Last FOs of 2007

I finished what are now clearly late, holiday gifts last week so I have 2 less UFO's laying around. It's a New Year's miracle!

Carrying on in the new tradition of my love of felt, I made Jennifer P. a purse with a simplified version of our consulting business logo on it.  As she mentioned in her Venus Magazine feature, she loves the tackilicious, so hopefully she'll dig this. :)

I laid the obnoxious to (brief) rest for my friend Adrienne's gift, and got in touch with the softer side of me.  The dark, nougat-y middle as it were.

This is the Crochet DROPS Scarf from Garns Studio that my friend Sarah turned me onto.  The yarn is some Vermont Alpaca I got during my Holiday Special trip, double-stranded with this iridescent  mohair-y action from an unknown source.  This project is really fun and fast to make.   I luuuurve this scarf and cant wait to see it on her!

Have a safe New Year's Eve bundled up in something handmade!

xo,

Vickie

Knitwear & Sweeney Todd

Clearly my profession-obsession holds its firm place at the forefront of my brain as I seem to be completely incapable of just watching a movie when knitwear makes an appearance in it. This weekend we saw Sweeney Todd and along with Burton/Depp/Bonham Carter brilliance, I found myself focused on accessories: garter stitch wrist warmers, seed stitch scarf, cabled fingerless gloves... It's an illness really, but one that I feel the need to share with you. Now see here!

Garter Stitch Wrist Warmers

(Worn by Johnny Depp as the title character.  

Make a similar pair, using my free Hand Like a Hole pattern)

Seed Stitch Scarf & Cabled Fingerless Gloves

(Worn by Jamie Campbell Bower as Anthony)

Thank you for listening.

xo,

Vickie

P.S.  If you'd like to spend your Sunday indulging in Tim Burton-movie-knitwear-goodness after ST, don't forget Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (new version). :)

P.P.S.  I'd love to give the designer credit here, but don't know who it is (for either movies).  Anyone know?

 

I'm on Etsy!

Admittedly a year late, I'm finally up on Etsy!  Check out: VickieHowell.etsy.com for new kits and color choices, most of which are not offered on my website.

While supplies last, there are several different color options of the Wriblets wrist warmers and Market Bag, as well as a pink version of the Chilly Scarf Kit all of which I mentioned on the Blue Genie blog post.  I also put up a bunch of color choices of Pom Packs, coordinated yardage from my own stash for people who want to make tassels and pom-poms without investing in full skeins of yarn.  I know for us knitters and crocheters this seems crazy since we usually have so much left-over yarn, but this was a direct request from Jennifer Perkins who said that non-knitters love the pom-poms and hate the waste, just as much us the rest of us. ;)    Anyway, tassel and pom instructions included!

Happy web shopping!

xo,

Vickie

Happy Holidays!

Happy belated Chanukah & Yule, and Merry Christmas & Kwanza! Wishing you all a season filled with peace, love and compassion.

xo,
Vickie

Last, Last Call with Vickie Howell?

I got the 2008 first quarter schedule in the mail last week and since I was expecting it, seeing the Knitty Gritty time slot made me giggle. For those of you playing along at home, on the west coast, I'll be on after Last Call with Carson Daily. If we keep the 2am position and go back into production, maybe they'll let me start having bands on like the other late night shows. ;)

On a different note, I think I might've been too vague with my request in the last post about whether or not people are interested in me coming back with a season 2. We really do want your comments and input, so here are a few things that might be helpful to consider when posting here or e-mailing us at: podcast@vickiehowell.com:

• Do you think CRL should be left as a solid 7-part series, or do you see it as an on-going show?
• Were you happy with the overall content or would you like to see a change in format (ie. longer/shorter interviews, small projects, a Q&A write-in, more/less commentary by me etc.)
• What guests would you like us to try and have on the show (this season since it was new, I had to rely heavily on having my wonderful friends on in order to fill the spots and gain sponsors, but would love to have a mix of friends and strangers in the future.)
  
• This season we covered, designing for mags, craft book writing, feminism, eco-crafting, making money with your craft, crafting for the holidays and men who knit. What topics would you find interesting to hear about in the future?
• Any other comments, questions, general outrage?

Thanks, party people!

Happy weekend!

xo,
Vic

CRL Season Finale with Kelley Deal of The Breeders!

Holiday festivities got you frazzled? Furiously wrapping presents and cleaning house? Need a little audio Calgon to take you away? Well lovies, I am here to serve! It's Thursday and therefore, CRL day. Listen to it. Love it. Breathe it. Ok, the latter isn't really realistic or required, but the former two would be much appreciated.
Oh, and I apologize in advance for the cackle levels being on "11" towards the end of the interview portion. Ms. Kelley was killing me. Killing me! Okgoodthanksbye.

Episode 007: Book Deal!

Kelley Deal

Me and Kelley on the set of Knitty Gritty in 2005

Guest: Kelley Deal (The Breeders/Author of upcoming Bags that Rock!)

Topic: Trials, triumphs and tribulations of writing a knitting book. Kelley and I swap tales from the book writing trenches and talk about upcoming projects including Kelley’s upcoming knitted handbag how-to and the much anticipated Breeders return album, Mountain Battles.

Format: Interview with Kelley, T3 segment (This episode's segment focuses on tips from my own book editor on putting together the perfect proposal!), and season ending comments and thank yous.

Sponsored by:

Well folks I can hardly believe it but the 7 weeks are up, so that's a wrap for Craft.Rock.Listen, this season! I had a great time co-producing this podcast with my husband Dave, and am thrilled that people seemed to dig it. We haven't decided yet whether or not to come back for a season two, but will discuss it after the holidays. Since it takes loads of work to put these together every week, we want to make sure that there's a.) enough great, available guests and show ideas to fill up another 7 episode run and, b.) that there's the demand for more shows. Sooooo, we would love and appreciate your feedback, to help us make that decision. If you liked what you heard from CRL and want to hear more and/or have suggestions for what you'd like to hear in a future show, please e-mail us at: podcast@vickiehowell.com OR just post your ideas here on this blog.

Thanks to all of my guests: Kathy Cano-Murillo, Adrienne Armstrong, Will Forte, Jennifer Perkins, Adina Klein, Debbie Stoller and Kelley Deal, for taking time out of their hectic schedules to chat with little o'l me. Your friendship and support makes me feel all gushy inside.

If you missed any of their episodes, the entire CRL season one, is available on my website and on iTunes.



Thank you and good night! ;)

xo,
Vickie

Holiday Domesticity

Since last year at this time I was shooting Knitty Gritty and the year before that I was promoting in NY and then moving into our house, I'm reveling in the opportunity of actually enjoying this holiday season. Here's what I've been up to over the past week...

Knitting cupcakes for my friend Jamie's birthday. She just started a cake business called, Cake Please! (My camera is sucksville.)

Making cupcakes for my son Tanner's class for his birthday. He turns 8 today!

Pouring soy wax into containers recycled from our post-elopement party. Eco-friendly candles make great holiday gifts for teachers! Jenny made the labels for both her kids and mine. :)

Going into my son Tristan's kindergarten class to make simple, polar fleece scarves with the kids. As they were cutting fringe I had them repeat after me, "Crafting is awesome!". My job is done. ;)

What have you been making, baking and doing?

xo,
Vickie

Feltstock--Last Minute Gift Free Project!

We're on the Christmas home stretch here and I don't know about you, but I've given up on the idea of still having time to knit gifts for people. This is where my longtime love for felt comes in. Personalized stockings make great prezzies for everyone, from co-worker to grandma! The supplies are inexpensive (averages out to about $10 each), each one is bound to be unique, AND one can be made in about an hour! Free-style your own design or for the knitter in your life , use the patterns I've provided for both the stocking outline and the appliqués seen here on the needle & yarn version. Here's the scoop:

MATERIALS
1/4 yard felt (found at the fabric store)
Felt squares (found at the craft store) in 3 colors
Stocking & appliqué patterns
Lite Iron-on Adhesive
Iron
Contrasting colored thread (I used metallic silver)
Scissors
Sewing Machine (I used my new Janome)

DIRECTIONS

Cut
Using pattern provided; cut out 2 of the stocking body pieces and a 1/2"x 8" rectangle (will act as stocking loop) from the main color of felt. Cut out knitting needle, topper and yarn appliqués (or desired shapes) from felt squares.

Iron
Trace around appliqués onto iron-on adhesiveand cut out. Following directions on package, iron adhesive onto appliqués and then onto stocking body front. This step is just to help out with the sewing process, so don't worry if your edges aren't perfectly stuck down.

Sew
Machine sew appliqués onto stocking body front. Get creative and use the machine for decorative stitching--instead of always sewing around the perimeter of appliqué, try sewing "Xs", zig-zagging, loop-d-looping or spiraling with the stitches. If you're adding additional accouterments like ric-rac, ribbon or buttons--this is also when you'd want to attach those.


Once you're happy with how your stocking front looks, place it (with wrong-sides facing) on top of the stocking body back. Fold loop piece in half length-wise, and insert it between the front and back pieces, at the upper right corner. Using a 1/4" seam allowance and starting where the loop is, sew around the perimeter of the stocking. Snip remaining threads.

Hang. Take a bow for your craftiness. Enjoy.

Happy holidays!,
Vickie

Videocast from STITCH Austin, on You Tube!

Hey, all! The video podcast I hosted for the STITCH Fashion Show and Art Bazaar has been edited by the lovely Cory Ryan, and uploaded to YouTube! There are two, separate, 6 minute segments for your quickie viewing pleasure. Give 'em a watch to check out some of the great vendors and designers that took part in the event. Enjoy!

Stitch 2007 part 1

Stitch 2007 part 2

xo,
Vic

P.S. The top I'm wearing is made from Vickie Howell Collection LOVE (in color June & Johnny) for my upcoming book, Catwalk Crochet!

CRL--Femiknitsm with Debbie Stoller!

It's CRL Thursday, so here's the scoop for the newest episode featuring, the lovely, talented and uber intelligent Debbie Stoller!

Guest: Debbie Stoller (Editor-in-Chief BUST Magazine/Author Stitch ‘N Bitch books)

Topic: Feminism and this generation’s crafty revolution. Discussion about the need for community, the interesting reaction that the knitting resurgence of the past 7-10 years has solicited by some, and the new genre of career that's been embraced by today's woman. Debbie also fills us in on her upcoming book, the knitting cruise she’s hosting and the scoop on what’s next for BUST!

Format: Interview with Debbie, T3 segment (This episode's segment focuses on cool and crafty feminists of yesterday and today!) and the Ramblings segment (thoughts about the misunderstanding of the word "feminism" by society.)

Sponsored by: Boye Needle

This episode and the rest of what's aired from season one are available on my website and on iTunes.



xoxo, Vic

In the nick of time!

Just two days after my tired ol' sewing machine malfunctioned right when I was in the middle of making holiday stockings, a new machine arrived on my doorstep. It's a Christmas miracle! I will sew again. I will.

Seriously though, the Janome I ordered finally made it's way here and HOLY AWESOMENESS, Batman! Because I've been struggling with my other machine for so long I'd forgotten how much I really do dig sewing. The majority of the projects I tend to work on are craft or home related so I chose a machine that could handle lots of heavy fabric action. I put it to the test today, and so far, so good! It's the very user friendly, Magnolia 7330 from Janome's floral series which I *heart* because frankly, I'm a sucker for darling design. Also though, it reminds me of my mom making clothes for me in the 70's particularly, this little number she whipped up when I was 4 (I think I've posted this shot before--it's one of my favorites).

It's cool to be sitting in front of the machine now at about the same age she was in this picture, staring at those happy yellow flowers while I sew something for my own kids.

Crafty Holidays!
xo,
Vickie

Sunday, Crafty Sunday

We stayed close to home for crafty purposes today. The boys turned a cardboard insert from a box, into a window for a make-believe shop they named, "Frank". This store provided t-shirts, food, and both airplane and bus tickets. One stop shopping, if you ask me.

Meanwhile, Dave and I worked on a couple of dining area projects. He found a 1960's set on Craigs List which would accommodate all of us for dinner plus our two moms who will be with over the holidays. It's in great shape but I didn't jive on the chairs' fabric (you know, because I don't do subtle and understated very well) so I recovered them to match the space. I bought the fabric a couple of years ago off of eQuilter not knowing what I was going to do with it, and I ended up having just enough to cover all 6 chairs. Here's a shot of the before (left) and after(right).
Here it is set up in our kitchen. And yes, we do have a sleeper sofa in same area that we eat in. Only the best for our guests! Only the best. ;)

And Dave's courtesy artsy shot of our holiday center piece as well.


We also bought a new ceiling lamp from Lowe's but again, couldn't leave well enough alone. It was kind of a speckly flesh tone to start with so we took some silver spray paint to it.



I've also been working on felt x-mas stockings for the family but my %&@*! sewing machine isn't working AGAIN, even though it just came back from the repairman. Arrgh!!

This is how I procrastinate when I'm supposed to be working. Ok, off to write and record this week's CRL!

xo,
Vickie

Blue Genie Christmas

Hey Austinites...and its surrounding county-ites! Wednesday kicked off the 7th annual, 20-day, handmade shop-fest that is, The Blue Genie Art Bazaar! As always, the Austin Craft Mafia is there with a booth, so we hope you'll stop by for a little hand-made holiday goodness!


I've got a handful of knit and crochet kits (including three that I put together just for this event!) available out there, along with some jingly jangly stitch markers to go with 'em.

Wriblets Kit $12

Chilly Scarf Kit $35
(includes 2 different patterns!)

Market Bag Crochet Kit $25
(includes hooks!)

Hope to see you there!

xo,
Vickie

CRL: From Make to Mag!

Happy Thursday, people. You know what that means--a new episode of CRL. Holla'! Ever thought about designing knit or crochet pieces for magazines but didn't know where to start? Curious about the inner-workings of top publications in the industry? Well, this episode's for you! From info on what/who/where to submit ideas to; to what qualifications you do and don't need to design for print, to how designs; color schemes and issue themes are picked. Everything you need to know is packed into this one! Can you dig it? I knew that you could.

Adina Klein

Here's the scoop:
Guest: Adina Klein (Editor in Chief of Vogue Knitting & Knit.1 Magazines)

Topic: Advice on getting knitwear designs published and what editors are looking for when it comes to submissions, style and execution. Adina will also give us the hot gossip on upcoming VK and Knit.1 issues!

Format: Interview with Adina, T3 segment (This episode's segment focuses on color and handbag trends, and techie tips for budding designers) and the Ramblings segment (thoughts about taking the initial leap into the design world)

Sponsored by:

Listen today on my website or download via iTunes. Enjoy!

xo,
Vickie
My Space: www.myspace.com/vickiehowell
Ravelry: VickieHowell

An Issue of Time

The latest Knit.1, "The Time Issue" just hit stands this week. It's about time! Har har har.
Check out the Vickie Howell Collection Vegas shout out, in the Editor's Picks section. Looking for a quickie project to make with my new yarn? Don't forget the FREE Taffy Scarf and Candy Striper Purse patterns!



Ready for some light reading? Well, my celebrity column is here for your entertainment pleasure! This issue features the beautiful and incredibly talented China Forbes of the timeless band, Pink Martini.


Interested in getting your designs in this magazine or others like it? Stay tuned for the full scoop on tomorrow's CRL podcast.

xoxo,
Vickie
Ravelry: VickieHowell
MySpace: www.myspace.com/vickiehowell