Introducing: Our Little Lucky Charm

Clover Sophia Campbell

Born: May 28th, 2009

Dave, Tanner, Tristan and I are thrilled to announce the birth of our beautiful baby girl, Miss Clover!  She's a mellow, sweet, miraculous little piece of pixie dust--we're absolutely over the moon in love with her.

Thank you so much for all of your lovely wishes via Twitter,  FaceBook, etc.  Even though I may not be able to respond personally, I am reading each one...most likely during late night feedings. :-)

xo,

Vickie

P.S.  This baby is sponsored by: Clover Knitting Needles and Supplies.  I kid!  I joke! ;-)

Guest Blogger: Jennifer Hansen on Hairpin Lace

Today, Stitch Diva and Pop Goes Crochet contributor Jennifer Hansen, gives us the scoop on how to use an old-school tool to make truly modern designs.  Enjoy!  xo, Vickie

Have you tried hairpin lace?

I was excited to contribute the Drew Pendant to Vickie's new book, "Pop Goes
Crochet", because I think it is a fast and fun little project that any new or
experienced crocheter can use to add hairpin lace to their repertoire.  But
hairpin lace is more than just just a way to make  jewelry with beads and
wire. I thought it might be fun to introduce readers of Vickie's blog to some of
the free online resources available to learn the technique, as well as some
other kinds of projects possible with this technique.

The Tool

Making hairpin lace requires a hairpin lace frame.  When selecting a frame, the key consideration is adjustability: how wide or narrow can the frame be adjusted?  I love the Jenkins Woodworking Loom because it is the most adjustable frame that I know of. Not only can it adjust down to 1/2" width to create the Drew Pendant, it can adjust up to 6 1/8" width to create some of the designs which follow.

Learn the Basics: 

We've got a host of free, full-illustrated tutorials online, including videos, at StitchDiva.com. Another great online resource is the Hairpin Crochet group on Ravelry: a great online meeting place to meet and connect with other people people interested in the technique.

Projects: 

What kinds of things can you make with hairpin lace? That's kind of like asking "What kinds of things can you crochet?". The answer is: Anything!!  There are so many ways in which hairpin lace strips can be edged or joined to each other, and this makes for incredible diversity in the
look of hairpin lace projects. Below is just a sampling of the ways hairpin lace strips can be worked together and the looks that can be achieved. All of the patterns for these projects are available online (some free!), click on any image for more information and downloads.

Vapor Wrap: One long strip joined to itself using basic chain and single crochet stitches.

Hairpin Lace Neck Scarf: Six short strips of hairpin lace are simply joined using a cable join and then edged using an ornate crochet stitch.

Hairpin Lace Wristlets: Delicate, lacy wristlets showcasing acrossed-loop join for hairpin lace strips.

Hairpin Lace Skirt: A simple chain-stitch join makes for a fluid and flouncy skirt.

Lotus: Showcases the traditional feather and fan hairpin lace join to create a camisole or dress.

Masquerade: Like the Drew Pendant, this project shows how to create something beautiful out of one strip joined to itself. Best of all, this pattern is free!

Related Post:

Pop Goes Crochet Accessory Preview

I Love to Create: Grease Lightening Fabric Dyeing!

Customized, hand-dyed fabric can be affordable and easy to make.  This week on I Love to Create I say, "Pffft to pre-designed fabrics!" showing you how to make personalized prints using supplies from you local craft store.  Live fast and dye young, people!

Hand-Dyed Fabric

Materials

Unbleached Cotton Fabric (up to 1/4 yard)

1 Package of Tulip One-Step Fashion Dye (Color: Turquoise)

Tulip Cool Color Block

Tulip Sticky Stencil Pack (Design: Edgy)

Sponge Brush

Paint Brush

Bowl

Plastic Wrap

How-To

(Color) Block Party:

• Lay fabric out on a protective mat or newspaper.  Place sticky stencils on fabric in desired pattern.

• Dab Cool Color block into stencil cut-outs (In case you're wondering why a couple of the stencils are orange, it's because I'm re-using a couple of the stencils from the bib painting party).

• Remove stencils and re-place them where you want the pattern to repeat.  Dab on color block.  Repeat process until fabric is covered with design to your liking.

• Let set for 30 minutes.

I'd Dye for You:

• Mix One-Step Fabric Dye, according to manufacturer directions.  Pour into a bowl.

• Using a paint brush, apply color to the entire piece of fabric including, over the stenciled design.

• Once you're satisfied with the coverage, cover piece with plastic wrap and let sit for at least 4 hours.

• Throw fabric piece into the washing machine (or hand wash) on gentle, with a small amount of soap.  

• Hang to dry.

• Use your new, customized fabric to make a totally unique project with!  Here are a few ideas:  

1. Cover a journal or photo album
   
2. Decoupage over an old frame
3. Sew a small zippy bag for crafty tools
4. Make into a rockin' baby bib
5. Cut into appliques to add onto a skirt, shirt or tote bag

Stay tuned in two weeks, when I review Amy Butler's book "Little Stitches for Little Ones" and make one of her adorable, wee projects using my lightening bolt fabric!

Dye Crafters, dye!

xo, Vickie

See more I Love to Create projects here!

Barnes & Noble Studio: Pop Goes Crochet Close-Up

Barnes & Noble is featured Pop Goes Crochet today in their online video series, Barnes & Noble Studios' Tagged! Close Up.

Give the vid a gander, here!  

Thanks to B&N for the shout-out!

xo, Vickie

Movie Monday: Fargo

Cohen brothers' classic Fargo, takes place in bone-chilling North Dakota--the perfect setting for a little knitwear costuming! 

Kristin Rudrud's character Jean, wearing a pastel pink, bobble & cable cardigan.

"Jean" wearing a bobble-crazy cardigan, while knitting her next project.

Bar patron wearing a kitty cat, knit sweater.

Francis McDurmond's character Police Chief Marge Gunderson, wearing a men's, ribbed sweater.

Recommended knitting:

Bobble Blue Cardi, by Mari Lynn Patrick

Bobbi Shrug

Men's Ribbed Sweater, by Bobbi Intveld

Happy viewing; happy knitting!

xo, Vickie

Read more Knitwear in Movies posts here.

All screen shot photos taken by Vickie Howell.

Knit Aid Dad

Under the category of things that make me happy: my brother's girlfriend sent me this picture of my dad holding a copy of Knit Aid at the Barnes & Noble near where I grew up in Torrance.

Dad's struggling with Alzheimer's and because I live so far away and his hearing isn't great (all of those years working around jet planes for TWA, really took their toll), I only have these reports and spotty phone conversations to connect with him through.   It warms my heart seeing him smile, still knowing who is daughter is and a little bit about what she does.

Thanks Ali, for being there for him.  I can't tell you how much it means to me.

xo,

Vic

Link Wrapped

Happy Friday, everyone!  Here's this week's links to some of my crafty friends' blogging goodness.  Have a great weekend!  xo, Vickie

Aileen's Musings
Get your groove on with Aileen's tie-dyed deli paper background technique. While your at it download her freebie fractal backgrounds!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
How do you brand yourself and your business? Alexa shares how she brands herself and offers some helpful marketing and graphic design ideas to help you build yours!

Blisstree Arts
Many of Cyndi's favorite Photoshop tricks!

Cathie Filian
Forget about "gone fishing" signs and "golf anyone" trinket boxes. Grab some fabric paints, freezer paper, iron-ons and get creative making one-of-a-kind fashions for your pop, pal or hubby.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside has the first in their how to video series, Look, Learn & Create with this week's guest Christi Friesen author of Polymer Clay and Mixed-Media Together at Last, as well as some inspiration and tips for working in series, wordless journaling and a free deer stencil from the new book The Art of Paper Cutting with a how-to for a pattern slider card.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy shows off an oldie but goodie, her old Kenmore sewing machine.

CraftyPod
Sister Diane shares some tips for using Twitter and Facebook to market a creative business.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Connie's Grandmother was a quilter and she's created a special chart to memorialize her. Stitch it up for the quilter in your life.

Naughty Secretary Club
Inspired by Marty Stevens-Heebner’s new book Altered Shoes, Jen gives a pair of white cotton Mary Janes a full makeover.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Stefanie's cross stitched up the 7 deadly sins in Latin with a scissor accent and gives you the pattern so you can make it too!

The Crochet Dude
Drew talks about what could be better than a crochet cruise to the Caribbean!

The Impatient Crafter
Madge is giving away a melange of beads from her Bead Board of Wonders and shares a fun mixed media project!

Knitwear in Movies: I Spy a Scrooged Scarf

The poster for the 19th film adaptation of Dicken's classic reveals not only it's November '09 release and leading man but also a gloriously prominent (albeit digitally rendered), knitted scarf.  Should I get to pattern writing before Christmas yet to come?

Read more about the new A Christmas Carol movie here.

xo,

Vickie

I Love to Create: It's About Twine!

It's that time of year again for picnic tables and patio dining.  Whether you're throwing a garden party or just treating yourself to lunch al fresca; it's the little added details that make eating (or even just sitting) and event. This week on I Love to Create I re-use old mason jars, breathing new life into them with some twine and decorative ribbon! 

Mason Jar & Twine Vases

Materials

8 oz. Mason Jars

Twine (found at craft & hardware stores)

Liquid Fusion 

Decorative Ribbon

Scissors

For Knitted Version Only:

Size US 8 (4.5mm) Knitting Needles

Tapestry Needle

Wrapped Version

Glue twine onto mason jar by applying Liquid Fusion and wrapping twine around.  Take care to keep each wrapped round butted-up against the one above, so there aren't any gaps.  Once jar is covered, snip off; let dry.

Apply Liquid Fusion around perimeter of jar lid.  Smooth piece of decorative ribbon over glue. Cut excess.  Let dry.  

Knit Version

Cast-on (CO) 14 sts.  Work in garter stitch (knit every row) until piece is long enough to stretch firmly around jar.  Bind off (BO).

Using tapestry needle & twine, seam up the back.  Slip over jar.  

Embellish same as Wrapped Version.

Here's to simple decor and lovely, outside entertaining!

xo, 

Vickie

Read more I Love to Create articles here.

Pop Goes Crochet: Yarn Market News Review

Check out the latest issue of Yarn Market news--there's a really interesting article about how/if the "Lead Law" will effect the yarn industry and, a review of Pop Goes Crochet.

xo,

Vickie

P.S.  Don't forget to check out the Craft Corps blog for this week's featured crafter: metal worker, Kim Quinn Nicholson!

Movie Monday: The Women

The original (1939) version of The Women, is one of my all-time fave films.  Scandal.  Gossip.  Joan Crawford.  What could be better?  Perhaps only the fact that knitting plays its own role in the movie (something more common in that decade than now.)

Fur bolero with ribbed sleeves and matching knit handbag.

Rosalind Russell's character, Mrs. Howard Fowler (Sylvia), always has her knitting in tow.

Recommended Knitting Books:

Vogue Knitting Vintage Collection

Glam Knits, by Stefanie Japel

Happy viewing; happy knitting!

xo,

Vickie

Read more Knitwear in Movies posts here.

All screen shot photos taken by Vickie Howell.

Friday Night Links

Happy Friday, everyone!  Here's what some of my crafty co-horts have been up to this week. Enjoy!  xo, Vickie

About Family Crafts
Discover how you can create your own fancy, garden stepping stones.

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
Swelldesigner shares with you why you need a mini idea book !

Blisstree Arts
Digital art calls for a creative framing method

Cathie Filian
Cathie whips up a "no calorie cake" with a few items from the dollar store!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Inside peeks into the new books: Mosaics: The Art of Reuse and my shotgun and sea shell stepping stones, SKETCHBOOK and a few of my sketchbook sketches and their end result, Re-Bound and the story behind this month's San Metao Maker Faire (30th and 31st) "Makeready" journal we will be giving away in our booth, and a Sweater Surgery Hello Kitty Sunglass case how-to.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Are you cutting coupons these days? Then make this simple little crochet coupon holder to keep them organzied.

CraftyPod
Sister Diane shows you how to make a quilted fabric pendant.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Connie's been in a Sci-Fi mood lately - check out her Out of This World Patterns

Naughty Secretary Club
Love the look of the groovy spaghetti string lamps from the 60’s? Make your own with Jen, some yarn, a balloon and a little fabric stiffener.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Sweater Surgery in the Pratt Institute Magazine and Bookmarks You can make at Maker Faire with me!

The Impatient Crafter
Style Guru Brini Maxwell and The Impatient Crafter Margot Potter want you to join them on their Crafty Cabaret Carribean Cruise in Fall of 2010! Here's the 411!

I Love to Create: Fabric Covered Light Switch Plates

When I was 19, my friend Emma and I decoupaged a few dozen light switch plates with paper, vintage toy & lingerie catalogues, and comic book images. Our plan was to sell them although, I can't recall where we would've done so back then (this was long before days of Etsy).  I was thinking about that project the other day as I looked at the dingy switch plates in my house--all sad looking from time and wear--and thought about how I could apply that same technique, to my current home's aesthetic.  In my efforts to reuse and recreate, I'm also always looking for projects using my beloved fabric scraps--not wanting to waste even a square of some of my favorite prints.  This week on I Love to Create, I combine that nostalgic technique with those old switch plates and left-over textile pieces for a home-decor mini-makeover that's both quick and cost effective!

Materials

Plastic Light Switch Plate(s)

Fabric Scrap(s)

Collage Pauge

Sponge Brush

Scissors

Craft Knife

Marking Pen

How-To

• On wrong-side of fabric, trace around light switch plate adding about 1/2" allowance. Draw an "X" in the center of the switch hole.  Cut out fabric.

• Brush a thin coat of Collage Pauge onto the switch plate front.

• Center fabric square on top of switch plate; smooth over with finger.

• Flip switch plate over; brush Collage Pauge onto exposed fabric edges.

• Fold fabric edges over back of switch plate.  Smooth down with fingers; add additional layer of Collage Pauge.

• Using craft knife, cut along "X" mark at center of switch hole.  Fold back and Collage Pauge pieces, opening up the switch hole.

• Flip switch plate over again.  Brush on a top coat of Collage Pauge over entire switch plate.  Let dry.

• Use tip of craft knife to poke through fabric at screw holes.

That's all there is to it!  A simple craft that recycles old materials, brightens up your house, and is relatively cost free.  If that doesn't light up your life, I don't know what will!

xo,

Vickie

Read more I Love to Create columns here!

Other Home-Decor Related Posts:

Recovered Dining Room Chairs

DIY Wall Mural

This & That Bulletin

Hey there!  Just a quick post about a few things:

• Craft Corps: Check in on the Craft Corps blog to meet this week's featured crafter: Michael Auger!  Oh, and if you're not already signed up to receive Craft Corps Weekly newsletters, you can do so here! 

• Pop Goes Crochet Giveaway Winner: The answer to last week's trivia question is: Angelina Jolie in Mr. & Mrs. Smith.  And the winner is.... Angela Glass!  Angela, please e-mail your mailing info to contests@vickiehowell.com and we'll get your copy out to you!

• PGC on Naughty Secretary Club: This week is crochet week on  Jennifer Perkins' blog!  Type on over to read an interview & review and enter to win a free copy of Pop Goes Crochet!
  

Ok, off to pick up the kids.  Happy Tuesday!

xo,

Vickie

Movie Monday: Changeling

Welcome to the first post of my summer blog series, Movie Mondays.  Like me, do you have an eagle-eye for knit (and crochet) wear on the big screen?  Are you incapable of watching a movie without taking mental note of every knitted item on the set?   Well then, these posts are for you!

Every Monday for the next few months, I'm paying homage (and frankly, nurturing my own obsession) to yarn-made items appearing in a handful of my favorite flicks.   First up: Changeling (2008).

Movie Scoop: 

Directed by the legendary Clint Eastwood, Angelina Jolie's character Christine shows her crocheted glove (and her grief) in this shot.  Crochet was never displayed more delicately than in the 1920's!

Pattern Suggestion:

Try making a similar pair using Teva Durham's "Lady-Like Gloves" from her book, Loop-d-Loop Crochet.

Happy viewing; happy hooking!

xo,

Vickie

P.S.  Want to see more Knitwear in Movies?  Check out past posts on Sweeney Todd, Notes on a Scandal, Lars and the Real Girl, Coraline, and Zack & Miri.

Handmade Mom

One of the greatest gifts my mom's given me over a lifetime, is the hours and care she's spent making things for me.  Blankets, dolls, Christmas ornaments, graduation outfit, wedding dress, baby clothes...I can't even begin to describe the amount of handmade goodness that she's showered me with over the years.   So today, on this celebration of moms across the country, I pay pictorial tribute to just the first few years of my own mother's craftiness.

This outfit could be where my love of ric-rac came from.

Hand knit, ladybug skirt & top.

Then of course, there was the Rub-A-Dub Dolly series of matching outfits.

It's hard not to feel special when you and your best doll pal, are couture-equipped to hit the town at any given moment! 

Thanks mom--I hope to give my own children even a thimble full of the handmade attention you gave me.  I love you.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you crafty moms out there!

xo,

Vickie

Related Posts:

Mother's Day Essay (aka Where the Hell's My Village?)

"Harlow" Sleep Sack Preview, by Libby Bailey (aka my mom)

Linky Dinks

If you feel like doing a little blog crawling this weekend, check out what some of my crafty colleagues are up to.  TGIF!  xo, Vickie

About Family Crafts
If you are looking for an almost instant Mother's Day gift or activity, check out these free, printable Mother's Day projects.

Aileen's Musings 
Aileen has another blog giveaway! Stop by and enter to win 1 of 3 original hand-drawn ATCs she's giving away. 

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner 
Make your own mini Moo-like business cards from junk mail postcards! 

Blisstree Arts 
Cyndi has compiled her favorite posts on creating collages and art quilts 

Cathie Filian 
Cathie is Mod Podging thrift shop plates to make unique collages and mini works of art. 

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world 
Craftside's got a cool scratching photo technique, 2 ways to weave an eyeglass case, an interview with the author of Art Doll Adventures: Lisa Li Hertzi, a tutorial on how to needle felt a bird and as always questions of the day that if you answer you're entered to win a free book! 

Crafty Princess Diaries 
Even if you missed making this for mom this Mother's Day, the Crafty Princess has a great combo gift idea for your next gift-giving need. Part of it you can make and part you can purchase, but both are inexpensive and perfect for lots of folks on your list.

Cross Stitch at About.com 
Stitching on dark Cross Stitch fabrics is challenging for most of us. Do you stitch on dark fabrics? Vote in the poll, read Connie's tips, and share your own tips and tricks. 

Naughty Secretary Club 
Jen shows how she whipped up a coordinating fabric covered photo album to match the curtains and the cushions in her daughter’s nursery. 

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery 
A plain glass bottle gets a makeover with an engraved plaid jackalope following the great directions from the new book: Glass Engraving by Sonia Lucano.

The Crochet Dude 
Drew finally announces his latest news; plus video!

The Impatient Crafter 
Caution: Madge's new book may cause you to dive into a craft binge. She's created a form excuse letter so you can skip work and craft to your heart's content! 

My Mother's Day Gift to You!

My latest book, Pop Goes Crochet is finally out! To celebrate and as a gift to fellow moms out there, I'm offering a free pattern straight from the PGC pages: the "Doris" scarf.

I love this project--the combination of the luxurious Tilli Tomas yarn and open-weave design makes this scarf a quick little treat, for any crocheter with a penchant for accessorizing.  I dig it so much, I made two more just last week!

"Doris" Scarf

"Growing up, Doris Day's wholesome movies were a mainstay in my house.  Her films characterized a kinder time when high jinks ensued but a happy ending was guaranteed.  This silky beaded scarf personifies her smooth voice, sparkling eyes, and playful style."--Excerpt from Pop Goes Crochet

Yarn: 1 hank Tilli Tomas Rock Star

Hook: Size G

Gauge: 24 sts=4" (10cm) in pattern stitch

Download free pdf HERE!

Mamas out there:  for all you do and who you are--Happy Mother's Day!

xo,

Vickie

Related Posts:

Pop Trivia e-cards

PGC Accessories Preview

PGC Kid Project Preview

I Love to Create Kids: Simple Magic Wands

As Summer vacation quickly approaches, it's time to gather an arsenal of activities to keep those kids busy.  This week on I Love to Create, I implore parents to encourage your sons and daughters to spend some of those idle months getting crafty!  Through August, I'll be offering a few projects to get those creative-kid juices flowing, beginning today with our first trick: magic wands!

Magic Wands

Materials

3/8" x 12" Wooden Dowel

Little Chica Paint Pack

Tulip Fashion Glitter

Crafty Chica Glossy Gloss Varnish

Sponge Brush

Small Paint Brush

Masking Tape

How-to:

1. Using a sponge brush, paint dowel with main color.  Paint additional coats, if necessary.  Let dry.
   
   
   
2. Tape off a line, about 1" in from the ends of the dowel.
   
   
   
3. Using secondary color, paint ends of the dowel.  For extra razzle-dazzle, pour glitter over ends, while paint is still wet.  Let dry.
4. Shake excess glitter off.  Remove Tape.
5. Add a varnish coat. Ta-da, you're finished!

Now your little Houdini-Harry Potter-Penn & Teller-Gandolfs can run rampant, spreading crafty magic wherever they go!  Oh, and if you're a child of the 80's like I am, be sure to torture, I mean delight, your children with renditions of The Steve Miller Band's "Abracadabra" and America's "You Can Do Magic".  They'll love it, I promise.

More Kids Projects:

Shoe Box Boxcar

Embroidered Journal

Trinket Frame

xo,

Vickie

P.S.  Hey, parents!  Share your child's crafty profile on the new "Kid Crafters" section of my Craft Corps website.  All you have to do is fill out this, quickie form.   Creative parent profiles, welcome too!

Read last week's I Love to Create column here.