Pink Ladies, Extreme Edition

Yesterday was the Habitat for Humanity, all female build in Los Angeles. What an amazing experience! It was very cool being around so many strong, impressive, intelligent women who were using their powers for good. The event, which I gathered to be more for publicity than build progress, was way more chi-chi than most. Because it was backed by Hollywood moguls and organizations, there was great food (donated by Women in Film), a volunteer nursing staff, matching pink t-shirts and hard hats, and plenty of Cooling Mist Suncreen to go around (Julie Bowen, the face of Neutrogena, was one of the event celebrity leaders). Adrienne, who amongst other places has done builds in New Orleans, said that this was by far more glamorous than usual. None of the perks (including madatory breaks every couple of hours) from this site existed on others that she'd been on. This made me sad that there weren't sponsors for every home being built through habitat in the U.S.--even if it was just for water and food. I guess I felt a little bit like I was cheating, being handled with kid gloves, and it was hard not to get frustrated when we were told to rest before finishing a channel that my partner Victoria and I were struggling with. My guilt subsided however when at the end of the day, tired and sore, the one hundred+ of us (including amazing leaders from AmeriCorps) managed to finish the entire first floor of walls for the first tri-plex of the Jimmy Carter Work Project. I definitely didn't feel babied as we constructed, deconstructed, and then re-constructed a door-well, making sure it was up to code. Nor did I when, along with 10-15 other women at a time, we lugged 12 ft. wall frames to their place in the "finished" pile--even when sharing the weight with Miss World 1997 , who traveled from India to be there for the event. (I tried my hardest not to be bitter about how beautiful and glowing she still was, even with layers of sweat and dirt covering her. ;-) )

A few hours into the build, progress is made.

With building buddies Adrienne, Wendi, & Victoria

(It's hard not to feel like a rock star when you're wielding a hammer with kick-ass women who collectively run record labels, fight for women's rights, and promote sustainable living and organic foods, AND also happen to be married to

members of Green Day, Social Distortion and Sugarcult!)

Before yesterday, I only knew the basics of how Habitat for Humanity worked: they build houses for people in need. I learned, however, that there's a long application and interview process to determine whether or not a familiy is willing to put in 500 hours of "sweat equaity" towards building their own home and whether they want to make the commitment to pay off a no-interest mortage. These houses are definitely not handouts-- the owners earn every nail that holds their new home together!
At about 3pm, several families showed up under the guise that they were visiting a site to see how it worked before they committed to the program. Several habitat big-wigs were there to speak, as well as the district council woman. What they didn't know was that this was really a ceremony announcing that they'd all been approved for homes, with the promise that they'd be living in them by this new year's eve. "Look around," said Habitat LA's CEO Erin Rank, "These are your new neighbors!" It was a phenomenal moment. What really struck my little group of gals is how not just one or two members, but ENTIRE families of 6, 7, or even 8 people, showed up to this event--a tribute to the value that this opportunity held for them. There wasn't a dry eye in the crowd.

Pink Ladies Extreme
(Donning the pink toolbelts Adrienne got us all, from L-R
Rachel, Adrienne, Marki, Tami, Victoria, Wendi, me and Karen)

Along with one of the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition hosts, families raise the first tri-plex wall.

As the families raised the first wall together, I was so touched by the sight of a mother holding a baby in a carrier on her chest, pushing the first piece of her new life into place. I looked down at the bruise on my thumb (that I'd gotten that day from a hammer) with a sense of pride that I hadn't felt in a long time, knowing that it wouldn't be the last I'd receive from working with Habitat. In a sense, I'd found myself a new home, too.
To find out how you can be a part of the Habitat for Humanity chapter in your area, visit their website: http://www.habitat.org/

xo, Vickie

The Power of Women

I'm leaving tomorrow, a few days than earlier than originally planned, for the Tori Spelling/Knitty Gritty Special shoot/Knit.1 interview. This may not be the best plan I've ever had since we're having our post-elopement reception a week from this Saturday and we're still not finished thrifting for plates, the kids don't have their outfits (why is it so flippin' hard to find little kid short-sleeved button downs in gray or black?!), I don't have my shoes, random rental stuff still needs to be confirmed, etc., etc., etc. However...When one gets invited to do something great for charity with a bunch of smart, strong, successful women, one does not turn it down.

This Saturday, Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity will be holding their annual all-female build called, "Power Women, Power Tools". I'm so excited!


I've wanted to do something for Habitat for a long time, but just haven't made it happen. And no, I don't have any experience building...but I'm crafty, so that has to count for something, right? ;-) Adrienne (co-owner with her husband Billie Joe, of Adeline Records) is co-hosting the event and was kind enough to include me. Her family has done a lot of work for the organization in post-Katrina New Orleans and she's now apparently got the building bug. She even bought her own hammer and, upon my coaxing, has purchases pink tool belts! I'll wear mine proudly. :-) I love it when women use their powers for good!

Speaking of the power of women, I think I mentioned/thanked you all in a previous post for making Knitty Gritty the #1 searched for term on the DIY Network site. Clearly, a little knitting show doesn't garner more viewers than say, a home improvement or automotive show, but you all have proven to be way more tenacious than others are about searching out info on a subject you're passionate about. There's great strength in that. Unfortunately, the voice of Knitty Gritty's mostly female viewership (or any of the other DIY craft shows, for that matter) has not rang through as clear when it comes to ratings. Nielsen has shown that the network's audience is overwhelmingly male's who watch Fix-it shows. That said, although KG is still strong for them in the genre they've found that re-runs do just as well for them as new shows so we won't be going into production this year. It will still be on 5 days a week but at least for 2007, the majority of the shows will be re-runs. I'm very curious about how Nielsen box recipients are chosen and how accurate ratings are in this technological age when people are DVRing or often, watching at least parts of shows on the internet. Do men monopolize TV ratings power, or do women have as much ad revenue influence there as we do on-line? I suppose, there's only one way to find out. If you're a woman with a Nielsen box in the house and you enjoy Knitty Gritty, Craft Lab, Uncommon Threads, etc., then you can help ensure new episodes of the shows for 2008! Tune in and tune in often. Thank ya, kindly.

Keeping with the theme of today's post, I blatantly copied Jennifer Perkins' (one of my favorite powerful women) brilliant idea for the wedding terrarium she made for our friend Susann, and made my own at a floral arranging class I took last night. I couldn't bring myself to do a traditional, silk flower arrangement but this my friends, was right up my alley!




Unlike Jennifer's version, these succulents are fake and will likely survive my black thumb and, of course, I had to paint the bride and groom's hair red. This baby will be prominently displayed on the buffet table at our party. Viva las tacky decor!

xo,
Vickie

Show us your knits!

Hey, ladies (& possibly, gents)! It's that time again, to put a call out for pictures of FOs for our Knitters Gallery. If you've made something from New Knits on the Block, Not Another Teen Knitting Book, a pattern or kit from my Shop or Blog, and/or using one of the Vickie Howell Collection yarns, then we wanna see it! Reader Micky, just sent this shot of her little girl modeling the Formality Scarf which made me so happy, I had to share it here! Isn't she the cutest?! And the scarf ain't half bad, either. ;-)


Anybody finish the Mae Day dress, yet? The Rosie Posie bag? Blue Collar ascot? Perhaps, the Sayuri shrug? Well then, we wanna see it! After all, you put all of that time, love and effort into your projects so, why not share them? Send images to: jenny@websydaisy.com, and she'll get them up on my site album.

Thanks, everyone. Can't wait for you to show me your knits! ;-)

xo,
Vickie

Day of Questions

Remember that old In Living Color sketch called "Hey Mon", about the family who's members all had like, 12 jobs? That's what I feel like right now. I have a few, unrelated projects on my mind and wanted to throw out some questions about them to you, my trusted readers. If you'd take a few moments to answer any of them that you have info/an opinion on, I'd totally *heart* you forever and always. :-)


1. If you make gifts, when do you start your holiday knitting/crocheting? Does the summer heat dissuade you from working with bulkier yarns? If the answer's yes, would you change your mind if the chunky project wanted to make, was a non-wearable item (ex. pillow, through, purse, etc)?

2. What kind of patterns are you interested in buying? Accessories? Gift Items? Baby? Women's Garments? Specific project on your mind? On my site, does it matter to you who models them (especially the adult projects), or do you even notice?

3. I'm working on a very small animation project and am looking for a flash animator. I have a cartoonist to do story boards and such, but need someone to translate those boards (as well as have some creative input). If you know someone (this could be a cool project for a film school student) that might be interested, please post their scoop here!

4. Does anyone know an L.A. area photographer that'd be willing to travel to Temecula for a quick shoot in a week or two? The gig pays (although, not a ton).

5. I'm starting to put together my interview for the next Knit.1 article with Tori Spelling and her husband Dean. I'd love to include a few reader questions, as well. If you're a Tori & Dean or Beverly Hills 90210 fan, or just interested in celebs who knit in general, please post your hot burning curiosities here! The interview is taking place this month, so I'll need to know soon.

Alright, I'm off to take the kids swimming while attempting to avoid at all costs, being seen in a bathing suit. That should be interesting.

Thanks for your help!

xo,
Vickie

Judy's Not the Only Fancy Garland!

Like crochet? Looking for summer weather appropriate neckwear? Does the word "garland " make you feel festive? Well then fantastic, this project's tailor made just for you! As always, pattern's are available on my Shop page. Happy hooking!

Lily Pad Crocheted Neck Garland

Pattern $5



Yarn: VHC ROCK/ Colors: Joan & Ani

Special thanks to Jen A. from the Austin Craft Mafia for modeling and my beloved turquoise door for acting as background scenery. ;-)

This weekend we went and looked at houses, which was depressing, and thrifted for all of the plates we need for our post-elopement party. We're borrowing Jennifer P.'s vintage tablecloths, to go along with our "flea market" eclectic look. Next we need to figure out napkins, silverware, glasses and centerpieces for 17, long tables of 6. Oh, and locating the festoon lights that we'd like to string throughout the plaza. That's really it for excitement here.

Nightie, night!,
Vickie

Vegas, Baby!

I just got a sample cone of the new Vickie Howell Collection yarn, Vegas. Woo hoo! I'm really excited about this one--it's so pretty! Vegas is a thick & thin blend of Soysilk & wool with a lurex, metallic thread running through it. It's totally soft and glam at the same time. I knit up a swatch on size US 10s and it looks like it'll be about a 4 sts per inch gauge, which is perfect for my knitting A.D.D since that means projects will work up fast and furious. I hand-picked all of the color combos ranging from nice-girl, monochromatic shimmers (see below) to Jezebel, contrasting-colored glitzes. I hesitate to even show you the color I have because the scan doesn't do it justice and the sparkle doesn't really read...but who am I kidding, I can't not show you! Duh.

Vickie Howell Collection's "Vegas"

Color: Pink Champagne
(pink yarn/pink shimmer)

I realize that telling you colors is as helpful as showing you sound but nevertheless, here's what other glittery goodness you can expect in the Vegas line (the first color listed is the yarn, the 2nd is the metallic thread):

Ghost Bar= Cobalt Blue/Blue
Showgirl= Melon/Pink
Blue Hawaiian= Turquoise/Turquoise
Black Jack= Black/Purple
Swingers= Red/Red
Casino= Green/Green
Chapel of Love= White/Silver
Cirque= Ice Blue/Ice Blue
Martini= Chartreuse/Lime Green-y Gold
Viva Las= Orange/Orange
Excess= Dark Purple/Purpule
Dino= Brown/Bronze
Flying Elvis= Yellow/Gold

I'll get pictures of the above is soon as I lay my eyes on them, myself. You can expect this line as well as the new colors in Craft, Rock, and Love to be available in stores and on-line in July. In the meantime, I have a date with some Pink Champagne. Bottoms up! ;-)

xo,
Vic

Welcome to Paradise.

In cool news, yesterday I heard from Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day's people that his wife Adrienne, wants some VHC ROCK to knit with in the color I named after him. Pretty cool. I'm knitting up some Hand Like a Hole wristlets for him to include in the package as well. Oh and speaking of those wristlets, the pair I knit out of "Trent" are going to be feature along with the pattern in an upcoming issue of the music magazine, Alternative Press. Ya know, 'cause knitting totally rocks and stuff. :-)

In not so cool news, my up-and-coming neighborhood seems to be down-and-going. A couple of weeks ago our kids bikes got stolen, there's been a rash of daytime break ins on our street, and on Sunday night there was a high-speed car pursuit involving grand-theft auto that ended in our front yard with the suspect ditching the car and my husband diving into it as it was rolling back, in order to pull the emergency brake before it smooshed a cop that was trying to get out of his own car. The guy got away on foot and our kids had to hide in our bedroom just to be safe. Good times. Needless to say, I immediatly contacted a Realtor about other options. That's what I get for trying to be all "anti-establishment" and avoiding suburbia, I guess. I'm gonna miss our little house with the turquoise door. *sigh* It's hard being an alterna-parent sometimes. ;-)

xo,
Vickie

Collars, Vests & Underwear.

Alright, business before pleasure. I finally got the pattern for the crocheted collar I'm wearing in all of the Vickie Howell Collection yarn ads, up in my Shop page. Well actually, I didn't do crap, the amazing Jenny did. Regardless, it's up for your downloadable enjoyment.

Blue Collar
Crocheted Neck Decor

Pattern: $5.00

Yarn: VHC ROCK in color: Kim & Kelly

For you Knitties out there with kids and a love for vintage fashion, also available now is the Daddy-O Vest in sizes 2T, 4T, 6 & 8. Wee sweater vests are a great answer to the "Why are there so few little boy dress up clothes?" question. Daddy-o is retro enough looking that parents'll dig it and obnoxiously colored enough that kids'll wear it! That people, is a win-win. ;-)

Daddy-O
Kid's Knitted Vest

Pattern: $6.00

Yarn: VHC ROCK in colors: Jonas & Joan

Ok, now pleasure. My friend, artist Dave Lowe, created and sent this to me in response to yesterday's Underoos post. I *heart* Dave, he's hilarious! For those of you playing along at home, he's also the art director for Knitty Gritty, Stylelicious, Uncommon Threads & Craft Lab.
This is totally going to be my new My Space picture. Ahhh, it's a giggler.



xo,
Vickie

Superhero Sunday

On Friday night, Dave took me to our favorite theater Alamo Drafthouse, for dinner and a movie. It was the opening night of Knocked Up so in true Alamo form, celebrations commenced. The theater tables were strewn with condoms and lubricant samples, pre-show reproductive health videos from the 70's were playing on the screen and NARAL was there holding condom races and a Reproduction Trivia game. It was good times. If you're a fan of last year's 40-Year-Old Virgin, or 1999's Freaks & Geeks (both babies of director, Judd Apatow), then you'll love this movie! It's smart, well written/directed/acted, and hilarious.

Speaking of hilarity, tomorrow is my kid brother's 29th birthday. That's not the funny part. Wait for it...wait for it...

Ok, so for years, he's been lamenting about how great Underoos were when we were kids and why didn't they make them in adult sizes? You can hardly blame the guy. I mean really, who couldn't benefit from secretly feeling like a crime-fighter under their civilian garb especially, if they once looked like this in their superhero skivvies?

Kevin, circa 1980

I am Wonder Woman, hear me roar!

Well, young Kevin no longer as to wallow in nostalgia because for his b-day, I have located a reproduction of the Superman set you see in the above pictures IN MAN'S SIZE LARGE!

In a perfect world, he'd wear them under his firefighter uniform and rip off his coat to reveal the "S" emblem as he's rescuing a young child from imminent danger. The Foo Fighter's, "There Goes My Hero" would be playing in the background.
In reality however, the unopened package will likely sit on a shelf somewhere at his place. He'll glance over at it often though, giving its existence his trademark smirk. He may even giggle (well, only on the inside) and really people, what better gift is there than laughter? Happy birthday, bro!

Have a nice Sunday.

xo, Vickie

Rosie Posie Zippy Bag--Free Pattern of the Month!

Rosie Posie
Zippy Make-up Bag

MATERIALS
1 Ball Vickie Howell Collection CRAFT (65% Organic Cotton/35% Milk Fiber; 125m/50gr),
in color: Sandi (MC)
1 Ball Vickie Howell Collection CRAFT (65% Organic Cotton/35% Milk Fiber; 125m/50gr),
in color: Share (CC)
Scraps of periwinkle & yellow, sport-weight yarn. I used CRAFT in colors: Supercrafty & Martha
US size 4 needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)
US size 6 needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Size US G crochet hook
Tapestry needle
8 1/2-9"" Zipper
Sewing pins
Thread
Sewing needle

Optional:
9"x81/2" piece of coordinating fabric
Sewing machine

Gauge:
5 sts per inch in St st., on larger needles.

Finished Size"
Approx 8 1/2" x 4"

DIRECTIONS (Make 2)
With MC and smaller needles, CO 42 sts.

Stripe #1:
Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 7 rows.
Next row (WS): Kf&b, to end of row--84 sts.
Stripe #2: With CC and larger needles, work 6 rows in St st (knit on RS, purl on WS).
Next row (RS): K2tog, to end of row--42 sts.
Next row: Purl

Repeat Stripes #1 & #2 once more and then Stripe #1 one more time after that.
BO.

Makes front & back of bag.

Flower Appliqué:
With periwinkle yarn and crochet hook, ch 5. Sc in 1st ch from hook, dc in next ch, tr in next ch, dc in next ch, sc in last ch. Tie of. This makes 1 petal. Make 4 more, just like it.
With the same yarn and tapestry needle , place and sew on each petal on front piece of bag to form flower.
With yellow yarn and tapestry needle, embroider 4 French knots in center of flower.



FINISHING
With needle & thread, sew zipper onto front and back pieces of bag.
With yarn & tapestry needle, seam up sides and bottom of bag.

Optional bag lining:
Fold fabric piece in half width-wise, with right sides facing. Using 1/4" seam allowance, machine sew up sides. Place lining in bag and pin at top, folding over top edge of fabric 1/4" for hem. Hand sew lining to inside, top edge of bag.

Voila! You're done.

(For knitting How-to instructions and Abbreviations List, click here.)

Get more great knit & crochet patterns and kits here!