New Sheep(ish) Pattern: Candy Bunny!

Looking for a last-minute, Easter basket gift to make for your sweeties? Well then, try the Candy Bunny pattern. Cute, cuddly, and can be crocheted in just a couple of evenings. Hoppy Spring!

Materials

1 Ball Vickie Howell for Caron Sheep (ish) (30% wool/70% acrylic; 167 yds/ 153 m), in color: #0007 Hot Pink(ish) 

Size US H/8 hook

Tapestry needle 

Scrap of contrasting yarn for embroidery 

Stuffing Silk ribbon (optional)

Finished Measurement

11”/28 cm

Gauge

14 sts x 18 rows= 4”/10cm

Directions (Make 2)

Body: Ch 10.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, and in each ch to end. Turn. (9 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1 (counts as 1st sc), sc in same st as ch, sc to last st, 2sc in last st. Turn. (11 sts)

Rows 3-4: Repeat Row 2. Turn. (15 sts)

Rows 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22 & 24: Ch 1, sc in next st and in each st to end. Turn.

Row 7: Repeat Row 2. (17 sts)

Row 9: Repeat Row 2. (19 sts) 

Row 11: Repeat Row 2. (21 sts) 

Row 16: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 3 sts, sc2tog, sc. Turn. (19 sts) 

Row 18: Repeat Row 16. (17 sts) 

Row 21: Repeat Row 16. (15 sts) 

Row 23: Repeat Row 16. (13 sts)

Head: 

Row 1: Ch 1 (counts as 1st sc), sc in same st as ch, sc to last st, 2sc in last st. Turn. (15 sts)

Row 2: Repeat Row 1. (17 sts) 

Rows 3, 6, 11-13 : Ch 1, sc in next st and in each st to end. Turn. 

Rows 4-5: Repeat Row 1. (21sts) 

Row 7: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 3 sts, sc2tog, sc in last st. Turn. (19 sts) 

Rows 8-10: Repeat Row 7. (13 sts)

Right ear: 

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in next 5 sts. Turn. (6 sts)

Rows 2-3 (short rows): Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts. Turn. (3 sts.)

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts then CONTINUE sc in the last 3 sts (from two rows down). Turn. (6 sts)

Rows 5-11: Ch 1, sc in next st and to end. (6 sts) 

Row 12: Ch 1, [sc2tog] twice, sc in last sc. Turn. (4 sts) 

Row 13: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in last st. (3 sts). 

Fasten off.

Left ear: 

Flip piece over; join yarn with sl st in turning ch at the top edge of the WS. Work as for right ear.

Finishing

Using tapestry needle, contrasting yarn and photo as a guide, embroider eyes and nose with satin stitch onto front piece.

With WS facing, place two pieces together. Join yarn with sl st and sc evenly around, leaving an opening to stuff. Firmly stuff; continue sc around to close. Join with sl st to first sc. 

Fasten off.

Weave in ends. Tie ribbon around neck.

Looking for a printable version of this pattern? Download now for free from my Ravelry Shop!

Stitch.Rock.Crochet-along Photo Recap!

L-R Noelle Corcoran (via FB), "Low Budget" (via Ravelry), "Mama Karen" (via Ravelry), "Mehere7" (via Ravelry),  "Art Like Bread" (via Ravelry)

Last weekend was the first, Stitch.Rock.Crochet-along in what I plan on being a series. The project, a quick one that's perfect for the season: Springtime Scarf. I really enjoyed seeing everyone's progression, as well as getting to feel like I still get to be a part of events, even with a career and 3 kids at home -- I love the internet! 

Thanks to all who participated, and especially those who asked questions, offered comments, and shared pictures. Without further ado, here's a photo re-cap of the CAL!

Prepping

A few of the participants' supplies ready to go! 

Pre-CAL Chat

"I’m excited to do a knit [sic] along! Plus I’ve never had a springtime scarf so this should be fun!"--tltyog (via Rav)


"I'm in & I'm a newbie to crochet! A knitter to date!"--Penny Eaton (via FB)

"I'm in! This scarf looks FUN!"-- Julia Painter (via FB)

Beginnings

"Chaining on!" (New term I'm trying to make big with the kids. ;-))

Middles

A few shots of crochet-alongers' WIPs.

CAL Chat

"First row ♥"-- Angela Rae (via FB)

"Just getting started, also HAD to use something from the stash, Bernat Softee baby & a G hook, my girlfriends: "The Crochet Babes" are coming over tomorrow & we're going to CAL with Vickie's CAL!"-- Roberta Thome (via FB)

"Stopped off at JoAnn’s last night and my son picked out two colors for me to choose from (Grey-ish and Camel-ish). I can’t decide which I like better, so I guess I have to do two scarves! I’ll “chain on” tonight and try to keep up through the weekend."-- Mama Karen (via Rav)

"...digging this pattern, Thanks for this CAL Vickie!" -- Mehere7 (via Rav)

"Thank you for a beautiful, easy, and fun pattern, Vickie!" -- Art Like Bread (via Rav)

"Have made 4 scarves in the last two days. Made the last one while I was under the hair dryer." --Rosetta Williams (via FB)

Ends

More FOs!

"Ava's Aunt Renee" (via Ravelry)

L-R: Candyce Lucas' (via FB), Margot Potter's (via FB), "Memaw9's" (via Ravelry), & "Camellia 3's (via Ravelry)

Cathy Boha's Scarves (via Facebook)

Didn't make it for the the CAL, but still want to make the scarf? No problem! The threads (including Q&A and how-to photos) will remain up on both Facebook and Ravelry, and you can nab the pattern here.

Screenshot from Stitch.Rock.Knit-along on Facebook

Got project ideas for a future Stitch.Rock.Crochet-along? Post 'em in the comments section! 

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

P.S. Don't forget to join my on my regular Facebook page, Twitter & Pinterest!

From the Archives: Interview with Isaac Mizrahi

In honor of tomorrow night's Project Runway All Stars season finale, I thought I'd post my 2006 interview with one of the show's judges, designer Isaac Mizrahi. This article was one of a series of celebrity-based pieces I wrote for the now out-of-print, Knit.1 Magazine. Enjoy!  xo, Vickie

P.S. Good luck, Mondo!

Pop Color Trend: Bright Pink + CAL!

Bright pink is one of those rare colors that depending on how it's used can be either girlie and goodie-goodie, or totally punk rock. I love it for that!  It also happens to be one of the pop colors trending right now, and thusly deserves a round-up. Here are just a few, great pieces in the palette. You can keep up to date with more blushing finds though, on my Pop Color Trend: Bright Pink Pinterest board.

In my daily life, I tend to wear a lot of black and grey. Although I love color, I'm really more comfortable wearing little bursts of it against darker shades than I am in head to toe brightness. With my latest design -- the Springtime Scarf -- I can do just that. Crocheted in in Sheep(ish) color, Hot Pink(ish), this simple neck pieces adds a bit of trend-happy pink to any ol' outfit.

Join me on Facebook or Ravelry this Thursday for a Stitch.Rock.Crochet-along to make this project for yourself. It's quick, simple and dare I say, a little bit sassy?

Get the Springtime Scarf pattern here: download now.

Hope to crochet-along with you soon!

xx,
Vickie

About.com Reader's Choice Awards!

Hey, all. I'm super honored to be nominated for an About.com Reader's Choice Award for Favorite Knitwear Designer. There are only 2 more days to vote (as often as you see fit), and I'd be very grateful if you'd take a moment to show your support. VOTE HERE.

Thank you so much!

xx,
Vickie

Handmade for the Home

Source: Uploaded by user via Vickie on Pinterest

Sometimes thinking about how to create handmade items and incorporate them into the home can be a bit overwhelming. After all, not everyone has time to knit cotton rugs for all of the bathrooms, or crochet an afghan to drape over the couch. Still though, DIY decor items bring a personalized warmth to any dwelling. So what's a busy stitcher to do? My advice: think small. Small project, that is.

Simple accessories that take less than a weekend to make are the perfect components for the home, no matter what your style. Coordinating throw pillows, crochet-embellished bowls, and wash cloths are all great examples of small touches of stitched style. If you want to pack a little more punch with your projects though, I suggest choosing a pop color and creating a small piece for an unexpected place. To show you what I mean, I thought I'd share a picture of my own kitchen (see above.)

On the table is a plain, vase from Ikea that I created a chevron-patterned vase sleeve for out of Sheep(ish) colors: Yellow(ish), Chartreuse(ish) and Coral(ish). The sleeve comes off so I can still wash the glass, or switch it out for another sleeve in different colors should I want to.

Hanging above the table is a plain ol', white drum lamp that I be-cozied using the same coral color from the vase. To do this, I just knit a long, garter stitch piece on oversized needles. Then, I stretched the piece around the lamp -- hot gluing along the outer edges as I went -- and seamed up the back. It was so easy, and really broke up the over-whelming amount of white in that room. Oh, and for you sew-ers out there, the valances are made by cutting rectangles of fabric, hemming the edges, and creating a rod pocket at the top. Easy peasy!

I'd love to know what items you're making for your own home. Share 'em here, if you please!

Have a creative weekend!

xx,
Vickie

Knitting rocks! Literally.

Me with Kelley & Clover at the Hill Country Weavers' garage, watching Schmillion play.

I knew my friend (The Breeders co-front woman & former Knitty Gritty guest) Kelley Deal was going to be in Austin for the SXSW music festival, but I wasn't sure when or if I'd get to see her. Since the SXSW film festival runs simultaneously -- and thusly I am for the time being a single mom of 3 (while my husband spends the week out seeing movies to review for his site, Smells Like Screen Spirit) -- the option of me going to see her side project band, R. Ring play at a midnight show at some bar downtown, well, wasn't an option at all. Le sigh.

Photo text from Kel, holding discontinued Rock yarn in color: Kim & Kelley.

Luckily though, the knitting Gods were with me! Yesterday as I finished loading the kids and groceries in the car at Whole Foods, I get a text from Kelley of the picture above. It's a shot of the color in my former "Rock" line of yarn in the color I named after her and her twin, Kim! This was her way of letting me know she had arrived safely. AND, not only was she in Austin, but she was about to play an in-store (or out-store, as it were) at our local yarn shop which was just a few miles from where we were! So, with 3 kids in tow and frozen food in the trunk I zoomed on over. How could I resist?

Clover (the short one), creeping towards the front. In true tween/pre-teen style, my boys stayed in the back row.

I'm pretty sure that my daughter Clover, at age 2 1/2 is R.Ring's biggest fan. It was her first, live music show and she was AMAZED. She slowly crept closer and closer to the stage, stopping periodically to turn to the audience and smile while pointing at Kelley. Her expression said it all, "Look at that bad-a*^ chick, playing guitar!" *swoon*. Be still my punk rock heart, I may have a future musician on my hands!

Playing in the space that normally acts as part of the yarn shop.

Kelley is a true purveyor of knit and crochet, so playing a show surrounded by yarn and tools is right up her alley.

Unfortunately, after only a few R.Ring songs the police came and shut the show down. Proving of course that after all these years of performing, Kelley's still got it! 

Alright, I'll end this post by sharing a link to my 2007 interview with Kelley from my podcast series, CRL. Give it a listen here.

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

The Mothercraft: Handprint Bunny

     

Here's a quick and cute keepsake just in time for Spring. Frame it for your mantel, or photograph it for the front of this year's Easter cards!

Materials
Light colored canvas or cotton fabric
Fabric paint
Small paint brush
Embroidery hoop, needle & thread
Iron
Optional:
Contrasting scrap fabric
Computer printed message Glue  


How-To

• Paint a thin layer over child's palm and fingers, excluding thumb. Visible brush strokes are great, because they mimic rabbit fur.
• Holding child's fingers in a "V" formation (pinky & ring fingers together/middle & pointer fingers together), press painted hand firmly onto fabric. Taking care not to slide hand, carefully peel hand up and off of fabric. Let hand print dry.
• Place fabric into embroidery hoop; use satin stitch and back stitch to embroider ear centers, nose and mouth onto handprint.
• Iron piece flat.
• Glue on fabric scrap "background" pieces and printed message onto blank area of piece.
• Frame & enjoy!

Mothercraft: Handprint Bunny

Just in time for Spring. Frame it for your mantel, or photograph it for the front of this year's Easter cards! Materials Light colored canvas or cotton fabric Fabric paint Small paint brush Embroidery hoop, needle & thread Iron Optional: Contrasting scrap fabric Computer printed message Glue   How-To

• Paint a thin layer over child's palm and fingers, excluding thumb. Visible brush strokes are great, because they mimic rabbit fur.
• Holding child's fingers in a "V" formation (pinky & ring fingers together/middle & pointer fingers together), press painted hand firmly onto fabric. Taking care not to slide hand, carefully peel hand up and off of fabric. Let hand print dry.
• Place fabric into embroidery hoop; use satin stitch and back stitch to embroider ear centers, nose and mouth onto handprint.
• Iron piece flat.
• Glue on fabric scrap "background" pieces and printed message onto blank area of piece.
• Frame & enjoy!

And the winners of Margot Potter book are...

Dora from California (posted on 3/8)

AND

Enid B (posted 2/28)

Please e-mail your mailing address to: infoATvickiehowellDOTcom.

You'll then, soon be the proud owners of New Dimensions in Bead & Wire Jewelry -- congrats!

xx,
Vic

1-Ball Springtime Scarf + Crochet-Along!

Just because warmer weather is on the horizon doesn't mean it's time to pack up your crochet supplies. No way, man! Working on light and open pieces will keep you happily hooking throughout the hotter months. To kick off the season, I designed the Springtime Scarf -- a Sheep(ish), 1-ball project that'll bring some pop to wardrobe and add a "Spring" to your step! 

Get printable pattern pdf here OR on Ravelry.

Feel like hanging out? Hows about a weekender crochet-along for this project? The Springtime Scarf will be the 1st of 2012's Stitch.Rock.Crochet-alongs! Pick your pleasure and join me on either Facebook or Ravelry. On Facebook, you just need to "Like" the new, Stitch.Rock.Crochet-along page, then post an, "I'm in!" On Ravelry, go to the usual Stitch.Rock.Love group, where I've started a new thread.

We'll official start next Thursday, 3/22 and run through Sunday 3/25. In the meantime, go out and nab a ball of Sheep(ish) or other, worsted-weight yarn and a Size I (5.5 mm) hook. Feel free to upload a photo of your supplies to get the party started!

Looking forward to crocheting-along with you!

xx,

Vickie

Psst...pass it on!

New Sheep(ish) Pattern on CRAFT: Peeps-a-Boo Bag!

I believe a gal should have a purse for every occasion, even if she isn't quite old enough to need to carry one. With spring in the air and Easter on the horizon, every little lass needs a cute carry-all! Inspired by those marshmallow bunnies, the Peeps-a-Boo Bag uses simple granny squares to form a rabbit motif. It's sweet and easy, and makes for the perfect egg-hunt companion. Switch out the pink for a brown or blue bunny, and make it for the lad in your life. Either way, your kiddo will hop for joy when she or he gets this tiny tote!

Shown in Sheep(ish) colors: White(ish) & Pink(ish)

Get the pattern on the CRAFT website, and the Sheep(ish) yarn to make it with HERE -- or at a retailer near you!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

P.S. Check out the picture of my daughter on the yarn label from a year or so compared to her now (modeling the bag) -- her hair came it! 

Home Hooking: Amigurumi Tree for Interweave Crochet!

I'm happy to announce my new column for Interweave Crochet: Home Hooking! In each article, I’ll share personal anecdotes, suggest tips, and bring you a quick, easy, and absolutely doable project designed to bring a little yarn-y goodness into your family’s life.  It might be a small object to add to your home, a project to make with or for your children, or a sweet something to brighten your day—or someone else’s.

First up (and in plenty of time to make a forest's worth of 'em for Earth Day), Tree-garumi -- a sweet, little crocheted tree! It's perfect for your little one to carry around or for you to set on your desk as a tiny reminder of the great outdoors. Enjoy!

Get the issue on stands now, or download the digital edition here!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Psst! Don't forget to vote for me for About.com's Reader's Choice Award for Favorite Designer. Vote here.

Color Trend: Coral + New Sheep(ish) Pattern!

With Spring on the horizon, I'm diving right in to the current pop color trend. Of course, considering the palette of my yarn line, Sheep(ish), it's not really as much as a trend for me as it it just reveling in what I already love -- bold, saturated color is right up my alley! 

Over the coming weeks, I'll be focusing on several pop colors sharing with you inspiration boards, as well as yarn-y project ideas to incorporate the respective colors into your knitting/crochet life. First off: coral! Here's just a few favorite items I've found on the web using this color. If you're Pinterest-inclined, you can follow my Pop Color Trend: Coral board. I'll continue updating it as I find more cool, coral finds.

Adding a pop of color to your home, can be easily achieved by including some bright throw pillows in the decor.  My Perfect Square Pillow lets you do just that, and in a flash -- the pattern uses a double-strand of Sheep(ish)! It's knit in garter stitch, but uses the mitered square technique to create interesting, directional lines. Top it off with your favorite, graphic button and place your pillow on your bed or couch. Your room will look like it got a fresh breath of trend air!

Perfect Square Pillow

Vickie Howell for Caron

Materials

Sheep(ish) color: Coral(ish)

4 Balls Vickie Howell for Caron Sheep(ish) (167 yds/153 m; 30% wool/70 % acrylic) in color: Coral(ish)

Size US 11 needles

Tapestry needle

Stitch marker

14”/35 cm pillow form
1 1/2”/3.8cm cover button
Small square of fabric

Finished Measurements

14 x 14”/35 cm

Gauge

12 sts x 20 rows = 4” (10cm) in garter stitch, using double strand.

Directions (Make 2)

With a DOUBLE STRAND of yarn CO 74 sts, placing marker at the halfway point.

Row 1: K to two sts before marker, ssk, sl marker, k2tog, k to end. (72 sts)

Row 2: Knit.

Repeat these to rows until 4 sts remain.

Next RS row: Ssk, ditch marker, k2tog, slip 2nd st over 1st st on RH needle to BO last two sts.

Finishing

Using a tapestry needle and yarn, seam together two pieces at 3 of the sides; insert pillow form; seam shut.

Following the manufacturer instructions, cover button with fabric.

Using a tapestry needle and yarn, sew button to center of pillow, going back and forth through all layers of the covered pillow several times.


Get the pdf for this pattern on Ravelry!
download now



Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie