Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 58

My Half Hexagon Skirt in Vogue Knitting Crochet Issue!

I've never designed for Vogue before. I guess that I've gotten so caught up with championing the beginner/intermediate stitchers via magazines like, Knit Simple , that I'd never thought to submit to a mag that caters to the more advanced set. When editor-in-chief, Trisha Malcolm called to ask me to design a skirt in Bernat Handicrafter Crochet Thread for the Summer 2013 Vogue Knitting Crochet issue though, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I'm happy to announce that the issue is out, and included in it is my Half Hexagon Skirt!




 

Vogue Knitting Crochet 2013, photo by Rose Callahan 



For this design I played with making the hard angles of geometric shapes look soft by using a larger hook and periodic openwork. My shape-crush du jour (is that a thing?) is hexagon (they're totally the new circles ;-)) so for this garment I used both 1/2 and 2/3 version panels. From there, I filled in the rest of the piece with the shapes I needed to create the fit I wanted. Voila!




I love Vogue's rock-a-billy take on styling for the magazine shot. The skirt would also look great though, over a vintage half-slip worn with a t-shirt and boots or flip-flops. Make it, then make it your own!




Here are the specs:




Half Hexagon Skirt 

Designer: Vickie Howell 

For sizes: Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X 

Yarn information: Bernat Handicrafter Crochet Thread
Amounts: 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) balls in #31011 warm tan
1 ball in #31008 crisp linen







I may be biased, but man, this is of VKC is amazeballs! I'm humbled and honored to have a project included amongst ridiculously talented designers like: Mari Lynn Patrick, Robyn Chachula, Laura Zukaite and Kazekobo. You can see (and "Fave") all of the projects from the issue on Ravelry.













Oh, and don't forget to tag me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram with your Half Hexagon Skirt WIPS and FOs!




xx,

Vickie

Happy Earth Day!: Alternative Materials Knit & Crochet Projects

Happy Earth Day, everyone! In honor of the day we pay homage to our planet here a few, knit and crochet projects using alternative materials!











Blueberry Dyed Wool Yarn




Sari Scrap Crochet Bangles




Knit Twine Vase Cozies




Hot-tee Recycled T-shirt, Knit Pot Holder
















Every project in our book, Awareknits is eco-conscious in some way, but here are a few that use upcycled materials as yarn.













Crochet Plastic Bag Lunch Tote from AwareKnits




Crochet Save the Tees, T-Shirt Basket from AwareKnits




Crocheted Jute Rug from AwareKnits




Happy eco-stitching!



xx,

Vickie

Movie Monday (TV Edition): Game of Thrones

Are any of you watching HBO's epic series, Game of Thrones? It's not for the faint of heart, but oh, it is a feast for the eyes! Picture this: a dark, dirty pub that likely stinks of alcohol, body stench and urine. Scarred soldiers and beastly vagrants litter the place, all ready to kill or die during the next bar brawl. Then, one of the most despicable of the bunch, a background character without an ounce of moral standing, rises to threaten a young, lady Arya. He's donning the usual leather and cloth of the time period, but what's this I see? A garter stitch, flow-y cape/vest draped from his ruffian shoulders! I suppose even cretins need to stay cozy. Behold, a couple of iPhone screen shots for your viewing enjoyment!


















Alas, neither Bernat nor I have any designs fit for battle. However, we do have flow-y ponchos and wraps!



Recommended Stitching:

Satin Sparkle Chevron Shawl, by Bernat Design Team

Sheep(ish) Bohemian Shawl, by Doris Chan

Bamboo Shoulder Shrug, by Bernat Design Team

Capelet Crusader, from AwareKnits





Just for fun, here's a shot of the Knit Rider, knit chain mail from my very first book, New Knits on the Block.











Happy knitting; happy viewing!



xx,

Vickie

Creative Knitting Review of Step It Up Knits!

There's nothing nicer for an author than to read a nice review of one of her books over a good cup of coffee in the morning. Today, thanks to the folks at Creative Knitting , I was lucky enough to do just that. Take a moment if you will, to see what they had to say about the projects, tutorials and overall style of Step It Up Knits. Enjoy!




xx,

Vickie




Psst!...for a limited time the Step It Up Knits Kindle edition is only $2.51 on Amazon!

Photo Recap: Vogue Knitting Live, Seattle!

I'm back from Vogue Knitting Live, Seattle -- and as usual, I had a blast at this show! I got to see a bunch of friends, be inspired by a wealth of talented designers, teach crafty recruits how to knit & crochet at the Bernat Beginner Lounge, giveaway yarn to a bunch of knitters, do a little shopping, show attendees my upcoming yarns, and otherwise just wallow in the goodness that is this knitting show! Here, for your viewing pleasure is a photo recap of my 3 days at VK Live. Enjoy! --Vickie









Visiting the Jo-Ann store in Bellevue with my childhood friend, Heather.

(Psst...my hat is made with Sheep(ish) Stripes, coming in August!)












Spotted a Seattle antique store: vintage Ken set with hand knit cardigan!












Showtime!












Volunteer, Holly teaching the 1st student of the show.









Me coaching 8-year-old, Hazel how to cast-on.












Knitters learning to crochet.












Hooray for men who learn how to knit!












Bernat's Marketing Director gifting prize to giveaway winner.












Knitters milling around before show floor opened.












Marketplace floor.









"So You Want to Work in the Knitting Industry?" Panel

(Panelists R-L: Steven B [Yarn Garage], Cirilia Rose [Skacel], Me [Bernat], 

Carol Sulcoski [Black Bunny Yarns])









I'm in love with these, owl-topped hexagonal needles that the folks at 

Indian Lake Artisans gave me! 

(You have to check 'em out  -- each size has a different topper. 

I'm definitely going to order the Log Cabin-topped US 15s!)












Hanging knit art installation, by Suzanne Tidwell.












Yarn Installation












Gala Dinner Centerpieces by event sponsor, Skacel 

(This would work too, in Bernat Roving!)












Just one of the amazing gifts in the Addi/Skacel Gala gift bags! I'm a lucky gal.












At the Gala with Editor of Vogue Knitting, Trisha Malcolm












One of my knitting besties, Karen Baumer competing in the fastest 

knitter competition at the Gala!












I love this Dolman Sleeve Sweater from the Skacel fashion show!












Crowd lined up for the Cascade 220, end-of-show yarn drop.

(I got to be one of the people cutting the ribbons--so fun!)

Step It Up Knits eBook for Only $2.99!--Limited

Chronicle Books has launched a new ebook promotion program, called Chronicle Eye Candy. Each month selected digital titles will be offered at a discounted rate -- this month, Step It Up Knits has been selected. During April only, you can nab this ebook for only $2.99!



Get my ebook! Now available from your favorite ebook retailers for your favorite device at a special sale price for a limited time only from  http://www.chroniclebooks.com/ebook-deals



Enjoy!



xx,

Vickie



Psst!  See all of the projects from the book on Pinterest .

New Pattern: Apron Strings for Interweave Crochet

The Spring '13 issue of Interweave Crochet is out and includes my newly re-named column: Parenthook!  The focus of the articles and accompanying projects will now be not general "for the home", but more specifically on different aspects parenting of parenting. First up: cooking! 








Spend a little time in the kitchen this season, looking extra cute in my Apron Strings, half-hexigon apron!












Apron Info:

Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton (100% cotton; 80 yd [73 m]/1¾ oz [50 g]): Robin's egg #13215 (A), 4 balls; hot green # 13712 (B), 2 balls.
Hook Size: G/7 (4.5 mm) Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
Gauge: 12 dc and 7 rows = 4".







In addition, we've added a lifestyle web component  which will include a companion blog post for each project's theme. Up on the CrochetMe blog right now, is my family recipe for Super Yummy, Vegetarian "Beef" Crockpot Chili!

















Enjoy!




xx,

Vickie

Join met at Vogue Knitting Live in Seattle!

Hey, Seattle peeps: I'm headed your way! Come join me as I host the Beginner's Lounge (brought to you by Bernat) at Vogue Knitting Live . If you or someone you know has always wanted to knit or crochet, then we've got you covered! We'll provide Sheep(ish) and Softee Chunky yarn as well as the tools you'll need. We'll even give you instructions for your very first project, if you'd like: these cute, tissue cozies!









Not a beginner? Well, we still wanna see you! Here are a few more reasons to stop by the BL:






Free Patterns: We'll be handing out oodles of knit and crochet project sheets! (while supplies last)


Hourly Giveaways: Fill out an entry at the BL you'll have the chance to win a Shrug It Out kit ( Bernat Satin yarn and Knit Simple Spring '13 Magazine ). We'll be giving one away EVERY HOUR that the marketplace is open! Psst...this is the shrug project that we'll also be working on for the next, Stitch.Rock.Knit-along beginning April 18th!


Yarn Previews: Be in the know by sneaking a peak of all of Bernat's new yarns for Fall '13!--this includes my new, Sheep(ish) Stripes and Bernat Cotton-ish by Vickie Howell! We'll have them on display so you can see them live, before anyone else!





Get details about Vogue Knitting live on their website.




Hope to see you in Seattle!




xx,

Vickie

New Sheep(ish) Patterns from Guest Designers!

In case you missed them there are two great, new Sheep(ish) patterns available on the Bernat blog: a pair of lovely wrist warmers by designer, Brenda K.B. Anderson, and an adorable snake plushie by my buddy (and Knit & CrochetNow! host), Brett Bara. Enjoy! xx, Vickie




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Mossy Mitts, by Brenda K.B. Anderson



Finished size: One size to fit average Teen or Woman.

Approx 7 1/2”/19 cm long x 8 1/2”/21.5 cm hand circumference



Materials Needed

Bernat Sheep(ish) by Vickie Howell (85 g/3 oz; 153 m/167 yds)

Olive(ish) (00019) 1 ball.



Size 5 mm (U.S. G/6) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.

Yarn needle. 1 button per flower. Needle and matching thread (for button). 




Get the free pattern on the Bernat Blog !














Stripey Snake, by Brett Bara






Measurements Approx 15½”/39.5 cm around x 70”/178 cm long



Materials Needed 

Bernat Sheep(ish) by Vickie Howell (85 g/3 oz; 153 m/167 yds)

Robin Egg(ish) (00018) 2 balls

Magenta(ish) (00006) 1 ball

Yellow(ish) (00012) 1 ball

Hot Pink(ish) (00007) 1 ball

Chartreuse(ish) (00020) 1 ball

Turquoise(ish) (00017) 1 ball

Pink(ish) (00008) 2 balls

Red(ish) (00015) 1 ball

Lime(ish) (00021) 1 ball

Coral(ish) (00014) 1 ball




Size 5.5 mm (U.S. I/9) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge. Stuffing. Small amount of black sport-weight yarn for embroidery. 2 black beads for eyes.



Get the free pattern on the Bernat blog !

Trendspotting: Foxes

Just like colors and styles come in and out of fashion, so does the usage of certain animals in home decor, fashion and novelty items.  Cats are a classic and probably the most used pet in print, owls were EVERYWHERE a few years back, and horses can be found on the coolest of kitsch. The animal at the top of the trend list for the past year or two though, has got to be the fox. This is likely thanks in part to director Wes Anderson's cinematic version of, The Fantastic Mr. Fox (see our Movie Monday coverage here). Or maybe, it's because we're all just so darn foxy! Who knows. Regardless, those sly dogs have crept their way into every product genre possible (and also my heart.) Here are just a few of my favorite be-foxed goodies I found on the interwebs.




Click here for info on these foxy pics!



Like what you're seeing? Well you're in luck, because there's more where that came from! Check out my Foxy Pinboard for *cough* 100+ images of our furry little friends!






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Fox Pajama Bag





If you'd like to put your fox where your craft is (wait, what?), then
the Bernat Design Team has the perfect project for you: this Fox Pajama Bag !





What You Need:


Free Pattern
Bernat Super Value in colors: Redwood Heather, Natural & Black OR Sheep(ish) by Vickie Howell in colors: Pumpkin(ish), White(ish) & Black(ish)
Size 5mm (US H/8) Crochet Hook



Enjoy, you foxy beasts!

xx,
Vickie