I Love to Create: Halloween Countdown Calendar!

Who says countdowns are just for Christmas?  Your little goblins will think it's a scream to keep track of Trick or Treat time, with this creepy calendar! Here's how to make your own.

MATERIALS

5/8 yd of Grey Felt

1/2 yd of Black Felt

Scraps of Yellow & Orange Felt

Fabric Fusion

White Transfer Paper

Haunted House Pattern

Printable Fabric

Text & Numbers pdf

Bat Ball Fringe (Optional)

Sewing Machine/Thread (Optional)

Scissors

DIRECTIONS

• Cut grey felt to 60" x 19" piece.  Set aside.

• Download Haunted House pattern.  Tape together to pages to make full silhouette.  Lay pattern on the wrong-side of black felt, with transfer paper sandwiched in between. Transfer pattern onto fabric (following the manufacturer's instructions).  Cut out haunted house and either glue (with Fabric Fusion) or sew onto one end of the grey fabric.

• Out of yellow, white & grey felt scraps.  Free-form cut out windows, doors and optional ghost.  These don't have to be perfect, so don't worry that there's not a pattern for these! Using project picture as a guide, glue pieces on to house. Cut out two candy corn pieces and glue them together.  Follow the provided pattern, to ensure that it fits in pockets.

• Cut out 21, 2x2" squares out of the leftover black felt.  Print out the calendar numbers onto printable fabric.  Cut out each individual number.  Glue numbers on felt squares.  Arrange squares evenly on haunted house. Using 1/8" seam allowance sew (or glue) squares to house.

• Cut out 1, 7"x 2" and 1, 4" x 2" rectangles from orange felt.  Sew or glue to grey fabric, above house.  If you didn't do so at the same time as the numbers, print out "Happy Halloween" text onto printable fabric.  Cut out and glue onto orange felt.

• Fold grey felt piece in half length-wise, so the fabric background of your calendar is doubled.    Sew a straight line about 2" down from the fold, to create a rod pocket.  Using a 1/4" seam allowance, sew around the sides and bottom edge of piece.  Trim.

• Glue on ball fringe at bottom & top of piece.

To hang, either add grommets to the top or, insert a dowel into the rod pocket and attach some decorative ribbon.  Insert candy corn in a different pocket, every day until Halloween!

Psst!  Don't worry that tomorrow's already October 1st.  In my book, if you can get one of these puppies made by the 13 days before Halloween (October 19th), then you're keeping a DEADline that's fit for the holiday! 

Craft.Rock.Boo!,

Vickie

Movie Monday: New Moon Preview + Free Pattern!

For this week's Movie Monday, I teamed up with CRAFT and Lion Brand to bring you not only a preview shot of knitwear from the 2nd installment of the Twilight movie series, New Moon--but also a FREE pattern for a pair of fingerless gloves inspired by vampire Alice and her love of fashion.  Enjoy!

Set still of  Ashley Greene as Cullen Coven cutie, "Alice", wearing knitwear.

Photo: Summit Entertainment

"Alice" Wrist Warmers

Free Pattern on CRAFTzine.com!

New Moon opens in theaters in November.  For up to the minute movie scoop on all that is the Twilight saga, click over to my hubby's site, Smells Like Screen Spirit!

Happy viewing; happy knitting!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

The Crochet Dude's Little Books Collection!

Me & Drew Back Stage at Knitty Gritty

Drew Emborsky's new collection of crochet booklets are available now!  The patterns are great, they're easy to find at craft stores and at $3.95 each, you can't beat the price!  Check out my conversation with The Crochet Dude himself, and just a few of my favorite projects from the series!

Q&A with Drew:

VH: What made you decide to write a series of booklets rather than one, larger crochet book?

DE:When Leisure Arts approached me about doing a line of patterns under the brand The Crochet Dude I saw right away that a series of little books would be the perfect format. I love the concept of having a book with 8 or 10 really fantastic designs focused on one subject that you can just pop into your craft bag and go. This is also a great size for distribution on a national level since they can be hung right next to the yarns that are used making it a snap for the crocheter to put together the supplies. And at $3.95 retail you can't beat the price either!

VH: What type of yarn do you recommend for people making handbags that will assumably get a lot of wear?

DE: For handbags, which are by far my favorite things to design, I recommend a fiber that is going to be able to handle the wear and tear of use. That's the great part of crafting your own handbag because the investment is just a few skeins of yarn (and a really cool book of designs, ahem) and you have a runway-worthy purse to carry around and make all your friends jealous. I'm just saying is all. And another consideration is that the yarn needs to be able to hold it's shape so a yarn that isn't too thin works best. I used Lion Brands Vanna's Choice in Must Have Handbags because it's nice and strong and the color selection is just amazing. They did a great job designing that line of yarns.

VH: If you had to pick only one accessory--for body, home or pet-- to crochet, what would it be?

DE: I would definitely choose dishcloths to crochet. You can choose colors that compliment your kitchen and it looks so much nicer to have a beautiful dishcloth hanging in your sink than a silly old sponge. Plus, they work up super quick-like making them perfect hostess gifts. I recently whipped up a set for a friend that moved into a new apartment and she loved how cute her kitchen instantly looked (despite all the boxes that needed to be unpacked).

VH: What's your favorite crochet fashion trend for dudes?

DE: My favorite fashion trend for dudes has to be that they are moving into making sweaters for themselves now. For a long time all we were seeing was home decor from the guys, and then some accessories started to make their way onto the hooks, and now I'm seeing lots of guys that are making themselves sweaters. And the industry in general has really noticed and started to provide more and more great patterns for the men who crochet. I have been just blown away by the reception of my book, Designs for Guys which came out last December. I get emails all the time now from guys that are learning to crochet just so they can make stuff out of that book!

Flowers & Checks Pet Bed

from Sweet Pet Comforts

Purse

from Must Have Handbags

Assorted Washcloths

from All Washed Up

Crochet.Rock.Love,

Vickie

P.S.  Dig Drew as much as I do?  Check out his "Sean" driver's cap design in Pop Goes Crochet!

I Love to Create: Creating a Shoe Lover!

There are many things in their lifetime that I hope to pass on to my children: compassion for humanity, a strong work ethic, the ability to love whole heartedly and, the unbridled appreciation for fabulous shoes.  As they say, "Every journey starts with the first step.",  and 

thanks to the Stardust Shoes' Cloth Shoe Pattern my daughter Clover's pathway to ped perfection has officially begun!  Join me wont' you, as I pay crafty homage to mother-daughter shoe goodness.  Steve Madden, can you hear me?

Golden Delicious

All that glitters isn't gold; that is unless you're rockin' some flaxen footwear!  Inspired by one of my favorite pairs of strappy heels, this first set of baby shoes are my masterpiece...my shoesterpiece as it were. ;-) Pretty much scrapping the pattern for this pair, I  free-styled; ditching the called-for interfacing, opting for thicker fabric (a gold vinyl outer & vintage, upholstery lining), changing the construction of the elastic channel, and weaving, top-sewn fabric strips for the toe (I used a few dabs of Liquid Fusion to keep 'em in place). 

 

Silver City Slicker

If you ask me, metallics are the new neutral.  Every gal-on-the-go can use a nice pair of glam flats.  They'll turn any daily basic outfit into a fashion, forward statement.  So mama, add a little twinkle to baby's toes by making her (or him, for those hipster dude babes out there) some silver slippers!  This pair was made using the base Stardust pattern (altered to fit my daughters long & narrow feet), silver pleather and Amy Butler fabric lining.

The Cat's Meow

Leopard print is a timeless classic and in my opinion, a must-have in a woman's wardrobe. They funk up a pair of jeans, chic up a business suit, or add a little vintage flair to a party dress.   You know how some people never travel without their American Express cards?   I never travel without my leopard stilettos.  I wore a pair frequently when I hosted Knitty Gritty; sometimes propping my feet in such a way that they were sure to be in the shot.  I often make it my mission to get my beloved shoes on camera whenever I'm working (watch the 1st video in the post below this one, for proof) because ladies, if I'm going to precariously balance on 4 inch heels at the crack of dawn, then you can bet those beauties are gonna be seen!  But I digress.

The companion booties to my leopard lovelies are made out of a unisex, bronze fabric, lined with green felt and animal print, and embellished with a machine-sewn, star applique.  Can you say, Yo Fabba Fabba?! 

Orange You Glad I Love Shoes?

It may be hip to be square, but it's HOT to be heart! These shoes are silly, which makes me love them all the more--they're also the perfect big-sisters to the wee wearables I made! The petite pair is constructed out of quilted, orange fabric and white vinyl, then topped off with a metallic & white heart which I attached with Liquid Fusion.

Have you made (sewn, knit or crocheted) baby shoes before?  Post links to pictures here--I want to wallow in some more couture cuteness!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

My Daily Buzz Segments + Free Books!

Morning, Knitshines!  For those of you who missed my appearances on The CW's The Daily Buzz last week, here are the videos for your viewing pleasure.  Each segment is a bit different from each other, so give 'em both a looksee.

Enter to win a free copy of AwareKnits, by posting answers to:

Q:  What shoes am I wearing in Segment #1?

Q: What's great about Lands' End sizing (from Segment #2)?

Update!  I now have THREE books to giveaway.  ANSWERS MUST BE POSTED BY END OF DAY FRIDAY THE 25th!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Movie Monday: Grey Gardens

HBO's Grey Gardens chronicles the lives of eccentric mother & daughter Edies (Big & Little), as they lose both their wealth and their grasp on reality while living in mansion squalor. Characters are a train wreck and the acting's divine but the question begs, which one of the Beale women knit or crochet?

Jessica Lang as her Emmy Award winning portrayal of Edith, 

wearing a crocheted shawl.

Drew Barrymore as "Little Edie", wearing an intarsia sweater vest.

Amongst the wreckage, a Feather & Fan Afghan.

Close-up of Afghan.

Edie sitting on a Chevron Stitch, crocheted blanket.

Recommended Stitching:

Oh Scrap! Wrap

Barbara Stole (Vintage, posted by Shala Beads)

Crayon Ripple Throw, by Lion Brand

Happy viewing; happy stitching!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

See more Knitwear in Movies posts here.

Watch Me Tomorrow on The Daily Buzz!

Hey, everyone!  I'm going to be on the CW's The Daily Buzz live from Orlando (FL) tomorrow morning at 7:15 & 8:15am talking about the FeelGood campaign.  Be sure to tune in!

Boston peeps; don't forget tomorrow evening from 5-8pm to come to the Sears store in the Burlington (MA) mall for a book reading with Kate Jacobs and a knitting session with me!

Knit.Rock.Love,

Vickie

I Love to Create: Spray Dyed Applique!

Ready to dive into Fall fashion but can't fully commit to buying whole pieces in the latest, trendy colors?  Here's a simple solution!  Turn a "safe" colored, versatile piece into a showcase for the season by adding a spray-dyed applique to the lapel.  I'm really into purple for this season, so I took a plain, grey cardigan and some of the new Tulip Fabric Spray Paints, and got to work.  Here's how!

Materials

Cardigan Sweater

White, Lace Motif Applique

Tulip Fabric Spray Paint

Needle & Thread

How-To

• Place lace motif appliques on a piece of cardboard or newspaper.  Spray liberally with Fabric Spray Paint until saturated.  Let dry.

• Using a wet paper towel, wipe the dye off of any sequin or beads.

• Pin dyed appliques onto desired spot of cardigan.  Hand sew in place.

TIP:  For a no-sew option, use Fabric Fusion to glue appliques onto your sweater!

That's all there is to it.  Just 3 simple steps for creating an everyday cardigan that's anything but basic!

See more I Love to Create projects here!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Chat with me on Twitter Tonight!

Don't forget that tonight's the Lands' End Twitter Knitter Party that I'm co-hosting. Chat with me live tonight from 7-9pm CST!  Log on to your Twitter account and put "#landsend" into the search field to find us.  If your feeling fancy, you can also join in through TweetGrid (see here for instructions).

Hey, bloggers!  Lands' End is donating yarn to Warming Families for every person who posts about tonight's event.  See here for an easy cut-and-paste post!

There'll be knitting advice, contests, giveaways and much more--Hope to Tweet you there!

xo,

Vickie

P.S.  Don't forget to follow me on Twitter: @vickiehowell.

Project: Food Wrapper Book Covers!

The Sept./Oct issue of Kiwi Magazine's out including my Eco-Craft column!  What's the featured project this time, you ask?  Well, it's back to school book covers made out of recycled food wrappers.  Mr. T says, "I pity the fool who doesn't stay in school!"

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Movie Monday: Like Water for Chocolate

The 1992 Spanish film, Like Water for Chocolate is filled with crochet--viva la stitching!

Edging & Tassels of a Crocheted Bedspread

Lumi Cavazos as "Tita", wrapped in her beloved Crocheted Quilt

Recommended Crocheting:

Double Diamond Blanket, by Bernat Studio Design

Double Crochet Square, by Melody Griffiths

Happy viewing; happy hooking!

xo,

Vickie

Hey, stitchers!  Follow me on Twitter, then join me for the Lands' End (#landsend) Twitter Knitter event on Wednesday from 7-9pm CST!

Linky Town

About Family Crafts
September is National Sewing Month! Why not celebrating by making one or more of these easy sewing projects.
 
Aileen's Musings
Have you heard the term Altered Art or Altered Artist and wondered what exactly that means? Aileen has given her explanation of what Altered art is and how YOU too can become an Altered Artist!
 
Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
It's the return "Terrorific Tuesdays" on Swelldesigner's blog! Learn about how you can participate in all the fun, spooky Halloween action!
  
Cathie Filian
Melt up some soy wax and make some easy candles with Cathie.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside's got a fun skull quilt tutorial inspired by a quilt in the new book Quilting Art, how-to's on painting rocks like skulls, eyes and more for Halloween, tips for re-purposing in the studio and the correct terms for the parts of a book.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy shows the beginnings of a baby blanket in progress, a super easy crochet project to consider for those who make charity items.
 
CraftyPod
Check out Sister Diane's newest ebook - Creating a Blog Audience: An Unconventional Marketing Guide

Cross Stitch at About.com
Do you find solace in your stitching? Vote in the poll, read the comments, and share your own experiences.
 
Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style
I may have to tackle a t-shirt quilt---I'm getting ideas from all directions.

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi has a copy of "The Art of Fabric Collage" to give away!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
How to make a Cone Candy Holder Candelabra inspired by a pretty project from Paperie for Inspired Living by Karen Bartolomei
 
The Artful Crafter
Do you know how to make a secret box book? It’s not hard – well – except on your fingers. Eileen shows you how. She took lots of photos since she won’t be able to type for a while. LOL.
 
The Crochet Dude
Check out Drew's super cool Crochet Word Search that he has as a free download on his blog! I wonder how quick I can finish it!

The Impatient Crafter
Get your teens ready for Back to School with these recycled denim book covers from The Impatient Crafter for I Love to Create!

Bookplate Thanks!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Pop Goes Crochet bookplate giveaway--your signed stickers are on their way, as I type!  I got such a kick out of receiving pictures from some of you holding your copies of the book, that I thought I'd share them here.  As always, I appreciate your support!

Angela

Port Orange, FL

Cheryl

N. Huntingdon, PA

Bev

E. Aurora, NY

Tammy

Wilmintgon, DE

Tracie

Riverview, FL

Christina

Drouin Victoria, Australia

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie