Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 56
August 7, 2013
July 31, 2013
New Free Pattern: Easy Crochet Skirt Edging
Using an abbreviated version of the same edging from my Kitschy Coo towel set, you can easily add a personalized touch on your favorite gal's fabric skirt! xx, Vickie
MATERIALS:
Bernat® Cotton-ish by Vickie Howell (55% Cotton/45% Acrylic; 282 yds): 1 ball Cotton Candy
Size US G/6 hook or size needed to obtain gauge.
Tapestry needle
Fine tip hole punch
Measuring tape
Pen or pencil
Wee Skirt
HOW-TO:
Using measuring tape, pen and fine-tip hole punch, mark and make an even number of holes approx 1/2" apart and 1/4" up from skirt hem edge.
With tapestry needle and yarn, Blanket Stitch through holes across.
Row 1: Join yarn by pulling loop through top of 1st blanket stitch. Ch 3, sc in next to, *ch 2, sc; rep from * to end. Join rnd with a sl st.
Row 2: Ch 3, *dc in ch-2 sp, 3 dc around post of dc just made (makes 3 dc group), sc in next ch-2 sp; rep from * ending with sc around post of beg ch-3. Fasten off.
Weave in ends.
July 30, 2013
Step It Up Knits Workshops at RISD!
I'm honored to be teaching two workshops in September at the renown, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)! As part of their Continuing Education program in Hand Knitting Design, they've invited me to teach next level techniques from my book, Step It Up Knits. See above for full description of the classes.
If you're interested in signing up for Step It Up Knits I, click here. For Step It Up Knits II, click here.
You do not need to one to take the other, so pick the skill set you'd like to learn and choose from there -- or even better, spend the whole day with me and take both!
Hope to see you there!
xx,
Vickie
July 26, 2013
New Free Project: Kitschy Coo Set!
Yarn: Bernat Cotton-ish by Vickie Howell in color: Lemon Twill
Looking for a quick hostess gift for that Labor Day BBQ or a teacher gift for the upcoming school year? Well crocheters, I've got you covered! Check out my Kitschy Coo kitchen set pattern on Joann.com -- grab it for free now for the perfect, weekend project. Enjoy!
July 24, 2013
New Bag + New Shawl
Cezanne Bag, by Jordana Paige
Last January Jordana Paige sent me the latest addition to her fantastic line of knitting bags, this one called: Cezanne. I was so enamored with the on-trend oxblood red, the plentiful pocket arrangement and the accessory pouches that I decided to honor Cezanne by filling it up with supplies for a non-work related project. Frivolous stitching is not something I see much of these days, but this bag deserved the honor of holding what to me is one of life's most precious things: the tools for free-time enjoyment.
Cezanne filled to the brim with supplies to make the Tiamat Shawl, by Shannon Mullet-Bowlsby
As it goes with good intentions, I started of my homage with focused dedication. See below: my metallic yarn and hook had been put to work -- they even rested nicely next to coffee served in a 1950's cup and saucer from the set my dad sent back from the war. (Lacework of any kind equals fanciness and thusly deserves to be in the company of fine China. Duh.)
Alas though, life happens. Work projects call and just-for-fun projects are set aside. So, for 6 months my new bag and shawl-to-be hung out together next to my office desk. Waiting.
Until a couple of weeks ago.
I'm happy to report that finally, I've actually finished a garment created for no other purpose than my own happiness! It's a small victory, but one I will wear with pride (as soon as the Texas heat subsides). Isnt' she purty? (Shannon did a great job with his design and the pattern was really well written, too!)
In short, it may not epitomize "zen", but the right supplies, some time to yourself and a few stitches can really make a difference in a busy person's life. Well, at least it did in mine.
You can nab a Cezanne bag here and the pattern for the Tiamat shawl here.
xx,
Vickie
July 22, 2013
New Free Cotton-ish Pattern: Little Ladies Who Lunch Bib!
Ladies Who Lunch bib, shown in Bernat Cotton-ish by Vickie Howell in colors:
Cotton Fields and Cotton Ball
God morning! It's breakfast time here in Austin, TX, and I'm already thinking about lunch -- Little Ladies Who Lunch , that is. My latest Cotton-ish, crochet pattern for Joann.com, a be-collared bib for baby, is available now. Nab the pattern here, and the yarn here or here.
Don't forget to follow our Cotton-ish board on Pinterest, too!
Enjoy!
xx,
Vickie
Facebook.com/vickiehowell
Bernat.com/vickiehowell
Craftsy.com/vickie
Pinterest.com/iamvickiehowell
Instagram.com/vickiehowell
Twitter.com/vickiehowell
July 15, 2013
New Free Cotton-ish Pattern: Summer Vacay Scarf
Shown in Bernat Cotton-ish by Vickie Howell in color: Seersucker
Scarves aren't just for sinter. Nope! Just like a great necklace, a light-weight scarf can be the perfect statement piece for a tank top or t-shirt. My Summer Vacay Scarf pattern is available now on Joann.com. Make this project while you're away on vacation, then wear it when you get back. It'll serve as a bright, lacy reminder of warm waves and cool breezes. Enjoy!
xx,
Vickie
P.S. Don't forget that Cotton-ish is on sale during the month of July on Bernat.com. Just enter code: BERNATSELECT13
July 12, 2013
New Free Cotton-ish Pattern: Red, White & Loop-d-Loop Skirt!
The nautical trend is one that seems to never really wane -- every summer there seems to be new pieces inspired by the classic colors ans sea-worthy shapes. My take on sailor-cute style is this Red, White & Loop-d-Loop skirt for baby, made with Cotton-ish and currently featured on Joann.com. Get the pattern here, and the yarn at your local Jo-ann Store!
Shown in Cotton-ish colors: Royal Denim, Cotton Ball and Crimson Twine.
See some of the inspiration for this skirt on my Nautical by Nature board on Pinterest!
xx,
Vickie
P.S. Ordering Cotton-ish online? Get 25% during July using code: BERNATSELECT13 !
July 11, 2013
New Cotton-ish Free Pattern: Beanie There, Done (T)hat
If your guy's like mine, beanies are just for cold weather! What hot-blooded male wants to wear wool though, in the middle of summer? Well sirs, I've got your covered! Check out my latest crochet design for dudes, a slouchy beanie made out of light and drapey, Bernat Cotton-ish by Vickie Howell yarn: Beanie There, Done (T)hat . (You know I'm never going to stop with the bad puns, right?)
Get the free pattern here ! Oh, and if you're reading this post during July 2013, then you can get 25% off your Cotton-ish purchase on Bernat.com, using code: BERNATSELECT13.
Psst...pass it on!
xx,
Vickie
July 9, 2013
Mossimo Dress Hack: Crocheted Bodice How-To
Yesterday I posted a recap of the Cotton-ish Market Bag #joannCPAL, so today I thought I'd show you how the very same Mesh Stitch used to make that bag can also be translated into a cool (both literally and figuratively) bodice on a fabric dress.
Here in the states, Target is a go-to shopping spot for stylish yet affordable wardrobe pieces. They've been pretty brilliant about staying on-trend by licensing great brands, and working with independent artists to create a slew of dynamic, wearable pieces. Surf brand, Mossimo was one of the earlier companies to pair up with the retail giant. Growing up in Southern California, Mossimo was a big deal. It's one of the brands that the "cool kids" wore. It was a bit expensive though, and we were pretty broke. Alas. Since then though, the brand had become exclusive to Target making it accessible for most. Yay! Accessibility however, means that you're likely to not be the only one you know wearing that cute dress with the great print.
Well, my friends, that's were this post comes in. It's quick(ish) and easy to personalize an existing garment and I'm going to show you how to do-it-yourself with my very 1st, Mossimo Dress Hack tutorial!
MATERIALS
Dress
Scissors
Disappearing Ink (or regualar) Pen
Measuring Tape
Sharp, Tapestry Needle
Straight Pins
Sewing Machine, Needle & Thread OR Fusible Hem Tape & Iron
1 Ball, Bernat Cotton-ish by Vickie Howell (or similar weight, cotton blend yarn)
Size US G/6 (4 mm) Crochet Hook
CROCHET ABREVIATIONS
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
HOW-TO HACK
This is the fun part. Go shopping either at a store or in your own closet! For this project it's helpful to use a dress that doesn't have a neckline any lower than a scoop neck.
This is the scary part. It feels so wrong to cut a perfectly go dress, doesn't it? I suggest holding the dress up to yourself before you make the cut. If you don't want the crochet mesh to start mid-bustline, then make sure you cut right under the neckline (maybe a little higher if you're working with a crew neck.) Don't worry though, you'll probably wear a tank top or vintage slip under the mesh anyway, so no biggie if you cut too much fabric off. I believe in you!
Even though hemming is not my favorite thing in the world to do, for a dress hack like this one it's really important. Not only does it keep the raw edges of the material from fraying, but the folds offer additional layers of fabric for stabilization. Your hemline doesn't need to be perfect, nor does it matter what seam allowance you use. Whatever's clever. If you don't own a sewing machine, hand-sewing or iron-on fusible hem tape will get the job done, too. Make sure though, to hem both back and front pieces of your dress!
Using a measuring tape as a guide make an odd amount of dots about 1/4"/.5 cm from the top edge and 1/2"/1.25 cm apart from each other. These dots will act as your hand-sewing guide.
Using a strand of yarn, a tapestry needle and the blanket stitch, sew a foundation edging along the hemlines where the dots have been marked. You'll end up with an even number of gaps in between the stitches. Those gaps will be what you crochet your first row into.
This is the hook of the project (har, har, har)! Join yarn to piece to the right side of your front piece by pulling a slip-knotted loop through the first gap on the right-hand side.
Row 1: Ch 6 (counts as sc and ch 5), sc in next gap, *[ch 5, sc] in next gap, sc in next gap; repeat from * to end. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 5. 1 sc in next ch-5 sp; rep from * to end. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 for as many times as necessary to reach where you'd like the neckline to hit (for me, that was 10 more times). For this project I suggest working until right about at the bottom of your clavicle bone (keep in mind that there isn't any shaping, so this will have a boat-neck fit.)
Next Row: Ch 2, *4 hdc in ch-5 sp, hdc in sc; rep from * to end. Turn.
Next Two Rows: Ch 2, hdc in next sc and every sc to end. Turn.
Fasten off.
Repeat all steps for for back piece.
Using your preferred method (I used sc), seam together what will become the shoulders. The width of shoulders will vary based on your own body type. I have narrow shoulders so my neckline needed to be a bit smaller, so I seamed more than someone wider shoulders might. I'd say about 4"-5"/10 cm-12.5 cm for each seam should suffice.
Weave in ends.
Wear it!
Do you have a dress hack of your own to share? I'd love to see it! Post a photo on my FaceBook page or tag @VickieHowell on Twitter or Instagram.
Happy hacking!
xx,
Vickie
Facebook.com/vickiehowell
Bernat.com/vickiehowell
Craftsy.com/vickie
Pinterest.com/iamvickiehowell
Instagram.com/vickiehowell
Twitter.com/vickiehowell
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
