Screen Printing for Knitters

I recently took a Screen Printing class at Stitch Lab (the same studio where I teach) taught by the amazing, Kat McTee. If you're ever in Austin and have the opportunity to sign up for this one, I highly recommend it!

One of the (many) reasons I'd been wanting to learn to screen print over the years was to apply it to knitwear. I've experimented with painting on knit pieces before, but thought it'd be fun to print logos or even doodles on plain pieces of yarnwear that I've either scored at a thrift store or knitted myself. Although I haven't tried this yet in the meantime, I played with the reverse technique; printing a doodle OF knitting onto fabric. Below is the result of turning a simple drawing into a screen and printing it on linen and cotton. Pretty cool, eh? I'm thinking about turning the multiple linen prints into either patches or tiny, zippy bags to sell on Etsy. We'll see.

Knit Screen Print on Linen Blend

Knit Print on Cotton Onsie

My Daughter Modeling Knit Print Onsie & Lollipop Leg Woolies

Check out a few more of my printed items from the class on Flickr!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

I love to Create: Zipper Embellished Headbands

If you watch the fashion gossip shows or flip open a magazine, it's hard not to notice that zipper detailing is a H-O-T trend right now. How does a crafty gal incorporate said zippers into her wardrobe without re-enacting Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video (respect, yo)? Headbands, my friends, headbands. They're the perfect accessory for getting your zipper on, in a snap! Here's how you can make your own.

Materials

Assorted Headbands

Metal Zippers

Liquid Fusion

Scissors

Needle & Thread/Netting Scrap (Flower Version Only)

How-To

Straight-Up Version

• Separate zipper and cut off ends.

• Use Liquid Fusion to glue zipper strip on to headband. Let dry.

Flower Version

• Separate zipper and cut off ends.

• Using a needle and thread, sew a running stitch through zipper strip. Pull thread to make strip curl into flower shape. Hand tack to keep shape in place.

• Cut a circle of netting. Scrunch, tack and fix to zipper flower with needle and thread.

• Use Liquid Fusion to glue embellishment to headband.

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Twitter: @vickiehowell

I Love to Create: Year of the Tiger Hat

Is kiddo the apple of your eye, or the eye of the tiger? Well, she can be both, with this furry fez! Here's how you can sew and paint your way to a cozy Chinese New Year for your purrfect, little kitty.

Materials

1/4 yd. Tiger Print, Polar Fleece

Scissors

Sewing Machine

Coordinating Thread

Tulip Paint Cannon/White Cannon Paint

Tulip Flame Sticky Stencil (Edgy Pack)

Green, Tulip Slick Paint

Fine Tip, Paint Brush

Embroidery Needle & Black Floss

How-To Make Hat

• Cut 9" x 18 1/2" (or whatever your child's head measurement is, plus 1/2") piece of polar fleece.

• With right sides together, fold fleece in half width-wise. Using 1/4" allowance, sew up back seam.

• Position seam so it's on the back side. Using 1/4" allowance, sew top seam.

• Fold bottom edge up, 2" to create brim. Using 1/4" allowance (from raw edge), sew around.
• Turn hat right side out. Pinch one, top corner; wrap embroidery thread around tightly several times; tie off. This will create an ear. Repeat on opposite side.

How To Create Tiger "Eyes"

• Place a piece of paper or cardboard inside hat, so paint won't seep through.

• Using just one flame from the Flames stencil, Paint Cannon and white Cannon Paint, spray on base layer of the eye. Reverse stencil for 2nd eye. Let dry. Keep in mind that the Paint Cannon gives a spray paint effect, so there will be a bit of splatter. Don't worry; go wild.

• Use a fine tip paint brush and green Slick Fabric Paint to paint the 2nd layer (iris) of the eye. Let dry.

• Using black thread and needle, embroider black pupils. Growl.

Have a grrrrreat 2010!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Craft Apparent: Wrist Wranglers

Hey, kids! Wanna make your buddies a bunch of bracelets? Check out my Japanese Braiding tutorial, over at PBS Parents!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Movie Monday: Temple Grandin

I was already familiar with Autistic, mega-mind Temple Grandin from an interview with her on NPR's Fresh Air but it was after watching HBO's movie about her life (thus far), that I became aware of the full scope of her greatness. If you get a chance, I highly recommend checking this one out (see HBO's schedule for next airing)! In the meantime, here's a sneak peek of a little knitwear representation in the biopic that will undoubtedly, win its leading lady an Emmy nod.

Claire Danes as "Temple", wearing a Fair Isle Moose Pull-Over

Bulky, Stockinette Stitch Cardigan

Recommended Knitting:
Dale of Norway 10006 Pullover

Cardigan Neutral from AwareKnits

Polar Cap Cardi, from AwareKnits

Caron's Cozy Jacket, by Susan Shildmyer

Happy viewing; happy knitting!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

P.S. See a full review of this movie on Smells Like Screen Spirit (my husband's film news site), here.

Love Rocks! Ravelry Round-Up

Check out just a few of the people on Ravelry who've made my Love Rocks hearts and garlands!

Black & White Version, by SussyHomemaker

SEVEN, Love Rocks Garlands by, InvisibleMandy

Mitered Heart Valentine, by Wheeltrish

OkinawaOtter's Neck Garland

Journeygirl's Neck Garland

Birthday Garland, by Beanymama

Have you made versions of this project? If so, I'd love to see 'em! Please feel free to post picture links as a comment here. Thanks!

Craft.Rock.LOVE,

Vickie

I Love to Create: Love Lyric Photo Mat

Every year a friend of my buddy Noelle's, makes a Love Mix CD for Valentines Day. This year she wanted the cover art for the CD to be of a cutie-pie, baby couple. Never passing up the opportunity to dress up our kids in costumes, Noelle and I headed straight for the cupid wings and pantaloons!

Well, every good (and in this case, hilariously cute) picture needs a good framing situation and for this one it only seemed appropriate to surround our little angels with love-inspired lyrics.

Use this idea as a romantic gift for your sweetie; include your favorite couples shot of yourselves and lyrics from all of "your" songs. It's the best kind of gift: lots of thought, for little cash.

Materials

Blank, Photo Mat

Lyrics Print Out

Aleene's Tacky Glue Stick

Collage Pauge Sparkle

Sponge Brush

Scissors

How-To

• Scour the internet for the lyrics to your favorite love (or anti-love, if that's how you roll) songs.

• Using your favorite word processing program on your computer, type snippets of lyrics from different songs, in different fonts and sizes. Print out.

• Cut lyrics out into strips. If you're going for the "love letter" look, you might also want to rip at the edges or crinkle some of the strips.

• Lay lyrics out on the photo mat; use glue stick to affix.

• Paint a layer or two of Collage Pauge Sparkle, for a razzle-y dazzle-y finish. Let dry.

• Place mat in a recycled frame, along with a sweetheart picture.

Craft.Rock.LOVE,

Vickie

Twitter: @vickiehowell

Craft Apparent: Hearts for Haiti

Hey, all! Just wanted to let you know I have a new article up at my PBS Parent's blog, Craft Apparent with Vickie Howell. This time I focus on heart-inspired projects that your kids can make to raise money to send to Haiti.

Heartfelt Frame

Pass the (Love) Note Pouch

Love's Recyclable Wreath

Read more here!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

I Love to Create: Hand-Dyed Burlap V-Day Bag

A couple of weeks ago I was watching the Potato Sack episode of Project Runway. What struck me about this particular challenge (other than the amazing dresses that a couple of the designers came up with), was how incredibly the burlap sacks took dye.

It got me thinking, "I've got burlap. I've got dye. How can I apply the Project Runway challenge to a project that anyone can make?" What I came up with is a simple, zippy bag dyed a brilliant red & stenciled with a melting heart. It's great for keeping supplies in, and would make a perfect V-day gift for anyone who, well, has something that needs holdin'. Here's how to make your own!

Materials

1, 12"x18" Piece of Plain Burlap

1, 12"x18" Lining Fabric

Zipper

Iron

Sewing Machine (optional)

Coordinating Thread

Sewing Pins

Scissors

Tulip Permanent Fabric Dye (Bright Red)

Tulip Paint Tagger

Graffiti Fashion Stencil (from Peace & Love Pack)

Sponge Brush

How-To Dye Burlap

• In a large pot or stainless steel sink, mix 4 Tbsp salt and 1 package of Tulip Fabric Dye into 1 gallon of STEAMING HOT water.

• Submerge burlap into dye mixture. Let sit for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

• Rinse with cold water. Wash with mild soap and water.

• Machine or hang dry. Press.

How-To Stencil on Burlap

• Measure 2"-2 1/2" from top edge of fabric; place stencil.

• Using a sponge brush, blot Paint Tagger inside of stencil. Let dry. Remove Stencil.

How-To Make Zippy Bag

• With right-sides together, fold burlap in half, lengthwise. Using a 1/4" seam allowance, sew sides. Repeat for lining fabric.

• Turn burlap pouch right-side out. Fold top edge under 1"; press. Set aside.

• Leaving lining pouch wrong-side out, fold top edge over 1"; press.

• Pin zipper to folded top edge of lining. If your zipper's a bit too long, leave the tail end dangling off fabric. Unzip and sew, using a zipper foot and 1/8" seam allowance.

• Insert lining into burlap pouch. Tuck excess zipper tail in between lining and burlap. Using 1/8" seam allowance, top stitch lining (with zipper) to burlap.

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

5 (Free) Knitting Projects for Valentines Day!

"Love Rocks" Neck Garland

Heart Stenciled "CowlKerchief"

"Red Scarf Project" Scarf, from Craft Hope

"Hugs & Stitches" Booties, from Kiwi Magazine

"Blush & Bashful" Scarf, from Celebrity Knits 2

Craft.Rock.LOVE,

Vickie

Movie Monday:The International

I'm a sucker for a thriller of the espionage variety so 2009's The International, was right up my alley! Murder, conspiracy, rogue agents; this flick had all the makings of a good, edge-of-your-seat watch. What'll you'll really get wrapped up in though--well, if you're a knitter, anyway--is the comfy cardigan the ADA Whitman dons during the drama!

Naomi Watts as "Eleanor Whitman", wearing a Chunky Knit Cardigan

Recommended Knitting:

Caron's Dolman Jacket, by Kathy Perry

Inspired to Knit's Snowdrift Cardigan, by Michele Rose Ono

Happy viewing; happy stitching!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie