Tip: In-flight Stitch Marker

With Stitches West upon us and Spring Break and SXSW (music festival) coming up next month, there's bound to be a fleet of knitters traveling with projects in hand, to one place or another.   If you're one of those people who finds yourself on a Southwest Airlines flight and in need of a stitch marker (What? That combination of events could happen!), then here's a quick tip for you:  order the coffee.  Why you ask?  Well, because SWA's heart-shaped stirrers are uniquely perfect for a purler in a pinch!

Simply break off the stem and slide the stirrer's topper onto your needle for a stitch tracker that's right on the mark!

Safe travels!,

Vickie

I Love to Create: Chandelier Make-over

Ever feel like cool, home decor pieces that won't bust the family budget all strive to oppress your individuality?  I know I do.  That's why when we went looking for a funky lighting fixture for our daughter-to-be's room, I decided to put the kabash on conformity and take things into my own hands.  With just a few supplies and about a day's worth of time, I was able to turn an otherwise boring light fixture into a (dare I say) whimsical delight.  Here's how you can, too!

Step 1:  Score an Affordable Chandelier

A metal fixture like this one can be bought for less than $80 at one of the big box, home improvement stores.    Look for plain and inexpensive--since you'll be painting it, there's no need to spend the extra cash and go fancy.

An even better alternative if you have the time to do a little searching though, is to revamp an old chandelier.    Thrift stores and 2nd hand home stores usually have an abundance of garish, ceiling lights for the taking--and often for less than $20!    Don't be afraid to nab one of those ugly, 1970's apartment lights either--you know the ones, the hideously tacky, faux gold-plated, candelabra looking numbers-- those gems usually have a decent shape to them and just need a little make over.  It happens to the best of us.

Step 2:  Prep for Painting

Remove crystals and other sparkly accouterments.  

Apply an even coat of a primer of your choice (either a spray or brush-on version) to the surface area of the chandelier.  Let dry.

Note:  Wrap up any cords or wires in paper, to keep the paint away from them.

Steps 3 & 4:  Paint & Varnish  (aka Transformation Time!)

Ok, this is the exciting part (at least it was for me!)  After a quick confab with my friend Kathy Cano-Murillo, I discovered that if you use a primer first almost any type of paint will work for projects like this that aren't going to be put through a lot of wear and tear.  Since that's the case with this light, I decided to put this newfound crafty knowledge to the test!

If you live in a patio-less apartment, are preggers like me, or just can't stand the fumes of spray paints--skip the aerosol mess and opt for less stress!  For about $3-$5 (depending on the size of the fixture you're covering), a non-toxic fabric paint (that's right, I said fabric paint) like Tulip's Soft version will get the job done!  Now I know what you're thinking, "Jeez though, how many of those teeny bottles would it take?  Wouldn't another option be more practical?"  Well crafties, the answer is 1 to 2.  To give my light a double coat and touch-ups, I barely had to dip in to bottle #2.  *pausing for oohs and ahhs* ;-)

The other bonus to using craft paints is that there are often more color choices than you'll find from their spray sisters.   This leaves the creative doors open for you to decide whether you want to go white for a Shabby Chic look; silver for a more modern feel; or with a bold color for an urban eclectic vibe.  Once you've made a life decision about color, it's time to get started with the painting magic!

Using a sponge brush, paint  as many coats as necessary (let dry between applications) to completely cover the chandelier's  exterior and hardware.  

Use an artist's brush to touch-up any nooks and crannies that might've alluded the paint party so far.  Let dry.

For extra gleam-y protection, apply a clear coat of something like Crafty Chica's Glossy Gloss Varnish.

Step 5:  Finishing Touches

Once fixture is completely dry, reattach crystals.

Hang chandelier and bask in the light of your own creativity!

That's all there is too it.  Quick, easy, inexpensive and unique--just how I like 'em!

Happy crafting!,

Vickie

Why I'll Always Drive a Volvo

I still remember the first time my family bought a Volvo.  It was the early 80's in Colorado, when mom and dad loaded my baby brother and I up for a drive to Boulder to check out one that was for sale.  It was a late model, brick red, 2oo-series sedan--a sandy-haired college kid had apparently gotten in over his car payment head, and needed to unload the thing fast.  We happily drove away that day in our "new" car--I still remember my little hands using all of their might to make the industrial looking seatbelt click. I loved how we could see the sky when my dad cranked open the sunroof, and the fact that the air vents looked like Oreo cookies.

That trusty Volvo was with us for years, the gleaming novelty wearing off though as we ran up the mileage to the 300's  and I became a surly, California teenager.  I shuttered every time I'd hear my step-dad pull-up in it, riding the clutch so the vehicle produced a sound vaguely resembling a creaky barge.  At 15, I vowed that Volvos were ugly, embarrassing tanks, that only out-of-touch parents drove.

Not our family car, but similar.

As I got older and became a parent myself, I grew to respect the durability and craftsmanship of the Swedish vehicles.  My opinion about owning one however only transferred from pubescent disgust to an adult prejudice.  After all I thought, Volvos were so bourgeois; only yuppies drove them (This philosophy enforced by scenes in movies like School of Rock, where the overwrought conformity of private school parents was symbolized by a line of identical and pristine 740 Turbos; or when Hugh Jackman's character in Someone Like You, mocked Ashley Judd's shallow relationship by sneering, "I hope you'll be very happy in your Volvos with your matching, chocolate labs.")

A few years ago, it was time to buy another car.  A friend of mine started preaching the Volvo gospel (like I'm doing now), convincing me that the stigma attached only applied in places other than our quirky, little town and that I should at least go look at them.  I agreed, test-drove several that day, and immediately fell in love with a fully-loaded, pre-owned V70 2.4T wagon.   I had just gotten a little money from Knitty Gritty so although I wasn't a fan of the color (I'm not a white car gal), I bought it on the spot.  It was such a great car--really comfortable and safe, handled well and had plenty o' room for the kids and all of their accompanying gear! Owning it for 3 years, completely converted me into a full-fledge Volvo fan.  A fact, that was concreted for life as of 2 days ago.

Over the weekend, my youngest son and I were in a serious collision at an intersection in Austin.  Without giving away details to a pending criminal investigation, our car collided with another, both of us going full speed, causing our car to do a 180 turn upon impact.    The entire front of the steel-framed wagon collapsed, 2 air bags deployed and the engine crushed.  My gorgeous boy, my beautiful unborn baby girl and me however, were able to walk away only a little sore and barely scratched--a fact that I largely credit to my Volvo.  The police confirmed later that had I been driving anything else, it's likely that the steering column would've been pushed into me.  Miraculously though (or perhaps more accurately, thanks to phenomenal automotive engineering), the interior of the car remained a safe little bubble aided by the centrifugal force of the spin which kept us pressed against our seats--away from anything touching my stomach and keeping Tristan firmly, in his booster seat.  That car (and our seat belts) saved our lives and for that, I will be forever a loyal, Volvo customer.

On a side note, huge thanks to the wonderful care of the Austin police and fire departments as well as the kind witness who held onto us until she was sure we were ok.  

My thoughts are with the other driver who was unfortunately, driving a compact car.

Wear your seat belts people, cherish the moments you have on this earth, hug your children closer and if possible, drive a Volvo.

Much love,

Vickie

This Week in Crafty TV with Vickie

Knitty Gritty on HGTV

Episode: Knitting on the Go

When: Friday February 27th.  6:30am ET

Portable knitting projects don't have to be boring! Knitwear designer and author of Yarnplay Lisa Shobhana Mason shares a few colorful and unique projects that are small in scale. She demonstrates a simple broken ribbed scarf and matching hat with a band in the same stitch pattern. She then shares her pattern for a bright seed stitch clutch purse with a stockinette panel for buttons.

Stylelicious on DIY Network

Episode: All in the Wrist

When: February 24th.  4:30am ET

Wrist wear is what it is all about today. Host Jennifer Perkins cooks things up by melting vinyl records to make them into a wrist cuff. Host Vickie Howell introduces us to leatherworker Mark Stowe, who has a rockin' take on the all-purpose leather cuff. Host Jen Arntson incorporates a traditional leatherworking style, called trapunto, on vinyl to create a wrist strap bag.

Episode: Dollar Store Challenge

When: February 26th.  4:30am ET

The Stylelicious ladies create fashions out of dollar store finds. Host Vickie Howell creates a corset top out of washcloths. Host Karly Hand makes a skirt out of an umbrella, and Host Jennifer Perkins makes a purse out of a photo album and toy snakes.

Episode: As You Like It

When: February 28th.  4:30am ET

Stylelicious takes things personal as we add individuality to your wardrobe. Host Vickie Howell revamps a vintage tie by adding a peek-a-boo iron-on transfer. Host Hope Perkins jazzes up old jeans with rubber stamps and fabric paint. Anne Marie Beard invites us to a purse party, where party-goers order purses to their own personal specifications.

Sorry about the quick cut-and-paste post without photos.  Yesterday was a rough day--trying to recuperate.

More later!

xo, V.

I Love to Create: Ode to Oscars Project Round-Up

With the Oscars only a few days away, it seems appropriate to pay tribute to tinsel town with a few, crafty project ideas that play on the titles and themes of this year's nominees for Best Picture. I took a tour of the virtual handmade annals, and found a bunch of great pieces created by some very talented crafters. Use their objects d'art as inspiration for your own ideas or, if you don't D.I.Y., then support the artist community by buying one of these original goodies!

Ok, without further ado, the nominees for Best Picture (and corresponding craft) are...

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

In this movie, title character Benjamin (Brad Pitt) inherited a button factory from his estranged, biological father. As an ode to this flick, here are a few, cute-as-a-you-know-what projects that'll inspire you to raid your own button stash.

From L-R: Whimsy Love's adorable rings, Auburn Studio's fabric button barrettes, Vintage Home's antique-themed frame, and Julia Laing's leafy brooches.

With the help of Aleene's Liquid Fusion, you can glue those beautiful baubles to anything from jewelry findings to picture frames. True to it's name, it'll stick anything to anything and keep it there--I used it myself to affix retro mini-toys onto a painted frame for a past project for my Kiwi Magazine, Eco-Craft column.

Frost/Nixon

Whether you're "Team Frost" or "Team Nixon", wearing your heart on your sleeve or rather, your propaganda on your chest, is the best way to give props to this film. Let these political tees act as a creative jumping-off point, then use your own ideas to create conversation-starting wearables!

Nixon tees from Cafe Press

Using a photo imaging program on your computer and Tulip's Photo Transfer Paper, it's super easy to make customized tees with your own witty sayings and clever designs. As a tribute to this film might I suggest: "Frost/Nixon: Watergate, welcome to the winter of your discontent." No? Ok, how about: "Nixon, you've been Frosted!" Don't quit my day job? Ok, moving on then.

Milk

Gay activist Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) uses his voice to fight for the rights of his peers, create community and run for office in a town that still, 35 years later, is forever changed by his work.

Rainbows, now seen as a symbol of pride and acceptance continue to have a strong presence in the craft world. Take a look at these handmade bursts of happiness!

Sarabean's Rainbow Redondo skirt, The Rainbow Room's felted heart, Doozer4200's version of the Umbilical Cord Hat, and Jennifer Tuckr's hand-dyed fabric.

Give any of these projects a go, with Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kits. Either individually or combined, they work on any natural fiber including: fabric, yarn and roving!

The Reader

Set in post-WWII Germany, Hana (Kate Winslet) becomes passionately involved with a boy (David Kross) half her age. They re-connect years later as she fights for her freedom in a war crime trial--it's clear, that Hana has kept many secrets in her life.

Pay collage homage to this flick by hand crafting a journal to jot down your own stories (or discrepancies, as the case may be). These write-worthy works of art should get the creative juices flowing!

Amano Books' beautiful Letters Home journal, another by French artist Margurite K, and Sweet Organics' & Ivy Lane Designs' eco-friendly versions.

My friend Traci Bautista's Collage Pauge is perfect for creating paper-decorated journals. Oh and for the crafter who likes a little variety, she's designed formulas in matte, glossy and glitter!

Slumdog Millionaire

A slum-grown Mumbaiian teen wins the Indian version of the game show, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." Under suspician of cheating, he's imprisoned where his story unfolds.

Take your millions (even if it's all in pennies) to the bank, a handmade one, that is! These paper mache, money catchers take the gauche out of displaying your money prominently in your home.

Amykins1111 Money Pig & Skull, and Pineweaver's Dream Home & Spilled Milk banks. They both have a ton more, great banks so make sure to check out their Flickr pages (click links above) for an even bigger dose of bank goodness.

Mix 3 parts Aleene's Kids Craft Glue, with 1 part water and paper mache away!

Create the craft that most suits your fave pick for Best Picture this year--and hey, with the awards ceremony running about 4 hours long, why not get crafty while you're watching? Your finished object is sure to have you thanking the Academy!

Who're you rooting for? Post your choice for the winner here for an informal crafter's critic poll. :)

Happy Hollywood-obsessed week!

xo,

Vickie

P.S. Speaking of winners, I'd like to congratulate Carly for being selected as the recipient of a pack of Tulip paints! Please e-mail your info to: contestsATvickiehowell.com, and I'll get it mailed out to you.

Baby Ike: A Family in Need

This is a repost from http://ikeasaurus.com. The family is friends of my dear friend and web gal, Jenny Medford. As a mother of two with another on the way, this story breaks my heart. Please read and if you can, help. Donate a few bucks.  Link to their website on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc.  Repost his story on your own blog.  At the very least, if you pray, please include them in your prayers. If you don't, just send them positive, healthy vibes and keep them in your thoughts. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read on. Love, Vickie

"This is Isaac, fondly called Ike, even more fondly called Ike-a-saurus. He is an adorable, sweet, happy bundle of wonderful.

Ike’s mama is the author of Haiku Mama and the amazing blogger behind Haikuoftheday, where you can read a lot of their story in her own words.

Ike’s road has not been easy. Mama was on bedrest and in the hospital on and off, and then totally on, for months, until Ike was born 13 weeks early.

He was a tiny miracle, beating all of the odds to be healthier than anyone imagined possible. But it was still a long, hard, scary road in the NICU.

And expensive. Oh, so expensive. But the family was so joyful that he made it to the other side of the hard road behind him, that the money troubles they faced just seemed inconsequential.

Finally, Ike got to come home! Hurray! Of course, he could not leave the house, visitors had to be limited, and his health was fragile. Every day felt like an accomplishment. There were many many doctors visits and trips to the ER, adding to the insurmountable medical bills.

And THEN, as if this wonderful family had not been through enough, his Dad’s company decided to lay papa off (along with the rest of his department). No severence. Insurance cut off at midnight the same day.

Now, sweet baby Ike is back in the hospital. After weeks of doctor and ER visits because of a horrible sound he made while breathing, Ike became very very ill. The family has to focus all of their efforts towards getting him better.

Please Help

Many many mamas from the Austinmama community are rallying together to organize fundraising to defray the family’s mounting medical bills. We will be holding several events over the coming weeks and looking for help from local busineses and the community at large. We also ask for your donations of just plain old cash. Please visit our “How to Help” page for more info as it becomes available."

Money goes directly to the family's Paypal account.

Where You Can Find Me on TV This Week

I recently found out that both Knitty Gritty and Stylelicious re-runs are currently running.  Although you'd have to be an insomniac to catch the actual airings, I thought I'd start posting the weekly scoop in case you want to set your DVRs.

Knitty Gritty on HGTV

Date: 2/20/09

Time: 6:30am ET/PT

Episode: Teen Scene

Teen knitters Katy Von Rader and Hana Gurvitz, teach how to make an adorable pair of one-skein slippers and a felted embellished backpack.

Stylelicious on DIY Network

Date: 2/17/09

Time: 1:30amPT/3:30CT/4:30ET

Episode: High School Revisited

I co-host this episode with my buds Susann Keohane and Hope Perkins, where we show some spirit with our high school inspired fashions. Susann updates a cheerleading skirt. Hope takes a pair of scissors to an old prom dress to make a sassy strapless top. I share a project to make a cootie catcher (aka fortune teller) corsage.

Date: 2/20/09

Time: 6:30am ET/PT

Episode: 40's and 50's Glam

We're revisiting the elegance of the 1940s and 50s! Tina Sparkles makes a swinging circle skirt; Host Hope Perkins whips up a dramatic hair veil; and I add some glamour with an Old Hollywood inspired wrap and bag.

Quick V-Day Projects, Past & Present

Happy Friday, everyone!  With less than 24 hours until Love Day, I thought I'd dig up a few pics of Valentine's projects past and present.  Everything you see below can be made in less than 1 day, so if you've got a few free hours and a crafty spirit you'll have no problem getting at least one of these puppies made!  Click on each link for necessary how-to info.

• Card-io: Recycled card stock with Soy Fusion Hearts.
• Felted Sweater "Be Mine" Pillow:  Turn thrifted sweaters into  a lovable pillow!
• "Love Bug": A lone sock makes a great, lovey for your kiddo.
• Mitered Hearts: Versatile embelishment for cards, scarves, ties and more!
  

• Rhinestone Wristbands:  Treat yourself to a little V-Day spah'kle, by adding vintage buttons or brooches to simple, garter stitch wristies.
• Heart Tie:  The pattern for this tie is in me and Adrienne's upcoming book, AwareKnits (Fall '09).  It takes a little more time to make anyway, but you can add a wee mitred heart (see above) to any, pre-made (knit or sewn) tie for a jiffy gift for your guy!
• Hugs & Kisses Booties:  Show your baby's feet a little love with these XO booties!
  
• B/F/F Bands:  Best friends need Valentine's too!  Whip these up using the pattern found in Not Another Teen Knitting Book.

Lastly, if you're looking something for that little lady in your life, whip up a pair of felt slippers using Simplicity pattern #2867.  Then, make them your own by decorating them your way!  I made punch-embroidered heart appliques and hand-sewed them on the toes, using the blanket stitch.

Have a great Valentine's weekend!

xo, Vickie

I Love to Create: Sweetheart Silhouettes Free Project!

Valentine's Day is just a few days away but with the current state of the economy, buying your sweetie that cherry red Les Paul guitar, may not be all that realistic.  No, during financially trying times like these, it's time to embrace the handmade and get creative!  Enter my new, weekly blog column focused on making fun, meaningful, eco-mindful creations, without breaking the bank.  That said, welcome to my very first post for ilovetocreate.com, a new online source for projects, education, community and inspiration--brought to you by the fine folks responsible for craft supply staples like: Tulip paints and glitters, Aleene's glues and of course, the Crafty Chica line!

Without further ado, let's get started on a great V-day giftie that you can make with only a few dollars worth of supplies and a bunch of stuff you may already have laying around the house!

Sweetheart Silhouette Pillows

Step 1: Gather Supplies

1 bottle Tulip Soft Fabric Paint in Black (This type of paint will ensure that your pillow won't be plagued by paint crunchiness.)

2 1/2 yds. Ball Fringe (optional)

2, 8"x10" Pieces of Repurposable Fabric (I used vintage bark cloth, but thrifted skirts, old curtains or unwanted tote bags will also work.  Remember, we're trying to use what we have, so don't feel like you have to go out and purchase fancy, new home decor fabric!)

Filing Folder (Instead of trashing used ones, recycle 'em into custom stencils!)

Sewing Machine (Optional, if you're patient with hand-sewing.)

Sewing Pins & Needle

Coordinating Thread

Bamboo or Cotton Stuffing

Scissors

Newspaper or Wax Paper

Masking Tape

Pencil

Black Marker

Craft Knife

Sponge Brush

Fine Tip Brush

Camera  (I like working with Polaroids for nostalgia's sake, but any camera would work.)

Scanner and/or Printer

 

Step 2:  Get the Picture

• Snap a shot of your mate, mug shot/profile style.  Trust me, it's romantic.  For best results, shoot against a plain(ish) wall and from the bust up.  Have someone take the same shot of you.

Step 3: Make the Stencil

• If you're keepin' it old skool like me, then take a marker, outline and fill-in each person's profile directly on the photographs.
  
• Using a scanner/printer (or just a plain ol' copy machine), resize image to 200% (this number will vary if you're not using Polaroid or are choosing to make a different sized pillow--experiment, if necessary) and print out on regular paper.
• If you choose to get all techy with it, you can do all of the above in Photoshop and then print out the result.

Cut out silhouette from enlarged copy.

Cut filing folder in half and trace silhouette onto one of the pieces.

Using a craft knife, cut out silhouette from folder, to finish creating stencil.

Repeat all of above steps for 2nd stencil.

Step 4: Paint the Profiles

• Lay down a large piece of waxed paper or a stack of newspaper to protect your table.
• Lay fabric down and place stencil centered on top of it.
• Tape stencil down to table, so it won't move while you're painting.
• Working from the outside in of the stencil, use a sponge brush to dab the paint onto the fabric.  You'll need to use your finger to hold down the stencil edges while you're working around the edges.  Let partially dry.
• Carefully remove stencil.  
• While the paint is drying, check back to see if touch-ups are necessary where fabric might still be showing through.
• Use a fine tip brush to clean up the lines, if necessary.  Let dry completely.

Step 5: Make the Pillow

• Pin bobble fringe onto the RIGHT SIDE of the pillow back, making sure the fringe is facing in (see above picture).
• Using a 1/8" seam allowance, baste fringe onto fabric.  Alternatively, you could skip this step and use Aleene's Fabric Fusion to glue fringe onto just the front piece of the project once you're finished sewing the pillow together.  
• With RIGHT SIDES facing, bobble fringe tucked in and a 1/4" seam allowance, sew front and back pillow pieces together.  Make sure to leave about a 3" opening for turning.
• Turn pillow right side out and stuff firmly.
• Fold opening edges inward and hand-sew closed.

Voila, you're done!  Now you and your honey can spend the whole day on the couch, staring longingly at each other.  Well, at least your personified pillows can!

Post on this blog, what ways you're getting creative this Valentine's Day and be entered to win a pack of Tulip Soft Paints of your very own!  Deadline to post is next Monday the 16th.

Stay tuned next Wednesday for another ilovetocreate.com column (and of course every day for my regularly scheduled blog and Twitter updates.  Until then, don't forget to love one another.

Happy V-Day!

xo, 

Vickie

P.S.  Help spread the love, by linking to this project on your Twitter, Myspace, Facebook & blog pages. Thank you!

FREE PATTERN: Lollipop Leg Woolies

Baby Lollipop Leg Woolies

Knitted leg woolies are a great, Springtime alternative for baby to pair with rompers.  A little extra warmth + still being able to see a little thigh chunk while kiddo is kick, kick, kicking= good stuff.  They work for girl or boy (embroider trucks and lightening bolts, if trees aren't your guy-gig), so whip up a pair to go with all of your favorite onsies!

MATERIALS

1 Ball Vickie Howell Collection Rock (40% Soysilk/30& Fine Wool/30% Hemp/100m) in color: Tori  Or comparable sport-weight yarn.

US Size 6 (4mm) dpns

Scraps of 3 contrasting colors sport-weight yarn

Tapestry Needle

Stitch Marker

GAUGE

20 sts x 28 rows= 4" (10cm)

SIZE

0-6 mos (9-12 mos.)

DIRECTIONS

CO 32(36) sts.  Divide sts evenly over dpns.  Join, taking care not to twist.  Place Marker.

Rnds 1-6: *K2, p2.  Repeat from * to end.

Rnd 7: Knit all sts.

Repeat Rnd 7 until piece measures 6"(6.5")

Repeat rnds 1-5 (in other words, one less ribbed row than at the beginning)

BO in rib.

NOTE: For larger sizes, just add multiples of 4 sts.

FINISHING 

Weave in ends.

Using tapestry needle and scrap yarn, embroider the tree trunks to match image, using the backstitch.  Changing colors, use the chain stitch to embroider lollipop leaves.

Block if necessary.

This pattern is meant for non-commercial use only. Copyright Vickie Howell, Inc. 2009. All rights reserved.

Looking for non-U.S. Crafty Superstars!

Hey there, everyone.  I'm finalizing my interview list of influential/professional crafters to include in chapters on in Craft Corps (these are different from the hobbiest profiles that I already have hundreds of great entries from around the world for) and have realized that I have a serious lack of non-Americans. 

I really want this book to representative of what/who inspires people worldwide and although I know there's a ton of crossover thanks to the internet, I'd still like to include a few artists/designers from other countries.  So, I'm calling out to the blogosphere, for a little direction.

Outside of the U.S., who are your favorite, well-known crafters?  If there's an Australian craft show host, an Irish author, a Dutch fabric designer, a Candian sculptor, a British scrapbooker (you get the idea)--I want to know about them!  Other than being influential on a broader scale the only other qualification I ask for, is that they speak English.  Unfortunately, since these are "conversations with" style interviews, I need to be able to well, communicate with the featured subjects.  I feel like a stupid American admitting that I only speak one language but, it is what it is.

I really appreciate your suggestions.   Thanks to you, this book will truly be a project for the community, by the community!

xo, Vickie

Flight of the Conchords is the Knit!

Knitting has infiltrated HBO's Flight of the Conchords!  *pausing for swoon*  

Check out this screen shot from tonight's episode, where Brent is on the phone with a knitting Jim (Murray's B/F/F).  Notice, that he's not just stitching the obligatory dude's, garter stitch scarf. Oh no my crafty friends, this guy's going full-throttle lace knitting...on circs: two telltale signs of an experienced knitter!   Wait, is that cashmere?

I'll sleep well tonight--dreaming of possible,  knit-related spoof videos in the show's future.

What?  It could happen!

xo,

Vickie

Reader Question: Choosing & Substituting Yarns

" I'm a big fan of your show Knitty Gritty and that's how I got into knitting. Even though I’m in my late 20's, my mom is teaching me to knit. I'm so new that I have a few questions for you. How do you choose your yarns for any existing crochet/knitting projects you want to create? I can't always afford what is recommended and don‘t know which yarns are best for which projects....Thanks in advance, Christina"

Originally posted as a comment by Christina on Vickie Howell using Disqus.

Dear Questioning Christina ;-),

I'm thrilled to hear that Knitty Gritty played a part in your learning how to knit--I love hearing that! 

I'm really attracted to color and texture so assuming I haven't been hired to use a particular yarn for a project, I head over to the yarn shop (or my stash) and see what makes me the happiest.  After all, if you don't enjoy working with the yarn, you're not going to have fun knitting your project!  Other things to consider are:

• Weight. How thick or thin you want your finished project to be--or, if you're working from a pattern, what weight of yarn's called for. More on that in a sec. 
• Drape. How you want your finished garment to lay.  For example, if you want to make the delicate, lace wrap you saw in your favorite magazine but opt for worsted cotton instead of fingering-weight cashmere, alpaca or baby merino; you'll likely find that not only is the size of your wrap WAY off, it's also as heavy as a blanket and about as elegant as a table cloth.  Alas.
  
• Feel.  What are you knitting?  If it's a preemie or Cancer cap, then the softest yarn possible is best.  For a handbag or basket however, a little scratchiness is no big deal.

When it comes to substituting yarn, there are a few tricks for making it easier:

• Follow the symbols.  Yarns are generally classified as weights 0-6.  If you're working from a magazine (or some books, depending on the publisher), there's usually a little yarn skein symbol (see below) with a number inside of it, next to the yarn's content/brand description. These same symbols are frequently also printed on yarn labels, making it easy to match the two up when you're at the yarn store shopping.  Think of it as a paint-by-number system of sorts, for knitting. ;)
  
  

  Page taken from Knit Aid: A Learn it, Fix it, Finish it Guide for the Knitter on the Go.  

  (Sterling '08) For answers to all of your knitting questions, order your copy now!
  

  
  
• Gauge.  Each pattern will list a gauge; how many stitches and rows per inch are obtained from working with the called-for yarn and needles.  Gauge (aka tension) is also listed on a yarn's ball band.  If your pattern says that the gauge is 20 sts and 27 rows per 4" (10cm) in stockinette stitch, then you know you need to look for a yarn that lists the same specs on the label.  See above for what the international symbols for gauge look like.  It's standard for a yarn's gauge to be tested with stockinette stitch (knit front rows, purled back rows) so if your pattern has it's gauge listed in a different pattern stitch, then I recommend going with either the symbol or weight (see below) instead of gauge.  Make sure to swatch though, before you start your project!  Your personal gauge may be different than the standard, which will just require that you adjust your needle size.
• Weight.  Often patterns will list the suggested yarn followed by yarn weight for substitution (ie. Vickie Howell Collection's Craft yarn, or any equivalent, sport-weight yarn.)  In that case, you can just search your stash or ask a yarn store staff member to point you in the direction of other cotton, sport-weight yarns.

Thanks for the questions.  Happy Knitting!

xo,

Vickie