Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 66
June 18, 2012
Home Hooking: Granny Square Doll Blanket
After my dad passed away in 2010, I came across a few of my very first crochet projects while cleaning out his attic. One of which, was the multi-colored, granny square doll blanket pictured below. This finding reinforces the fact that handmade items are a representation of history -- this blanket sharing a bit of mine.
Doll blanket I made when I was about 9-years-old.
For the
Doll blanket I made when I was about 9-years-old.
For the
June 15, 2012
Announcing: Purple Stitch Project!
Last August my now 10-year-old son, Tristan was diagnosed with epilepsy. Since then it's been an emotional roller-coaster of anti-seizure drug side-effects, alternative treatment options, academic challenges, and dealing with the emotional strife a child feels when he's not in control of his own body. Tristan is a brave kid, though, and I'm happy to report is getting better every day -- as
June 14, 2012
The Mothercraft: 5 Crafts to Keep Kids Busy
We're only a couple of weeks into summer vacation here in Austin, and I'm already getting the "I'm boreds" from my boys. I am not a cruise director with a schedule of field trips and follies--I'm a work-at-home mom who's happy to be with her kids, but unavailable to be their 24/7 entertainment. Well, my fellow parental pals, that's where crafting comes to the rescue!
Here are 5 projects to
Here are 5 projects to
June 8, 2012
New Pattern for Father's Day: Clubbed!
Golf Club Cozy
With dad's day coming up I thought I'd share the pattern for a golf club cover I made for my father-in-law a couple of years ago. Admittedly, I don't know anything about golf, but this cozy was a special request so I did my best. I'm happy to say that Mr. Wayne Campbell was quite pleased with the finished product, and I'm hoping that the golfer in your life will be, too.
With dad's day coming up I thought I'd share the pattern for a golf club cover I made for my father-in-law a couple of years ago. Admittedly, I don't know anything about golf, but this cozy was a special request so I did my best. I'm happy to say that Mr. Wayne Campbell was quite pleased with the finished product, and I'm hoping that the golfer in your life will be, too.
June 5, 2012
Takes a Lick-ing
When one of your good buddy's a photographer, a dinner meet-up can sometimes sidecar one of his gigs. In our case, we joined Jody Horton for a bite to eat and ended up at new, gourmet ice cream joint, Lick. If you can tear yourself away from the abs shot on the cover, you'll see my daughter (upper left) and my hubby & me (lower right) included in a sweet shop feature in the June issue of
May 31, 2012
Compliments Collection, by Kristin Omdahl!
I'm a big fan of Kristin Omdahl. Her patterns are feminine and flirty with a whisper of architectural design. Her latest booklet, Compliments Collection offers 10 knit and crochet projects which speak to her signature aesthetic while offering the perfect inspiration for summertime stitching.
My favorite design in the book is the Aster-tiered Knit Cowl (shown above) for its delicate
My favorite design in the book is the Aster-tiered Knit Cowl (shown above) for its delicate
May 29, 2012
Mothercraft: Super Hero Birthday Party!
Wonder Twin powers, activate. Form of: a Super Friends Birthday Party! Last weekend my daughter and her best buddy teamed up to celebrate their 3rd birthdays Super Hero-style. Fortunately for them, their mamas' happen to be crafty crusaders. Here's how my gal pal, Noelle and I joined forces to battle the b-day blahs by creating a party with all kinds of POW!
Kazaam, it's cupcakes!
Kazaam, it's cupcakes!
May 24, 2012
My Next Book is Available for Pre-Order!
My 7th book, Step It Up Knits: Take Your Skills to the Next Level with 25 Quick and Stylish Projects hits shelves this Fall, but is already available for pre-order on Amazon. Nab your copy now, and be the first to get your hands on patterns for great accessories like slouchy beanies, shawls, baby ponchos, socks, purses and more! Step It Up Knits, also offers tutorials for skill-building
May 23, 2012
Pop Color Trend: Turquoise
Turquoise is hot right now. From nail polish and pillows to hats and haute couture, we're seeing shades of beautiful blue-green everywhere. I personally consider turquoise ,"my signature color" (said with a Southern accent a la Steel Magnolias) so there's no end to the glee I feel on a daily basis as I come across a plethora of aqua items! Here are just a few, dreamy things I've spotted
May 21, 2012
Drive by Posting: FOs
I realized that it's been two weeks since I last posted. Unacceptable! ;-) I'm much better these days about posting on Facebook and Twitter than here. Anyway, just wanted to do a quick post about my upcoming project, a booklet of 10 crocheted hats that will be available in JoAnn stores in January. The turn around for this one is pretty fast -- I've had 3 weeks to design/make/write patterns for
