Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 59
February 28, 2013
Free Pattern: Clover Hair Clips
As the mother of a child named, "Clover" I have a soft spot for shamrocks. With St. Patrick's Day coming up though, what little lass couldn't use a pair of Clover Hair Clips? Enjoy!
Materials
1 ball (or scraps) of Sheep(ish) by Vickie Howell, in color: Chartreuse(ish) -- or any equivalent, worsted-weight yarn
Size US H/5 mm crochet hook
Tapestry Needle
Sewing Needle & Thread
Small hair clips
Abbreviations
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
hdc = half double crochet
rep = repeat
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)
tr = triple (treble) crochet
Don't know how to crochet? Take my online workshop, Crochet Lab on Craftsy!
Finished Measurement
2 1/2"/6.25 cm from clover top end of stem.
How-To
Crochet clover applique: (make 2 for clip set)
Ch 4; join round with a sl st to create center loop.
Leaves: *[Ch 2, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sl st] all in center loop; rep from * three times more (it'll be a snug fit, but that's ok.)
Stem: Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 4 sts, sl st in center loop. Fasten off.
Hand-sewn clip to applique.
Using tapestry needle, weave in yarn ends.
Using needle & thread, hand-sew hair clip to back of clover.
Finished Clover Clips.
5 More Ways to Use Clover Appliques
Make a bunch and string together for a St. Paddy's Day garland.
Adorn a package with one for your favorite lad or lassie.
Sew a few on a wee denim skirt.
Hot glue onto heavy weight paper for a shramrock-sweet greeting card.
Attach earring findings for a kitschy pair of ear baubles.
All patterns are meant for non-commercial use only. Copyright Craft.Rock.Love Media, LLC 2013. All rights reserved.
February 27, 2013
Step It Up Knits + Yarn Market News
It's pretty cool to get a copy of industry mag, Yarn Market News in the mail and see the cover emblazoned with the title of my latest book! Ok, that's not entirely accurate. Their call to action for the yarn business-types isn't related to my book at all...but, there IS a review of Step It Up Knits in the same issue. Check it out, wontcha! Thanks!--Vic
February 22, 2013
Photo Recap: Ikea Textile Event
Yesterday our local Ikea store held a Textile Event to get Austin crafters excited about this season's looks. Since I'd been needing to take a trip out there (it's about 45 minutes from home) anyway, I was more than happy to accept the invitation.
When I got there I was expecting a crowd, and possibly craft tables set up with an activity using the fabrics. It turned out though, to really just be more of a living catalogue showcasing several ways to utilize fabric in home decor and make the most of any space. Since I'm kind of a lookie loo, this was fine by me! Here's some of what me and my mini-sidekick (aka my 3 1/2-year-old daughter) saw.
In this room, they've used fabric as art by stretching one of their prints over canvas stretchers. The cabinet doors are lined with a contrasting fabric, which can be swapped out at your every whim!
Their red room shows how to have high-impact in a small space.
This room plays to a modern esthetic with it's graphic prints and cool colors.
Their rustic room includes raw-looking, wooden furniture with heavy hardware, and traditional Swedish prints.
One of the rooms doubled as both dining and craft room. I love the fabrics hanging on a garment rack and the ruler painted on the wall! The most adorable thing though, is the sewing machine they now sell. It's compact with a decent amount of stitches, and affordably priced. This would be a great starter machine for any DIY-er.
Of course, I love the doily print of this bedding set. I've had a grey version of it at home for a couple of years that I still haven't opened. I keep thinking I'll pull a Maria Von Trapp, and make myself a skirt out of it. Said mythical skirt would be perfect paired with a crocheted top designed out of yarn from my line. It's good to have crafty pipe dreams.
Clover and I were ladies who lunch, courtesy of the in-store cafe.
The best part of the event, though? The parting gift. The Ikea folks gave me what appeared to be a little textile bundle, but turned out to be 2 yards of home dec fabric! I suddenly want to buy a cabin so I have a place to put some homemade, tree stump-print pillows! Again: crafty pipe dreams.
You can see the current line of Ikea textiles here. Enjoy!
xx,
Vickie
February 15, 2013
New Booklet: Top Ten Crochet Hats
My 8th book(ish) (does a booklet count as a book?), Top Ten Crocheted Hats is out now exclusively at Joann stores. Here's a glimpse at a handful of the projects inside!
Make any of these hats in a weekend (or evening) --adding a pop of color (using my Sheep(ish) yarn, of course) to your winter wardrobe has never been so easy.
Happy hat-making, crocheters!
xx,
Vickie
February 14, 2013
Love Crochet this Valentine's Day!
'Tis the season to nurture your love of crafty learning! Beginning today, Craftsy gifts you up to 75% off of ALL of their online classes, include Crochet Lab . Join the 6,000+ students who've already taken my course, but for a limited time for only $10! Click here to nab it, and see all of the classes on sale.
Love crochet this Valentine's Day!
xo,
Vickie
February 12, 2013
Valentine's Day Pinsperation
How is it only February, and I already feel really behind this year? Back when I had my I Love to Create or PBS Parents column, I would've had a couple of heart inspired how-tos for you by now. Alas, though I've been focused on behind-the-scene promo stuff for my other gigs, so we'll have to settle for staring longingly at some of the beautiful projects created by others, and pinned by me. Here's a glimpse at some of the projects inspiring me this month.
Click to enlarge.
Click to enlarge.
My 3 1/2 year-old daughter and I have put a couple of the pre-schooler friendly DIYdeas into action, by making out own versions. The first one was this magnet experiment. My version uses an empty peanut butter container, some glitter tape, and a bunch of Valentine-inspired items. Most items had metal in them (pipe cleaners, bells, paper clips, etc.), but others (pom poms, sequin, etc.) did not. Clover had fun seeing how the magnet worked to attract the metal items, while leaving the other items alone.
V-Day Magnet Experiment
Clover had fun seeing how the magnet worked to attract the metal items, while leaving the other items alone. Admittedly though, she's had more fun shaking the jar at the cat while chasing him around.
The second activity we played with came from this pin. This is one of those, "why didn't I think of that" ideas: use a smooshed toilet paper roll to paint heart stamps on paper. Here's our version.
T.P. Heart Stamp
Sweet, simple and makes great wrapping for those Valentine's gifts!
Looking for more Love Day inspiration? Check out my V-Day Pinterest board for the items shown in this post and more!
xx,
Vickie
February 7, 2013
Photo Recap: Vogue Knitting Live, NYC
January is always a whirlwind of conventions and industry events. The one I always look forward to most though, is Vogue Knitting Live in New York City. This year, over 7,000 knitters and crocheters took over the Marriott Marquis, at the heart of Time Square -- it was a blast! There were loads of classes taught by the most amazing instructors, lectures, panels, cocktail parties, fashion shows and of course, a HUGE marketplace. As always, I was there, too hosting the Bernat Beginner Lounge, and passing out yarn and patterns to attendees. I had a great time, and thought I'd share with you a little peak inside the experience. Enjoy!
Beginner Lounge
Event volunteer, teaching one of our male students to knit.
Students sit at one of our communal tables, learning how to knit and crochet.
Sitting knee-to-knee with a left-handed stitcher, so she can learn to crochet by mirroring me.
Artist's Gallery
Clockwise: Knitting with Swords, Jo Hamilton's Crocheted Portraits, Garments by
Rhode Island School of Design Students
Installation piece, by Allison Hrachovec of Mochimochiland
Gala Dinner
What, you don't carry yarn in your evening bag?
Before dinner with my dear friend, Tiffany. We've been in a private,
online knitting group together for 10 years|
With designer/VKL instructor, Josh Bennett.
Actress, Karen Allen (Raiders of the Lost Ark) was the Keynote Speaker. She's also a knitwear designer known for her extraordinary use of color.
Event sponsor, Zealana hosted a fashion show featuring their yarn, Zealana Air.
You can see more of my photos from Vogue Knitting Live on Flickr, and read Vogue's recap of the New York show here.
Next up: Vogue Knitting Live, Seattle! Get the scoop here.
Hope to see you at a future, VK Live!
xx,
Vickie
Join me on:
Bernat.com/vickiehowell
Twitter: @vickiehowell
FB: facebook.com/vickiehowell
Flickr: flickr.com/photos/craftrocklove
Ravelry: VickieHowell
YouTube: Vickie Howell
Pinterest: iamvickiehowell
January 28, 2013
Movie Monday: Tangled
This week's Movie Monday comes courtesy of one of my daughter's favorite flicks: Disney's Tangled. I love how the knit garment was used as wardrobe for one of the burly brutes (don't let the "jazz hands" and mime make-up fool you) in the perilous bar scene. Is it me, or is his cap-sleeved top actually kind of cute? Picture it tailored for a woman's shape. I'd totally wear it!
Waffle Stitch
Waffle Stitch
January 24, 2013
Trendspotting: Aztec-Style Prints
One of the boldest trends over the past year or so is that of angular, Aztec-inspired prints. From home decor to jewelry and swimwear, you'd be hard-pressed not to spot the Southwestern flair that graces the aisles of even the most mainstream of retailers.
Here are some of the inspiration images featuring this trend -- you can see the ever-growing collection on my "Azteca"
Here are some of the inspiration images featuring this trend -- you can see the ever-growing collection on my "Azteca"
January 23, 2013
Craft Tree: Crocheted Amigurumi
Quickie post to share with you that my Tree-garumi pattern (originally featured in Interweave Crochet), is one of the projects included in the new book, Craft Tree: Crocheted Amigurumi.
If you have a penchant for crochet cuteness, this book is a must-have!
Get it here.
xx,
Vickie
If you have a penchant for crochet cuteness, this book is a must-have!
Get it here.
xx,
Vickie
