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Block Builder Club 2: Electric Blockaloo

Block Builder Club 2

Hey there friends, followers, and fellow maker-compatriots! We loved bringing the first Block Builder Club 12-month experience to our knitting & community so much, that we’d love to do it again (but with a new spin).  We’re excited to start the next season of BBC, which we’re calling Block Builder Club 2: Electric Blockaloo. (For those over 40, you’re welcome. For those under, Google Breakin’ 2.) This week on Ask Me Monday I fill you in on what to look forward to, and why YOU should join a block of the month club!

 

 

Here’s the scoop!

WHEN: 

Beginning Sept 1st, 2022, every month for 12 months, you’ll get an eBooklet with pattern and tutorial info for that month’s block. Start and stop anytime you want, though!

 

WHAT: 

Our BBC2 knitting theme is: Lace & Texture. The crochet theme is: Eyelets & Angles. For this session, we’ll make a 10″ square each month for a year. At the end have twelve more patterns in your stitch arsenal and a beautiful collection of swatches!

PROJECT: 

Feel like turning your swatches into a wearable history of your stitching year? As the year comes to an end, we’ll show how to seam together and embellish your swatches into a drapy, patchwork wrap!

SUPPLIES: 

We’ll be using Vickie Howell Montoya Merino Light (100% superwash merino; 300 yds/100gr), or any sport-weight yarn from your stash or of your choosing. Depending on the craft and the stitch, you’ll need between 50-75 gr (150- 225 yds) per square. We’ll stock our colors all year long, though, so don’t feel like you have to go all-in at once! This brings us to colors.

We’ve chosen two featured palettes: Neon/Neutral (in colors Leche, Meow Wolf, & Roswell) and Green/Blue (in colors Boulder, Malachite, & UtopiaFest). Along the way, we’ll also be giving subscribers early access to special, speckled/variegated shades of Montoya Merino Light created exclusively to match these palettes.

Neon/Neutral Palette

 

Blue/Green Palette

 

For most, if not all of the knit squares, we’ll use Size US 5/3.75 mm needles; for crochet a 7/4.5 mm hook — or size needed to obtain gauge.

WHY: 

Because, knitting and crochet.

Also, though, the YarnYAY! Block Builder Clubs are a great way to learn new stitches and techniques, incorporate a little stitching time into your month, hang out with your fiber community, and thanks to the current patchwork garment craze, walk away with an on-trend wrap. Handmade huzzah!

All this for just $6/month!

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Stretches and Mindfulness for Knitters

Stretches and Mindfulness for Knitters

This week on Ask Me Monday, we pressed pause on our usual tutorials to take a moment to focus (literally) on our minds and bodies.

Take a moment for yourself, watch this video and relax, and don’t forget to bookmark this one for any time you need it!

 

This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro

Featured Knitter’s Pride Products: Mindful Collection

 

 

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Knit & Crochet Lace Panels

Knit & Crochet Lace Panels

This week on Ask Me Monday, I show how to knit & crochet lace panels. Whether you want to use them as-is, to make things like bookmakers and belts, use multiples to make hanging planters (see below), or incorporate them into larger projects, these lace panels are a great addition to your stitch arsenal!

 

This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro

Featured Knitter’s Pride Products: Ginger Crochet Hook and Mindful Collection Believe Needle Set

 

 

Knit & Crochet Lace Panels: Swatch ’em!

Knit Lace Panel Directions

 

SPECIAL STITCH
SK2P: Slip 1, K2tog, PSSO:
Slip 1 stitch as if to knit, knit the next 2 stitches together, pass slipped stitch over.

CO 11.

Row 1 (RS): K2, ktbl x2, k3, ktbl x2, k2.

Row 2: K2, ptbl x2, p3, ptbl x2, k2.

Row 3: K2, ktbl x2, YO, sk2p, YO, ktbl x2, k2.

Row 4: Rep Row 2.

Repeat Rows 1-4 until the piece measures 5” / 12.5 cm, or desired length,  from CO edge.

BO.

Put your skills to work!

Flora Knit Hanging Planter by Vickie Howell for Yarnyay!

 

 

Crochet Lace Panel Directions

SPECIAL STITCH
Fan: 5 dc in same st

Ch 11.

Row 1 (RS): Dc in 4th ch from hook, (chs count as one dc) sk 2 sts, fan in next st, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts. Turn work.

Row 2: Ch 1, dc in each of the next 2 sts, sk 2 sts, fan in next st, sk 2 sts, dc in each of the next 2 sts. Turn work.

Rep Row 2 until the piece measures 5” / 12.5 cm, or desired length,  from CO edge.

Fasten off.

 

Put your skills to work!

Fauna Crochet Hanging Planter by Toni Lipsey for YarnYAY!

 

Try more knit and crochet stitches!

 

Subscribe to my monthly boxes for knitters & crocheters!

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YarnYAY! August Box #52

YarnYAY! August Box #52

Are you venturing outside with your knitting and crochet? The YarnYAY! August Box is for you! (Also, if you stay inside, it’s for you. )

This month we went with a “plant happy” theme with projects and products including plant-based materials, made to hold your favorite foliage or to wear while you’re gardening.  We hope you enjoy our August selections!

Isola | Berroco

Ombre linen and cotton shine a lovely summer light on this month’s box. We chose two, versatile blues to complement plants, homes, and beyond!

Berroco is a six-generation, family-owned business, based in Rhode Island. Learn more at: berroco.com.com

Plant Hanger Patterns | Designs by Vickie Howell & Designer in Residence, Toni Lipsey

Flora Knit Hanging Planter by Vickie Howell for Yarnyay!

YarnYAY! won’t leave you hanging this month, but we will do so for your plants. The knit version, designed by me, is created by knit-flat pieces that are then joined in the round. The crochet hanger designed by Toni is worked from base-up, with lacy panels and a festive tassel.

Fauna Crochet Hanging Planter by Toni Lipsey for YarnYAY!

Follow and support our Fall/Winter Designer in Residence, Toni Lipsey on Instagram: @tlyarncrafts

 

Crafty Hand Cream | Karma Cure

Made with hemp oil, Crafty Hand Cream is the perfect all-natural, cruelty-free moisturizer for busy crafters.

Karma Cure products are handmade in New York. Learn more at: karma-cure.com

 

Bucket Hat | YarnYAY!
The kids tell us that bucket hats are back in a big way! Wear ours this summer while you’re gardening or sitting for some poolside stitching!

 

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Mosaic Checkered Knit Stitch

Checkered Mosaic Knit Stitch

This week on Ask Me Monday I was joined by illustrator, designer and YarnYAY!’s Maker Assistant, Becky Joiner. We chatted about her design for our latest YarnYAY! Kit, the Dottie Vest, including how to measure yourself and how ease works. Then Becky showed how easy colorwork can be with Checkered Mosaic knit stitch. Watch, swatch, and go!

 

This episode is brought to you by:

 

Featured YarnYAY! Products: Vickie Howell Aqua Wooden Needles and the Dottie Vest Kit

 



 

Checkered Mosiac Knit Stitch: Swatch it!  

MATERIALS

Yarn in colors A, B, C (we used this)

Corresponding needles (we used these)

 

DIRECTIONS

With A, CO 20 sts (or any multiple of 4)

Row 1 (RS): With A, knit.

Row 2 (WS): Purl.

Row 3: With B, *k2, sl2 wyib; rep from * to end.

Row 4: *P2, sl2 wyif; Rep from * to end.

Row 5: With A, knit.

Row 6: Purl.

Row 7: With B, *k2, sl2 wyib; rep from * to end.

Row 8: *Sl2 wyif, p2; rep from * to end.

Rep Rows 1-8 for pattern.

BO when piece measures square.

 

Love this stitch? Put your skills to work with our Dottie Vest

Dottie Vest Knit Pattern by Beck Joiner

 

Get Vickie Howell’s sport-weight yarn, Montoya Merino Light, and more at YarnYAY!.com!

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Santa’s Sleigh Beret

Santa’s Sleigh Beret

Ready to slay or rather, sleigh in a beret this winter? The Santa’s Sleigh Beret is a jaunty-cool alternative to the traditional Santa hat. This week on Ask Me Monday I show you all you need to know to knit it!

This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro

 

Featured Knitter’s Pride Products: Mindful Collection, Ginger Needles

 


Santa’s Sleigh Beret | shown in Vickie Howell Montoya Merino Light, in color: Prairie Fire

 Santa’s Sleigh Beret

MATERIALS

1 hank, Vickie Howell Montoya Merino Light (100% superwash merino wool; 300 yds), in color: Prairie Fire

Size U.S. 4 / 3.5 mm, 16” circular needle — or size needed to obtain gauge

Size U.S. 5 / 3.75 mm, 16” circular needle and set of DPNs — or size needed to obtain gauge

Stitch marker

Tapestry needle

Faux fur pompom

 

Get the Santa’s Sleigh Beret Kit HERE!

 

SIZES

S/M (L/XL)

 

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Brim circumference: 20 (22)” / 51 (56) cm

Stretches to fit head circumference up to 22 (24)” / 56 (61) cm

GAUGE
22 sts x 32 rnds = 4”/10 cm in Stockinette Stitch with larger size needles

 

SPECIAL STITCHES

M1 (increase) = Lift the loop from the stitch from the row below onto the LH needle. Knit that loop. — 1 st inc.

sk2p (double decrease) = slip 1, knit the next two stitches together, pass slipped stitch over. — 2 sts dec.

 

 

Prefer a pdf? Get it for free from my YarnYAY! Shop.

 

DIRECTIONS

With smaller size needles, CO 110 (120) sts. PM and join to work in the round, taking care not to twist.

Rnds 1-8: *K1tbl, p1; rep from * around.

Switch to larger size circular needles.

Rnd 9: Knit.

Rnd 10: K1, [M1, k1 in same st]; rep from * around. — 165 (165) sts

Rnds 11-20: Knit.

Rnd 21: Purl.

Rnd 22: Knit.

Crown Decreases:

Note: Switch to DPNs when necessary.

Rnd 1: *K12, sk2p; rep from * around. — 130 (143) sts

Rnds 2-5: Knit.

Rnd 6: *K10, sk2p; rep from * around. — 110 (121) sts

Rnds 7-10: Knit.

Rnd 11: *K8, sk2p; rep from * around. — 90 (99) sts

Rnds 12-15: Knit.

Rnd 16: *K6, sk2p; rep from * around. — 70 (77) sts

Rnds 17-20: Knit.

Rnd 21: *K4, sk2p; rep from * around. — 50 (55) sts

Rnds 22-25: Knit.

Rnd 26: *K2, sk2p; rep from * around. — 33 (33) sts

Rnds 27-30: Knit.

Rnd 31: *Sk2p; rep from * around. — 10 (11) sts

Rnd 32: Knit.

Rnd 33: *K2tog; rep from * around, ending size L/XL with k1. — 5 sts

Cut yarn, leaving a tail. Use tapestry needle to thread tail through live sts, letting them fall off of needles. Cinch shut.

 

 

FINISHING

Weave in ends. Block Piece.

Using yarn and tapestry needle, sew pompom onto top of hat.

You’re ready to sleigh this holiday season!

 

 

 Looking for more Christmas in July Projects? Go here!

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Eyelet Stitch Card Holder

Eyelet Stitch Card Holder

This week on Ask Me Monday I show a cute project for using up those summer yarn scraps! With only 20gr of yarn and some craft felt, you can create an Eyelet Card Holder to go with any of your handbags. Watch, learn, and make. Enjoy!

 

This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro

See more KP products during “Vic’s Tips” segments of The Knit Show!

 

Featured Knitter’s Pride Products: Smart Stix Interchangeable Needle Set

 



 Eyelet Stitch Card Holder  MATERIALSApprox 20 gr, Trendsetter Nuance (100% organic cotton), or equivalent sport-weight yarn Size US 6/4 mm needlesFelt lining piece measuring 4″ x 9″Embroidery floss and needleIronOptional: sew-in snap, tassel maker for tassel  Gauge: 16sts x 24 rows = 4″/10 cm in Eyelet pattern stitch DIRECTIONS  CO 17 sts. Row 1: Knit. Row 2: Purl. Row 3: K2, *yo, k2tog, k1; rep from * to end. Row 4: Purl. Repeat rows 1-4 until the piece measures approx 9″ in length, ending on Row 2. Bind Off.   FINISHING Block piece. Lining: Iron felt lining piece first in half, then bring both short edges inward to fold, leaving appx 1/2″ gap (for cards) and iron. Attach yarn piece to felt by hand-stitching around. Start by pinning the corners of each side and then the centers along each edge. The knitted piece will stretch, so be sure to keep things neat by pinning.Hand stitch (blanket stitch or whip stitch would both work.)Assembly: Fold short edges inward, using the iron crease on the felt lining, and stitch the sides of each card slot.  Optional:Add sew-in snap if desired, and adorn with a sassy tassel.

 

Make the Festival Bag to match your Eyelet Card Holder!

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How to Attach Handles to a Knit or Crocheted Bag

How to Attach Handles to a Knit or Crocheted Bag

This week on Ask Me Monday I showed different methods for how to attach handles to knit, crochet, or any yarn-craft bags. Bookmark this post for future bag-making needs!

 

This episode is brought to you by:

 How to Attach Handles: Single-Crochet Methods

Covering handle with yarn:

Join yarn with handle by inserting the hook through handle; place slipknot on hook; pull-through handle.

Single crochet (sc) around the handle as many times as needed to match the width of the bag edge.

Method 1: Whip Stitch

Taking care to ease the fabric as you go,  use locking stitch markers, safety pins, or clips to connect the row of sc on one handle to the final row of one side of the bag. Use the remaining tail to whip-stitch the handle to the piece.

Method 2: Single Crochet x 2

Taking care to ease the fabric as you go,  use locking stitch markers, safety pins, or clips to connect the row of sc on one handle to the final row of one side of the bag. With yarn still attached and WS facing, sc the covered handle together with the final row of the piece.

Method 3: 3 Needle Bind-Off 

Taking care to ease the fabric as you go,  use locking stitch markers, safety pins, or clips to connect the row of sc on one handle to the final row of one side of the bag. Use circular knitting needle to pick up stitches under each sc across. Slide stitches to the opposite end. With WS facing, hold the needle with handle sts parallel to the needle with the final row of knit sts. Join pieces together using the 3-Needle Bind-Off.

 

How to Attach Handles: Handle Tab

Fold the handle tab over the handle. Use pins to hold the piece in place. Using the long tail and tapestry needle, seam handle tab edge to the inside of bag using Mattress Stitch.

 

Festival (knit) and Beach Party (crochet) Bags, featured in the YarnYAY! July Box

  

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YarnYAY! July Box #51

YarnYAY! July Box #51

It’s summertime, and we’re ready for pops of color and poolside purling! This month we’ve put together a box of goodies for you that will give your summer stitching a fun, free-spirited vibe. Here’s what’s inside.

 

Nuance | Trendsetter Yarns

Nothing says summer like vibrant colors and organic cotton. This month’s featured yarn, Nuance, fits both bills! We chose outdoor party-inspired, self-striping shades: Popsicle Pack and Fruit Salad.

Trendsetter Yarns is a family-owned business, based in Southern California. 

 

Macrame Inspired Bags | Designs by Vickie Howell & Designer in Residence, Toni Lipsey

Festival (knit) Bag by Vickie Howell for YarnYAY! July Box #51

 

Your summer project is in the bag! Or, rather is a choice of two, macrame-inspired bags. The knit version, designed by me, is worked in a lacey checkered stitch, from the top-down, in-the-round.

 

Beach Party (crochet) Bag by Toni Lipsey for YarnYAY! Box #51

 

The crochet bag designed by Toni is worked in peek-a-boo lace, and in the round for minimal seaming.

This month we’re thrilled to introduce our Fall/Winter Designer in Residence, Toni Lipsey! Be sure to continue to follow and support her though, on Instagram: @tlyarncrafts

 

Retro Lip Balm | Surf’s Up Candle

A swipe of shimmering, summer-fruit lip balm will put you in vacay mode! We’ll surprise you with one of 4 scents: Raspberry, Coconut Lime, Vanilla Mint, or Mango.

Surf’s Up was founded, owned, and operated by a New Jersey-based, single mom of 4.

 

Bamboo Purse Handles | YarnYAY!

A good handle makes a bag! Our bamboo round versions will add dimension to your purse-y project! This month’s box comes with two, 12 mm handles that will work with either of our bag projects or most bags of similar design.

 

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5 Tips for Knitters

5 Tips for Knitters

This week on Ask Me Monday I go over 5 Tips for Knitters to ensure a positive stitching experience. Watch the episode, and bookmark this page as a future reminder of smile ways you can find success with your projects. Enjoy!

This episode of Ask Me Monday is sponsored by Knitter’s Pride/ KnitPro

 

 


 Tip 1: Choose the Right Needles for Your Project

Avoiding frustrating knitting experiences can sometimes be as simple as choosing the type of needles that will serve your project (and the yarn it’s being made from) best. Consider these choices:

If you’re knitting a lace project or one with a lot of shaping (i.e. plentiful amount of decreases), needles with a pointy tip, like any from the Knitter’s Pride Mindful Collection will be your BFF.Working with a slinky yarn like silk, rayon, Tencel, or the like? Choose a needle made from a material with a little grab, like Bamboo, so you’re less likely to accidentally lose hold of stitches.Does your wool’s halo have a hold of your stitches? Consider switching to slicker needles.  Needles made of a shiny metal-like nickel-plated brass, or wooden needles that have been buffed to shine like the Vickie Howell Aqua Wood or Knitter’s Pride Ginger Needles will help those woolen stitches glide right off for speedier knitting!

Non-Project Specific Pro-Tip: Knitting is a long-game, so take care of your body. Using lighter weight straight needles, like those made out of plastic or bamboo, or any type of ciruclar needle will be kinder to your wrists. If you’re dealing with hand cramping, consider trying an ergonomic, square needle option.

 Tip 2: Know Your Yarn

All yarns are not created equal when it comes to project type. To ensure your project looks and feels like the sample or photo that inspired you to make it in the first place, be sure to find a comparable yarn for your project that’s called for in the pattern. Here’s a checklist of what to look for:

What weight (dk, sport, worsted, etc) yarn does the pattern call for?What is the fiber content? Is it a blend? All wool? All acrylic? What is the desired effect wanted from the yarn? Does it need to be sturdy, like for an amigurumi toy? Washable, like for socks or a blanket? Resilient, like for a charity hat? Soft, like for a baby garment or chemo cap? Drapey, like for a wrap or flowy top? Don’t be shy about asking your LYS owner or craft store owner for help finding the yarn that will give you the results you want.Tip 3: Use the Best Cast-On for Your Project

Put your best knitting foot forward by choosing the cast-on that will give your project the best start! Here are some options:

If you’re casting on for a ribbed waistband or cuff, consider using the Alternating Cable Cast-ons for 1×1 or 2×2 rib. They’ll give you more stretch than a traditional cast-on.Will your cast-on edge be exposed (i.e. not in a seam)? Then sturdy options that offer the equivalent heft of 1 row of knitting, like the Long-Tail Cast-on or Single Tail Cast-on, are both great choices!Is there a lace project in your future? Give it a great start by using the Knit Cast-on for a stretchier, more open edge that will easily block out when you’re done!

 

Tip 4: Pick a Better Bind-Off

You’ve put all kinds of love, work, and time into knitting that beautiful knit project, so it can be a real bummer if it all goes to pot with an unideal bind-off. Before you go get that yarn off those needles, take a minute to consider which bind-off method will give you the best result. For example:

If you generally feel like the bound-off edge of your Stockinette Stitch pieces isn’t all that pretty using the traditional cast-off, try the tidier Wendy’s SSK Bind-Off.Working in ribbing? Try Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-off.For Lace projects, try the YO Bind-off. Tip 5: Give Yourself a Break

You deserve a break, both literally and figuratively. Here’s how to give one (or more) to yourself.

Every 20 minutes or so, set your knitting down and take a moment to circle, stretch and massage your wrists, hands, and shoulders. These little respites will make a world of difference in the longevity of your stitching! If you have my book, The Knit Vibe, you’ll find several yoga moves, with instructor Alicia Montoya, designed for folks who use their hands, wrists, and shoulders repetitively.Have a bunch of UFOs (unfinished objects)? Going a little slower progressing on that WIP (work in progress)? Go easy on yourself. Knitting doesn’t need to be about what you make, or if you actually ever make anything at all. It’s about the time spent focused on creativity, the calm that the movements can bring to one’s mind, and the positivity that the act of making puts out into the world. It’s that simple.

 

 

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