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Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Introducing, Vickie Howell Collection Kits!

Wowza, two new knitting kits from the Vickie Howell Collection! They're cute, they're quick-to-knit and perfect projects for the knitter on the go!

B&B Baby Kit

Photo: Jody Horton Model: Fields Horton

Kit includes:
• 3 colors of Vickie Howell Collection's LOVE (70% Bamboo/30% Silk)
• 10 yards of Vickie Howell Collection's ROCK (for monogram & ties)
• Plastic zippy project tote
• Pattern for Newborn Stripey Beanie & Booties

Total boutique luxury for baby! Comes in 3 colorway choices: Punky (modeled), Earthy, and Candy.


Earthy: Monogram & Tie yarn included in black (VHC's ROCK in color: Joan)


Candy: Monogram & Tie yarn included in black (VHC's ROCK in color: Kim & Kelly)

Psst! The kit alone or the set knit up, both make great gifts!


Formality Scarf Kit

Photo: Dave Campbell

Kit Includes:
• Two colors of CRAFT (65% organic cotton/35% milk filber) from the Vickie Howell Collection
• Plastic zippy project tote
• Complete scarf instructions

A tux-tastic, year-round accessory! Comes in 3 colorway choices: Starry Night (modeled), Enchanted Evening, and Endless Love.


Enchanted Evening (VHC Colors: Jennifer & Carol)


Endless Love (VHC Colors: Meowers & Carol)

Check out these and keep your eyes peeled for more only, at Vickie Howell.com!

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posted by Vickie Howell @ 7:13 AM 4 comments  

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Peeks & Waves--Free Pattern of the Month!

With Mother's Day coming up, it's time to start working on quick, but thoughtful gifts for mom. For this pillow cover, you need only to knit one piece and attach it to an existing pillow, letting its color peek through the front while the back remains uninterrupted. And hey, if you use my line of yarn, you can literally say your pillow is made with LOVE! ;-)


Materials
1 Ball each of Vickie Howell Collection’s LOVE in colors: Jack & Sally (silver), Ennis & Jack (lavender), and Joel & Clementine (dark purple).
US Size 9 Needles

Tapestry Needle
Black 19”x19” Pillow (I found mine at Target)
Black Thread
Sewing Needle
Sewing Pins

Finished Measurement
Approx 19”x19”

Wavy Pattern Stitch
Rows 1-2: Knit all sts.

Row 3: K 6, *YO, K1, YO2, K1, YO3, K1, YO2, K1, YO, K6. Repeat from * to end

Row 4: Knit all knit sts, drop all YOs.

Rows 5-6: Knit all sts.

Row 7: K1, *YO, K1, YO2, K1, YO3, K1, YO2, K1, YO, K6. Repeat to last 5 sts. YO, K1, YO2, K1, YO3, K1, YO2, K1, YO, K1.

Row 8: Repeat row 4.

Directions
With Jack & Sally, CO 65 sts. Work 8 rows in Wavy Pattern Stitch.

Join and switch to Ennis & Jack. Work 8 rows in Wavy Pattern Stitch.

Join and switch to Joel & Clementine. Work 8 rows in Wavy Pattern Stitch.

Continue established 3 color stripe pattern (24 rows), twice more.

Join and switch to Jack & Sally. Work 8 rows in Wavy Pattern Stitch.

Bind off.

Finishing
Pin finished piece onto front of pillow. Using sewing needle, thread and small stitches, attach knitted piece to pillow by tacking on

Copyright Vickie Howell, Inc. 2007 All rights reserved.

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posted by Vickie Howell @ 3:24 PM 16 comments  

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Booties Go Bragh--Free Pattern of the Month

Alright, my Irish heritage coupled with the fact that my best friend is due with her 2nd son on St. Patrick's day, has me on 11 when it comes to shamrock inspired design. These babies knit up in an evening so start now, and your wee laddy or lass will be doing a jig, just in time! xoxo, Vickie



Bootie Go Bragh

Shamrock Baby Shoes

MATERIALS:
1 Ball "LOVE" (Vickie Howell Collection). Color (MC): Wesley & Buttercup (white).
Scraps "LOVE" (Vickie Howell Collection). Color (CC): Mulder & Scully (jade green).
US size 6 DPNS
Tapestry needle

SIZE
0-6 Months

DIRECTIONS
With MC, CO 35 sts. Using only two of the dpns, work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 1 3/4". BO.

Count in 14 sts. in from the top right-side. With MC, pu 9sts.
Next row (WS): Purl
RS: Knit
WS: Purl
Repeat last 2 rows 3 more times.

Leaving 9 sts on hold on needle, seam up bottom, heal and top foot panel.

Using tapestry needle and CC and back stitch, embroider Shamrock (or whatever design yourlittle heart desires) onto the top foot panel.

With MC and 2nd & 3rd DPNS, pu 17 sts around the ankle of bootie.
Next row: In MC, k1, p1 to end.
Next row: Switch to CC, *k1, p1 to end.
Repeat last 2 rows once more.
Next TWO rows: In MC, k1, p1 to end.
BO.

Weave in ends. Stuff toes with tissue to block.


Copyright Vickie Howell, Inc. 2007. All rights reserved.


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posted by Vickie Howell @ 8:04 PM 7 comments  

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Lana & Clark Ascot--February Free Pattern of the Month!



My new yarn line, Vickie Howell Collection, has finally begun to hit stores so I thought it was appropriate for this month's pattern to be made from one of the yarns, LOVE. This is great quickie project that takes only one hank (approx 90 yds) of this luxurious fiber. I gave the prototype that you see in the picture to Annette O'Toole , when we were shooting Knit Bits together. She was so lovely and supportive that I decided to name the project in honor of her role in the original Superman movies. Wear it as shown or use a vintage button earring or tie pin to wear it as a traditional ascot. It's cute, quick to make and a great addition to any outfit. Enjoy! xo, Vickie

Lana & Clark Ascot

Materials:
1 Ball LOVE ( 70% Bamboo/30% Silk), Color: Joel & Clementine.
Size US size 7 needles
Tapestry Needle

Size:
One Size

Finished Measurements
:
6" (at widest point) x 28"

Directions (Make 2)
CO 26 stitches.
Rows 1-6: Knit
Row 7: K1, *YO, K2tog. Repeat from * to last st. K1.
Row 8: Purl
Rows 9-14: Knit

Repeat rows 7-14, four more times.
Repeat rows 7-8, once more.
Knit 2 rows.

Next row: K1, K4tog (6 times), K1.
Knit next row and every row for 6 ½"
BO.

Picot Edging
On RS, PU 25 sts.
On the WS, BO as follows:
K1, place st back on left-hand needle, CO 2 sts, BO 4. *Sl St on right-hand needle back onto left-hand needle, CO 2 sts, BO 4. Repeat from * to end.

Finishing
Using mattress stitch, sew the garter stitch ends of both pieces together. Weave in ends. Block.

For more patterns in Vickie Howell Collection yarns visit the SWTC website!

Copyright Vickie Howell, Inc. All rights reserved.

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posted by Vickie Howell @ 3:33 PM 12 comments  

Saturday, February 03, 2007

Knit with Me Virtually Tomorrow!

Hey, all! Just wanted to remind you that I'll be live blogging on the DIY Knit In Blog tomorrow from 5pm-11pm ET(4pm-10pmCT/2pm-8pmPT) during the Knitty Gritty Knit In! Hang out, knit, watch 12 back-to-back episodes of the show, and chat with me. And hey, even if you don't get DIY (or are otherwise engaged in sports programming), you can still log on to the DIY site and ask me any hot burning questions you may have. I'd love to hear from you and I promise I'll do my best to get back to you immediately! I'm still on tour, so I plan on typing to you from our own little Knit In party at my friend Melinda's, here in Seattle, WA. Hooray for knitting and blogging with friends!

Chat soon,
Vickie

P.S. While you're tuned in to the show tomorrow, don't forget to knit 7"x9" squares to benefit Warm Up America. Here's the scoop!

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posted by Vickie Howell @ 6:09 PM 3 comments  

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

New Knitty Gritty Everyday on HGTV!

This just in...February 1st-19th, HGTV will air brand-spankin' new Season 6 episodes of Knitty Gritty, EVERY DAY! That's right, 13 more episodes , no reruns, on every weekday, for almost 3 weeks. Here's the episode schedule:

<
2/1- 9-Patch Baby Blanket/Lily Chin/Reversible Cables
2/2- Wild & Crazy Hats/John Brinegar/Knit Scultpturing
2/5- Pajama Party/Jennifer Worick/Pampering Projects
2/6- Book of Bright Ideas/Cecily Keim/Entrelac Journal
2/7- Rockin' Gloves/Marnie McLean/Sock Yarn Wristlets
2/8- Knit Jewelry/Kim Wilson/Novelty Yarn/Beads
2/9- Cushie/Debbie Abrahams/Knitted Cushions
2/12- Forever Plaid/Teva Durham/Slip Stitch Intarsia
2/13- Game Day/Tina Whitmore/Felted Backgammon Board
2/14- We be Jammin'/Shannitta Williams Alleyne/Rasta Hat
2/15- Free Formin' Feet/Myra Wood/Free Form Knitting
2/16- Delightful Details/Anne McCauley/Detailed Knitted Patterns
2/19- 3-D Scarves/Melissa Matthay/3-D Knitting

If you like having new shows on everyday, please let the HGTV know by filling out this form. It'd be great to join Uncommon Threads & Craft Lab in the daily format!

Oh, and don't forget, Knitty Gritty will only be on HGTV for a limited time. If you don't have it already, make sure and call your cable provider to say, "I want my DIY!" So you don't miss out on future seasons!

Happy Knitting!,
Vickie

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posted by Vickie Howell @ 4:56 PM 14 comments  

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Noel the Wonder Pup!

Hey all! I wanted to take a moment to spread the word about the incredibly sad story of Noel, a dog who's missing both of her ears due to being used as fight bait. Sometimes I'm ashamed to be a part of the human race!

She's a beautiful, kind eyed puppy whose story broke my heart into a million pieces when I read it. Thankfully however, she was rescued by a kick-ass woman named Bernie, and is on the mend. Last week one of Jennifer's Craft Lab guests (and Bernie's friend) Claudine, contacted me about getting people to knit hats & headbands with little ears on them that Noel can wear to make her feel pretty.

Claudine and her mom came up with a pointy-eared headband that you can find on her blog as well as measurements, if you want to design you own. I knit up a little floppy-eared number in her honor and, in case you're interested in showing a little puppy love for Noel yourself, I thought I'd post my pattern. The address to send finished doggy bobbles to, can be found on Bernie's blog. Thanks! xo, Vickie

Noel's Floppy-Ears

Materials:
1 ball bulky weight yarn
US size 10 1/2 needles
Tapestry Needle

US size J crochet hook (optional)

Abbreviations:
SKP= Slip, knit, pass sliiped stitch over. (left-slanted decrease)
K2tog= Knit two stitches together. (right slanted decrease)
Kf&b= Knit in front & back of the same stitch (increase)

Directions:
BAND
CO 3 sts.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Kf&b, k to last st, kf&b
Repeat last two rows until 11 sts.
Knit every row until piece measures 8 1/2" from edge.
Next row: SKP, k to last two sts, k2tog.
Next row: Knit
Repeat last 2 rows until 3 sts. remain. BO.

EAR (Make 2)
CO 10.
Knit 6 rows.
Next row: K3, SKP, k2tog, k to end.
Knit 5 rows.
Next row: K2, SKP, k2tog, k to end.
Knit 5 rows.
Next row: K1, SKP, k2tog, k1,
Knit 3 rows.
Next row: SKP, k2tog, pass stitch over to bind off.

FINISHING
Using a tapestry needles sew ears onto band at desired placement. Weave in ends.
Using crochet hook, pull loop of yarn through one end of headband and chain 22. Tie off. Repeat on other side. Alternatively, you could ad a braided or i-cord tie.
That's all there is to it!


This is my blurred attempt at snapping a picture of our dog Rio, wearing the ears. She's camera shy. ;-)

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posted by Vickie Howell @ 9:08 AM 8 comments  

Sunday, December 31, 2006

Peacock Scarf--January's Free Pattern of the Month!

Peacock
Extra Wide Mock Cable Scarf


In my infinite wisdom I packed no less than 12 pairs of shoes for my trip to shoot Knitty Gritty but neglected to pack even 1 coat. The weather was rainy in Burbank last month and the studio, a wee bit chilly. This scarf was my B/F/F for those three weeks away from home. It's extra wide and long, which makes it perfect for winter weather. The Eyelet mock-cable rib, combined with Noro's amazing colorway produces something vaguely peacock feather looking. Pretty + practical = good stuff!

Materials
4 balls Noro Big Kureyon
US size 13 needles
Tapestry need
le

ONE SIZE
Approx. 14" x 85"

STITCH PATTERN (from 365 days Perpetual Knitting Calendar)

Row 1(rs): P2, *sl1, k2, psso, P2; rep from *

Row 2: K2, *P1, YO, P1, K2; rep from * to end

Row 3: P2, *K3, P2; rep from * to end

Row 4: K2, *P3, K2; rep from * to end

Rep these four rows.

Directions

CO 55 sts.

Knit 6 rows.

Row 7: K4, P2, *sl1, k2, psso, P2; rep * from to last 4 sts. K4.

Row 8: K4, K2, *P1, YO, P1, K2; rep from * to last 4 sts. K4.

Row 9: K4, P2, *K3, P2; rep from * to last 4 sts. K4.

Row 10: K4, K2, *P3, K2; rep from * to last 4 sts. K4.

Rows 11-14: Knit.

Repeat rows 7-14 until wrap measures 60 1/4" or desired length. Knit 2 more rows. BO. Weave in ends and block.



Happy New Year!!
xo, Vickie


Copyright Vickie Howell, Inc. 2007. All rights reserved.

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posted by Vickie Howell @ 6:22 PM 8 comments