PROJECT: Last Minute Skull Caps

There may only be 4 days left until Halloween, but it's never too late to knit-up another trinket of terror.  These "Skull Cap" beanies are made with bulky-weight, organic wool and have painted faces making them a cinch to make in a sec!  Here's the skeleton scoop:

What You Need

2 hanks (3 will make 2 hats) O-Wool's Legacy Bulky (100% organic merino wool; 106 yds) in color: Natural (or other bulky weight yarn)

Size US 9 (5.5mm) Circs

Size US 9 (5.5mm) dpns

Tapestry Needle

Colored Chalk

Black Fabric or Block Printing Paint

Paint Brush

Gauge

3 1/2 sts per inch

Size

Kiddo (stretches to fit 20" head)

Note: To size up, just add 4 more stitches for each inch added.  The pattern will stay exactly the same.

What to Do

Using circular needle, CO 64 sts.  Join, taking care not to twist.

Work in K2, P2 rib for 6 rows.

Switch to stockinette stitch (which in the round, is knitting every row), and work until hat measures 6-61/4" (I made my older son's just a smidge longer than my younger son's.)

Decrease section:

(Switch to dpns, when necessary.)

Rnd 1: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 2: Knit

Rnd 3: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 4: Knit

Rnd 5: *K2tog; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 6: Knit

Rnds 7-8: Repeat rnd 5.

Cut yarn, leaving 6" tail.  Using tapestry needle, weave tail through remaining live sts (taking them off the needles) and cinch closes.  

How to Finish

Weave in ends.

Place a piece of cardboard inside of hat, to hold it taught and prevent paint from seeping through to back of hat.

Using colored chalk, sketch skeleton face onto front of hat.

Paint in faces.  Let dry.

Slightly pull at the hat so that you can see if you need to paint a second coat including, between the rows of stitches which may show when the hat is stretched.

Let dry again.

Skeleton smooches!,

Vickie

P.S.  Looking for other, quickie Halloween projects?  Try my Boo-tree-licious ornaments, Trick or Tote bag, Frankenrumi Toy, or Skully appliques!

My Lyra Hat,and 100 more, One Skein Wonders!

It's prime gift-making season and with less than 2 months before Christmas & Hanukkah, time is tick- tick-tocking to get your handmade-holidays on track!  Unless you're dually blessed with the gift of time and penchant for speed, I suggest choosing small (but thoughtful) project options. Lucky for us, Judith Durant's 1o1 Small Indulgences: Luxury One-Skein Wonders, is filled with accessories, baby items and home decor pieces that fit the bill.  Oh and bonus, it's out on shelves now--just in the nick of time!

Check your local yarn store for a copy and while you're there, pick up some VHC Vegas yarn to make my Lyra baby bonnet which is included in Judith's book on page 201!

Happy holiday stitching!

xo, Vickie

Peaked

Dave officially departed his youth-y 20's over the weekend heading bravely, into 30's adultland. To commemorate such a momentous occasion, I felt paying homage to one of the formative TV shows in this lad's life, was the way to go.   Dave is a HUGE David Lynch/Twin Peaks fan--strongly feeling that the entire series must be watched at least once a year if for no other reason, than to enforce good character and renew a love for cherry pie and coffee.

Some of you may remember me gushing via blog post over my beloved, red-headed geisha painting a couple of years ago--or else, perhaps noticed it as the backdrop of the 4th of July CRAFTED webisode I hosted for Lifetime.  It was painted by my friend, the amazing Ian Shults. 

I went to him again for this project, hoping that he could work some more of that eclectic, arty magic for me.  He did not disappoint.  Also a fan of the show, Ian came up with the perfect mix of characters and symbolism, encompassing the depths of Twin Peaks' awesomeness.  Here's Dave's finished b-day painting.  

If you're unfamiliar with the show, it probably looks like an odd assortment of people and things but trust me, every little detail means something. 

Next time you're looking for a unique, show-stopping gift, support an artist and commission a painting from Ian. Choose from one of his existing originals, or have him whip up something unforgettable for your special someone.  I promise, seeing your loved one's reaction upon receiving one of these beauties, makes every penny worth it!

xo, Vickie

Pop Goes Crochet Cover!

I got the lasers this week (well, they're actually a pdf, but whatever) of the little-book-that-could, Pop Goes Crochet.  I'm so excited that after 3 years of delays (partially my fault, I wrote Knit Aid instead of pushing this one through), a change in editors, new publishing house (an imprint of my former one) and a complete change of theme (formerly, Catwalk Crochet), that this project is FINALLY nearing publication.   In other happy news (well, for me anyway), we have a final cover and Lark Books is letting me show you!  Here it is...

I pretty much *heart* it, and here's why:

•  They incorporated my current obsession with block printing in it
•  There's not the usual GINORMOUS picture of me in the middle of this one
•  The art department gave me a little eye job. ;)
  

The random 50's evening gown I'm wearing actually belongs to Suzie Millions (author of The Complete Book of Retro Crafts) who so amazingly came to our photo-shoot-wardrobe rescue, by lending us loads of retro goodies.  I couldn't resist playing dress-up (not to mention I hadn't actually known I was going to be in front of the camera that day, and therefore hadn't packed for it), so we went with it.  If I could've gotten it to zip-up, I probably would've never taken it off!  Oh, how I loves me the vintage dresses.

Hope you like the cover, too.  Can't wait to show you the rest of the book!

Alright, back to business.

Have a great night!

xo, Vickie

P.S.  Just popped over to Amazon, and it looks like it's already available for pre-sale.  Woo Hoo!

Boxcar Sunday

What to do when my little consumer wanted a car for his Luigi doll, excuse me I mean, "action plushie"?  Well, get crafty, of course!  A couple of hours, some paints, and a lesson in recycling later--and we had ourselves a cardboard box, turned Mario Cart!

(I love how his first instinct was to pose like John Cusack in "Say Anything".)

Thanks to Kathy, we had the *exact* colors we needed in Crafty Chica paints to convert our Converse container into a regular ol boxcar!

Per Tristan's instructions, I cut out a hole for Luigi to sit in, leaving a back piece for him to lean on.   Bonus:  when you open the lid, the car transforms into a bed!  You know, because Luigi gets tired from racing. ;)

We may be in the day of video games and high-tech toys-- but it's good to know that sometimes a plain old box, still does the trick.   Recycle.  Reuse.  Recreate...with your kids.

xo, Vickie

New Projects in Crochet Today!

Not to give you anxiety but, it's officially holiday gift-making season!  Never fear though, Crochet Today! Magazine's latest issue offers 24 gift ideas that are as cute as they are quick to crochet.  For this edition, Brett (editor) asked if I'd make a little girl's dress and a retro redux of a vintage headband.  I happily agreed!  

Snuggly Tot's Dress

I'm not really sure why this one wasn't modeled on a child but I swear, it looks adorable on! It's made with ultra thick, "Zoomy" yarn which makes it a perfect dress for winter (especially, when paired with opaque tights and a long-sleeved shirt.)  Oh and bonus, this is definitely a weekender project--making it easy to whip up a few for the little ladies in your life!

Ear Warmer

Inspired from a headband picture from the 1950's, I changed-up the ties and added some graphic embroidery for a more modern feel--I *heart* lollipop trees!  I also love CT's, Vintage Crochet section. :)

Alright, two weeks and counting until Stitch Hugger's due (*gulp*, we're still making the projects)--so back to work.  As always though, I'll be updating on Twitter.  As Dave Lowe says, it's like internet crack; impossible to stay away from. ;)

Happy Friday!,

Vickie