Friday, March 31, 2006
Driving leads to Dinosaurs
Last night I felt like going for a drive so I hopped in the car, not knowing where I'd end up. A few miles and a phone call later, I arrived at Stubbs for a Dinosaur Jr. reunion show. Random occurances like this just further my love for Austin. Jennifer, Cory and I hung out singing along to songs I hadn't even thought about since 1992, while two guys standing behind us made fun of us for the amount of times we touched our own hair. Speaking of hair, Jennifer dyed hers chesnut brown and shattered it out with a long, layered, rock-n-roll cut. She looks amazing!
I had a 36 hour business trip to Atlanta this week, 16 of which was spent travelling. Armageddon worthy lightening storms caused hours upon hours of flight delays. It sucked. My presentation however, went very well and concluded with a few of the executives taking me out thrift store shopping and for Atlantian beer and fried green tomatoes on the patio of a local pub. That part defintely did not suck.
I came home to find boxes stacked up next my back door. They were mostly from yarn companies--little reminder parcels of how much work on this crochet book I have ahead of me. One however, contained a couple of copies of that book Tease that I mentioned a couple of posts ago. It looks really, really good. I know it sounds cheesy, but I get so proud when I see my Austin Craft Mafia girls published--it's cool that I don't even have to see their names to know who designed what. They're all so talented and I *heart* them.
So, if you're spending your lunch hour blog browsing, check out Urban Socialite. She was kind enough to mention ACM and Stylelicious.
Oh,BTW, if you're in Austin, please come on by the Stylelicious premiere party next Wednesday at Docs Motorworks at 7:30pm. Here's the Evite for your viewing pleasure! It should be a lot of fun. There'll be free adult bevies from 8-9pm, raffle giveaways, gift bags for the first 75 people, and episodes of the show running on monitors in the background. Hope to see you there!
If you can't make it though (or frankly, even if you can), please tune in to the DIY network at 2:30ET/1:30CT on Thursday the 6th for the show debut!
Peace. Out.
Vickie
posted by Vickie Howell @ 10:53 AM
Friday, March 24, 2006
Fencing the Issue
I live in what could be called an "up and coming" neighborhood. In 5 years or so, it'll hopefully be a hub of artists and progressive families--now however, it's still a wee bit sketchy. My next door neighbor is a really cool, 30-something architect who I've befriended. Down the street is his friend, who matches the same description. Conversely, the duplex behind me is inhabited by very a large family who enjoy parking their 9 cars on their front lawn and playing "oom pa" music (on 11), at all hours of the night. We also have a resident schizophrenic who when not pacing the street, finds my front yard the superb place to sit down for a smoke while watching the same two-tone, primered Nissan drag race down the road every day. So, to provide my kiddos with a backyard and safe area to ride their bikes, while also creating refuge from some of the above aforementioned, I decided to have a huge fence built arounbd what I now refer to as, my "crafty compound".
Lately, I've been really into the corregated metal and cedar fence combo, so I hooked-up with this local designer, Eric Billig, to see what we could do with the budget I had. It was a big job, since the entire place was either surrounded by a 1' picket fence (what could have possibly been the purpose in bulding that?) or cement embedded chain link (ick). See below...
After the boys demolished our old fence...
Eric and his trusty side-kick Sam, built this one, including a gate to enclose the car port:
Oh, and since my neighbor and I thought it was a bit sad to completely seperate our two properties, we had an adjoining bar built so that we can share afternoon cocktails.
Now, we just need to go outdoor bar stool shopping--T.G.I.F!
Vickie
posted by Vickie Howell @ 8:44 AM
Monday, March 20, 2006
When the Dog Bites, When the Bee Stings...
Heya! Here are a few of my favorite things...just because.
Read It
Former staffers, including editor-in-cheif Angela Matusik of the dearly departed Budget Living Magazine have recently proven that their love of affordable home decor goodness, isn't only print deep. Enter Shelteriffic, a blog formatted resource for the haute homebody in all of us. Check with them often for cool finds, reviews and ideas for that place where you dwell. All it takes is four walls and a roof to make a shelter but if you want shelter-iffic, you're gonna need to read this blog!
Get It
Well, Debbie Stoller's done it again. She's BUSTed into another crafty genre with a a book that's as functional as it is fabulous and funky. HAPPY HOOKER pairs Deb's cleverly written and comprehensive instruction with a collection of contributed designs that will have you fiending for crochet!--My favorites are Faith Landsman's flower-y doormat, Angela Best's lacey bolero, Jen Neitzel & Kim State's openweave shrugs, Camilla Engman's adorable anime-looking toys, and Tricia Royal's corset belt. This book is a must have for both the novice and advanced crocheter alike. Hop on over the Bust Boobtique for the hook-up.
Listen to It
I was recently at a SXSW show at an art gallery here in Austin and was blown away by one of the bands performing. WOLFMOTHER, a relatively new group out of Australia, wails like the most legendary of 70's rockers must've back in the day. Seriously, my friends and I commented that we had just stood 10 feet away from the next huge, band phenomena. Give 'em a listen. Even if Hendrix/Morrison/Page/Plant aren't your thing, you're sure to appreciate this talented trio's fierce, musical presence. For more info on Wolfmother go to their official website or download their EP off of I-tunes (or wherever).
Carry It
People are often kind enough to send me some of the cool things that they make and/or sell. I'm always super appreciative of these gifts, but rarely do I squeal in delight upon viewing a parcel's contents as I did when I received this "Lady B" tote along with 3 coordinating zippy bags from Lexie Barnes. Holy moly, do these bags rock! I love the bowling bag shape, I'm a sucker for the kitschy vintage inspired fabric (big suprise, I know) and am impressed with how well thought out the interior pockets are. If you're in the market for a little giftie for yourself or a knitter you love, a Barnes Bag is the way to go. For her full collection check out her website. Psst...Calling all mamas, she also makes diaper bags!
Enjoy!
xo,
Vickie
posted by Vickie Howell @ 10:37 PM
Thursday, March 16, 2006
What a Tease!
I just got a press kit for "TEASE: 50 Inspired T-Shirt Transformations By Superstars of Art, Craft & Design", a book that I contributed to. I'm so proud--along with fellow Austin Craft Mafia members, Amy Sedaris, Todd Oldham (Oh, how I *heart* his style!), Debbie Stoller and so many more amazingly prolific artists--to be a part of a project that truely embodies community and creativity. If you get a chance, take a gander at the publisher's website for the full scoop and keep your eyes peeled for the book out on shelves in April!
In other book news, Bev asked to see a picture of my laptop purse design from "Crocheted Bags On the Go!", so here is is:
I'm off to get ready for a Blackalicious show at an art gallery in East Austin. Have a good night!
Vickie
posted by Vickie Howell @ 8:24 PM
Sunday, March 12, 2006
L.L. Cool Day
Hey all! Don't forget to check out Lisa Loeb's show, #1 Single, on E! at 10pm/9pm CT. Tonight is the episode that I'll be chillin' on with Lisa and company. :-)
FYE, here are a couple of pictures from the shoot which took place at The Point Cafe in New York City.
From right to left: Lisa's friend (a regular on the show, who's name is totally escaping me at the moment), Me, Lisa & Debbie (Lisa's sister)
After the shoot, Lisa writing a list of people who she wanted copies of my book for (while I apparently took a wee nap. ;-))
Lisa modelling a kitty cat Naughty Secretary Club necklace that I brought as a gift for her.
Me & Lisa posing in a prom-like fashion.
As always, thanks for the support. Happy Sunday!
xo,
Vic
posted by Vickie Howell @ 11:26 AM
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Misty Water Colored
I don't know if you remember me mentioning a couple of months back how I had reconnected (via MySpace)with my teenagehood best guy friend, Karl. He was in business in Vegas while I was there for the CHA convention, so he came to see me at the party that my publisher threw for a few of us knitting authors. We hadn't seen each other in 9 years but as it often goes with old friends, it was like a day hadn't passed. This is a shot from that night.
Why am I showing you this you ask? No reason really, except that I came across a few pictures of us from high school so I thought I'd share one of them. This one was taken in '91 when Karl graduated (a year ahead of me) from West High School, in Torrance, California. I think I'm 17 there and yes, that is a perm I have and I really did wear my bangs that way.
In that same box of pictures I found a couple of other unrelated shots that made me smile. People often ask me where my craftiness came from and I always say that I owe that gene to my mom. This picture confirms that fact. My mom used to make a lot of my clothes and more often than not, she'd make matching versions for my dolls. This picture was taken in our front yard in Broomfield, Colorado in the late 70's. Seriously, how cute is my mom?!
Lastly, and I hope this dispells any doubt there might've been about me having a sense of humor about myself, is a picture of me (far right), Sacha (who remains one of my best friends) and the Walters sisters. Why am I wearing spandex, a scarf bow and prom gloves you ask? My, you're fullof questions today. Because, dearies, we were on our way to Madonna's Blonde Ambition concert. Duh! Hey, you gotta give me credit for choosing a look and then comitting to it, right? I think I was around 15ish then, so I'm quite sure that the insanity caused by teenage hormones had somthing to do with this particular ensemble. I have these fantasies that I'm going to meet Maddy some day and make her laugh by giving her things like this picture and the audio tape that I still have of me and Sacha singing our little 11-year-old hearts out to her song, "I Know It". Well, she may not think it's funny but damn, it would entertain the hell outta me.
Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.
xx,
Vickie
posted by Vickie Howell @ 5:35 PM
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
If the Shoe Fits
The other day I took my boys to buy us all new "skater shoes". I grabbed myself a pair of men's (the women's shoes were laaaaaame!), black Circa's with a skull and crossbones (that look vaguely like knitting needles)on each heel. The boys opted for one of the only lines that came in their wee sizes, Rowley Vans in red, white & black. My youngest was so enamored with his new kicks, that he insisted on wearing them along with his jammies. He fell asleep on the floor in them--a sight that was so sweet that it melted my heart into mush.
Bored? Listless? In need of a quick read or two? Well then, point your peeps to these:
VENUS MAGAZINE featured Stylelicious in an article about DIY Network's new, hip line of programming.
CUTTING EDGE MAGAZINE (put out by the same people who do Knit.1 & Vogue Knitting) gave Austin Craft Mafia a page blurb in their current issue.
My friend Kathy Murillo (aka Crafty Chica)wrote a story for the ARIZONA REPUBLIC about the growing trend of hip crafters. She was nice enough to include me in the article.
While you're reading, I'm going to go pare down the interview I did with Lisa L. for the next Knit.1. Apparently, this week is all Loeb, all the time! ;-)
mwah!, Vickie
posted by Vickie Howell @ 9:46 AM
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Oh. My. Geish-a!
I've had a party in its honor, required the guests to toast it with their sake, and kissed the artist on the mouth (in the same thankful manner that one might have, had he been the doctor who'd delivered a first born.) I've basked beneath its glory, carted digital pictures of it to parties, and told its story so many times (to whomever would listen) that a certain gentleman caller has taken to (not so subtly) rolling his eyes at mere mention of its existence. So ladies and gent (are there even any gents out there?), it is now time for me to present to you, my new red-headed, green-eyed, Geisha painting! *pausing for applause*
I told the artist, Ian Schultze (see below with his wife/my friend Rachelle)that I wanted the Geisha to look a certain way, that I wanted random street signs incorporated in some way, and that I wanted the painting to personify 1960's Asian kitsch. He totally got what I was going for and although I know my taste is rather quirky, I hope you all can appreciate its awesomeness as much as I do. :-)
Ok, I'm off to sit near my new lady friend and watch the tail end of the Oscars.
xoxo,
Vic
posted by Vickie Howell @ 7:22 PM
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Bad Mood and the Boob Tube
Hey there, hi there, ho there! It's been mayhem around here: bronchitis, out of town guest, fence building, sick friend in need of care, blah, blah, blah. Oh, and today's lesson: never go get your hair cut when you're in a bad mood. I went in for a trim and decided in the chair that cutting several inches off would make everything better. I look like little orphan annie. Alright, that's probably overexaggerating a bit (I do have a flair for the dramatics ;-)). Actually, it's about the same length as it was on the cover of my 1st book which I guess is better than the mullet-action I have going on on the cover of the 2nd. But I digress...
I have some TV updates to share with you, if you're interested. If you're not, then kindly close your eyes and hum while you're scrolling down through this post. Thank you.
The episode of Lisa Loeb's show #1 Single that I appear on, is set to air on Sunday March 12th at 10pm ET. In it, we meet-up (along with her sister and friend)at "The Point" knitting cafe in NYC to chat about knitting, my book and single motherhood. Tune in to E! to check it out, yo.
DIY just announced that STYLELICIOUS will debut on April 6th at 2:30pm ET and air at the same time every Thursday! In case I forgot to tell you about it before, Stylelicious is co-hosted by 8 of the Austin Craft Mafia ladies. There are 3 of us on each episode and we take turns showing how to make cool, crafty wearables. I hope you have as much fun watching it, as we did making it! Let me introduce you to my fellow partners in host-y crime:
From left to right, starting from the back row we have Jennifer Perkins (Naughty Secretary Club), Karly Hand (Identity Crisis Clothing), Tina Sparkles (Sparkle Craft), Hope Perkins (Hot Pink Pistol), Jen Arnston (pre-the birth of baby Yoshi/JNA Designs), Jesse Kelley-Landes (Amet and Sasha), Me (ummm, from here)and Susann Koehane (All Dressed Up and Shy)
Lastly, and this has nothing to do with TV in any way shape or form, I got an e-mail today telling me that my red-headed geisha painting is finished!!! We're having a sushi party (all veggie, because my friends are all vegitarians and seafood totally grosses me out)upon its delivery and in its honor, tomorrow. I'll post a picture of it as soon as I get one.
Nightie, night!
Vickie
posted by Vickie Howell @ 8:11 PM
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