Behind the Knitter

A couple of old friends from Knitty Gritty and I have been working on this spoof video for a while, now. It's finally done, and uploaded. I hope it gives you a little Friday afternoon laugh...or at the very least, a smirk.

Without further ado, here's the untrue, not really hollywood story of a knitter's rise, fall and ultimate crafty plateau. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you: VH(without the 1):  Behind the Knitter 

Credits: (pretend they're scrolling--it's fancier that way)

Concept & Story: Dave Lowe & Vickie Howell

Voice-Over Script & Image Wizardry: Dave Lowe

Editing & VO: Andrew Wollman

Music: Dave Campbell 

Opening Guitar Riff: Scott, Andrew's friend

Have a great weekend!  And remember, I'm there for you, in (knitting) good times and bad. ;)

xo, Vic

Disclaimer: The people and events portrayed in this video may or may not be based on fact. More than likely though, it's the result of a knitting host, art director and producer, missing hanging out on set together where debauchery almost always ensued.  Thank you.

PROJECT: Sari Scrap Bangles

Whether like me, you're desperately trying to juggle everything while the kids are out for summer (3 weeks down parents, 9 to go!), or if the heat just has you feeling large-project-non-committal--this time of year is perfect for quick, lightweight projects that help clear out your yarn stash.  My top ten list,  "S*T*A*S*H 4077", can be found in my book Knit Aid

but to quote the great Nigel from the movie Spinal Tap, "What we do, is if we need that extra push over the cliff...Eleven. One [more]."  So, my crocheting comrades, here is an eleventh project idea that requires just a bit o' time and even less yarn!

Sari Scrap Bangles

MATERIALS:

Any sport, DK or worsted weight yarn.  I used recycled sari silk by Blonde Chicken.

Corresponding sized crochet hook, I used a US 8

Plastic, metal or wood bangles

Tapestry needle

HOW TO:

To cover your bangle, single crochet around the entire bracelet.  Make sure to push your stitches firmly together as you crochet, if you don't want any of the bracelet's color to show through.  The only difference here than if you were using single crochet in a garment is that instead of pulling your loops through the stitch from the row below, you treat the bangle as if it were that row.  Here are step-by-step photos of what I mean:

Once you've covered the entire surface, tie of, weave in ends and alight all of the stitches so that lay neatly in a row around the bracelet.  That's all there is to it!  Make some now and wear them out tonight!

xo,

Vickie

Water Closet Re-Do

Whoever built our house in the 60's, took the term "water closet" a bit too literally when designing the master bath.  Small, does not begin to describe it.  Tiny and ugly, perhaps does...or did, rather.  Since the quickie weekend make-over we gave it a few weeks ago we now refer to it as, the "Boutique Bath".

Before we started the walls were dingy white, there was a parchment shade that our cat tore in an unfortunate window jumping incident, and we had a pedestal sink which took up space without offering storage.

We decided to go for a dark, modern look and painted the walls a deep violet.  The color would probably be a bit much for a larger room but it works nicely in this smaller space.  We also found a new sink at Ikea that's perfect for our needs, offering storage without taking up as much space as its predecessor.  

Lastly, I made this panel valance to hang over some plain, white Home Depot blinds.

That's really it.  Small changes to small spaces.  It's the little things that count, right? ;)

xo,

Vickie

Don't Faint (aka NEW CRL EPISODE!)

Hey, CRL listeners! Still there? If so, you're awfully patient...and I dig you for that.

We just uploaded the first episode of the 2nd season! This one was impromptu, so not on the original list, but seems apropos since I just got back from yarn market last week. Here's the scoop!

Designer, Drew Emborsky

Episode: Conventional (Live from TNNA!)

Guest: Drew Emborsky (The Crochet Dude)

Topic: Live from TNNA (National Needle Arts convention) discussion about fall trends and the scoop on Drew's upcoming book, The Crochet Dude's Designs for Guys.

Sponsored By:

Giveaway Goodness:

I have 5 copies of Men Who Knit and the Dogs Who Love Them (co-written by Annie Modesitt), and 2 copies of Knit Aid to give away. Enter to win by e-mailing: podcast@vickiehowell.com with the answer to this question from Drew's interview:

What was Drew's former profession, before becoming a crochet designer?

CONTEST ENDS JUNE 26th

(Winners will be chosen at random from the entries containing the correct answer only.)

Click on button, visit the CRL page OR, visit iTunes to hear it!

Show Notes: (Links to things mentioned during this episode)

TNNA

Therapi (Jadeite blend) & VHC Collection Yarns

O-Wool

Plymoth's Ecco-Cashmere

1855 Handspun

Zitron's Nimbus

Euroflax

Blue Sky's Skinny Cotton

Antje Gillingham

Twinkle

CRAFTED on Lifetime

CraftGossip.com (Knitting Page)

Enjoy...and, pass it on!

xo, Vickie

Son of a Stitch!

My very first "official" collaboration with the amazing Tristan Howell, has hit stands!  Check out our Eco-Craft column in the current issue of KIWI Magazine for the embroidered, summer journal cover made from a recycled curtain and using my son's artwork.

Join forces with your child, and make your own version.  It's a great way to turn your kiddo's masterpiece into a reusable keepsake, as well as encourage them to journal about their vacation plans, thoughts & dreams.

Tris, working on the Summer drawing.

Tris poses with his drawing next to me & the halfway done embroidered version.

The July/August issue of Kiwi can be found at your local book, health food and Target stores now!

xo,

Vic

Where's the love? ;)

Sometimes all of the stars align and this whole working-mom gig goes off without a hitch. Other times,  I find myself a day late and a dollar short on accomplishing anything even close to an ideal amount of tasks.  Preparations for yesterday's Knit Aid signing, alas, fell under the latter category.

These events can be so hit or miss anyway, but without the extra effort to really promote them, a knitting author at a book store--well at least, this knitting author-- will likely find only luke warm attendance.   Such was the case for me at Book People.  I was bummed about the small showing because I'm not touring for Knit Aid so this will likely be one of the only signings I'll do.  Also, with Austin being my hometown and BP being one of my favorite shops, I was hoping for more interest.  It's hard not to take these things personally sometimes, but I can't really blame anyone but myself.  Although I did post about it here and on several boards, I didn't do much more to spread the word.  My kids are out of school now though and it's a challenge to both entertain them and spend hours glued to the computer spreading the book-signing gospel. It probably also didn't help that yesterday was Worldwide Knit In Public Day which in Austin, included an all-day Knit In at the capitol.  It's also biker rally weekend.  But I digress.  

Special thanks to "The Jens" (Perkins, Medford & Artnson) for coming to show their support and the others who came and listened to my little talk, asked great questions and bought books I really appreciate it! 

My favorite part of the day though, was that my mens got to be there with me.  Dave, of course, is always there when he can be but this is the first time that my sons got to see this aspect of mom's work.  Usually what they experience is seeing me in my pajamas in front of a laptop, sewing machine, or with a hook or needles in hand.  So, in that respect, yesterday was pretty dang cool.  Here are a few shots that the hubby took:

Me with my entourage, heading into Book People. ;)

A puppet show's a really hard act to follow.  Seriously.

Shelved.

Unrelated, I got my copy of the new issue of Interweave Crochet and was thrilled to see that my yarn was shown a little love--or is it that a little LOVE was shown?  Hmmm.

Robyn Chachula (aka Crochet by Faye), one of my favorite crochet designers & contributor to my upcoming book, Pop Goes Crochet (formerly Catwalk Crochet), designed a fantastic motif vest out of VHC Love in color: Jack & Sally. Its really beautiful, smart and classic.  Grab the issue out on stands now, and the yarn over at Southwest Trading Company's site.

Gladiolus Vest

Alright, back to working on a lacey project for Eco-Stitch.  It's going sloooooooooowly, so I'd better not ignore it for too long.

Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there!

xo,

Vic

Book Signing & Cute Hubby

Under the category of "Cutest Husband Ever", here's the e-mail mine put together to send to everyone he knows about my signing tomorrow--I didn't even ask him to do it. Maybe he should be my publicist! *Big Grin* xo, Vic P.S. Holy cow, my hair was short!

Good Morning Everyone,

FYI - For those of you who are or know someone who is creative, crafty, and also enjoys books; my wife Vickie will be promoting and signing her new book Knit Aid at the Book People on 6th & Lamar in Austin tomorrow Saturday June 14th @ 3 PM. Also check out her TV shows Knitty Gritty & Stylelicious on HGTV & DIY Network, her CRAFTED segment on myLifetime, articles for Kiwi Magazine, the Vickie Howell Collection yarn line, as well as more info on Vickie @ VickieHowell.com.




*Please pass this along to anyone you think would be interested and Thank You!

Knit Aid - Sterling Publishing
Date: Jun 14
Time:3:00 PM
Event: Vickie Howell - Knit Aid
Description: BookPeople loves crafty things, and knitting is one of our favorites! Today Vickie Howell, the DIY channel's popular queen of knitting, will be here to talk about her fabulous new book, Knit Aid. Knit Aid is a learn it, fix it, finish it guide for knitters on the go. Do you ever wonder what kind of yarn is best for a specific project? How do you pick up dropped stitches without ripping a project apart? Today Vickie will be giving practical answers to all your knitting questions, so bring your knitting supplies and get ready to have a ball of a time! Saturday at 3 PM.

Something About Nothing

Those charts & patterns have you going cross-eyed?  Before you reach for the headache meds, check out this handy little gadget I just reviewed on Craft Gossip!

In other *exciting knitting news* (reminder: *= jazz hands and/or sparkle fingers), I've finished a couple of the projects for Eco-Stitch and Adrienne & I have almost finalized the project list and started ordering all kinds of environmentally conscious fibers.  I love this portion of the book writing process because it involves new supplies being delivered to my doorstep.  Shortly after that stage however, comes the nausea inducing and overwhelming realization that I have to actually make things out of the piles of yarn--and fast!

Off to pick up Tristan from his Sock Monkey class.

xo, Vic

TNNA Report

I'm back from Columbus and in some sort of weird cosmic shift towards the positive, I didn't get stuck in the Atlanta airport in EITHER direction of my trip.  But wait, that's not all!  I also finished a beanie for my friend Steve's new son during the flight which means, I may actually get a baby gift to its recipient while he still in fact, is a baby.  Buy a lottery ticket, people!

Leo's Hat

Yarn: VHC Craft in colors: Todd & Allison.

Needles: Size 6 12" circ & dpns

CO 60 sts with 1st color, join.  Work in 2x2 rib for 1".    Join 2nd color & knit 2 rows.  Carrying yarn on the inside, switch back to 1st color and knit 2 rows.  Continue knitting, alternating colors every 2 rows until piece measures 4 1/2"  Decrease by *k4, k2 tog around.  Knit 1 row straight.  Repeat last 2 rows, except knitting 1 less stitch btwn k2togs, until you only have 10 or so sts left.  Cut yarn, run tail through live sts and cinch closed.  Embroider monogram on, using chain stitch.  But I digress.

This TNNA (National Needle Arts) convention was pretty mellow for me, which was really nice. I got to wander the aisles with my editor looking for yarns for Eco-Stitch (my next book), and was really excited about a few of the "green" fibers I found. I also grabbed a bunch of books, tools, accessories and bags (the latter of which I love so much it hurts) that I'll be reviewing over the next few weeks on CraftGossip. Stay tuned!

I've never been to Ohio and although I've heard that Columbus is really crafty & cool. Unfortunately though, this "view" from the 20th floor of the Hyatt is pretty much all I saw of it.  It looks flat and cement-y. ;)

There's something very strange about craft conventions when you work in the industry.  It's kind of like camp.  You see the same people in San Diego, Atlantic City, Long Beach, Las Vegas, Atlanta & Columbus where you eat, sleep and yarn all within 1 square block of each other. When I arrived at the hotel, happy hour was already in full swing so I sat down to catch up and talk shop with Brett Bara, Candi Jensen, Kristen Nicholas, Nicky Epstein and Trisha Malcolm. It was good seeing everyone, but I was bummed to hear from Trisha that Knit.1 issues are being cut down again!  I posted about it here.

I had 3 separate signings for Knit Aid while I was there, where people were so lovely!  I really appreciated shop owners telling me they'd sold all of their copies in 2 days or editors telling me that they actually kept my book instead of passing their comp copy along.  I'm not used to having a mainstream-ish book that's well received.  I could get used to this!

Because I didn't have much of an agenda for this show (other than trolling for products to review & yarn to play with), I completely spaced on the fact that I probably should've reached out and tried to meet-up with people I was hoping to hang out with.  I briefly ran into Annie Modesitt, Stefanie Japel and Jesse from Ravelry--all of who I would've loved to grab a drink or coffee with, had I planned ahead.  Alas.

I did however, spot a cardboard rendition of Fabio in a cashmere scarf so really, I can't complain. ;)

The one time I did venture out of the convention-and-adjoining-hotel-compound (which P.S., was totally ill-prepared for feeding the amounts of people involved in a convention even though the very usage of the word "convention" in the title of their building would suggest that they had fair warning), was for a fantastic dinner with Drew Emborsky, Valerie (my new editor) and the Sterling publicity peeps.  We went to a swanky neo-vegan restaurant that we'd all read about in an article on Columbus in BUST Magazine called, Dragonfly.   My lord, it was delicious!  We ordered 1 of almost everything on the menu and shared it family style.  This included: pepperjack & asparagus pizza, pistachio pepperjack ravioli, gold potato gnocchi, hon shemjii calamari and organic red wine.  Yum and yum!  

The show ended for me with a morning interview over coffee with Drew (aka The Crochet Dude) for CRL, for an unplanned episode that will also include my fall yarn trend observations from TNNA.  That is, if I can figure out how to get the rest of the podcast recorded with two, loud boys out of school on summer vacation!

Ok, eyes are burning, so I'm going to hit the sack.  For those of you in my neighborhood, I'll be on Fox 7's Good Morning Austin tomorrow at 8:45 am.  And scene.

xo,  Vickie

My Design in Crochet Today!

Whip-up, my cover-up--featured in the Summer issue of Crochet Today magazine (out on stands this month)!   It's cool, it's cotton, it's crochet.  That's THREE Cs, people!   Happy hooking!  xo, Vickie

 

This week in June news...

Hey so, I have a few things going on this month that I thought I'd share.  Here goes (aka Check it!):

June 6th

I'll be guest on WEB's podcast, "Read, Set, Knit!"

This weekend:

I'll be signing copies (I think they're even free!) of Knit Aid  at TNNA in Columbus, OH.  If you're planning on being there, please stop by and say, "hi"!  Here's where I'll be:

June 7th--

2:30 Unicorn Booth

4:00 R&M West Coast Ent. Booth

June 8th--

1pm  Checker Distributors Booth

June 11th

8:15am  Fox 7 "Good Morning Austin" TV appearance

June 14th

3:00pm  SnB session & Knit Aid book signing at Book People (Lamar & 6th in Austin)

June 18th

Teaching a Flower Neck Garland (aka Crochet 101) class at Hill Country Weavers in Austin.

June 24th

Teaching a Knit Aid: Knit 101 class at Craft-o-Rama in Austin.

Alright, I think that's it...

Hey, and thanks man, to my girls (wait, what?) for mentioning my book & video!
Craftzine.com
Brett Bara

Candi Cane 

xo, Vic

CRAFTED on Lifetime!

Lifetime's new web series, CRAFTED, went live today!  Starting now, each holiday season will be webdazzled (the internet's version of "jazz hands") by 5 new craft segments hosted by 5, very different designers (yours truly, Kathy Cano-Murillo, Pattie Donham, Leah Fung, and the O'Neil Sisters)--hopefully providing a little creative somethin'-somethin' for everyone!  First up: Summer Crafts!

I'll be your needle arts gal, covering everything from knitting to punch embroidery.  This first project combines my love for thrifting, felting & sewing: a Fourth of July Picnic Blanket, made from recycled sweaters!

Watch now and then let your fingers do the walking over to myLifetime.com, download project instructions,  join the sweepstakes, meet the rest of the hosts, and take the crafty quiz!

Special thanks for everything to: Mary Graff (Lifetime Craft Maven), Bungalow 3 (Production Company), Naughty Secretary Club (Jewelry) and my hubby, Dave Campbell (Music)!

 

Craft.  Rock.  Love.

 xo, Vickie

Finish this sentence...

My favorite thing(s) to knit during the summer are__________________.

Fleur D'-Ease--Free Pattern of the Month is Back!!

I took a bit o' a hiatus from monthly free pattern offering but ladies (and gentlemen?), this feature's back! After all, with the economy the way that it is right now we could all use a little crafty break, right? Can I hear a holla'?! Ok, then.

This month's pattern is a crocheted neck garland that I'm basing my Crochet 101 class on. The project calls for chain, single crochet, double crochet and triple crochet stitches--so for you newbies, it's a great way to learn all of the basics (see How2 instructions for these stitches & abbreviations HERE)! For you more experienced hookers, this is a lovely accessory that makes a quickie gift in a pinch!

Wear it with a summer dress & heels or with a tank top, skirt & flip-flops! Uh...or, if like me you're still in your jammies sans make-up,  just throw it on a tree like I did here . ;) xo, Vic

Fleur D'-Ease

Easy Crochet Neck Garland

MATERIALS

1 hank SWTC/Vickie Howell Collection LOVE (Bamboo/Silk) in color: Andi & Blane

Size US K Hook

Tapestry Needle

DIRECTIONS

Neck String:

Ch 175.  Tie off.  Set aside.

Flowers (Make 5)

Round 1: Ch1, 5sc in center ring.  Join with a sl st.   (5 sts.)

Round 2: Ch3, 5dc in base of ch, 6dc in every st around.  Join.  (30 sts.)

Round 3: Ch4, 3tr in base of ch, sc in next st, *4tr in next st, sc in next st.  Repeat from * to end of round.  Join.  Tie off, leaving a 6" tail.  (54 sts.)

FINISHING

Using tapestry needle and yarn tails, sew on flowers, evenly around neck string.

That's all there is to it!

This pattern is meant for non-commercial use only.  All rights reserved.

Got Gossip?

As if my chair arse wasn't big enough already, I'll now be spending even more time sitting at my computer.  I just signed-on as the knitting editor for CraftGossip.com.  You know, 'cause I loves me the knitting and just can't get enough of talking about it! ;)

Seriously though, I'm excited to be a part of such a great network of crafty scoop!  Speaking of, if you've got any, spill it!  You know my gig: knitting is all about community, so I want to promote your stuff by mentioning it when it's appropriate.  Designers, authors, publishers, artists, mag editors, etc--e-mail me with any exciting knit-news.  Got a new book out?  I might review it!  Is your yarn-tastic sculpture exhibiting at a local museum?  Do tell!  Just discover how to spin yarn out of potting soil?  Fantastic!  Just give me the skinny at: gossip@vickiehowell.com, and I'll post it if time/space/relevance all align.

I'll be posting about 5 times a week over there, so stop on by!

xo,

Vickie