Knitty Gritty Pattern: Stefanie Japel's Better Sweater

Looking for Stefanie Japel's awesome, Better Sweater pattern, as seen on Knitty Gritty? Well, search no longer! Stefanie's put it up for free on Ravelry. Hooray! Get it now, here.

Knit on!,

Vickie

New Pattern:Crocheted Black-Eyed Pea Ornament

Crochet, Southern-style: an amigurumi Black-Eyed Pea for New Year's good luck. Read more about it and get the pattern over at LarkCrafts.com!

Happy (almost) New Years!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Movie Monday: Sylvia

Since a collection of Sylvia Plath's poems is one of the only books of poetry I own, I was really interested in watching the biopic of her life. Dark, both visually and topically, Sylvia, used knitwear to illustrate yet another layer of the color of one poet's perpetual despair.

Gwyneth Paltrow as "Sylvia", wearing a Garter Stitch Scarf

Sylvia's "daughter", wearing a Raglan Sleeve Cardigan

Aran Knit Pullover

Sylvia's "son", wearing Seed Stitch Jacket

Recommended Knitting:

Caron's Boston Cardigan, by Susan Shildmyer

Caron's Baby Hat & Jacket, by Treva McCain

Star Stitch Scarf (from Craft Hope), by VH

The Ubiquitous Garter Stitch Scarf, by Jenna Wilson

Happy viewing; happy knitting!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

See more Movie Monday posts here!

Happy Holidays!

From my family to yours, wishing you a holiday filled with peace, love

and creativity.

Merry Christmas!

xo,

Vickie, Dave, Tanner, Tristan & Clover

VIDEO: Photo Recipe Cards

Another of my Canon videos for Momversation.com is up. This one will have you cooking up some creativity, with these simple-to-make Photo Recipe cards. Enjoy!

Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Knee-High Baby Booties for Simplicity!

Simplicity recently launched a new line of slipper soles and asked a number of us designers, to create knit & crochet pairs for their latest ad an for their website. I was lucky enough to nab the baby set which are not only adorable, but also faux suede (aka vegan friendly)! You can grab my Knee-high Bootie pattern on their website and the soles in most craft stores. Enjoy!

Cardstore.com Customized Gift Tags for Crafters

The folks at Cardstore.com e-mailed me the other day to ask if I'd check out their site. "Why yes", I replied, "I'd love to". Although I already had holiday card plans I didn't in fact, have gift tags on hand.

In a perfect world, I'd make every aspect of the gifts on my Christmas giving list. Alas though, as a working gal with deadlines, and a mom of 3 children to enjoy the season with, that's not always realistic. Thanks to Cardstore.com however, I was able to infuse a wee bit of handmade goodness into each and every present I hand out. I created customized gift tags, using a photo I took of the Amigurum-tree Ornament I crocheted--and in 3, easy steps they were ready to order! Here's how:

1. Upload desired photo to their website.

2. Choose from one of their many, card templates.

3. Edit and insert photo into tag template.

Finished Tag!

Pretty cute, eh? I think I'll head back to create Thank You postcards to match!

Happy holidays!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Knitty Gritty Pattern: Cookie A's Toe-Up Socks

Toe-up Sock, by Cookie A

Materials
1 skein Blue Moon Fiber Arts™ Socks That Rock™ heavyweight
1 set double-point needles, US size 4 (or size to obtain gauge)
2 stitch markers
tapestry needle

Gauge: 24 sts and 36 rounds = 4" over stockinette

Size: woman's medium

Template PDF

Abbreviations
co cast on
k knit
k2tog knit 2 together
m1 make 1
p purl
p2tog purl 2 together
rs right side
ssk (slip, slip, knit) slip a stitch as if to knit to right-hand needle, slip a second
stitch as if to knit, slip both stitches back to left-hand needle and knit together through
back loops
sssk slip next 3 sts knitwise, one at a time, to right needle, insert left needle
back into front of these 3 sts, knit them together
st(s) stitch(es)
w&t wrap and turn
ws wrong side
yo yarn over

Toe
Using the figure-8 method, co 16 (8 sts on each of 2 needles) (figure A).
Plain round: K all sts.
Increase round: [K1, m1, k to 1 st before end of needle, m1, k1] twice.
Divide 20 sts evenly among 4 needles (figure B). Work Increase round every other round until there are 48 sts.


Next Cookie A. uses a chart to start the 6-row lace pattern, involving yarn-overs and right- and left-leaning decreases. To make yarn-overs smaller when needed, simply skip the yarn-over and pick up the yarn on the next row instead. She continues to work in the lace pattern until the sock measures 3-1/2" less than the length of the foot, and then she begins gusset increases.




Lace stitch

PDF
Lace chart: click to download.

PDF
Stitch key: click to download.



Shaping the heel Foot:
K1, p2, work first row of lace pattern, p2, k to end of round.
Continue in established pattern until the foot of the sock measures 3-1/2" less than the length of the foot:
K1, p2, work next row of Lace Pattern, p2, k to end of round.
Work the following two rounds 9 times, or until there are 66 stitches:
Even Round: K1, p2, work next row of Lace Pattern, p2, k to end of round.
Increase Round: K1, p2, work next row of Lace Pattern, p2, k1, m1, k to end of round, m1.
K1, p2, work next row of Lace Pattern, p2, k1. Heel will be worked back and forth over remaining 42 sts in round.

Fitting:
Cookie A. begins short rows to knit the heel area, turning and wrapping and then going back and picking the wraps up. She continues to knit back and forth in this manner; then, to connect the heel flap to the gusset, she knits to the gap and then decreases. Finally, she creates a small ribbed cuff and does a sewn bind-off.

Heel:
Row 1 (RS): K 32, w&t (the remaining 10 sts will be worked into the heel flap later).
Row 2 (WS): P 22, w&t (leaving 10 sts to be worked later).
Row 3 (RS): K 21, w&t.
Row 4 (WS): P 20, w&t.
Row 5 (RS): K 19, w&t.
Row 6 (WS): P 18, w&t.
Row 7 (RS): K 17, w&t.
Row 8 (WS): P 16, w&t.
Row 9 (RS): K 15, w&t.
Row 10 (WS): P 14, w&t.
Row 11 (RS): K 13, w&t.
Row 12 (WS): P 12, w&t.
Row 13 (RS): K 11, w&t.

Next row (WS): P 11; p next 5 sts, picking up each wrap (loop of yarn wrapped around base of stitch) and purling it together with the st it had wrapped; pick up next wrap and place on left needle, p3tog (wrap on left needle, st that it had wrapped, and next st, all purled together). Turn work (do not wrap st).
Next row (RS): Slip 1, k 16, k next 6 sts, picking up each wrap and knitting it together with the st it had wrapped; pick up next wrap and place on left needle, sssk (wrap, st that it had wrapped, and next st, all worked together.) Turn work (do not wrap st).
Next Row (WS): Slip 1, p 22, p2tog. Turn work.
Next Row (RS): Slip 1, k 22, ssk. Turn work.
Repeat last 2 rows 7 times more until all heel sts have been worked; do not turn work on last row. 24 heel sts remain.




Ribbing finishes off the top. Leg:
The leg will be worked in the round over all 48 sts.
[K1, p2, work next row of Lace Pattern, p2, k1] twice.
Repeat round until leg is 6" from end of heel.

Ribbing:
Work 1x1 rib: k1, [p2, k2] to last st in round, k1.
Repeat 2x2 rib round until ribbing measures 1". BO using sewn bind-off and weave in ends using tapestry needle.


RESOURCES :

Blue Moon Socks That Rock yarn
Website: www.bluemoonfiberarts.com

Traveling Stitches
Self-published, 2007

Please contact designer directly with any questions.

Lark Crafts Post: Embroidered Baby Art Ornament

My weekly post us up over at LarkCrafts.com--check it to see how easy it is to turn your toddler's scribbles into a keepsake ornament. 'Tis the season to scribble!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Psst! Want another great, embroidery project? Get my friend Noelle's adorable holiday patterns over at CraftZine.com!

VIDEO: Keepsake Flower Box

Another Canon for Momversation video is up; this one with a how-to on a personalized flower box. Check it.




Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Twitter: @vickiehowell

FB: facebook.com/vickiehowell

Flickr: flickr.com/photos/craftrocklove

Ravelry: VickieHowell

NEW PATTERN: Amigurum-tree Ornament!

Materials

Simply Soft Party, in colors: Spring Sparkle(MC) & Fuchsia Sparkle (CC)

Size US H (8) Crochet Hook

Tapestry Needle

Sequin or Beads

Hot Glue Gun or Needle & Thread

Finished Size

2" Tall (excluding loop)

Special Abbreviation

sc2tog= single crochet two stitches together

Directions

Tree Body:

Using MC, ch 24. Sl st in 1st ch to join rnd, taking care not to twist.

Rnd 1: Ch1, sc in next ch and all the way around. Join with a sl st. (23)

Rnd 2: Join CC. Repeat Rnd 1.

Rnd 3: With MC, ch1, sc2tog, *2sc, sc2tog; repeat from * to last st, sc. Join with a sl st. (18)

Rnd 4: With CC, repeat Rnd 1.

Rnd 5: With MC, ch1, *sc2tog, sc; repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st. (13)

Rnd 6: With CC, repeat Rnd 1.

Rnd 7: With MC, ch1, *sc2tog; repeat from * to end. Join with a sl st. (7)

Rnd 8: With CC, repeat Rnd 1.

Rnd 9: With MC, repeat, Rnd 7. (3) DO NOT TIE OFF.

Hanging Loop:

Ch 8; tie off. Fold chain in half to form loop; use tapestry to push tail through to underside; knot in place.

Tree Base:

Using MC and magic loop method, 6sc in center of loop. Pull tight to close loop. Join rnd with a sl st.

Rnd 1: Ch1, sc in base of ch, 2sc in every sc around. Join with a sl st. (12)

Rnd 2: Ch1, 2sc, *sc, 2sc; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st. (18)

Rnd 3: Ch1, 2sc, *sc [twice], 2sc; rep from to last st, sc. Join with a sl st. (24)

Tie off, leaving 6" tail.

Finishing

Stuff remaining tail ends from tree body, inside of it. Stuff with additional yarn scraps until tree feels firm.

Sew tree base onto tree body, using tail & tapestry needle.

Embellish by hot glueing or sewing sequin to the tree. Hang & enjoy!

Happy Holidays!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Pattern for non-commercial use only. Copyright Craft.Rock.Love Media, LLC 2010. All rights reserved.

Knitty Gritty Pattern: Star Athena's Bar Cloths

Bar Cloths, by Star Athena

Materials
Lily Sugar 'n Cream, 1 ball of each: Sage Green, Wine, Grape, Warm Teal, Yellow
embroidery needle
embroidery word charts: use those provided or create your own by using a computer or making them by hand with knitter's graph paper
needles in US size 7/4.5mm

Gauge: 20 sts/26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch.

Note: Gauge is not crucial for this project.

Star Lattice
CO 33 sts and knit 4 rows.

Work stockinette panel:
Row 1(ws): k3, p27, k3.
Row 2: k.
Rep rows 1 and 2 twice more.
Row 7: rep row 1.
Row 8: rep row 1.

Start lattice pattern:
Row 1(ws): k3, p27, k3.
Row 2: k5, *wyf sl5, k1. rep from * to last 4 sts, k4.
Row 3: k3, p27, k3.
Row 4: k7,* insert needle under strand from row 2 and k next st, bringing st under strand and out toward you, k5. rep from * to last 8 sts, insert needle under strand from row 2 and k next st bringing st under strand and out toward you, k7.
Row 5: k3, p27, k3.
Row 6: k4, wyf sl3, *k1, wyf sl5. rep from * to last 8 sts. k1, wyf sl3, k4.
Row 7: k3, p27, k3.
Row 8: k4, *insert r needle under strand from row 6 and k next st, bringing st under strand and out toward you, k5. rep from * to last 5 sts, insert needle under strand from row 6 and k next st bringing st under strand and out toward you, k4.

Repeat these 8 rows until cloth measures 10". K 3 rows and bo. Weave in ends.


Diagonal Eyelet
Note: The diagonal eyelet stitch is knit in the soft teal yarn.

CO 32 sts and knit 4 rows.

Work stockinette panel:
Row 1(ws): k3, p26, k3.
Row 2: k.
Rep rows 1 and 2 twice more.
Row 7: rep row 1.
Row 8: rep row 1.

Start eyelet pattern:
Row 1(ws): k4, *yo, k2tog. rep from * until last 4 sts, k4.
Row 2: k.
Row 3: k5, *yo, k2tog. rep from * to last 5 sts, k5.
Row 4: k.

Repeat these four rows until cloth measures 10". K three rows and bo. Weave in ends.


Knot Stitch
CO 32 sts and knit 4 rows

Work stockinette panel:
Row 1(ws): k3, p26, k3.
Row 2: k.
Rep rows 1 and 2 three more times.

Start knot pattern:
Row 1(ws): k3, p26, k3.
Row 2: k.
Row 3: rep row 1.
Row 4: k6, *(make knot) Insert R needle under thread between next 2 sts on L needle, wrap yarn and loosely draw up a loop and place on R needle. Insert R needle above same thread and loosely draw up a second loop and place on R needle. Wyf, p first st from L needle. Move yarn to the back. Pass first loop over second loop and p st, then pass second loop over p st – knot made; k5. Rep from * to last 7 sts, k7.
Row 5: rep row 1.
Row 6: rep row 2
Row 7: rep row 1
Row 8: k9, *make knot, k5. Rep from * to last 4 sts, k4.

Repeat these 8 rows until cloth measures 10". K 3 rows and bo. Weave in ends.

Crosshatch
CO 32 sts and k 4 rows.

Work stockinette panel:
Row 1(ws): k3, p26, k3.
Row 2: k.
Rep rows 1 and 2 twice more.
Row 7: rep row 1.
Row 8: rep row 1.
Row 9: rep row 1.

Start crosshatch pattern:

Note: The crosshatch stitch pattern can be tight, so try using one size larger needle or knitting loosely.

Row 1(rs): k4, *sl1, k1, psso but before dropping the sl st off the left needle, k into back of it. Rep from * until last 4 sts, k4.
Row 2: k3, *p2tog, do not slip st off needle. P first st again, sl both sts off needle. Rep from * until last 4 sts, k3.

Repeat these 2 rows until cloth measures 10". K three rows and bo. Weave in ends.

Finishing
Using freehand embroidery or duplicate stitch and yellow yarn (figure A), work text shaken, stirred, rocks and neat into the four different stockinette panels of the bar cloths. If you prefer, you may choose your own theme words.

Tips:

Consider the number of letters in your word before starting to embroider and work accordingly. For example, the letter "r" in stirred is the middle letter. Therefore, it's suggested that if you're stitching this word, you begin embroidering this letter first, making sure it's placed in the middle. This will ensure the letters are all evenly spaced.
If you're using freehand embroidery, you don't need a chart, but if you're using duplicate stitch, the charts (see links, at right) may prove helpful.
Each black space on the charts represents a stitch.
If you're using duplicate stitch, it's helpful to make the bar cloth a little bigger (a few extra stitches on the sides) because it'll take more room. It does work better if you use shorter words (such as rocks).


Knitty Gritty Patterns printed courtesy of the designer. Please contact him/her directly for questions.

VIDEO: Recycled Book Picture Frame

Hey, all! My 2nd, Momversation video for Canon is up. Give it watch to see an easy way to turn an old book into a new frame!

Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Twitter: @vickiehowell

FB: facebook.com/vickiehowell

Flickr: flickr.com/photos/craftrocklove

Movie Monday: Surviving Christmas

Over the weekend Surviving Christmas came on TBS as we were decorating our tree. I definitely wouldn't call it a holiday classic (man, 2003-2004 was a rough movie-making time for Ben Affleck), but it does have a great cast and plenty o' featured knitwear!

James Gandolfini as "Tom", in a traditional Christmas Fair Isle Pullover

Christina Applegate as "Alicia", in a Garter Stitch Hat

Catherine O'Hara as "Christine", wearing a Ribbed Hat.

"Alicia", wearing a Fair Isle Turtleneck Sweater.

"Christine", wearing a Crocheted Stripe Scarf.

Recommended Stitching:

Dave 2.0 Scarf

Caron's Poinsettia Scarf, by Kim Guzman

Christmas Past Sweater, by Dale Long

Perfect Christmas Jumper, by Just Call me Ruby

VH for Caron's Shady Beanie

Caron's Spark's Fly Scarf, by Marlaine DesChamps

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

Fool's Gold Holiday Wishes Magazine

Best-selling author of Fool's Gold, Susan Mallery, has put together a special e-magazine for the holidays and asked me to share it with you. Enjoy!

Open publication - Free publishing - More california

Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie