This Week in (Craft) News

Thanks to all of you who added Make it Mine Magazine as a MySpace friend, over the weekend! The winners of a free issue area:

1. Gator
2. Becca Doherty
3. Gingerbear
4. Vintage Rehab
5. Nichole Burke

If you didn't win this one don't forget, Jennifer's holding a similar contest on her blog this week! Also, as promised, I'll be giving away something new this week (and every week until Knit Aid hits shelves), so stay tuned!

If you find yourself at a news stand in the near future, check out my latest Eco-Craft column in KIWI Magazine.  This one features old-school pot holders, made from recycled hosiery!

I love Interweave's newest magazine, Crochet!  So much so, that I e-mailed editor Kim Werker and asked if I could do something, anything, to be a part of it.  She was kind enough to let me launch their newest feature, "Crochet Around Town" with my article focusing on Austin.  I had so much fun blabbing about my ideal day around town--so come take a tour with me, won't you?

xo,

Vickie

A mag for those "make it" types!/Contest

Jennifer and I have been working a little with a new magazine called, Make it Mine and wanted to share what's going on in their latest issue with you!  Here's a sneak peak of some of the great project ideas they're offering as inspiration to make your style... well, your own!  Check it.

My friend and fellow partner in Austin Craft Mafia crime, Hope Perkins, has a 4 page tutorial on re-vamping a thrift store blazer with paint!

Turn your own blueprint design into a one-of-a-kind scarf!

Diamonds as a girl's best friend is soooooo pre-"Blood Diamond"!  It's all about the shoes, now. ;)  Make it Mine's 2nd issue celebrates this love of fancy footness, with a ton of examples on prettifying your peds!

In the mood for a little felt on felt action?  Well, there's a feature just for you.  LeBrie Rich (watch the interview I did with her last November at Stitch, here) shows us how she turns fiber, into art pieces!

If you haven't already checked out the magazine, it can be found on most news stands, now.   

I also have copies of the latest addition (featuring all aforementioned crafty goodness & more) to give away to 5 people (picked at random), who add Make it Mine as a "friend" on MySpace over the next 3 days!  Simply go to their page and click on "Add to Friends".  On Sunday afternoon, we'll put on a blindfold and point at names on the "Friend Request" approval list. It'll all be very scientific! ;) If you win,  we'll contact you via MS for contact info.

Long live crafty, print magazines!

xo,

Vickie

P.S.  Check in on Jennifer's blog over the next few days, too!  She'll be running a similar contest giving you TWO--that's TWO chances to win!

Baby, Bot & Bunnies

Baby Gift

A year and a half or so ago while shooting a Knit Bit at the non-profit shop Stitches from the Heart, I got this great pattern for the " Quick Baby Sweater", by Lorraine Major.  I'd been wanting to knit one up ever since, but hadn't had the time until this one for a friend's baby boy. The yarn is "Vegas" from my collection, in color: Casino.  I think it took about 3 balls.    It's knit from the top down on size 10.5 needles, so the pattern's name is definitely apropos.  :) 

These buttons came from another L.A.-based yarn shop, A Mano, owned by my awesome friend Shannita (she was the guest on the Rasta Hat episode of KG.)  I picked these beauties up last summer, while we were there shooting part of the Knitty Gritty Special (which, BTW now has an air date of July 3rd--Stay tuned for more details!)  I liked 'em so much that Shannita sent me more, so I could also put them on a kids coat for Catwalk Crochet!  

Bunnies

I spent some of my Easter sunday making these sock bunnies for my boys.  They're really easy, super-cute and cuddly, and (I'm proud to say) kid approved!  General instructions on how to make them can be found on this website.  I *heart* sock creatures.

Bot

Tristan took his first sewing class today--it was so dang cute, I could barely stand it!  It was an afternoon  "Plush Monsters" course at Craft-O-Rama in Austin.   Tris loves little squishy toys and seems to be, dare I say, crafty--so this was the perfect stitching intro for him.   Although he was a little intimidated at first, he really dug working with a sewing machine. 

 He's too wee to reach the pedal, so we put down a bin to help out. :)

His finished project as you can see, is a pretty awesome robot for which he meticulously chose all of the materials, and hand-sewed the eyes and buttons on mostly by himself.

All in all I'd say, it's been a very crafty couple of days.  Just how we like it around here.

xo, Vickie

Craft Show Casting Call--Repost from Cathie Fillian!

Hey, everyone!  The following is a repost from my friend Cathie (co-host of Creative Juice).  If you're a crafty teen or young adult--or know someone who is, read on and submit!  

xoxo, Vickie

Casting Notice – Untitled Teen Craft Show

Our production company, Two Bees and a Pea, is casting young adult & teen crafters for a new "untitled" craft show. This show will be guest based - so you could be the star of the show. :) We produce Creative Juice on DIY and HGTV and this will be a brand new show.

We are seeking crafty guests from all over the USA and will begin the process with DVD submissions. The DVD's are not for air on TV they are for casting purposes. Fear not if you don't have access to a video camera. Just send a photo of yourself (big smile) holding or showing off your handmade items.

Here are a few guidelines:

You should have high energy and great style. Show off your style - flaunt it!

Your crafts should be current, hip, cutting edge - think Urban Outfitters, Anthropology, Gossip Girl, Project Runway, MTV!

You can make anything from room decor, jewelry, clothing, soap making, knitted and crochet goods, lip balm, art, etc. The most important thing is that you know your stuff and can explain how you make it in a clear and fun way.

The deadline is May 1st – 2008. Age range: Teens, Young Adults (28 and under)

Video Guidelines:

1.Have high energy and be yourself. State your name, where you are from, how long you have been crafting and what your craft project is. Try to hold your project in your hand or have it next to you and briefly explain to us how you made it. You can show a step or two on how you made it you want.

2.Try to keep the camera as smooth as possible (using a tripod helps) and make sure you have lots of light so we can see you.

3.Fashion tips for the camera: Please don't wear prints, all black (even if you are goth), white or red. Tattoos, elaborate hair dos, and punky attire are just fine.

4.Videos should be no longer than 3 minutes and should be submitted on DVD only. Tapes cannot be viewed. On the DVD please include your name, your craft, email, city, phone number and age if you are under 18.

Photo Guidelines:

1.Have a big smile in the photo. Try to hold your project in your hand or have it next to you. You can include a picture of you at a sewing machine or at your work station or in the process of making something.

2.Fashion tips for the camera: Please don't wear prints, all black (even if you are goth), white or red. Tattoos, elaborate hair dos, and punky attire are just fine.

3.Photos should be digital, high resolution and should be submitted in print and on a CD. On the back of the photo and on the CD please include your name, your craft, email, city, phone number and age if you are under 18.

Please mail to:

Casting - Untitled Craft Show
c/o Cathie Filian
1531 Randall St
Glendale, CA 91201

www.twobeesandapea.com
www.cathieandsteve.com

Easter Craft Inspiration

This time last year I was hard at work making a Peeps wreath for our annual Easterpalooza celebration.  This year though, the kiddos are with their dad so I realized today that I'd done nothing at all yet, to prepare for the holiday.  We've spent the better portion of the day trying to rectify that including gathering supplies to make sock bunnies, which is how I plan on spending my Sunday.  In the meantime though, I thought I'd check in on what some of my crafty friends had planned for Easter.  Here's some of what I found!

This is an oldie, but a goodie from Knitty Gritty: an angora & wool felted bunny, by Bev Galeskas.  The pattern for this can be found on the DIY Network site.

I adore Luchadores--leave it to Crafty Chica to figure out how to incorporate them into Easter or Ostara  celebrations.  Check out her blog for more, great holiday ideas like this one.  

Egg ornaments from Craft Magazine.  These made me have decorators regret for not erecting an Easter tree this year!  To get the scoop on how to knit these up yourself, go here.

On supercrafty Susan Beal's blog I found these sweet treats by Tweet Sweet, that have me feeling earring envy.  Three words: ear adornment elation!  

Elisabeth Doherty's crocheted Punk Bunny from her book, Amigurumi.  I don't actually know Elisabeth, but we have the same publisher so that almost counts as being friends, right?   Regardless, she's a freakin' brilliant crochet artist.  

Ok, I also don't know the ladies over at RockScissorsPaper, but they're my favorite stationary shop so I'm giving them a holiday holla'.  I love this card because it not only says "Spring", it also screams, "frame me, I'm adorable!". ;)

My sister-in-law Meredith (aka La Mer Jewelery) has a few pieces up on Etsy, but this one in particular makes me want to don it at the next garden party I'm invited to (she says, pretending that she gets invited to garden parties often...or ever.)  It's a little bit classic, a little bit kitschy. I find that combination to be delightful.

Ok, I could probably continue doing this all day, but I'm getting the "hurry up" eye from my husband since we have a bbq to go to with a quick trip to the craft store on the way.

Have a happy rest of the weekend!

xo,

Vickie

Carolina, Crafty Chica & Contest Winners

I'm back from North Carolina.  It was a great trip except seriously, I have the worst travel karma. I got stuck in Atlanta when there were maintenance problems with the plane so in order to not completely miss all of the meetings I was scheduled to be at, the company had to hire a car to drive me from there to Asheville (about a 3 1/2 hour jaunt).  A trip through the country in the back of a town car, driven by a lovely Czech gentleman who happily turned on NPR for me while I worked on my laptop is hardly roughing it, so I'm really not complaining--I'm just saying that my travel history has reached comical levels (see former posts about driving over the border to Canada, being caught in a record-making blizzard, changing in the cab in Colorado for an event we were 2 hours late for due to flight delays, etc.).  Anyway, from what I could tell Asheville seems like such a great little town! It has a New England look, but an Austin feel to it. Sometime when I'm there for more than 24 hours, I'd love to see more than just a few blocks of it.

While I was on the plane I read the latest issue of BUST magazine (double-covers with Flight of the Conchords & Elijah Wood on them) and was thrilled to see that Duncan Crafts has officially launched my dear friend Kathy Cano Murillo's new Crafty Chica line.  I was honored to be asked to participate in promotions by appearing in the current full-page ad running in this mag, as well as several others.   Kathy's products will hit the stores this summer, so get ready to get crafty!

Alright, without further ado the winner of the  Kim & Kelley "Lemon Drop" scarf  kit (and yes, I did actually put all of your names in a bowl and drew one out--I'm old school like that) is: TURVID!  

Also, since there was such a huge response from posters for this one I also picked a runner-up, who wins Flat Feet sock yarn by Conjoined Creations (merino wool & nylon).  That prize goes to: SUZIE!

Congratulations ladies!  Please e-mail your mailing information to: rebecca@vickiehowell.com, so that we can get your goodies to you pronto.  

If you didn't win this time, not to worry!  In anticipation of the launch of my next book Knit Aid, I'm going to be doing a giveaway a week for the next 6 weeks PLUS, a bunch more freebies tied into the next round of CRL podcasts. :)

Stay tuned.  Knit on!

xo,
Vickie
myspace.com/vickiehowell
Ravelry: VickieHowell
Flickr: CraftRockLove
YouTube: VickieHowell

South By Knit West (SXSW Wrap-up + Contest)!

The South by Southwest Music festival officially wrapped yesterday and as the city recovers from the aftermath of a million-person party and collective hangover, I wonder what it must be like for outsiders who descend onto a normally mellow Austin for just this one, crazy week.

As I mentioned plans for in my last post, we only ventured out to a few event to support friends.  All in all, we had a blast and are ever grateful to those artists and musicians who continue to inspire us.

Our first stop was on Friday to meet-up with my dear friend Victoria's husband, Marko who was here with his side project band, The Playing Favorites.  They played, along with several other bands at the Suburban Home Records party at Head Hunters.

Dave & I at Head Hunters before Joey Cape acoustic set.

Although the venue was kind of slumming it for them, it's "intimate" layout made for perfect, badly shot & edited video making for me.  You know how I loves me my new Flip camera and am continuing to attempt to learn iMovie--so here are couple more videos for your viewing pleasure.

"A Whole Lotta Nothin" by The Playing Favorites, ATX 3/08


"Leaving Town" by The Playing Favorites, ATX 3/08

On Saturday, we swung by the Bust Magazine party that was somewhat like a mullet haircut: (crafty) business in the front, and party in the back. :)  The Austin Craft Mafia co-sponsored the event (organized in large part, by Jennifer Perkins) which had booths and craft stations in the front room and music and bevies in the back garden.  Elijah Wood was the guest DJ--I had to restrain my husband from bringing his entire Lord of the Rings box set to the party, so that the fan boy levels could maintain a solid "6" on the scale, rather than hitting an "11". ;)

Front room at the Bust Magazine party was set up with Crafty Chica's paint-your-own tote bags.

Back patio at Bust party, where bands and djs played.

Knitty Gritty fan shows me her ink.

Just in the nick of time, I finished presents for the Deal sisters.  Our last SXSW stop, was to see them & the rest of The Breeders kicking off their new, much anticipated cd, Mountain Battles at the ginormous Waterloo Park all-day extravaganza.

Scarves for Kim & Kelley, knit in their namesake color of ROCK yarn.

It was a kick-ass show.  They played a couple of oldies but goodies (Cannonball, No Aloha, Title TK, etc.), and a bunch of new stuff including Bang On which manages to be both raw and danceable at the same time.  I can't wait to hear the whole cd!  In the meantime though like the rest of the the world, I'll have to be satisfied with what's on their MySpace page.  Alas.

Dave's view of Waterloo Park from back stage.

Kim (Kelley's twin sister, and also legendary bassist for The Pixies) singing.

Before being swept off to do a myriad of post-show press stuff at their hotel, Kelley & I had a little time to hang out, catch up and talk knitting.  We're hopefully going to get the opportunity to do a little more of that, this summer.  Oh, and I just saw the pdfs of her upcoming handbag knitting book...and it's AWESOME.  I can't wait for it to hit shelves so you all can see it!

Kelley and I on one of the stages.

That's it for me.  I'm off to go work on the next KIWI column project which was technically due, uh, today--and then pack for a quick trip to North Carolina tomorrow.

Knit on.  Rock on.

xo,

Vickie

myspace.com/vickiehowell

Ravelry: VickieHowell

Flickr: CraftRockLove

YouTube: VickieHowell

P.S.  Still reading?  All posters names over the next 3 days, will go into a drawing for a "Lemon Drop" scarf kit (yarn & pattern) knit in colors:  "Kim & Kelley" & "Trent" (seen in the picture about, left-side).  Post now & win!

Ode to Rock

Today officially kicks off the music portion of the SXSW (South by Southwest) festival. Over the course of the next 4 days, over 1600 bands will play multiple shows in bars, clubs, coffee houses, parking lots, stores... basically anywhere that has an amp-worthy power source. This is the week that Austin annually earns it's title of "the live music capital of the world"--and let me tell you, never have you seen so many edgy hair cuts, boys with skinny jeans, girls with cowboy boots and skirts, and well, frankly, free beer.

In the past, I haven't really participated in the festival because a.) it's a madhouse (that we locals tend to avoid at all costs) and, b.) one might suggest that dragging two children from one deafening drinking hole to another is, ummm what is word.... oh yes: inappropriate. This year however, my boys will be with their dad for a couple of days, so I will partake. Yay! 

Actually, the only real reason I'm venturing out of my recent hermit state is because a few of my friends will be here performing and I'm excited to support them. My friend Victoria's husband Marko (from Sugarcult) is playing with his new band, The Playing Favorites tomorrow at the Suburban Home Records party. For you indie music buffs out there, members from Me First & the Gimme Gimmes and Lagwagon are also part of this band.  

(Note:  For those of you who get annoyed when I talk about music, hang tight--I promise the knitting content is coming. :))

On Saturday, my buddy Leo Allen will be doing stand-up at the same, all day show at Waterloo Park that The Breeders are headlining.   For those of you playing along at home, two of The Breeders' members are the Deal sisters, namesakes of the color "Kim & Kelley" in the my collection's  ROCK yarn.  Some of you may also remember Kelley from when she was a guest on Knitty Gritty ( her project was the Swiss Darned bag).  Anywho, all this music-y goodness has me feeling mushy-gushy about the theme of said ROCK yarn so in honor of the festival, I thought I'd post a simple scarf idea knitted in one of the variegated colorways (Jonas).  

Mistake Rib Scarf

Yarn: VCH Rock in color: Jonas

Snag this yarn here!

This is the perfect project to have stashed in your bag as you travel from venue to venue, and to pull out and knit while you're waiting in line or listening to bands play.  It's a simple, mistake rib pattern so it's easy to memorize and quick to work up!  Here's how:

Materials:

2-3 Balls (depending on desired length) of ROCK (Hemp/Soysilk/Wool)

Needles Size US size 7

CO 31 sts.  *K2, p2 to last st., k1.

Repeat this row until scarf  is desired length.  BO.  Weave in ends.  Vwoy-la, c'est fini!

Oh, and only because I'm proud that I learned how to make filled-in stars in Photoshop (thanks Jenny, for the tutorial!), here's the postcard I whipped up to pass out this weekend. :)

Knit on.  Rock on!,

Vickie

Convention Loot

In lieu of a belated convention report (the ladies over at Lime & Violet were all kinds of thorough in their's so if you're dying for the inside scoop, check their blog out!), I give you: a picture collage of the veritable cornucopia of goodies from CHA (Crafts & Hobbies convention), the Knit Out and Stitches West.

(Click on picture to make numbers more visible)

1. Fuchsia, lace-weight Malibrigo yarn.  Since I adore working with my SWTC collection of yarn so much, I don't get out to buy other lines anymore that often.  Let's face it though, I'm a knitter first and a designer second so if I see/touch an amazing fiber--I have to work with it!  Although I've never been a big lace knitter before, I think this yarn has officially converted me.  I luuuurve it!

2. Heart-shaped stitch markers.  What can I say, I'm a sucker for cuteness.  Not sure of the brand name, but I got mine from the Article Pract.  I also bought another product from them that I'm so excited about, I'm going to do a separate post on just it.  Stay tuned!

3.  Preview pages for Knitty Gritty guest, Isela Phelps' new book, "Loom Knitting".    I can't wait to see the whole thing--Isela never ceases to amaze me with what she can do with a loom.

4.  One of the books from Annie Modesitt's Flip Knit series.  These are great, pocket-sized visual's of Annie's unique style of knitting.  See how it works here!

5.  AntiCraft, by Renee Rigdon & Zabet Stewart--a goth inspired collection of knit, crochet, and beading projects.  Emily Strange lovers, this one's for you!

6.  Ravelry passport, from Stitches West.  The gimmick was pretty brilliant, actually.  You picked one up at the Ravelry booth and then had do get each page stamped by sponsoring booths at the event.  Once the passport was full, you were eligible for drawings for a bunch of prizes!  I didn't so much get around to the booths to participate, but I did snag a passport as a souvenir. 

7.  Kathy Cano-Murillo bobble head!  By far, my most treasured, convention swag possession. Crafty Chica has a new line of amazing, craft products that she was promoting at the Duncan booth at CHA, which is where I scored this bobbly beauty. It looks uncannily like her--even down to the painted blue toenails and the burgundy high-lights in her hair!  

8.  Due to a printer snafu, Knit Aid wasn't ready for the Knit Out or Stitches West.  So, we gave out bookmarks instead.  Thanks to all of you who pre-ordered signed copies already.  For those of you who'd still like to, it's only $7.95+ $3 shipping and you can do that here!

9.  The ladies of the Machine Knitting Guild of Minnesota gave me a lesson at the Knit Out.  More on that, later!

10.   Wee, handmade knitting brooch by Miknitures.   I opted for punky black & grey, but they come in pretty much any colorway you could ask for!

11.  I love working in an industry where it's not uncommon to be handed a bottle of glitter glue as you walk the convention floor.  This one is called, Super Sparkly Big & Glitzy.

12.  Self-explanatory Etsy promo sticker obtained during a drinks "meeting" with my friend Christina Batch (Knitty Gritty guest and former editor of Adorn Magazine) who now works as a "VP of Making" for them.  Seriously, that's what it says on her card. :)

13.  Latest issue of CRAFT magazine, that Natalie Zee brought me after the "Real Women Wear Knits" presentation at Stitches West.

14.  Mixed media artist Traci Baptista's awesome new scrapbooking paper--I *heart* her designs!  She was also at the Duncan booth, demo-ing how to collage over journals.

Crafty kisses,

Vickie 

Ravelry: VickieHowell

Myspace: myspace.com/vickiehowell

Flickr:craftrocklove

Facebook: vickiehowell

Caucus Barackus

We took part in the clusterf%$@ that was the Texas caucus on Tuesday.  As I've mentioned before, we live in a neighborhood that isn't necessarily a beacon of suburban safety but decided anyway, to walk to the nighttime caucus site.  There's something about this election that's heightened my interest in community, so I wanted the experience of heading over to do my part alongside fellow south Austiners.  I envisioned my neighbors descending en mass onto our streets, holding signs signifying a new unity.   Alas, there wasn't any of that, although I did see a lone campaign sign in a neighbor's yard that gave me hope that we would actually have someone to talk to, should there ever be a block party.

The school that our precinct's caucus took place at was also a primary voting location, so it was packed.  Apparently, not everybody's as big of politi-geeks as we are, and didn't vote early.  

We had to wait until the very last person finished voting before the circus, I mean caucus, could begin.  They were set up to handle about 30-40 people...at least 300 showed. Even though this antiquated system has been in place since the beginning of American time, there didn't seem to be any sort of plan on executing it.  Just figuring out how to get people to stand in line, required an hour and series of attempts by booed at volunteers.  It was a rough night.  4 hours after we arrived, we finally took our place at the cafeteria table that allowed for 6 people at a time to pass around the 1 sheet of paper that was allowed to be signed at a time.  We signed it, pledged our candidate allegiance and walked home in the dark, shaking our heads at the ridiculousness of the process.   I mean seriously, 4 hours to sign your name on the dotted line?  This wasn't Ellis Island, people!  But I digress.

So, you say?  Sew, I say!  Check out my interview in the last issue of Sew News--that I think is still on stands.  I loves me the sewing and really appreciate the mag letting a knitter like me, be featured in it.

That's it for now!

xo,

Vic

How to Wear It

Natalie Zee Drieu of CRAFT Magazine sat in on a Stitches West presentation I did for SWTC with their stylist, Lena Walker Smith.  The subject was: how to wear knitwear depending on your personal style, body type, and the look you want to create...This perhaps, would've been an even more effective lesson if I myself, didn't look like a hobbit and/or some kind of knitting jedi in the pictures.  I swear that crocheted coat's really great in person!   But I digress...

Anyway, Natalie (she's always so supportive!) was kind enough to turn an edited version into a video podcast for the CRAFT blog.  Click here to see it!

xo,

Vickie