Review/Giveaway:The Knitgrrl Guide to Professional Knitwear Design

There are surprisingly few resources for would-be knitwear designers to rely on, when it comes to education in the field. If you don't happen to live in New York or Los Angeles (or more specifically, near FIDM or FIT), you'll be hard-pressed to find any classes on pattern writing, drape or knitwear design. (As a self-taught designer, I've personally begged Carla Scott [Executive editor of Vogue Knitting and master of all that is knitwear design] to put together Tech Editing, Sizing and Shaping courses. I've had to settle though, for educating myself over the years through the dissection of other designers' patterns and by reading great books like, Vogue Knitting's The Ultimate Guide to Knitwear and Shirley Paden's Knitwear Design Workshop.)
Of equal importance, what about the non-stitchy, must-knows to becoming a successful, professional knitter? Things like: how to write patterns, market yourself, sell designs, and legally protect intellectual property. Alas, you've been on your own; until now. Enter fiber-world-force Shannon Okey's latest book, The Knitgrrl Guide to Professional Knitwear Design; a comprehensive guide to making a living as a professional knitter.

Shannon has compiled years' worth of experience as an editor, entrepreneur and designer to create a self-published book that will likely become a bible to those with yarn-career aspirations. The Knitgrrl Guide includes scoop on:

• Fashion Illustration & Schematics
• Marketing Via Social Networking
• Teaching
• Editing
• Submitting to Magazines
• Pattern Writing
• Copyright
• Selling Patterns
  ...and much more!

After you've soaked in the how-tos of crossing your Purls & Q's, read informative interviews with 36 industry experts including, myself and:

• Karin Stom (Yarn Market News)
• Lily Chin
• Brett Bara (Knit & Crochet Now)
• Debbie Stoller
• Trisha Malcolm (Vogue Knitting)
• Stefanie Japel (Glampyre Knits)
• Amy Singer (Knitty.com)
• Nicky Epstein
• Annie Modesitt
• Joan McGowan-Michael
• Melanie Falick
  

What it lacks in "big publishing house" bells-and-whistles (pretty pictures, example charts, impeccable editing), The Knitgrrl Guide to Professional Knitwear Design more than makes up for in eye-opening insight, invaluable information and witty delivery. I've been in this industry for the better part of a decade, and I still busted out the highlighter several times to make note of new (to me) information within the guide's pages. If you're even thinking about venturing into the knit world--as a full-time designer, test knitter, or supplemental income pattern writer--Shannon's book is a must-have mainstay for your library! I know I'll be keeping my copy in mine.

Buy the book here and post a comment by Friday, August 6th to be entered to win a signed copy of the book. Winner will be chosen at random.

Read more about Shannon in her chapter of my book, Craft Corps; on shelves now!

Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie

VIDEOS: Knitting 101 for CRAFT!

One of my favorite things about hosting TV's "Knitty Gritty" was the ability to teach the masses how to knit, all in the comfort of their own living rooms. Thanks to the internet, I can still meet up with stitchers – on demand – through simple how-to videos.

Whether you've never knit a stitch, or just need a little refresher, I'm here for you. So grab your needles and click on over to CRAFT's 101 section to learn the basics of casting-on, the knit stitch, the purl stitch (both English & Continental), and binding-off; everything you need to know to make your very first project!

Oh, and don't forget, you can always find how-to help on my YouTube Channel!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Book Marks & Beach Ponchos: Crafts for the Kiddos!

If you're looking for quickie projects to make with and for your kids this weekend, check out my latest articles for PBS Parents' Craft Apparent and Lark Crafts: Buttoned Bookmarks and Poolside Poncho made from a recycled towel. Click on the title link for each picture below, to see full posts with instructions for each craft!

Petite Poolside Poncho

Button Bookmarks

Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Follow me on Twitter: @vickiehowell

Craft Inspires Art Inspires Crafter

My latest LarkCrafts.com article is up! Check it out to read about how my fabric-painted chandelier ended up in a Canadian artist's digital composition series!

"Blast Off", by Joan Rzadkiewicz

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

VIDEO:How to Crochet the Puff Stitch

Want to crochet the Urban Jungle slouchy beanie but aren't sure how to do the Puff Stitch called for in the pattern? Well, my stitchy friends, I'm here for you. Watch my quickie video tutorial and you'll be ready shout, "Welcome to the Jungle, baby!"



Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Movie Monday: Whiteout

Over the weekend we watched 2009's Whiteout and although it wasn't my favorite thriller of all time, it did have a couple of great, knitted pieces in it!

Cable & Fair Isle Hat

Kate Beckinsale as "Carrie", wearing a Chunky Cabled Cardigan

Recommeded Knitting:

Caron's Chunky Jacket, by Kelly Klem

Cropped Cabled Jacket

Caron's Crocheted Peruvian Earflap Hat

Cabled Chullo, by Mary Jane Mucklestone

Happy viewing; happy knitting!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

See more Movie Monday posts here!

NEW PATTERN: Urban Jungle Slouchy Beanie!

The pattern for my latest design for Caron, the Urban Jungle beanie, is now available for FREE on their website. Get it now, and start crocheting today!

Yarn: Simply Soft

Hook Size: US H-8 (5mm)

Printable Pattern: Click Here.

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

My New Blog & Tiny Hatter Party on LarkCrafts.com!

Beginning today, I'll be blogging every Thurday on the new, Lark Crafts website! Lark is the publisher who put out my books, Pop Goes Crochet, AwareKnits and Craft Corps--the 3 I'm most proud of--so I was thrilled when they asked me to be a part of their new, creative venture.

This week I share the details on how to create a Tiny Hatter Party like the one we put together for my daughter and her friend. Take a look, wontcha?

Clover, modeling her tiny hat.

Oh, and if you dig what you see, kindly click the "Like" button. Thanks!

Read the article here!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

PBS Parents' Craft Apparent Project: Beach Blanket Blocks!

The latest Craft Apparent with Vickie Howell project is up: Beach Blanket Blocks. Get the free how-to scoop here!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Twitter: @vickiehowell

FREE PATTERN: Greenhouse Jute Mat from AwareKnits!

Get the pattern for my Greenhouse Mat from AwareKnits over at LarkCrafts.com where it's available for free, thanks to Free Project Fridays!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Craft Publishing Virtual Event from Lark Books & Etsy!

Hey, all! Check out this great, virtual event that my publisher Lark Books is teaming up to present to you. These are really smart ladies, so you wont wanna miss it! xx, Vickie

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION

{Presents}

“CRAFT Publishing with LARK BOOKS”

on

Etsy Virtual Labs

Wednesday, July 7 at 4 p.m. ET

Have you ever fantasized about having your work published? What about becoming a book designer and author? Then join in the conversation on Wednesday, July 7 at 4 p.m., when Nicole McConville, Beth Sweet, and Kathleen McCafferty—editors of Lark Craft (www.larkcrafts.com) host THE CREATIVE CONNECTION/Etsy Virtual Lab. Join in the conversation on how to get published, learn how Lark finds inspiration, works with crafters and designers, and develops book ideas. Find out how to tailor your own book proposal to best reflect your creative spark. To register for this Lab Session, go to etsy.com. But hurry—space is limited!

Lark Craft, a division of Sterling Publishing, is a Platinum Sponsor of THE CREATIVE CONNECTION event at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Minneapolis, MN, September 15-18. Paige Gilcrest, editorial director of Lark Crafts, will be a panelist at the Editorial Panel Breakfast on Saturday. She, along with other media professionals, will discuss ways to get published in magazines, books, and on-line, as well as things you should know before pitching an idea, story, or book proposal. Time will be allotted for questions from the audience, so be sure to come and take part. Marcus E. Lever, President of Sterling Books, will also be on hand to deliver one of the keynote addresses at the Thursday night dinner, September 16.

Learn more and register to attend at

www.thecreativeconnectionevent.com.