This week I was honored to be able to participate in Extreme Makeover Home Edition‘s build of a local, Texas home. The efforts were to benefit a much deserving family of five who, while working as volunteer fire fighters to help relief efforts, lost their own home in the devastating fires that struck Bastrop in September.
The mother in the family is also an artist and crafter, who loves the D.I.Y aesthetic, so the producers called me (thanks to a hook-up by my former Knitty Gritty executives who now work on the show) to see if I’d be willing to help. I jumped at the chance.
Thanks to Caron, we were able to donate a bunch of Sheep(ish) for volunteers to make ornaments and these stockings for the family. They also asked if I would yarn bomb a few of the trees that although charred by the flames, will apparently triumph come Springtime. The day before the shoot, I whipped up a few pieces on my Ultimate Sweater Machine. Even though we had only minutes to put them on the trees so they look a wee bit janky, the site of the warm, bright colors–symbols of hope– on the wounded trunks is pretty beautiful.
Here are a few, iPhone shots from the experience.
Me wearing the official EMHE volunteer blue shirt, sewing a knitted piece to one of the trees.
Designer/co-host Tracy Hutson & volunteer crafter, chatting in front of the cameras.
A little lumpy, but extra cozy.
Stay tuned for this episode, so you can see the amazing home & studio the team built for this family. It’ll air next year for Christmas.
YARNYAY! FALL BOX REVEAL:
Every season, YarnYAY! presents a new box for knitters who are ready to dive into a more in-depth project than our regular monthly boxes. For Autumn, we've gone mad for plaid, and are thrilled to have partnered with FOUR other (besides mine) woman-owned, small businesses. (Tap to see.)
We're shipping these box beauties on Tuesday 10/17 and only have a limited amount. Reserve yours today, in whatever palette speaks to you, and we'll get it to you ASAP. Link in @vickiehowell bio, or visit yarnyay.com...
Happy FriYAY! the 13th, Ghouls and Gourds! To celebrate we're giving you 13% OFF YarnYAY's spookiest kits and patterns. USE code: FRIYAYTHE13TH. Spooky sale item collecting link in @vickiehowell bio
FREE Pattern 🚨 Alert: The Ginger Spice Bi-Color Brioche Scarf! We couldn't resist whipping up this beauty out of the YarnYAY! October featured yarn @thefibrecompany &Make Aran (in colors Spill the Tea and Mon Ami). Make it to match either pair of the mitt patterns that come with our October Box, or make it on its own. You do you!
This pattern comes free with the purchase of &Make Aran yarn from our shop. Add the pattern to your cart, and the discount will appear at checkout. Who's feeling spicy? yarnyay.com (link in @vickiehowell bio).
The Forager wrist warmers by @hellogavriella (and featured in the YarnYAY! October Box) might be my favorite crocheted mitt pattern we've ever included in one of our monthly boxes. The wool/alpaca blend of @thefibrecompany &Make Aran yarn is the perfect medium for textured linen stitches. Oh, and the peek-a-boo detailing at the top-edges, is *chef's kiss"!
Treat yourself to the October Box to get this pattern (plus THREE more!), yarn, and a couple more awesomely autumnal items. Link in @vickiehowell bio (or go to yarnyay.com) to learn more.
New to YarnYAY? Get 15% off of your first box with code FIRSTYAY15.
#yarnyay...
Love this! What an awesome thing to be a part of.
that is awesome
Vickie, they look like beautiful, bright yarn bandages for those healing trees – I will definitely look for the show next December!
What a great opportunity to help others. Your yarnbombed trees look great!
Really cool, Vickie! How is the sweater machine to work with, btw?
Very good looking trees. Decked the halls!
What a great opportunity! 🙂
That’s what I’m talking about. Thanks for busting your butt. I miss you.
I miss you too, Kel. xo