I Love to Create: Craft Corps Meets Craft SuperShow!

I'm back from the CHA Craft SuperShow in Anaheim, where got to spend loads of time spreading the Craft Corps gospel. With a website housing more than 300 profiles of crafters like you, and less than 5 months until my book celebrating both professional and hobbiest hand-makers alike hits shelves, I can't tell you how excited I am to see the enthusiasm out there for the Craft Corps movement. Thanks to everyone who continues to let me document and share their crafty kick-assness as well as spreading the word themselves, that they've joined "The Corps".

Thanks to I Love to Create and Lark Books, I was able to spend much of my time at the Craft SuperShow seeing old friends, meeting new ones and using Craft Corps Stencil Kits to make our mark! Here's just a glimpse of the experience.

Craft Corps, Chapter 12 : Traci Bautista

My friend, featured C.C. artist, and face of Collage Pauge, posing with me and a bind-up of a few chapters from the upcoming book.

Craft Corps, Chapter 23: Sandi Genovese

I ran into Sandi, my buddy, scrapbooking queen and C.C. featured artist!

Craft SuperShow Attendees Stop by the Lark Books Booth to Paint

Craft SuperShow Theater

This shot was taken after a quick reading from the Craft Corps book, and a bag painting session.

Craft Corps Stencil Kits

Join the Corps by telling your story here, then nab a stencil kit to make your own Craft Corps gear!

Need something to watch while you're painting? Take a look at a few of the quickie videos I shot of crafters sharing with me, what crafting means to them!

Candi Cooper


Kate Richbourg


Dianne Shiozaki


See more videos like these on my YouTube channel!

Craft(Corps).Rock.Love,
Vickie

NEW PATTERN: Puffalump Baby Hat!

I'm sure you've heard by now that the mastermind behind the wildly successful Stitch N' Bitch book series, the brilliant Debbie Stoller, has teamed up with Coats & Clark (aka Red Heart) to produce her own line of yarn! Available at a Joann store near you, Stitch Nation, by Debbie Stoller are 3, "100% Natural, 100% Affordable" yarns made to order for those of us who chant, "Knitting or BUST!"

Me & Deb at Last Weekend's Craft Super Show in Anaheim, CA

Thanks to the folks over at Coats I was able to play a bit with a couple of the new yarns which I used to design Puffalump, a baby tam with a crocheted body and knitted, brim & crown. I love this hat and am thrilled to be able to offer the pattern to you today in both my shop and Ravelry, for only $5!

Materials

1 Ball Stitch Nation Alpaca Love (80% Wool/20% Alpaca; 132 yd/121 m), in color: 3620 Fern (Color A)

1 Ball Stitch Nation Bamboo Ewe (50% Viscose from Bamboo/45% Wool; 177 yd/162 m), in color: 5529 Mermaid (Color B)

Size US I (5.5mm) Hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)

• 1 Set, Size US 10 (6.0mm) Double- Pointed Needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Tapestry Needle
• 
  
• Size
• Baby (Toddler): 16” (18”) Circumference
• 
  

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

I Love to Create: Fun with the Fabric Paint Cannon!

Tulip's new Fashion Graffiti line is out and let me tell you, it's a blast to work with; literally! Yesterday I got the chance to play with the box of goodies that the I Love to Create crew were kind enough to send me. The tongue-and-cheek "urban-ness" of the Fabric Paint Taggers, Graffiti Stencils and Phat Markers had me giggling (in a good way), but it was the brilliance of the Paint Cannon that lured me into a late-night paint party!

The Paint Cannon is an innovative bottle that allows you to pour in fabric paint, pump air into the chamber and blast it out onto your garment giving a similar effect as traditional spray paint, but without the fumes or environmental hazards of an aerosol can. It can be used inside, it's safe for kids (supervised, of course) and is re-fillable which means, less waste. Oh and using this tool, and a little paint goes a long way; the black portion of all 4 projects you see here came from only ONE, 3.3 oz bottle of Cannon Fabric Paint! Very cool.

Here's a rundown of what I made in hopes that it'll inspire you to do a little Fashion Graffiti-ing, yourselves!

"Peace" Onsie

Tools: Fabric Paint Cannon/Paint, Grafitti Stencil & Pink, Phat Marker.

"I'm a Craft Corps Baby" Onsie

Tools: Craft Corps Stencil, Fabric Paint Cannon/Paint, Glam-it-Up Iron-On Crystals, Graffiti Stencil Letters Turquoise, & Paint Tagger, . Psst! I dug how the Tagger applied more like a stain than a paint, making it really easy to blot on and remove immediately as I spelled out my saying.

"Scissors" Tee

Tools: Fabric Paint Cannon & Paint and Ed Roth's Scissor stencil.

"Bleeding Heart" CowlKercheif (get pattern here)

Tools: Fabric Paint Cannon/Paint & Fashion Graffiti Stencil.

This one was my favorite piece of the night to work on! As you may know, I have a thing for yarn so I'm always THRILLED when I find a way to mix it with mediums not usually associated with knitwear.

If you're going to the Craft Super Show in Anaheim, CA this weekend, don't forget to stop by the I Love to Create booth to play with these products and more. I'll see you out there!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Craft SuperShow!

Hey, SoCal crafters! I'll be hanging out at the Craft Super Show in Anaheim on January 22nd & 23rd. I hope you'll come by and see me. Here's where I'll be:

Friday 1/22

• 10:30-11:30am @ Sterling/Lark Booth #655 : I'll be teaching how to make yarn out of newspaper; perfect to knit, crochet or collage with!

• 1pm @ the Craft Super Show Theater: Come paint your own Craft Corps stenciled tote bag with me while I read a snippet of my upcoming book," Craft Corps: Celebrating the Creative Community One Story At a Time"! BONUS: Already bought a Stencil Kit & made your own Craft Corps gear? Bring it to show us, and win a free prize from Lark Books!

Saturday 1/23

• 5pm @ Craft Star Super Station: I'll be there signing copies of my latest book, AwareKnits!

Many of the designers I had the pleasure of interviewing for Craft Corps will also be at the show, including: Carol Duvall, Margot Potter, Cathie Filian, Traci Bautista, Natalie Zee Dreiu, Claudine Hellmuth, Leah Kramer and Kathy Cano-Murillo!

Please check their respective websites or the show program for their schedules. I know we'd all love to see you there!

Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie

FREE PATTERN: "Star Stitch Scarf" for Craft Hope

I'm honored to be a part of Jade Sim's upcoming book Craft Hope which, in conjunction with her website, promotes using craft for the greater good. As a contributor, I was allowed to choose a charity for my project to benefit. I decided to design a scarf to promote the Orphan Foundation's Red Scarf Project, a program that gives each orphan entering college a red scarf to remind them that they're not alone on their new journey.

Star Stitch Scarf

Jade released the pattern for the scarf on her website, so you can get knitting before the Orphan Foundation's February 14th donation deadline. You can download the pattern here.

If you need a little helping hand with the Star Stitch, here's a quickie demo.

Special thanks to Malabrigo for donating the yarn for this project!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Handknit for Haiti: Pattern Proceeds for the Red Cross

For the next 48 hours, all proceeds from the sales of knit & crochet patterns on my website will be sent to the Red Cross to benefit disaster relief in Haiti. If you've been thinking about making that Chain Gang Scarf or Daddy-O Vest, now's the time to nab the pattern. For just a few dollars you can both get knitting AND do a little bit of good. Go to my Pattern Shop now!

Want another way to donate? Got a cell phone? Well then, simply text 90999 with the word "haiti" and $10 will automatically be added to your phone bill and donated to the Red Cross.

Craft.Rock.Help,

Vickie

(Baby) People of the Earth for Conan!

As the battle for Late Night justice continues, (Baby) People of the Earth join in supporting Conan O'Brien.

Future Redheads *heart* Conan!

(My daughter Clover, showing she's coo-coo for CoCo!)

Yesterday I posted a template and tutorial for creating an adult-sized "Team Conan" T-shirt. Today, I encourage future generations to be a part of the movement to not move The Tonight Show to a later time slot.

Simply print out the Conan Sketch template at 50%, to use on a onsie or kids-sized t-shirt and follow the directions for the larger size.

Craft.Rock.Conan,

Vickie

I Love to Create: DIY "Team Conan" T-Shirt!

Ever since I was a guest on Late Night with Conan O'Brien in 2005, I've had a bit of a soft spot in my heart for ol' Coney. Ok, I wasn't actually a guest, but I was still "on" his show. Ok, I wasn't actually on his show, but a magazine that I happened to be on the cover of was briefly held by him during the broadcast of an episode. The details aren't really important, are they?

The point is that I enjoy the Conan O'Brien; he's smart, funny and truly entertaining. All of those are reasons enough to support Coco during the NBC Late Night Debacle of '10 however, I also feel that as a fellow redhead who's married to another redhead that our house can't not take action while one of our people is being dissed with a capital "D". Enter the D.I.Y. "Team Conan" T-shirt. Make yours up, and wear it proudly. It's for the love of laughter, people. Laughter.

Materials

Plain T-shirt

Tulip Fabric Markers

Transfer Paper & Pencil

Conan Template (see below)

Cardboard

Masking Tape

How-To

• Print out Conan Template (actual size can be find on Flickr here).

• Slide cardboard into shirt and tape so that the front of shirt is taut.

• Sandwich transfer paper face-down, between shirt front and template. Trace over template to transfer image to shirt.

• Use a black, Tulip Fabric Marker to draw over the transfered image.

• Fill-in lines with desired colors of Fabric Markers.

• Write "Team Conan" above the image.

• Wear loudly and proudly.

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Movie Monday:The Children

Creepy kids kinda freak me out so a movie called, "The Children" featuring possessed, murderous tots, is not my idea of a good time. Alas however, marriage is sometimes about compromise so when it was my husband's turn to pick the movie I bucked up, ignored my uneasiness and focused on the knitwear.

Striped Earflap Hat & Scarf

Crocheted Cloche with Flower Adornment

Button Front Shrug

Recommended Stitching:

Flower Cap, by Midnight Knitter

Chemo Earflap Hat, by SweetP Knits

Happy viewing; happy stitching!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

See more Movie Monday posts here!

Like movies? Get all the latest scoop and film reviews on SmellsLikeScreenSpirit.com!

All screenshots taken by Vickie Howell.

Super Yummy, Vegetarian "Beef" Crockpot Chili

Vegetarian "Beef" Chili is a staple in our house. It's hearty, low in calories, easy to make and super delicious. It's also one of the recipes that consistently opens non-vegetarians' minds to incorporating some meat-substitute options into their regular, meal line-up.

Our chili recipe has evolved over time and is by no means an exact science. Experiment with spice amounts and enjoy! Oh, and have I mentioned how much I *heart* Crock Pot cooking? Well, I do. Thankyouandgoodbye.

Ingredients

1 Bag Morningstar Meal Starter Grillers Recipe Crumbles (75% less fat than ground beef!)

2, 10 oz. Cans Rotel

1, 15.5 oz. Can Black Beans

1, 15.5 oz. Can Kidney Beans

1 Can Corn

1. 6 oz. Can Tomato Paste

1/2 of Large Onion

1 Tbs Minced Garlic

Approx 1/4 Cup Ketchup

Approx 1/4 Cup Red Wine

Cumin

Chili Powder

Dried Basil

Dried Oregano

Pinch of Salt

Directions

In a Crock-Pot on low heat, add garlic, chopped onion and bag of Crumblers. Cover with a layer of chili powder (about 2 Tbs) and sprinkle in cumin (about 2 tsp), oregano (about 1 Tbs) & basil (about 1/2 Tbs). Stir.

Add Rotel, beans & corn, including all of the juices in the cans. Add tomato paste, wine & ketchup. Stir.

Add a pinch of salt and a couple more shakes of cumin, chili powder & oregano.

Let cook on Low for 5-7 hours or high for 3-4. Stir occasionally (if you're home), and add more spices, wine or ketchup to taste, if desired.

Serve topped with skim milk shredded cheddar.

Craft.Rock.Eat,

Vickie

I Love to Create: Pac-Man Inspired Cupcake Toppers

As it happens, sometimes the cake theme you want isn't readily available at the local party store. This was the case when my son Tristan said he wanted a video game themed birthday. Since we love the old school games as much as the new, I decided that for his class cupcakes what better icon to top each than the pop-culture mainstay, Pac-Man and friends. Using a spreadsheet program on my computer I "drew" my version of the P-man and his ghost-emies; then turned them in to our very own, dessert decor. Here's how I did it, and you can too!

Materials

Card Stock

Images (see below)

1 1/4" Woodsies Disks

Crafty Chica Paint

Collage Pauge Sparkle

Scissors or 1" Punch

Sponge Brushes

Directions

• Using your favorite photo software, layout images the way you'd like them to be printed. I just repeated each image in a row, a few times on a letter sized template. Print out.

Mr. P

Red Ghostie

Blue Ghostie

• Punch or cut images into 1" circles. Set aside.

• Paint Woodsie disks on both sides and let dry.

• Paint a layer of Collage Pauge Sparkle over the front of the disks. While wet, lay image circle on top. Paint additional layer of Collage Pauge on top. Let dry.

• Set finished topper on cupcake icing. Enjoy!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Crochet Today!: Baby Clover's 1st Mag Appearance

The January/February 2010 issue of Crochet Today! Magazine is on stands now and chalk-full of great stuff including a new feature called, "Stitches in Time". In it, the editors feature pictures of adult crocheters as children, with crocheted pieces that were made for them. This issue, I was thrilled to be one of the gals included along with my daughter, Clover!

Grab your copy today to see the other ladies in this feature (including an adorable photo of a child, Norah Gaughan), as well as some cute ideas for V-Day projects!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Movie Monday: Inglourious Basterds

Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds may not be for the faint of heart, but it's one of my favorite flicks of 2009--and not even because it included Brad Pitt in knitwear! That my friends, is just a bonus.

Lt. Aldo Raine, wearing a Stockinette Stitch Sweater Vest

Recommended Knitting:

Nerds Vest from Not Another Teen Knitting Book

Happy viewing; happy knitting!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

See more Movie Monday posts here!

All screen shots taken by Vickie Howell. 2010

What Are You Knitting This Weekend?

Today I felt like I needed a little inspiration from my crafty community (aka you guys) so with a quick Tweet and post on Facebook, I reached out to see what everyone's knitting this holiday weekend. Here are some of your responses (and a few comments by me in parenthesis):

VIA TWITTER

@harleyknitter: I have started a scarf using big needles... and make work on a cardi on my knitting machine.

@RebecaVelasquez: This weekend I'm crocheting a baby hat, cardigan & design sample :)

@hybridhopes: little blue sweater outta lion brand thick and quick chenille. it's shedding a bit more than i'd like, but waiting for finish.

@alyknits: finished a small lace shawl. It's nice to finally do something besides socks.

@Mom2009: a baby blanket for charity. http://twitpic.com/wdtop

(Very pretty!--VH)

@girlindustries: I'm knitting stash busting lap blankets to give to our local pet rescue centre! Easy to do, and making me feel good, as well.

@pixiepurls: I'll be knitting at least 1 more Srendipity hat, but I need to knit 4 more total, for 4 little boys! http://bit.ly/5gsbRy

@lostarts: Finishing up Christmas presents! Finishing scarf now. 2 gaiters, hat & mitts to go.

@witchcitylee: http://twitpic.com/wdn0k I'm knitting Latvian mittens while hunkering down for a weekend-long snowstorm. :)

@brendastratton: I am knitting hats for the family and for charity.

@jujube5160: here's another one to add to your list ;) - i'm finishing a scarf! something simple with the busy holidays ;)

@thecrochetdude: I'm knitting a crocheted car coat.

(Smarty pants, drew. ;-)--VH)

@kaykatrn: Starting my neice's birthday present. A purple "Children of the World" Shawl. She is a teacher, so it's perfect for her. Fun.

@Shibaguyz: I'm making socks for Jason and crocheting a new sweater for me :)

@Kismatt: Will be working on my Rambling Rows afghan when I get home from work. :)

@soniamccutcheon: Hats, Hats and More Hats :)

@daisyanna13: Hey Vickie, I'm knitting up a scarf and few beanies

@KRWKnitwear: I am knitting socks for my daughter with custom dyed yarn and then starting an alpaca sweater for my hubby!

@tjstaab: a hat to match the scarf & legwarmers already finished for my little girl. And you?

@wineandpurls: I am knitting flowers from Knitted Flowers by Nicky Epstein :0)

@chitknit: I'm working on an striped Alpiner hat and scarf set for my hubs (who says I never knit anything for him!)

(My husband says the same thing to me. ;-) --VH)

@jennydoh: Hi Vickie. I'm knitting a skinny tube scarf (like a sock) and crocheting a boat load of necklaces.

@lilirose2101: socks for our United Way auction winner!

@debroby: I'm knitting a lacy and pretty little shawl that I may actually complete in a week!

(Yay! Bring a necklace to CHA for me to see, k?--VH)

VIA FACEBOOK

Ann Fitzpatrick: button-tab hat and socks

Carole E Ricketts-Corey: my second mitten. it's a thrummed mitten - perfect for michigan winter weather.

Mello Oller: I am cleaning house and taking done Christmas decorations, then hopefully there will be knitting time

Heather Welton Unruh: a cowl, a friend on my husband's wanted one just like hubby's.

Karrie Steinmetz: Working on a cowl.. going to try Jeny's Stretchy Slip Knot CO and Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy BO for the cowl and see how it works.

Theresa Wilson: mittens and hat set

Maya Headley: Star Trek hand warmers from Ravelry, but this 12 st/in using twining for the fair isle type pattern is killing my fingers.

Myra Wood: Crazy Lace!!! What else?! ;) 2010 is the year of Lace.

Karen Bradley: I'm crocheting for a change. Doing Jennifer Hansen's cardi-shawl pattern off Stitch Diva.

Amy Mallison-Austin: Mittens, mittens and more mittens. Then, finishing a test knit, then a chullo for my daughter.

Hope Robinson: working on a crocheted blanket... still.

Lesley Fostoff Popko: A pair of brightly colored socks. Just for ME

Kim Nixon Higgins: just finished a hat and cable scarf set and now getting ready to make some thrum mittens!

Dawn Paddie Carpenter: Hand/wrist warmers. :)

Geanie Argeropoulos-Baird: ANOTHER set of armwarmers! What else?? HA HA!

Kristen Schnellenbach Romano: Prayer shawl.

Amy Smolik: Felted slippers for my husband and son. I'm using the knitpicks slipper kit.

Karen Ramisch Hammann: I'm almost finished with the fingerless gloves I started yesterday, and then I think I'll make myself some socks. The "Pints and Purls" book hubby gave me has a cute pattern to try.

Celise Luker-Witherington: Fun fur scarves to sell

Christi Lewallen: prayer shawl for my mil.

Kim Folkins Morrow: Fingerless gloves...as soon as I find a pattern that I want to try. :)

Heading to Ravelry soon.

Danna Harmon-Snider: Still trying to finish the second of a pair of socks for my Granny. I started them in August, but I've lost momentum.

Erin Dolezal: a beautiful cabled hat for my husband's friend.

Robin LaLone: baby hats for the hospital :)

Dot Johnson: Tube socks for hubby and dishcloths.

Deborah Lois Hartley: Finishing a Wallaby Sweater for hubby. Biggest size took forever!!

Olivia Stear: Finishing a sweater and a scarf. I love to start things and struggle finishing them.

(I'm the same way! My favorite part of knitting/crochet is the start of a project.--VH)

Cheryl Lee Clemons: I am working on an infinity scarf.

(My Chain Gang Version, by chance? ;-) --VH)

Suzanne Hoots: Baby Sophisticate Cardigan for my friend's new baby!

Liz Barringer-Smith: Wristlets and another rectangle wrap for a friend's birthday in Feb.

Victoria McDonnell De Santis: Fingerless Gloves!

(Hey, Vic! Your Christmas card came back to us. :()

Marianne Topar: Making Trinity scarves for my friends....also a wonderful way to de-stash!

Jamie Lyn Guzman: I cast on a sock on NYE...my own pattern. We'll see if it works!

(You totally partied like it was KNIT-teen-99! Har, har, har.--VH)

Penny Gottschalk Ferreri: i want to knit an awesome vest that i found, however having trouble finding super bulky yarn to make it with :( guess i'll wait til I get back to where the yarn selection is better.)

(I'm really loving Malabrigo Chunky right now. You can order it online. :-) --VH)

Erin O'Donogue VanConant: Finishing a pair of mittens and a hot green skull and crossbones dishcloth, and trying to start a pair of felted clog slippers.

Ashley Ruddy: Camouflage dinosaur for my best friend :)

Stephanie Mrse: crocheting a hoodie for Gwen!

(What pattern, Steph? --VH)

Claudine Maiko Lindstrom Olin: I have been trying out my new Ultimate Sweater Machine!!! Making a blanket for my "test run"

(Let me know how it goes. I failed miserably with mine. :(--VH)

Casey Pogue Bernard: Hope to finish the cutest little giraffe sweater for the cutest little toddler (mine). :) Best of all he thinks it's a longhorn.

Tiffany Smith: Wrenna from French Girl Knits...and a shroom hat from the latest Knitty.

Annie Kang: finishing my mittens and then a lovely lace cowl. :)

Betsy Willis Watts: A sweater for my MIL that was a Christmas gift. Thankfully it's a short sleeve sweater, so it's too cold to wear right now.

Cat Susch: I'm working on an illusion knit piano keyboard scarf. Quite a fun project!

Anne Gregory Garcia: I'm knitting this: http://www.jimmybeanswool.com/knitting/yarn/KnittingPureandSimple/KnittingPureandSimpleBabyChildren.asp?specPCVID=11638 In purple. It's fabulous!

Bev Smith Ciszkowski: Sleeve for a sweater.

Mandy Engle Harvey: Deep in the Forrest fair isle mittens such an amazing pattern almost done I have 1/2 a mitten to go!

Jennifer Ancheta: the pyroclastic socks from the latest issue of Knitty. I'm using Pagewood Farms Chugiak in Plum, turning out very pretty!

Sue Ann Reiner: A hat for a friend of mine who has been waiting patiently for me to get it completed !

Angie Ward: I am trying to make both my girls fair isle hats right now. I have never done fair isle so I feel like I am all thumbs. But I know the hats will be adorable once they are complete.

Tiffany Jean Fleet: Cowl and trying to finish a sweater.

Jeanette Brooks Sherritze: knitting a dog sweater; crocheting LotusSmock from Stitch Diva in a golden hemp yarn; and crocheting/designing a little rockin' halter top. I think I have Yarn ADHD.

Cheryl Rodibaugh-Perry: socks

Sheilah Blake Howard: Socks and an afghan

Terrie Ross-Carter: An afghan and a headband

Pamela Graham: A red, white and blue scarf for my grandson -- he chose the yarn. You can see it at www.sewwithme2.blogspot.com. Don't look close, I am a newbie!

(Ooh, looking good!--VH)

Ann Fitzpatrick: button-tab hat and socks

Me? I finished a simple, cardi for Clover that I'm thinking of using to create a Top-Down 101 class with. I'm working on Stefanie Japel's Mirth Shawl for myself and debating what else to start. I have some Debbie Stoller Stitch Nation yarn samples, I'm looking forward to trying so maybe a quickie, 1-ball project's in my future!

Thanks for sharing; I love hearing what everyone's up to!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!