Red Scarf Project + Scarf Pattern

Star Stitch Scarf

It's that time of year again, for both knitwearing AND donations being accepted for the Red Scarf Project. Read my interview on the Bernat Blog with a representative of RSP--an organization that benefits foster kids and orphans. Also on the blog, is the Softee Chunky version of the Star Stitch scarf I contributed to the book, Craft Hope.

Yarn: Softee Chunky in color, Berry Red.

Psst! Make it in Royal Purple, Lavender or Dark Mauve, too for my charity, Purple Stitch Project!

Mothercraft: Button Snake Activity

I've got travel on the brain. Maybe because this is busy season for us professional crafters, so there are several trips on the schedule for me over the next few months. Be sure to check out my calendar for upcoming events!

A few days ago I shared slippers that I made on a plane ride from Toronto, so today I thought I'd share a project I made to keep my toddler busy (well, for a few minutes, anyway) on our way to Puerto Rico.

Button snakes are nothing new. You've probably seen loads of ribbon versions on Pinterest. It's a great activity for little hands to practice threading while their minds recall different shapes, patterns and colors. My take on this classic project involves yarn (I know, shocker!), and colorful oilcloth (because it's easy to clean juice box spills off of.) Here's how to make one for yourself!

Button Snake in action on a plane ride!

MATERIALS

Bernat Softee Chunky (1 ball makes a barrel full of snakes!)

Size US L-N (8-9 mm) crochet hook

Scraps of oilcloth, felt or home dec fabric (various colors)

Pinking shears or scissors

2, Buttons

Sewing thread and needle

Crocheted Button Snake

HOW-TO

• Make "snake": With yarn and hook, crochet an 18"/46 cm chain. Fasten off. Trim ends.

• Make "scales": Cut out different shapes in various colors of fabric.

• Finish off: Hand sew buttons to each end of chain snake. Cut slits approximately the width of the buttons into the center of each shape scale.

• Put it into action: Let your kiddo thread the snake through the scales as he/she names each shape!

Travel FO

In-flight WIP

I rarely get the time to make things for myself. However, after designer, Nicole Winer's Kickstart Monday Quickie Slippers being made at the Bernat offices -- well, I couldn't help grabbing some yarn and whipping up a pair during my flight back to the states. In fact, they were so fun to crochet that I modified the pattern and made a mini version for my daughter. Aren't they sweet?

Yarn: Bernat Softee Chunky in color: Kimono

'Tis the season to start working on holiday gifts, and these slippers are definitely a contender for family members, teachers and friends! Nab the free pattern on the Bernat blog and the yarn in stores or online.

Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie

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New Sheep(ish) Pattern: Webbed Legwarmers!

Shown in colors: Black(ish), White(ish) & Pumpkin(ish)

Alright, it's the middle of September, so I can't wait any longer to start posting Halloween projects. Oh, how I *heart* this season! Over the coming weeks I'll be posting a several spooky projects -- both new and from the archives -- so, get ready! First up though, is my latest, littles design: Webbed leg warmers. Simple, black & white, slip stitch color work creates a webbed background for an embroidered spider to lurk on. Make these for your own scary, sweetie and they'll be as cozy as they are creepy while wearing them! Enjoy! xx, Vickie

Webbed

Wee Web Leg Warmers

by Vickie Howell

SIZE

One size to fit toddler 2-3 yrs

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Approx 8” [20.5 cm] circumference x 9½” [24 cm] long

MATERIALS

Vickie Howell Sheep(ish) (70% Acrylic /30% Wool; 167 yds/153 m),

A Black(ish) (00001) 1 ball

B White(ish) (00004) 1 ball

C Pumpkin(ish) (00013) 1 ball

Set of 4 size 5 mm (U.S. 8) double-pointed knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge.

Tapestry needle

GAUGE

18 sts and 24 rows= 4” [10 cm] in stocking st

ABBREVIATIONS

K = Knit

P = Purl

Pat = Pattern

Rep = Repeat

Rnd(s) = Round(s)

RS = Right side

Sl1 = Slip next stitch knitwise

St(s) = Stitch(es)

Instructions

Cuff: With A, cast on 36 sts. Divide sts evenly on 3 needles. Join in rnd, placing a marker on first st.

1st - 8th rnds: *K2. P2. Rep from * around.

Body: 9th rnd: With B, knit.

10th rnd: Purl.

11^th and 12th rnds: With A, K1. *Sl1. K2. Rep from * to last 2 sts. Sl1. K1.

to last 2 sts. Sl1. K1.

13^th and 14th rnds: With B, rep 9^th and 10th rnds.

15^th and 16th rnds: With A, *K3. Sl1. Rep from * around.

Rep 9^th to 16th rnds 5 times more. Rep. 9^th to 16^th rnds until work measures 8 ½ of inches or desired length!

Rep 9^th and 10th rnds once more.

Next rnd: With A, knit.

Next 8 rnds: *K2. P2. Rep from * around.

Bind off in ribbing.

Finishing

Weave in ends.

Using tapestry needle, C and photo as guide, embroider spider on front of leg warmer.

Vickie Howell Sheep(ish) yarn available online and at select Michaels & JoAnn Stores!

Prefer a printable PDF? No problem! Nab it from my Ravelry Shop: download now.

Psst! Don't forget to share you FO pics with me on Facebook!

Video: No-tool Pompoms + Pom-inspiration!

'Tis the season to get crafty, and nothing says craftiness like a puffy, little pompom. Here's my DIY tutorial on how to make your own fluff balls, without needing any special tools. Yes my friends, all you need a some yarn & scissors, your hands and a dream! Give the video a watch and please, share it with friends.

Need a little pom-speration? Hows-about a snapshot of my Pompompalooza Pinterest board?

Stay tuned next week for some pompom projects for the kids!

xx,
Vickie

P.S. Looking for more, crafty how-to help? Check out my YouTube channel!

Candy Corn Poncho in Crafts 'n' Things!

 

   

Halloween is a little over a month and a half away and I don't know about you, but I'm already in the spirit. I *heart* Halloween, so keep your eyes peeled over the coming weeks for some spooktacular project ideas for kids and home. First up: the crocheted, Candy Corn poncho from the latest issue of Crafts 'n' Things Magazine. It's a sweet, little project that'll ward off the trick-or-treat chill.

Get the Sheep(ish) yarn to make this poncho online here, or head on over to Michaels or Joann stores to nab the mag and yarn in one trip.

Level: Beginner

Yarn: 1 Ball each of Vickie Howell Sheep(ish) in colors: 

Yellow(ish), Coral(ish) & White(ish)

Enjoy!

xx,
Vickie

Free Bernat Softee Chunky Pattern: iCover Digital Tablet Cozy!

iCover, digital tablet cozy.

Do you have a case of the Mondays? Well so do we. Weekly. That's why on every Monday this month, the Bernat Design team and I came up with quick-and-easy projects that'll begin your week with a bang! Join us on the Bernat Blog for, Kickstart Mondays. Free projects + easy to accomplish = a feeling of world domiKnition! 

First up, is my iCover pattern -- a digital tablet cozy with instructions to fit virtually any, flat, techie gadget. Made with Softee Chunky (now both softee-er and chunkier) and size US 11/8 mm needles, you'll be able to knit this up in an evening. (Psst...bookmark this one for potential holiday gifts for officemates!)

Get the pattern here, and the yarn here.

Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Still Crazy for Chevrons!

 

Here we are, exactly a year from the infamous Missoni at Target stores (in the U.S.) launch; the tipping point for what has continued to be a collective, crazed enthusiasm for chevron print. It's a bandwagon that I happily jumped onto with both feet -- I even designed a Sheep(ish) baby blanket that was featured on Apartment Therapy on that same, fateful day. Then, because I tend to get graphic obsessed, I also churned out vase cozies for Craftzine.com and a Christmas Stocking for About.com using zig-zag motifs.

As if that weren't enough, I gleefully ride on a bike and work amongst craft closets in my office that have been be-chevroned. I may have a problem.

Clearly though, I am not alone. Across the web -- from home decor blogs and fashion retailer websites, to DIY forums and crafty social media hubs -- the angled waves are everywhere! Here are just a few of my favorite findings that I've collected on a Pinterest board. I'll give you a moment to swoon. *waiting*

Are you feeling it? Well ok, then grab your needles and hooks, order some yarn, and nab one of the great patterns I've listed below to make one of your own, on-trend pieces! I personally recommend the Rickrack pullover. I love this design so much, that in the mythical world where I get recreational knitting time, I'll make one for my own daughter. Since it's made with Softee Chunky (which BTW is on sale right now, if you use the code: SOFTEECHUNKY at checkout) though, it'll work up lickety-split. You know, I think I might just make time for this one! How about you; are you in?

Five More Chevron-lovin' Projects from the Bernat Design Team

1. Rick Rack Paddywack Blanket (Get the yarn to make it here)

2. Satin Sparkle Shawl (Get the yarn to make it here)

3. Boa Zebra Throw & Pillow (Get the yarn to make it here)

4. Alpaca Top Down Cardigan (Get the yarn to make it here)

5. Ripple Hat & Cowl Set (Get the yarn to make it here)

Made any of these projects in the past? Got a favorite chevron pattern of your own? Share a photo link in the comments section here, or upload a shot to the Bernat facebook page.

Stitch.Rock.Love, Vickie

Meet the Designer: Jill Zielinski

Jill Zielinski aka" Kniterella"

If you've seen my DIY specials, listened to my podcast mini-series or read either the Craft Corps book or website, you know how much I love to interview creative, interesting people.  I also love giving a forum for fellow designers to shine. It's been a while since I've shared one of these conversations on this blog, but I'm thrilled to be able to do so today with the lovely and talented knitwear and graphics designer, Jill Zeilinski. Enjoy! --Vickie


VH: You've said that you're favorite graphics projects to work on are knit-related. Why is that?

JZ: My two passions are knitting and graphic design, so anytime I can combine the two I'm one happy graphic designer! In addition to my freelance graphic design business, Jill Zielinski Designs I also have my knitting related business, Knitterella so I have a good understanding of the fiber industry and that makes me feel like I'm the best graphic designer for the job!


VH: You're both a graphics and knitwear designer. In what ways, if any, are the two processes similar to each other? Do you ever find that your graphics background helps you when designing a knitted piece?

JZ: I've discovered that they overlap quite a bit. As far as my freelance graphic design business, I find that at some point all knitting/fiber related businesses will need a graphic designer. Not only for logos and ads but also for pattern layout, book design, charts and schematics. As far as when it comes to designing my knitting patterns, being a graphic designer totally helps me in that area as well. It's a huge bonus to be able to do all your own pattern layouts, charts, etc. There are no limitations! Not to mention it saves time and money if you don't have to hire someone else to do it.

Jill's hat AND layout design for pattern.

VH: Is there anything that makes your graphics-designer-eye twitch when you visit yarn-related websites and blogs?

JZ: Pixelated images! That really makes my eye twitch.



VH: For all the aspiring, indie knitwear designers out there do you have any tips for choosing the right direction for their logos?

JZ: There are two things that I can't stress enough when giving graphic design advice to knitwear designers and that's the importance of a strong logo and professional photography. Although I know a logo can seem pricey you have to keep in mind that this is the most important piece of graphic design you will invest in. A strong logo is the first impression of your business and will help you stand out from the rest. Therefore, a good logo is a must! The second is to use professional photography to showcase your knitting patterns. Everyone appreciates a pretty picture and good photos can make any pattern look better and sell better too!

The logo Jill designed for my charitable organization.

VH: What projects--graphics, knitting or otherwise-- are you currently working on?

JZ: I've really found my calling! Turning my original graphics into colorwork knitting feels totally natural to me. I really enjoy experimenting with graphic motifs, patterns and colors. My Mojavé pattern is a perfect example of this. You'll see a lot more colorwork designs coming from me this year and next!

Mojave Scarf

VH: I love that one -- I just added it to my "Azteca" board on Pinterest! Beautiful job, and absolutely on trend for the season.