm) long each. You should have a total of 12 pieces of yarn.


2. Attach the yarn to the ruler using the Loop Start Method (see page 32). Make sure to alternate yarn colors as shown in the step 1 photo below. Once the yarn is attached to the ruler, there will be 24 strands of yarn that measure 59″ (150 cm) long each. Insert a string through for three rows to prevent your work from unraveling (see page 34).



INSTRUCTIONS


1. Separate the far left strand to be used as the weft yarn.

FW_p37C


2. Pick up the strands of yarn positioned under the third string (in this example, these are the right strings of each looped piece of yarn).


FW_p38A


3. Lift these strands up while holding the bottom layer of yarn down with your other hand.

FW_p38B


4. Insert the weft yarn between the two layers.

FW_p38C


5. The first row is complete. Leave the weft yarn at the right edge for now—it will eventually become a warp (vertical) yarn.

FW_p38D


6. Separate the far left strand to be used as the new weft yarn. Pick up the strands of yarn that made up the bottom layer of the first row.

FW_p39A


When picking up the bottom layer of yarn, pull the strands taut to tighten the weft yarn and stabilize the weave.


7. Insert the weft yarn between the two layers following the same process used in step 4.

FW_p39B-L


8. Bring the first row weft yarn down so it becomes a warp yarn. Make sure it crosses over the second row weft yarn.

FW_p39C-L


9. Repeat steps 6-7 to weave the third row. Bring the second row weft yarn down so it becomes a warp yarn again. Make sure it crosses over the third row weft yarn.FW_p39D-L



10. Continue weaving, making sure to always use the far left strand as the weft yarn. As you weave, move the plastic water bottle closer to you to hold the work in place.FW_p40A


11. The weaving process will cause the strands of yarn to become uneven in length. Weave until the shortest strand equals the desired fringe length (6″-8″ [15-20 cm] in this example).

FW_p40B-L


12. Finish the fringe (see page 51), or continue with steps 13-15 to level out the end of the weave before finishing the fringe.



13. The last row of weaving will be slanted, as visible in the step 11 photo above. To level out this row, separate the far left strand as the weft yarn. Pick up about half of the strands that made up the bottom layer of the previous row. Weave the weft yarn between the two layers. The weft yarn will be positioned in the middle of work.

FW_p40B-L


14. Repeat step 13, but only weave the weft yarn through a quarter of the work this time.


FW_p41A


15. The end of the work is now level.



Finishing Methods


Once you finish weaving, use these options to finish both ends of the work. Note that certain finishing methods can only be used in conjunction with a particular start method.


THE NECKTIE KNOT


1. When the weaving is complete, hold the weft yarn from the final row in your right hand and the rest of the yarn in your left hand. Wrap the weft yarn around the bundle in your left hand one time.

FW_p51A


2. Bring the weft yarn through the loop to tighten.

FW_p51B


3. Pull the knot taut. Trim the fringe to desired length.

FW_p51C




Finished piece!

FW_p37A


To learn additional, finger weaving techniques and make truly inspiring scarves and shawls be sure to grab a copy of Finger Weaving Scarves & Wraps (Stackpole Books), by Naoka Minowa!

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Published on August 18, 2015 07:00

August 13, 2015

Tree People Beanie Knit-Along Recap

Tree People HatKnit-along2

 


I *heart* knit-alongs. It’s a great way to have some virtual hang-time with friends and “friends” (i.e. people I may not know personally, but who love the knitting as much as I do.) Last week was the 15th in a series I’ve been hosting for Knit Simple Magazine and Yarnspirations, this one for the Tree People Beanie. This project is quick, and relatively easy so some of us have made more than one as potential holiday gifts. Bookmark the pattern to keep that in mind for when you’re ready to start churning out presents for the Winter! In the meantime, though you can continue to join us on perpetual, the Knit-along Facebook page. But first, here’s a glimpse at some of our KAL, works-in-progress (WIPS), and finished objects(FOs)!


 


beanie Collage

Tree People WIPs and FOs


 


The pattern for this hat is in the Fall 2015 issue of Knit Simple Magazine. The Patons Classic Wool Worsted used for this project is available in craft stores or online (along with pattern download) at Yarnspirations.com.


Stay tuned for the next, Knit-along with Vickie Howell coming in October!


xx,

Vickie

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Published on August 13, 2015 05:52

August 11, 2015

Please Vote: SXSW Interactive Panel!

Vote-PanelPIcker-Idea-2016-Instagram



Hey, guys! One of my passions is to help other creative types thrive in their careers, and my craft super-star friends, Jennifer Perkins and Jamie Dorobek (of Creative Really Awesome Free Things) have pitched a panel for next year’s SXSW Interactive show. If you would, I’d appreciate if you took a moment to vote for it. We’d love to make this panel happen! Here’s the scoop:


Crafting Success in the Digital World

The tech age has opened the doors for makers, writers, D.I.Y. experts, and other creative types to craft their own, independent careers. Whether it’s Lifestyle blogging, producing an artist-series podcast, or hosting a D.I.Y. Youtube channel, the world-wide-web is your oyster! How, though do you take your personal brand or project to the next level? During a panel discussion with 3, world-renown makers, we’ll approach that while also talking “buzz words”, creative titles, inventing opportunities, and how every social media post is really, just a mini-pitch of your awesomeness. Through conversation, stories from the trenches, and tried and true marketing tips, we’ll inspire you to thrive!


Thanks in advance for your help, and we hope to see you here in Austin next March for SXSW!


xx,

Vickie

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Published on August 11, 2015 06:21

August 6, 2015

Geometric Pencil Case

Pencilcase

Heya! Did you know that every Thursday I write a post for the Yarnspirations blog? I cover trends, curate round-ups, and create quickie, themed projects. This week, the Y-folks (my nickname for the Yarnspirations team) are focusing on Back to School projects, so I whipped up a tutorial for a plastic canvas, pencil case that’ll give purpose to the scraps in your stash. Go here for the scoop, and check the Yarnspirations XO blog every Thursday for my posts. Hope to see you there!


xx,

Vickie

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Published on August 06, 2015 10:26

August 4, 2015

Author, Mary Jane Hall on Colorful Crochet Lace!

9781620336984_300dpi (1)

Colorful Color Crochet: 22 Chic Garments & Accessories, By Mary Jane Hall (Interweave/F+W; $24.99)




Colorful Crochet Lace – book by Mary Jane Hall


Welcome to the first stop on my blog tour! First of all I want to thank Vickie for giving me this fabulous opportunity as her guest blogger making it possible to share my newest book, Colorful Crochet Lace with all her friends in the crochet world! I have followed Vickie for years and was able to meet her at TNNA as she was just beginning to promote her yarn, Sheep(ish) (such a cute name!) But even before that I was fortunate enough to have Vickie choose my scarf for her book, Pop Goes Crochet which by the way was an awesome book with a unique idea. It’s a really cool book with projects that are still stylish today! Look for my scarf she titled Heidi, named after super model, Heidi Klum. Another connection I feel with Vickie, is that she is a fellow Texan!


Some of you may know me from my previous books, Positively Crochet and Crochet That Fits. After CTF, I had to take a few years off from designing due to some circumstances in my life that I almost did not recover from. But after finally realizing the only thing that would help me heal was to put my focus back onto something I really loved and could get excited about, which was my designing career. Not only does the motion of working the hook and yarn calm and soothe our senses as it’s forming into something incredible, but our minds were made to create, which gives us such a sense of accomplishment. One of my deep rooted satisfactions in life is helping people in any way I am able and I really enjoy the thought of helping to make crochet easier for anyone out there who may struggle from time to time, so I always have that in the back of my mind as I’m writing my patterns.



Colorful_Crochet_Lace_-_Parisian_Gardens_Circular_Shawl_beauty_image_medium2

Parisian Gardens Circular Shawl



Colorful Crochet Lace is a book I’ve been wanting to write for a very long time because making crochet lace garments and accessories is my very favorite way to showcase this amazing craft. The book is “laced” with 22 stylish projects of garments and accessories with a Parisian theme.


Even though I have always loved lacy Victorian things, fans and shell stitches, I wanted to create some garments that would appeal to a variety of people. Some of the designs are lacy and feminine, such as the Au Naturel Cropped Top with a delicate edging, the Parisian Gardens Circular Shawl (see above), the Juliette Scarf, the Ooh La La Flared Dress, the La Fleur Doily Bag and of course my favorite, the Haute Couture Peplum Top, which has no increases or decreases in the upper body part. The Brigitte Wide Belt is a feminine piece, but one person has already made the comment that she was reminded of the “Steampunk” style when she saw the belt! Then there are other projects a little less frilly such as the Tunique Unique Pullover, the Cafe Au Lait T-shirt,  Magnifique Modular Tunic, Tres Chic Neck Warmer and Boutique Bolero.



Colorful_Crochet_Lace_-_La_Fleur_Doily_Bag_beauty_image_medium2

La Fleur Doily Bag



Many people have asked what my motivation was in coming up with the Parisian theme. I was born near San Antonio, TX and am in love with the Riverwalk adorned with sidewalk cafes that remind me of places in Europe. It’s been a life long dream of mine to go to Paris! You should see my Pinterest board titled “Paris”, where I have pinned photos of beautiful scenery, ornate buildings, balconies with hanging flowers, sidewalk cafes and especially the Eiffel tower. I asked the publisher (Interweave Press /F+W) if we could do the photo shoot with a Parisian theme and find an ornate sidewalk cafe and a beautiful garden. They loved the idea and found those places in Denver where the photo shoot took place. I think they did a fantastic job and I am thrilled with the photos and the fact they loved my ideas!



MJH Collage



I would be honored for you to check out my new book, Colorful Crochet Lace and hope you find something you just have to make! I love seeing your projects so please post them on Ravelry, and you may get a request for your project to to be featured on the pattern page!


For the full schedule of the Colorful Crochet Lace blog tour, check out my blog.



photo Mary Jane Hall, Author

http://positivelycrochet.com/


             

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Published on August 04, 2015 06:00

July 29, 2015

Kids Craft: Cat Headband

Clover VH_BLOG_BANNER

IMG_1914


I don’t know about you fellow parents, but my youngest kiddo wants to be entertained. All. Of. The. Time. As we hit the homestretch of school break, I’ve found that it’s harder and harder to find things to do that don’t require me acting as her own, personal cruise director! So, as I have my whole life, I turn to crafting for some solace.


Thanks to the Wonder Knitter, kids can create knit pieces with relative ease. With that in mind, I set-off to collaborate with my kitty-fanatic daughter! We came up with a cute-as-a-kitten headband (the tail was totally her idea!) that’s constructed by sewing together one, continuous strand of Wonder Knitting. We took turns knitting, I assembled, and voila: a kids craft that’s the cat’s meow! Here’s how you can make one, too.




Materials

1 ball, bulky-weight yarn (I used, Patons Classic Wool Roving, in color: Natural)

Clover Wonder Knitter

Clover Jumbo Tapestry Needle

1 felt sheet each, in 2 ear colors

Felt scraps in 3 colors for eyes

Sewing needle & thread OR felt glue

Scissors


IMG_1915

 


Finished Size

Toddler (Child)


Finished Measurements

Fits 18″(20″)/ 46(51) cm head


Directions

Knit headband fabric:



Using Wonder Knitter with bulky disk and yarn, knit an 84″(92″)/213.5(234) cm piece.
Fasten off.

IMG_1871

 


Assemble headband:



Make an 18″(20″)/ 46(51) circle with end of piece; use tapestry needle and yarn to sew into place (this will be the back of your project). You now have the top of your headband.
Wrap the piece in a spiraling formation, taking care to measure every round to ensure circumference stays the same, using whip stitch (or whatever stitch gets the job done for you!) to sew rounds together, 4 times, and ending at the back.
Make an extra stitch or two to secure piece, letting the last 12″/30.5 cm or so hang. This will be the cat’s tail.
Weave in ends; flip piece over so tail hangs downward.

IMG_1873

Make cat face:



Using template as guide, cut outer & inner ear, nose, and eye component pieces out of appropriately colored felt. Cut 6, matchstick thin pieces of grey felt for whiskers.

cat band template

Using needle & thread OR glue attach pink, inner ear to outer ear pieces. If you’re sewing, also pinch ears and tack to create a pucker at the bottom-center (see below). Attach ears to inside of the top-front of headband.IMG_1874

 



Assemble 3 layers of eye components; attach eyes to upper-front of headband.

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Attach whiskers, then layer and attach nose to lower-front of headband.

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That’s it; you’re feline-fantastic!

xx,

Vickie


Psst! Bookmark this project for a gift, Halloween, or ski season!

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Published on July 29, 2015 12:54