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November 28, 2022
Wednesday’s Snood
Wednesday’s SnoodOver the Thanksgiving holiday, my family binge-watched and LOVED Wednesday on Netflix. I was so smitten with it, that I completely pivoted on what this week’s Ask Me Monday project was going to be! Along with the fantastic performances by the cast, especially Jenna Ortega as Wednesday, amazing sets, and direction from the iconic Tim Burton, there is also a bunch of knit and crochet pieces to die for (har, har, har). This week, I offer my interpretation of the snood that the effervescent Enid crocheted for her bestie, Wednesday. Enjoy!
This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro
Featured Knitter’s Pride Products: Symfonie Dreamz, Waves, and Zing! Hooks
I feel like Wednesday would approve of the Knitter’s Pride black and steel hooks.
An Ode to Enid Project
MATERIALS
Wednesday’s Version:
Vickie Howell Montoya Merino (100% superwash merino wool; 175 yds/100gr), 3 hanks in color: Brickette. — or equivalent aran/heavy-worsted yarn
Optional: Small amount of white or off-white yarn. I used Montoya Merino, in color: White Sands
Enid’s Version:
Vickie Howell Montoya Merino Light (100% superwash merino wool; 300 yds/100gr), 1 each in colors: (A) Blushed Adobe and Meow Wolf (held together as one)
Size US K/6.5 mm hook
Tapestry needle
Yarn Note: Pretty much any yarn would work for this, since you can easily adjust the length to adapt for gauge. For Wednesday’s version, I used a single strand of an aran-weight yarn. For Enid’s version, I wanted lots of color, with minimal ends to weave in, so I double-stranded a sport-weight yarn. Have fun with it!
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
60″/152cm x 10″/25 cm
GAUGE
9 dcs x 6 rows = 4″/10 cm
Not really important for this project.
SPECIAL STITCH
Fdc = foundation double crochet
DIRECTIONS
Set-up Row: Fdc 120 — or until you have a 60″ (or desired finished circumference length).
Rows 1-14: Ch 3, dc in the next st and every st across. — 120 sts.
Do not fasten off.
FINISHING
Fold the piece in half, matching two short ends. Sc through both widths of the piece, seaming evenly across.
Weave in ends.
Tassels:
Holding 2 strands of yarn together, wrap yarn around the width of smartphone or piece of cardboard, 15-20 times.
Slide a short strand of yarn underneath wraps, at one end. Tie knot to cinch.
Cut opposite ends, freeing yarn from phone/board.
Use a strand of yarn to wrap tightly, around the top of tassel, about 1/2″/1 cm down.
Trim tassel
Tie tassels, sporadically, onto the front of the snood.
Share your Wednesday’s or Enid’s Snood on social — tag @vickiehowell
Screenshot of Jenna Ortega as Wednesday, courtesy of Netflix
Shop Montoya Merino
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November 26, 2022
Small Business Saturday: 50+ Businesses to Support
Small Business Saturday 2022
My company YarnYAY! is celebrating Small Business Saturday by highlighting all of the fellow small businesses that we had the pleasure of, in some way, partnering with this year. See the list below, then hop on over to YarnYAY! to shop our YAY-vorite Things all selected from some of our favorite indie makers. Thank you shopping small this holiday season!
Our Exclusive Shade of Knit Collage is featured in the November Subscription Box
Knit Collage Blue Sky Fibers Bryson Knits Knitter’s Pride Austin Promotional Products Tahki Stacey Charles Big Blue Moma Makers’ Mercantile Urth Yarns Cocoknits Stitchery & Co Julia Madill Designs Firefly Notes Sow the Magic Plucky Knitter Trendsetter Yarns Surf’s Up Candle Madeline Tosh
Felted Sky Ornament Party Kit
Kelmscott Designs Sam’s Tiny Trinkets Glitter Punk Digital Technology Professionals MissElaneous Art Fully Spun Lucky Sardine Potluck Press Sun Jellies Hello Bargello JUL Designs Pompom Quarterly Fydelity Big Moods Natter Doodle Kong Screenprinting Kailo Chic
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November 21, 2022
Sweater Weather! | How to K1USL & Zippered Crochet Seaming
Sweater Weather! | How to K1USL & Zippered Crochet SeamingIiiiit’s sweater weather, so meet, well, Sweater Weather! Designed by YarnYAY!’s own Chris Bahls, this easy-to-wear pullover employs one of our favorite stitch patterns from the first year of our Block Builder Club, with Vickie’s heavy-worsted Montoya Merino.
This week on Ask Me Monday, I show how to knit under a loose strand (K1ULS) to create the cool, arrow effect, and seam using the crochet zippered technique. Both of these skills are used in the Sweater Weather pattern.
This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro
Featured Knitter’s Pride Products:
Day & Nite Holiday Gift Set, Lantern Moon Interchangable Needle Set, Ginger Crochet Hooks
K1 ULS [knit 1 under loose strand]:
Insert right needle under loose strand from front to back, and then into next stitch knit-wise. Knit stitch normally, then bring new stitch out from under strand.
Crochet Zipper Seaming
With WS facing and working through the back loops only of the two pieces you’re joining together, insert hook (from front-to-back) through stitch on one piece, then repeat on opposite piece, yarn over and pull loop through all looks on hook. Repeat until seam is complete.
The Sweater Weather pullover by Chris Bahls is inclusively sized to fit chest circumferences of 30″-60″.
Shop the Sweater Weather Knit Kit, along with more, great holiday gift ideas!
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November 20, 2022
YarnYAY! 2022 YAY-vorite Things
12 Days of YarnYAY, Day 3: YarnYAY! 2022 YAY-vorite ThingsIt’s Day 3 of 12 Days of YarnYAY!, and we’re excited to launch our 2022 YAY-vorite Things! For a limited time, you’ll be able to find a small curated collection of some of our favorite crafty things, from twelve fellow indie brands, in our shop. Here are this year’s selections!
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Pom Pom Quarterly, Issue 43
Oh, how Team YarnYAY! adores PPQ, and the Winter 2022 issue just deepens that adoration!
Great knits are like great art because they make us think differently, and the process of making can be even more revelatory! Showing us how we can look to, and beyond, our horizons when it comes to craft, the 43rd issue of Pom Pom Quarterly is inspired by the work of women artists Etel Adnan and Hilma af Klint.
Hello Bargello, Holiday Ornament Kit
Team YarnYAY! loves pretty much everything Hello Bargello creates, and we’re definitely smitten with these magical ornaments!
Constructed of individual strips of bargello joined together with beautiful wooden beads, these ornaments are easy enough for beginners to make and quick enough to finish in an afternoon.
This kit includes materials to make 3 large ornaments (flower or star shape) and 3 small ornaments (single teardrop shape).
CocoKnits Super-Absorbant Knitwear Care Towel
It’s like a Sham-wow for your knits, and we dig that! Cocoknits Super-Absorbent Towel speeds up the process of drying hand washables by absorbing excess water from your garment before air drying. Made from a lightweight felt-like cloth, it soaks up much more water than a regular bath towel. By gently removing excess water and shortening drying time, our towel will help your knits look their best for years to come.
Felted Sky Ornament Party Kit
We have been fans of Felted Sky ever since we featured their felted succulent kits in one of our 2020 boxes, so we were thrilled to include one of their party boxes in this year’s Yay-vorite Things!
Looking for a fun Christmas craft? Whether you’re wanting to fill up some cozy quiet time or gather together with friends and family to make Holiday memories, these festive felted baubles won’t disappoint.
This needle felting kit is great for beginners. The neat thing about this kit is that the wool balls are already formed, so you can jump to the decorating part without having to make the balls from scratch. The detailed instruction booklet and video tutorial will walk you through the process of creating each ornament, or you might decide to come up with your own unique designs.
JUL Designs Mid Century Modern Shawl Stick or Pin
Modern shawl pins are hard to find, so these sleek beauties from JUL are a score!
The Mid-Century Modern Square and Circle are metal renderings of hand-drawn shapes, representing the beauty and dynamism of imperfection and visualizing the handmade-ness of JUL knitwear jewelry. This artisanal shapes, that evoke the sleek lines and curves of mid-century modern interior design, beautifully complement the elegant forms of contemporary shawls and garments of all kinds. All of the Modern Shapes highlight the simplicity and offer a range of flexible and crisp statements that do not compete with complex stitch patterns and colorwork.
Knit Collage Mini Skein Samplers
Knit Collage has put together the loveliest mini skein sampler kit so that we can all try 5 of their yarns at once without having to commit to 5 whole skeins. You know how Team YarnYAY! loves this option of trying out new yarns (it’s in the same spirit as our monthly boxes) and this is a fantastic way to give Knit Collage yarns a test spin and see which ones resonate best with you. Along with your kit come 2 free patterns – a knit and crochet cowl. Of course, you’re free to make anything with them and we encourage you to get creative!
Knitter’s Pride Mindful Collection Knit Blockers
These are our absolute favorite blocking tools! Easy to use, the Knit Blockers speed up the blocking process in an ingenious way. Sturdy, rust-resistant stainless steel pins anchor knitting for easy blocking.
Color coordinated and packaged in their own teal-colored case.
Weaver Walker Co Beginner’s Macramé Wall-hanging Kit
We’re a sucker for a macramé wall hanging, and this kit is the answer to the mini beginner kit being a bit too, well mini, for adults who want to craft.
MORE INFO: – Everything you need except scissors is included – Step-by-step instructions with illustrated knot diagrams included, plus access to video tutorials – Once complete measures approximately 7.25″ x 22″ (inches)
Kailo Chic Felted Light Bulb Felt Garland
We’re a sucker for a felted garland and this version from Vickie’s friend (and neighbor!) Kara of Kailo Chic doesn’t disappoint! Your mantel and home will surely be Merry and Bright with their colorful felt light bulb garland.
Chiki Knitter’s Relief Balm
Vickie uses Knitter’s Relief Balm (aka Cana Bliss) regularly on her wrists and swears by it. Chiki’s triple-acting, anti-inflammatory balm works fast so you can start knitting, crocheting, or crafting comfortably in minutes and get back to your project without missing a beat!
Easy to apply with a no-mess twist-up tube so you can apply right on the spot that’s hurting – anytime, anywhere. It’s a pain eraser!
Laura Nelkin Designs Fetish Bracelet Knitting Kit
Laura Nelkin designs our favorite, beaded jewelry kits. We chose to feature 2 festive colors of Fetish, a wrap bracelet and a necklace! It is up to you which you want it to be, depending on the day! It is SUPER easy to lengthen or shorten Fetish depending on your desire….
Fetish’s focal point is a hammered metal ring. It plays with pre-strung beads and slipped stitches and is the perfect summer knit, to make and wear!
Sun Jellies Atomic Project Jelly Tote
Our hearts nearly burst when we found totes that combine some of our team’s 80’s nostalgia and mid-mod obsession! Inspired by the American ‘Shamrock Neatway’ shopper our Atomic Tote is full of midcentury charm. It stands tall and strong on a flat base, helpful for carrying heavier items like laptops or a cheeky bottle of prosecco, and has handles that lock together for extra comfort and security. Women who want an everyday bag that is practical as well as stylish will love our classic Atomic Tote.
Shop 2022 YarnYAY! YAY-vorite Things
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November 19, 2022
Cheery & Bright: Vickie Howell x Knit Collage Holiday Stocking Kit!
Your Spun Cloud Light is in my Montoya Merino! Your Montoya Merino is in my Spun Cloud Light! And, it’s glorious. Just like the Reese’s of our youth, this combination will make your whole mouth smile.
Meet this year’s holiday stocking, Cheery & Bright. Using a combination of Knit Collage’s beautiful thick-and-thin yarn, and Vickie Howell’s hand-dyed heavy-worsted, this stocking is both simple to make and festive to hang. Available in YarnYAY!’s exclusive shade, of Spun Cloud Light, Juniper, paired with your choice of 4 shades of Montoya Merino, you’ll want to make a unique version for every member of your family!
Get the Cheery & Bright Kit!
Kit Includes:
Psst… there’s more. Get our gorgeous November YarnYAY! Box, featuring Knit Collage!
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November 18, 2022
12 Days of YarnYAY! Starts Today!
12 Days of YarnYAY!It’s my birthday, and I love giving things away, so we’re doing a few fun things this year!
First up, today is the launch of our virtual advent countdown, 12 Days of YarnYAY! Every day for the next 11 days we’ll review something new – kits, projects, products, deals, and more – so be sure to check your inboxes!
Next, everyone who shops with us during the 12 Days of YarnYAY!, including today, will be automatically entered to win $600 worth of fiber-related YarnYAY! and friends’ products!
Last, but not least, for today only, we’re offering DOUBLE Rewards points on all existing items already in the YarnYAY! Shop.
Not signed up for rewards? Just create an account by clicking here.
Happy 12 Days of YarnYAY!
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November 3, 2022
YarnYAY! November Box #55
YarnYAY! November Box #55It’s time for the YarnYAY! November Box Reveal! This month we’ve teamed up with Knit Collage to bring you something truly special. So special, in fact, we turned a supply chain issue into an opportunity to create packaging just for this box! Scroll down to see all of the gorgeousness!
Spun Cloud Light | Knit Collage
Knit Collage’s newest (and skinniest) yarn is yours this month, in an exclusive-sized hank and custom YarnYAY! color, Juniper. Handspun by a small co-op in India, this selection is truly an artisanal treat!
Knit Collage is owned by Amy Small and is based in the Boston area. Learn more at: knitcollage.com
Wristers Patterns | Designs by Vickie Howell & Toni Lipsey
We love wristers to keep our hands cozy while the weather cools down! The knit mitts, designed by Vickie, combine the textured yarn with a panel of layered cabling.
Wave Hi Knit Wrist Warmers by Vickie Howell for YarnYAY!
The crochet wristers, designed by Toni, are made in simple double crochet stitches, which allow the metallic thread in the yarn to gleam.
Clap Back Crochet Wrist Warmers by Toni Lipsey for YarnYAY!
Follow and support our Fall/Winter Designer in Residence, Toni Lipsey on Instagram: @tlyarncrafts
Metallic Bulb Stitch Markers | Laura Hand Knits
Bulb stitch markers are one of the most useful notions we stitchers can have in our tools arsenal. This batch is metallic so that your stitching can shine!
Laura Hand Knits is owned by Laura Clouse and is based in Jasper, GA. Learn more at: etsy.com/shop/LauraHandKnits
Rose Gold Sewing Kits | YarnYAY!
Every knitter & crocheter will at some point need at least the basic sewing tools, We sourced this kit that will do the trick and look glamorous in your project bag!
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October 24, 2022
Seam-as-You-Go Mitered Squares
Seam-as-You-Go Mitered Squares
Love patchwork projects, but not a fan of weaving in a bunch of ends. You’re going to LOVE this week’s episode and our new kit for the Spare a Square Shrug! Watch to learn how to knit seam-as-you-go mitered squares — it’s like magic!
Spare a Square Shrug by YarnYAY! Design Team Featuring Becky Joiner
This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro
Featured Knitter’s Pride Products: Day & Nite Holiday Gift Set
Seam-as-You-Go Mitered Squares: Swatch it!
MATERIALS
Scraps of any weight yarn and corresponding size needles. We used Vickie Howell Montoya Merino (heavy-worsted) and Size US 9/5.5 mm needles from the Knitter’s Pride Day & Nite set.
Square 1
With larger (gauge) needles and color of choice, CO 29 sts.
**Set-Up Row (WS): K14, p1, pm ON this st to mark as center st, knit to end of row.
Row 1 (RS): Knit to 1 st before marked center st, s2kp, pm ON this st to mark as center st, knit to end of row. – 2 sts dec’d.
Row 2: Knit to marked center st, p1, pm ON this st, knit to end.
Rep Rows 1-2 until 3 sts remain. You will have completed 13 garter ridges.
Last Row (RS): S2kp.
Cut yarn and pull the tail through the final st.**
Square 2
With larger (gauge) needles, color of choice and using Backward Loop method, CO 15 sts.
With RS facing, orient previous square with cast-on edges at right-hand and bottom sides. Pick up 14 stitches along the top edge of previous square. – 29 sts
Work from ** to ** as given for Square 1.
Put your seam-as-you-go skills to work with our Spare A Square Shrug!
Pattern and kits are now available in the YarnYAY! Shop!
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October 10, 2022
Knit & Crochet Checkered Patterns
Knit & Crochet Checkered PatternsThis week on Ask Me Monday, I show how to knit and crochet checkered patterns for eye-catching projects. Give the swatches a whirl, then dive on into to making one of the featured cowl patterns in the YarnYAY! Box #54. Have fun!
Ask Me Monday is in its 8th year, and airs most Mondays on Facebook. You can watch past episodes HERE.
This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro
Featured Knitter’s Pride Products: Mindful Collection
View this post on InstagramKnit & Crochet Checkered Patterns: Swatch it!A post shared by Vickie Howell | YarnYAY! (@vickiehowell)
Mosaic Knit Checkered Swatch
You’ll need 2 colors of yarn in any weight, and corresponding-sized needles. The photo above shows Rowan Norwegian Wool in colors, Cappucino & Daphne and was knit with US 5/3.75 mm needles.
With A, CO 21 sts.
Rows 1-2: Knit.
Join B when necessary.
Rows 3-4: With B, *Sl 1, K2; rep from * to end.
Rows 5-6: With A, knit.
Repeat Rows 3-6 until piece measures a square (or desired length).
Pleased as Plaid Cowl, featured in the YarnYAY! November Box #54
Crochet Checkered Swatch
You’ll need 2 colors of yarn in any weight, and corresponding-sized needles. The photo above shows Rowan Norwegian Wool in colors, Cappucino & Daphne and was crocheted with US 7/4.5 mm hook.
With A, ch 25.
Row 1: Dc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 2 ch (skipped ch does not count as st), *with B, dc in next 3 ch **, with A, dc in next 3 ch; rep from * across, ending the last rep at **. Turn. – 90 sts.
Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as st throughout), dc in first 3 sts, *with A, dc in next 3 sts**, with B, dc in next 3 sts; rep from * across, ending last rep at ** and joining B to last st. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, dc first 3 sts, *with A, dc in next 3 sts**, with B, dc in next 3 sts; rep from * across, ending last rep at **. Turn.
Row 4: Ch 1, dc in first 3 sts, *with B dc in next 3 sts**, with A, dc in next 3 sts; rep from * across, ending last rep at ** and joining A to last st. Turn
Row 5: Ch 1, dc in first 3 sts, *with B dc in next 3 sts**, with A, dc in next 3 sts; rep from * across, ending last rep at ** . Turn
Row 6: Ch 1, dc first 3 sts, *with A, dc in next 3 sts**, with B dc in next 3 sts; rep from * across, ending last rep at ** and joining B to last st. Turn.
Repeat Rows 2-6 until piece measures a square (or desired length).
Checks, Please Cowl Featured in the YarnYAY! November Box #54
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October 3, 2022
YarnYAY! October Box #54
It’s October, so let’s get cozy! This month we prep for cooler weather, with a pop of pattern & color. Here’s what’s inside the YarnYAY! October Box!
Norwegian Wool | Rowan
Roaming and grazing freely on the hills and natural pastures, Norwegian sheep produce one of the world’s most eco- and animal-friendly textile fibers. This month you’re treated to 2 colors from the Arne & Carlos designed palette!
Rowan is an iconic fiber company based in the U.K. Learn more at: knitrowan.com
Cowl Patterns | Designs by Vickie Howell & Toni Lipsey
There’s no end in sight for the patchwork-look trends, and we’re here for it!
Pleased as Plaid Knit Cowl by Vickie Howell
The knit cowl, designed by Vickie uses mosaic colorwork to create a checked-plaid.
Checks, Please Crochet Cowl by Toni Lipsey
Toni Lipsey’s crocheted cowl uses alternating shades of double crochet stitches to create checkered blocks of color.
Follow and support our Fall/Winter Designer in Residence, Toni Lipsey on Instagram: @tlyarncrafts
Rose Gold Foldable Scissors | Knitter’s Pride
Rose gold + floral pouch = pretty much project bag tool perfection. You’ll smile every time you reach for these!
Knitter’s Pride produces beautiful tools and employs over 400 women in India. Learn more at: knitterspride.com
Wool Wash Pod | Eucalan
Wet blocking is wool’s best friend and this lovely wash makes the process a delight! We’ll surprise you with one of their many scents.
Eucalan is a family-owned, Canadian-based business
Learn more at: eucalan.com
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