Saturday, February 18, 2006
Roots, Resorts and Rockage.
Heya, strangers! Sorry for the big ol' gap in posts, I've been battling a bit of bronchitis over the past few days and before that, I spent a couple of nights at the Lake Austin Spa and Resort. Next month I'll be teaching a couple of knitting workshops there so as payment, they let me stay and enjoy the facilities. If you ever happen to be in Austin and have several extra bucks to spare, I'd highly recommend checking this place out. It's serene, beautiful, and offers a ton of great classes and ways to relax. The days that we went happend to have fallen during "Culinary Week" so we took a vegetarian sushi class. Now, I never thought these words would pass through my fingertips but, cooking can be so much fun! We brought wine and learned how to work with rice wrappers and make the best spring rolls I've ever eaten. It was good times.
Here's a picture with our instuctor, who's name I'm totally spacing. Even though my new camera has failed and made her look somewhat poltergeistish, she's actually a lovely woman...
..And this one below is of me chopping up ingrediants for the spring rolls. I'm showing it to you not because it's at all that interesting of a shot but because the occasion is so rare that I step into the kitchen to do more than assemble food, that I thought the moment deserved to be noted for posterity.
Ok, well that's all I have to say about that. I'll give you more info on the workshops as it's up and available on their website.
Under the category of suckage, last week I got a call from one of the editors at Budget Living telling me that the magazine is folding. They had been up for sale for 60 days, weren't able to find a buyer and are now closing their doors. Selfishly, I'm really bummed. Not only because it was one of my favorite magazines but also, because I had two more projects set to be featured with them, had joined their advisory board and was *this* close to getting a regular crafty column with them. What's a real drag though, is that there are some really talented people that work at the mag and now they have to look for new jobs. I'm sure they'll have no trouble finding them, but it still blows. Angela Matusik especially, the new editor-in-chief was doing some really amazing things with the overall look--it'll be interesting to see where she'll take her career next.
Under the category of R-O-C-K-age, I got an e-mail from the Knitty Gritty executive producer checking my availability for this summer to possibly go back into studio. This doesn't mean anything for sure...but it's possible that our little grassroots campaign is working. Power to the people! Keep your fists high and fingers crossed.
Alright, I've gotta head out for a parent/teacher conference. Knit strong! ;-)
--Vic
posted by Vickie Howell @ 4:59 PM
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Thrice the crochet goodness!!
Hey, everyone! It's Valentines Day and what better way to celebrate than by showing a little love for crochet and OMGURSOHAWT rock bands?! (Bear with me here.)
Today, the new issue of Knit.1 Magazine hit the shelves featuring both my Travel Wrap design as well as my interview with Thrice's babelicious bassist, Eddie Breckinridge! I spent a day on tour with him and his band, hanging out and chatting about his two passions: music and crochet.
The issue also includes world-travel inspired projects, an ode to pirates, "Mile High Club" projects and handy-to-know knitting phrases in 11 languages! All that to say, uber Editor-in-chief Adina Klein put together a fantastic looking issue. As my friend Jennifer Perkins said to me today while we were looking at the issue for the first time, "Man, this magazine totally makes me want to learn how to knit. There's some CUTE stuff in here!". I know I'm kinda biased, but I'd have to agree. Speaking of Ms. Perkins, her Naughty Secretary Club jewelry is sprinkled throughout the issue. Because, after all everything is better, crafting included, when accessorized. Soooo, while you're out frantically searching for last minute cards and flowers, stop on by your local news stand and pick up a copy. Oh, and don't forget to give your favorite knitter or crocheter a big V-Day kiss for me!
Stay tuned for bonus material...
xoxo,
Vickie
And now, aformentioned bonus material:
These are a few shots not seen in the article from my day with Thrice.
Eddie and me, shopping for yarn at Hill Country Weavers in Austin.
It was frrrrrrrrrrreeezing the day we met, so Eddie was kind enough to crochet me a beenie. This is him working on it, minutes before he's supposed to go on stage.
Here it is finished...
Learn more about Thrice here!
The end.
posted by Vickie Howell @ 1:37 PM
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Goodbye, Peter.
Some sad news today. As you may have heard, Peter Benchley died yesterday from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis which causes fatal and progressive scarring of the lungs. He was only 65 years old.
You likely know him as the author of the novels, JAWS (if you've only seen the movies and haven't read the book, I highly reccomend it--30 years after it's first publishing, it's still a great read), The Deep and The Island or as a shark conservationist working with National Geographic and other publications. I knew him not only as those things but also as a thoughtful, kind, brilliant man with a wicked sense of humor. I met Peter in Toronto when I was 24 years old and the assistant to the President of Atlantis Entertainment. He had signed on with the company to develop a television series about the survivors of a plane crash in the Amazon (this was long before the days of "Lost"). My boss and I had flown in for an all day brainstorming session, where I sat across the table from Mr. Benchley and a team of others, tossing ideas back and forth about possible characters, conflicts and story lines. It was a fantastic experience--one that I'll never forget. After that, a friendship formed as I became the liason between Peter and my boss for the duration of the project. I was really disappointed when I wasn't able to go to the Amazon with him, his beloved wife Wendy and several others for a research trip. It was however, 2 months before I was getting married and I was paranoid of getting bitten by a snake or getting some random disease that would prevent me from picture-perfect bridedom. In hindsight, giving up that experience for a white dress may not have been one of my best decisions although apparently, several people on that trip did end up getting sick. Always the gentleman though, Peter sent me 2 momenti from his Amazonian travels: a piranha and tribal necklace, both of which still hang framed in my office along with the note he included in the package. In the letter, after explaining the origin and meaning of both objects he closed with, "Further explanations provided free of charge. Yr Hmbl Svt, PB". To this day, every time I glance up and see that note, his usage of silly abbreviations makes me smile.
Shortly after "Amazon" the series began airing, a big company merger took place and I lost my job a few months later. We lost touch not long after that and although I haven't seen or spoken with him in 6 years I feel like knowing him, albiet briefly, was both an honor and a privilege.
Peter Benchley, thank you for all that you contributed to this world. Wherever you are, you'll be missed.
Yr Hmbl Svt,
VH
posted by Vickie Howell @ 10:07 PM
Friday, February 10, 2006
Feeling Bookish
Hey all! Just a quick FYI that I signed on to be part of the Knitty Gritty book which is scheduled to hit shelves this November. I'll be writing the introduction, as well as some of the content, consulting on projects (as well as possibly designing a couple of bonus patterns that haven't been seen on the show), etc. I'm thrilled that this project is finally happening--it should be pretty cool!
On a different note, it looks like the story of the Stitch N' Bitch battle has made it's way across the pond. I found this article on a British news website today.
Ok, I have a couch pillow fort to disassemble. Night!
--Vic
posted by Vickie Howell @ 10:56 PM
Rainy days and Fridays.
It's a rainy morning here in Austin. I was on the way to a 9am Ashtonga class (motivated by how friggin' fantastic Madonna looks at 47, largely thanks to yoga), but turned around at the last minute, deciding that since I'm still having a little pain in my shoulder from Wedesday's class I should probably give my body a break ( I think I may've pulled something while attempting this back bend with my legs bound together with a strap--I still haven't learned how to evenly disperse my weight--and now I'm babbling and need to stop...) Anywhoodles, my guilt was asuaged by the fact that if I had gone to class I would've missed an important, impromptu conference call with the Knit.1 art director and editor. I think we've figured out a solution to the problem of not being able to get me and the next interviewee's schedules to sync up for photography purposes. This is good news for me because it means I won't have to jump on a plane next week. Hooray!
In unrelated news, how cute is this? This site tells you what your Japanese name would be. Although I highly doubt its authenticity, who can resist the kitsch factor?!
Your Japanese Name Is...
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Hisa Aburakoji
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And speaking of Harajuku girls, did you seen Gwen Stefani at the Grammy's? Lord, she's one adorable pregnant woman! Seriously, she looked so gorgeous in her leopard, empire waist tank/tunic and red lipstick it almost made me sad (for like 1 second) that I probably will never do the whole giving birth thing again. Hey, Gwen, holla! ;-)
On the crafty front, I've recieved a ton of great submissions for Catwalk Crochet and am slowly plowing through them. If you submitted, please give me a a week or two to figure out what's going to work with the overall aesthetic of the book. I think that I have the color palettes worked out for each season, so the next step is to start plugging in designs that'll work within each color theme. I'm really excited about this project and appreciate your patience and willingness to possibly be involved!
I made a wee capelet for my little friend Heide. It looks so beautiful on her that I'm thinking about using a similar variation of it in the book! Check it:
Hey, before I go, can I bug you about something? Thanks. Theoretically, if I were to be coming out with a line of my own products, what is it that you'd most like to see offered? It doesn't just have to be knitting related--think anything from yarn to wall paper. I've got a couple of things in the works, but since you all have sorta become my test group/advisory board, I'd really love to hear your thoughts.
Ok, I have another conference call to jump onto. More later!
xx, Vic
posted by Vickie Howell @ 8:59 AM
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Survey Says?
Good evening, fair ladies and gents! First and foremost, I want to thank all of you who have written into the network to show a little Knitty Gritty love. You are totally the wind beneath my grass roots wings! Seriously though, I really appreciate the support, That show means a lot to me, so it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside knowing that you guys are behind it. Thanks.
This year, I'd like to concentrate more on developing my website, making it a place that people want chill at and revisit. To do that though, I definitely need the input of people like yourselves to let me know how I can make VH.com better. If you get a moment, it would rule the school if you would fill out a quick questionaire that me and the ladies (aka Ginger & Jenny) have put together. If you do so, then you're automatically entered into a drawing to win your choice of t-shirts or a copy of New Knits on the Block. Fill out the survey here.
The Austin Craft Mafia gals just left my house. We had one of the most productive meetings that we've ever had, and are moving forward on what promises to be some exciting projects. More on that later.
I know I have more to say, but I've been up since 5:45am and I'm fading. I've been taking Ashtanga (yoga) classes regularly though, so I've been feelig so much more focused and energetic. It's awesome. The only reason I'm mentioning it, is because I have a 9am class tomorrow after I drop off the kiddos. I gots to get some sleep in the meantime because dang, that class kicks mine arse!
Ok, that's all for now. Howell, out.
P.S. You can sleep well knowing that my Treo was found by a cab driver who after negotiating a reward amount with me (apparently the satisfaction of doing the right thing wasn't enough for her), has deposited it at the local Sprint store where I can pick it up at my leisure. My techie life can now resume.
P.P.S. If you'd still like some "Craft. Rock. Live." stickers but haven't written in yet, we still have some left. Drop Ginger (ginger@vickiehowell.com) an e-mail with your address and how many you'd like and she'll get them right out to you. She's good like that. ;-)
posted by Vickie Howell @ 10:55 PM
Friday, February 03, 2006
Whoa, Nellie!
Holy cow, guys. Thank you so much for the amazing respose to the sticker request. To make sure though that everyone gets through, from now on, please send your request to my assistant, Ginger: ginger@vickiehowell.com. If you've already contacted me, please DON'T RE-SEND. We've totally gotcha covered, yo. ;-)
On the KNITTY GRITTY front, some of you were asking about new episodes. I talked a little bit about new episodes in one of my comment responses but in case you missed it, here's the scoop: Last October we shot 39 more episodes (basically 3 more seasons worth.) That's the good news. The bad news is that the network is thinking about not airing them until this fall which basically means there'd be almost a full year of re-runs. Apparently, Knitty Gritty is a strong show for them and so they're holding it for a big Craft push they're doing in October. I would love for them to air at least one of the new seasons before the fall push, but I'm not the one who they need to hear that from. Sooooo, if y'all are interested in "More KG A.S.A.P." (feel free to chant that phrase, it has a nice ring to it ;-)), then it'd be ever so awesome if you'd send DIY an e-mail letting them know how you feel about the show (unless of course you think it sucks then please, keep that to yourself--this host has feelings too, ya know!). Let them know how often you watch and that you're hoping that new ones will air soon.
Here's the link to DIY Viewer Services, where you can contact the network directly. For some weird reason, Knitty Gritty isn't listed (they're working on fixing that), so just click on "other" in the drop down list. I *heart* you muchly for taking the time to show some love. Thanks!
Ok, I have 4 boys under the age of 6 at the house right now and they seem to be planning some form of revolt. I gotta go. Wish me luck!
xo, Vickie
posted by Vickie Howell @ 10:39 AM
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Oy Vegas.
I just got home from the Crafts & Hobbies Association Convention in Vegas. Besides (or maybe because of ;-))the fact that I will need a cocktail-free month to detox, the trip was great! Fellow ACMer jennifer Perkins and I met with a company about using their products for our designs and also about a possible future project with Austin Craft Mafia. I also made a handshake deal with a different company to create a line of products under my own name! Lastly, it looks like I'll be doing an hour or so show to sell my book on the Shop At Home Network soon. I'll keep you posted on any late breaking news as soon as I get it. ;-)
The trip consisted of a lot of industry events and dinners, my favorite being the "Kniterary Party" that my publisher threw for myself and 5 other needle arts authors including, Kitty Bartholomew and Nicky Epstein. It was a very swank cocktail party at the Tsao Asian Bistro in the Venetian Hotel (if you're in to celebrity gossip, I think it's the same place that Paris Hilton had her New Years Eve party). We had the entire top floor to ourselves complete with an overflowing open bar and servers circulating the room with Asian-infused cuisine. Normally, those events are very low budget but Sterling really went all out and I know we all appreciated it. Another cool thing about the evening was that I was reunited with my best guy friend from 6th grade on. We hadn't seen each other for 9 years and recently reconnected via MySpace. Coincidentally, he had to be in Vegas on business that day too, so he stopped by the party. It was like a day hadn't passed since we'd hung out last. He's like a brother to me, so it's awesome to have him back in my life.
I got back around midnight last night and am trying to catch up. For whatever reason, the internet connection wasn't working for me in the hotel room and I lost my Treo in a cab (don't ask) the night be fore I left for Vegas, so I wasn't able to check e-mail the entire time I was away. That said, I have some catching up to do.
While I'm doing that, check out my new stickers designed by the handsome and talented, Nils Ellis:
Want one (or a few) for you and your friends? No problem, I've got a gajillion of them! Go here and scroll down to the bottom of the page and write your name, address and how many you want in the "Contact Vickie" field. I'll send 'em right out to you! Oh, and if you should feel so inclined, send me a picture of you and where you stuck your fancy new "Craft. Rock. Live" sticker and I'll put it up on my website! Cool? Cool.
xo, Vickie
posted by Vickie Howell @ 7:25 PM
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