Movie Monday: Tangled

This week's Movie Monday comes courtesy of one of my daughter's favorite flicks: Disney's Tangled. I love how the knit garment was used as wardrobe for one of the burly brutes (don't let the "jazz hands" and mime make-up fool you) in the perilous bar scene. Is it me, or is his cap-sleeved top actually kind of cute? Picture it tailored for a woman's shape. I'd totally wear it!

Waffle Stitch Top

Photo: Disney

Recommended Stitching: 
Sheep(ish): Topside Cardi, by Vickie Howell
Bamboo: Deep V Cardi, by Bernat Design Team
Bamboo: Leaf Top, by Bernat Design Team

 Happy viewing; happy stitching!

 xx,
Vickie

Trendspotting: Aztec-Style Prints

One of the boldest trends over the past year or so is that of angular, Aztec-inspired prints. From home decor to jewelry and swimwear, you'd be hard-pressed not to spot the Southwestern flair that graces the aisles of even the most mainstream of retailers.

Here are some of the inspiration images featuring this trend -- you can see the ever-growing collection on my "Azteca" Pinterest board.

Us knitters can jump on the trend now too, by whipping up one of the quickie projects designed by myself and the Bernat team!

Southwestern Comfort Pillow, by Vickie Howell

The Southwestern Comfort pillow is worked in chunky yarn and in black, neutral & pop colors to emphasize the modern appeal of a graphic that traditionally evokes ancient times. Get the supplies here.

   

Aztec Cowl, by Bernat Design Team

  

The Aztec Cowl is timeless in its design. The cream background and subtle, multi-colored print is so chic that this accessory will be wearable long after the ethnic print trend has passed. Get the supplies here and here.

To see more Trendspotting posts, go here.

xx, 

Vickie

Twitter: @vickiehowell FB: facebook.com/vickiehowell Ravelry: VickieHowell 

Pinterest: iamvickiehowell

Craft Tree: Crocheted Amigurumi

Quickie post to share with you that my Tree-garumi pattern (originally featured in Interweave Crochet), is one of the projects included in the new book, Craft Tree: Crocheted Amigurumi.
If you have a penchant for crochet cuteness, this book is a must-have!

Get it here.

xx,
Vickie

This Weekend: Vogue Knitting Live NYC!

If you're in the NYC area, please stop by the Vogue Knitting Live marketplace at the Marriot Marquis Hotel. As usual, I'll be there -- teaching knitters how to crochet and vice versa -- at the Bernat Beginner's Lounge!

This time we're shaking it up a bit by offering different types and weights of yarn to learn with, including: Sheep(ish) by Vickie Howell, Bernat Softee Chunky, and Bernat Softee Baby! We'll provide Boye Needles and The Crochet Dude Hooks to go along with the yarn of your choice.

Even if you're already an experienced stitcher, visit us anyway for free patterns and other goodies. I'll be handing out loads of sample balls of Bernat yarns in this season's, on-trend colors. Also (while supplies last) a pattern and hook for quick-to-make slippers to keep you cozy after a long day, of yarn shopping. :)

When I'm not at the Beginner's Lounge, I'll be signing copies of my latest book, Step It Up Knits (Chronicle) at the Kollabora booth (# 318 & 320) on Saturday at 12pm, and Sunday at 1pm. 

Print out this coupon for $5 off admission!

Even if you can't make it to the show though, you can follow the happenings on Twitter. Look for hashtag #vklive.

I'll also be sharing a live stream of photos on Instagram, so be sure to follow me. Oh, and tag/tweet me @VickieHowell and @BernatYarns if we take a picture together.

Hope to see you -- either live or virtually -- there!

xx,
Vickie

P.S. You can see my photos from past Vogue Knitting Live Shows here.

Podcast: Realities of Professional Crafting & Internet Jealousy

Recently, the smart and impressive, Sister Diane asked me to sit down and discuss the benefits and deficits of having "celebrities" in the craft world, how I deal with internet jealousy and the inevitability of feeling overwhelmed by the demands of social media. What resulted was a very candid conversation about our jobs as women, public perception of success and the realities of a career in a creative profession. 

I may be all jazz-hands on the outside, but on the inside I often just want to
crawl inside the knitted cowl I'm promoting.

Listen here!

If you've ever wanted a career in the craft industry, ever felt alone in your anxiety, ever wondered if you were good enough to compete with all of the amazing talent out there -- I hope you'll give this episode of CraftyPod a listen.

xx,

Vickie