Lark Crafts Post: 6 Beanies to Knit or Crochet for Fall!

It's Thursday which means, time for another LarkCrafts.com post! Check it out for a guide to six beanie patterns to make for the fall!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Glee-Adoring Twitter Party Tomorrow!

Love Glee? Dig crafting? On Twitter? Well then, my friends, spend tomorrow's lunch hour with me and Lark Crafts, discussing just that!

Get the #LarkGlee details here. Hope to Tweet you tomorrow!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Psst!...Don't forget to follow @vickiehowell, @larkcrafts and @larkneedlearts !

NEW PATTERN: Urban Planner Beanie!

Ask and you shall receive. The pattern for Urban Planner, the knit version of my Urban Jungle hat, is now up for your knitting enjoyment at Caron.com. Get it while it's hot!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

The Creative Connection Event, Day 2

Hey there, everyone! Last week I attended the first annual, Creative Connection Event in Minneapolis, MN. I'd never been to a purely networking/inspiration-driven conference like this one before and let me tell you, being around all of those creative spirits was just what the doctor ordered!

I was honored to speak on the Women Entrepreneur panel, alongside Cathie Filian, Heather Bailey, Kathy Cano-Murillo, and Christine Plantan (of Rusell+Hazel). I also had a lovely time, popping on on Tiffany Windsor's (of Cool2Craft) PJ Party, the Where Women Create cocktail hour and, the Etsy Lab party.

I posted pictures from the first days' events over on LarkCrafts.com, and thought I'd share shots from the 2nd day here.

Inside the Handmade Market Place

One of my favorite craft stores, Crafty Planet, had a booth at the event.

My fabric haul from the Crafty Planet booth--I couldn't resist!

Women Entrepreneur Luncheon panelists, pre-event.

W.E. Luncheon Table

Kathy, Cathie & I stopped in a Minneapolis Barnes & Noble to sign our books.

Decorations (by Christine Hoffman) at the Editorial Breakfast

See the rest of my photos from the trip, by checking out my Creative Connection Flickr Album.

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Movie Monday (TV Edition): Boardwalk Empire

Last night was the much anticipated premiere of HBO's new series, Boardwalk Empire. The two-hour episode played like an epic film, artfully acted (I'm so thrilled that Steve Buscemi finally has a vehicle to call his own, and that the Dawson Creek kid--aka Michael Pitt-- has another meaty role to add to the mix!), masterfully directed (of course, it's Scorsese), and beautifully styled. The costumes were an essential of the latter including, a couple pieces of knitwear.

Kelly MacDonald as "Margaret" in a Basket Weave, Belted Cardigan

Aleska Palladino as "Angela" in a Eyelet, Triangle Shawl

Recommended Stitching:

Caron's Crochet Summer Shawl (Try substituting with Spa yarn!)

Choose Your Own Ending Shawl, by SugarCube Original Designs

NaturallyCaron.com's Napa Belted Jacket, bu Susan Shildmyer

Happy viewing; happy stitching!

See more Movie Monday posts, here!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Twitter: @vickiehowell

FB: facebook.com/vickiehowell

Flickr: flickr.com/photos/craftrocklove

Ravelry: VickieHowell

My Dad

Me with Dad in Hermosa Beach, CA 2008

I've been quiet on this blog lately, so for those of you who aren't with me on FaceBook, I thought I'd post an explanation.

My dad, Chuck Montoya, who'd been long suffering from Alzheimer's, passed away last Saturday, September 11th. My brother and I (along with our spouses), spent his final 9 days with him at his bedside in a Southern California hospital and then, tending to his hospice care at home.

I apologize to any of you who may have shown up at my Crafting from the Collection event at the Amon Carter Museum on the 9th, to find the evening cancelled. It wasn't until the last moment that I realized, there was no way that I could leave to go to Ft. Worth. I'm in talks now with the museum's event coordinator however, to reschedule for November. I'll keep you posted; thanks for understanding.

To those of you who've sent us lovely messages of support via e-mail, FaceBook and Twitter, we truly appreciate it. Your kindness was of great comfort during a very trying time. Thank you very much.

For more information on Alzheimer's and to contribute to the ALZ.org research, aid and awareness effort, we've set up The Chuck Montoya Memorial Fund.

Much Love,

Vickie

Melissa Matthay

Screen shot from Knitty Gritty Season 4, with Melissa.

I was so saddened to hear about designer, Melissa Matthay's passing last week. I first met Melissa when she was a guest on Knitty Gritty, and then ran into her a few times over the years a industry events.

Although I didn't know Melissa well, I distinctly remember a conversation I had with her at a TNNA convention long ago. We talked about being working mothers in an industry that can demand time on the road. She said that she rarely traveled, frequently turning down teaching jobs because she wanted to be present in her sons' lives. The woman I spoke with that day would've been devastated by the fact that she'd never get to see those boys get married, thrive at their careers, or have children of their own. My heart breaks for the turn of events that's taken place, leaving 16 and 21 year old kids without their mom.

Melissa's website is still up and offering patterns for many of her fantastic designs. My personal favorites are: the Monarch toddler dress, and the women's Santa Monica jacket & Drop 2 Vest. All proceeds from pattern sales will go into a fund for her boys to live off of. They need our help so please, take a moment to buy a pattern (or 3) and spread the word via your own social networking vehicles. Her website is: http://www.bymelissa.net/

If you prefer to donate directly, you can send a check to:

Aaron & Dylan Davis Irrevocable Trust
c/o Camy Matthay
5708 Bellbrook Road
Brooklyn, WI 53521

Thank you so much.

Love,

Vickie