Happy Halloween!

If you asked most people what holiday comes to mind when they think knitting or crochet, Christmas is usually the front runner answer. For me though, Halloween goes head-to-head (or head-to-headless, as it were) with the winter holidays for knitibility--after all, what's spookier than a gang of chicks with sticks?
Today, I'm reflecting upon a few spooktacular projects I've been a part of and wondering what you all have been making this Hallows Eve. Please, boo tell. ;-)

Bat Shawl by Melinda Morrow from Not Another Teen Knitting Book

Knight Rider armor, by me from New Knits on the Block

Firefighter Hat, by Natalie Wilson from New Knits on the Block
(Speaking of fire fighters, a big shout-out to my brother, Kevin Montoya who's been fighting the crazy California fires over the past couple of weeks. Stay safe, little bro.)

Alright, now it's time for more...

CRL Podcast Supporter Links. Thanks, everyone--one day and counting!
Shell Hate You
Diva McKnitster
Femiknitti
Knitting 4 Sanity
Talk and Rant
Jeloca
Pantheonacres
NatredKnits
Marvelg
Rybh
Hopalong
Fresh Water Purl
Everyday Revelations
the chicks with sticks
Deborah Nolan
Born 2B Crafty
Baden Family
Cromie Family
Swamp Crone
One Scheme of Happiness
Knit Chat
Pillow Farmers
Amzon Goddess
CaednKat
Writing Fall Out
Crafting Along
Knitphomaniacs
Good Times Good Times
Lulubird 6
Kounting Sheep
Three Sweeties
Cher2477
Wifemommy Inc.
Skogknits
Jason Knits
Fluffy Knitster
Radioactive Girl
Wiknit
Fashion Fling

From my home to yours, have a safe a BOO-tilicious Halloween!

xo,
Vickie

Happy Halloween!

If you asked most people what holiday comes to mind when they think knitting or crochet, Christmas is usually the front runner answer. For me though, Halloween goes head-to-head (or head-to-headless, as it were) with the winter holidays for knitibility--after all, what's spookier than a gang of chicks with sticks?
Today, I'm reflecting upon a few spooktacular projects I've been a part of and wondering what you all have been making this Hallows Eve. Please, boo tell. ;-)

Bat Shawl by Melinda Morrow from Not Another Teen Knitting Book

Knight Rider by me from New Knits on the Block

More CRL Podcast Supporter Links--thanks, everyone!
Shell Hate You
Diva McKnitster
Femiknitti
Knitting 4 Sanity
Talk and Rant
Jeloca
Pantheonacres
NatredKnits
Marvelg
Rybh
Hopalong
Fresh Water Purl
Everyday Revelations
the chicks with sticks
Deborah Nolan
Born 2B Crafty
Baden Family
Cromie Family
Swamp Crone
One Scheme of Happiness
Knit Chat
Pillow Farmers
Amzon Goddess
CaednKat
Writing Fall Out
Crafting Along
Knitphomaniacs
Good Times Good Times
Lulubird 6
Kounting Sheep
Three Sweeties
Cher2477
Wifemommy Inc.
Skogknits
Jason Knits
Fluffy Knitster
Radioactive Girl
Wiknit
Fashion Fling

CRL--4 Days and Counting!

Well, we only have four more days until Thursday's debut of CRL! I'm happy to report that as of yesterday, the first episode has been wrapped (produced, recorded, edited and engineered). As I type, web gal Jenny is hard at work getting "Dia de Los Crafty"(aka episode 001) ready to be set up on my website and iTunes.

In the meantime if you'd like to continue helping spread the podcast gospel (I'll get back to you with more supporter links), add the brand spankin' new CRL theme song to your My Space page that would R-O-C-K! Listen to it on my MS page and/or add it by going to the Zeros and Ones Recording page and clicking "Add" next to the "Vickie Howell Podcast Theme" on their player.

Happy Halloween week, everyone!

xo,
Vickie

Going to Stitches West?

It might be a wee bit early to be thinking about it, but just wanted to give you a heads up that I'll be at February's Stitches West in Santa Clara, CA. I've only been to one Stitches before (East in Atlantic City 2004), so I'm really looking forward to it! For me, this is type of event the most fun because it's open to the public which means wall-to-wall knitophiles. Come for classes (I highly recommend taking one from Cat Bordhi, if you can), to shop , meet authors or just hang out and knit. Registration has already begun, so make sure to log on to the Stitches website for the full scoop, asap. Hope to see you there!

Special Thanks to more CRL banner supporters!
LapdogCreations
rebecca-belle
sweatersurgery
knitswithballs
leethal.coloredlights
aesoxfabled
kristen-knits
naturallycurly
ksknitter
whimsicalknittingdesigns
leticiaregalo
ponyknit
dancingturtleknits
kriscknits
loomingintucson
jadieladythoughts
tinascraftiness.blogspot.com
home-spun.com
phoenixstears
alicethekamel
dogwooddreams
beckyanddaniel
fmichelesheart
lesliedotcom
archaicinspirations
knitterboy
tangles
warmweatherknitwit
knittingcontessa
sheepishknitting
adallen
margieinoakland

xo, Vickie

Maker Faire in Austin!

If you're looking for a serving of techie with a side of craftiness, then Maker Faire's for you!
This weekend in Austin, the folks who bring you Make and Craft Magazines, unleash acres of do-it-yourselfness. Robotics, soldering, make-your-own hula hoops, knitting, spinning, and more--are all under one roof (Well, technically 3 roofs + outside --but they're all in the same location, so you know what I mean.)!

If you make it down there, be sure to stop by: the Lion Brand booth to say "hi" to Catwalk Crochet contributor Cecily Keim, the Sublime Stitching booth for some embroidery how-to, and the clothes Swap-o-Rama to visit with a few of the Austin Craft Mafia gals.

Here's the scoop:

MAKER FAIRE 10/20-21 Travis County Expo Center (Austin, TX)
7311 Decker Lane, Austin, Texas (view map)

Happy Making!,
Vickie

Today, on The Knitgrrl Show!

Hey, all. If you're bored at the office today and looking for a little background noise, tune in to Shannon Okey's podcast today: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/knitgrrl--I'll be a guest on the live show at 2pmET. Give it a listen or even call in with your questions (718-664-9504)--I'd love to chat with you!

xo,
Vickie

She's international!

Well not really, but I thought it was funny when the DIY publicist responded with that to the e-mail about my trip to Canada for HGTV's new show, She's Crafty (go here for my post about the shoot). I just got off the phone with host Wendy Russell and apparently the show only began airing 2 weeks ago , but has already been picked up for a 2nd season. Kick arse! Watch weekly for new episodes and stay tuned for my appearance on December 10th.

For our friends across the pond, give a listen to BBC UK radio at 1:30GMT next Tuesday the 23rd. The Glasgow Craft Mafia will be featured and I've been asked to call-in for the interview, to represent as one of the founding members of Austin Craft Mafia!

For the domestics among us, keep an eye out at your local newsstands for the following publications: Country Home, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, Ready Made and Family Circle. Jennifer Perkins, Kathy Cano-Murillo and myself all participated in a holiday ad for Michaels, that'll run in the November and December issues of those magazines.
Instructions for all of the quick-gift projects shown in the ad, are available on their website! For the scoop on making my super-easy, felted mp3player cozy, go here.

Speaking of the holidays, if there are any publishing company peeps reading this, I'm looking for a few holiday related craft books or kits to mention during the first episode of my podcast. Unfortunately, I'd need them asap but if you're interested you can send 'em to the address here, or e-mail the info via the same page.

Thanks!

xo,
Vickie

Linkstravaganza!

Holy Moly, what an amazing response--I *heart* you guys! The books and kit have been snatched up, but there are still a few balls of yarn left for the swapping! Once supplies are gone though, keep posting the CRL banner. Through the launch date, I'll continue to return the favor by mentioning (and linking via blog post) you and your sites!

This just in!...the final two, Season One spots of the CRL podcast have been filled by guests Debbie Stoller and Kelley Deal! Read more here about air dates and topics.

Without further ado, congratulations to our giveaway winners:

Lesha Anderson-MuseAbles Kit
Monet Whitson-"Just Gifts " Book
Carly Wagner- "Knitting Lessons" Book
Paula Durant- "Designer Needle Felting" Book
Kate Koenig-"Doodle Stitching" Book

Special thanks to the first round of supporters who help spread the CRL gospel via their sites and blogs!

KnitPurlKnitPearl
Sparklypia
The Happy Hooker
Wiknit
Julie Vire Photography
The Crochet Side
DataGoddessKnits
Noodle Girl

Stacie Knits
Boden Family
WifeMomKnitter
Pure Crafty
Beloved Beautiful HandMade
Shetland Trader
Garnet Ewe
Average Jane Crafter
Tracey Carsto
Tuvids Blogg
Conicuts
Fired Up Fairy
Crafty Girl 83
Argyle Rabbit
Warm with Love
Craft and Found
She Reviews Zines
Roespot
Phunky Knitter
Just Five More Minutes
The Sacrament
Knitting for Teens
Sarah MacKenzie
Knit-a-holic-Beth
Fiber Inspired
Ashisapunk
More to come!

xoxo,
Vickie

Giveaway Monday!

In celebration of the upcoming launch of my new podcast, CRL: with Vickie Howell, I think a goodie giveaway is in order! Everyone who posts the CRL banner on their blog or website will get a free ball of Vickie Howell Collection yarn (while supplies last). Just grab the above image from this page and link to (http://www.vickiehowell.com/podcast.html), or cut and paste the code found here.

But wait, there's more! Just for reading this blog, you're eligible to win one of these crafty prizes:

Hard Cover Copy of Knitting Lessons, by Lela Nargi

Written in 2003 and recently re-released on audiobook, this was the first knit-related publication I was ever interviewed for (pre-Knitty Gritty)--it'll always have a special place in my heart.

Soft Cover Copy of Doodle Stitching, by Aimee Ray

Filled with a ton of whimsical, doodle-inspired embroidery projects and instruction. This book is adorable and would make a great gift for new and experienced stitchers alike!

Hard Cover Copy of Designer Needle Felting by Terry Taylor & Candi Cooper

Join the latest fiber craze: needle felting! This collection of projects and instruction is a great sampling of the many things you can do with a little bit of wool and some imagination.

Soft Cover Copy of Just Gifts, edited by Shannon Okey

There can never be too many books about cute, quick-to-make gifts especially, this time of year. This one does not disappoint in offering presents that are as fun to knit & crochet and they are to receive!

MuseAbles Artsy Fiber Kit

I demonstrated how to use this kit at the CHA convention last year and loved both the colors and technique. This kit includes everything you need for a gorgeous, simple-to-sew "Sculpted Scarf" or table runner.

For all giveaways, e-mail rebecca@vickiehowell.com with your mailing address. For CRL Promo/Yarn trades, also send us the link to your website or blog that you've posted our banner on. I'll give you a shout out on this blog as an additional thank you for support.

All book and kit prizes will be given away on a first come, first serve basis. When e-mailing Rebecca with your info, also include both your 1st and 2nd choices. You'll hear from us within 48 hours, if you've won something.

Thanks everyone for the enthusiasm towards my podcast. It would rule, if you'd spread the word because this is totally a grass-roots operation. I'm really looking forward though, to the immediacy and creative freedom of this outlet. If all goes well, then maybe I'll be able to produce future seasons which will give me the opportunity to continue to support other artists, activists and do-it-yourselfers via interviews, reviews, etc. That would rock.

Good luck with the giveaways!

xo,
Vickie

Last Minute Halloween Knitting

Desperately looking for a quick-knit addition to your Halloween look? Well then, Melinda Morrow's "Bat Shawl" from Not Another Teen Knitting Book is your knit in shining armor, then!

In short, a NYC report.

Thanks to our awesome friends, we had a great time in NYC. The trip was an early birthday present for Dave, who'd never been before. The first two nights we stayed with my knitting friend Lori on the upper west side--who is always the loveliest of hosts-- the last two nights, Adina let us borrow her Soho apartment while she visited her sister.

My husband's a shopper so during the day, we spent most of our time roaming the streets of the village and mid-town, looking for unique boutiques and interesting restaurants. I assure you, we found more than a few of both. :) On Wednesday night after I did a little work at Sterling, we went to the East Village for dinner at Cavern of Dreams. Thursday night, was a one-night only screening of the re-mastered, 25th anniversary of Poltergeist which still, in my humble opinion, holds its weight in the paranormal genre. Friday night, we met Adina and her man for drinks and Indian food. Yum and yum. Saturday night, Will F. was kind enough to put us on the list for Saturday Night Live. The host was Seth Rogen (who BTW, totally killed it with his performance and who Dave especially, is a big fan of and the main reason we chose that weekend for our trip) and the musical guest was Spoon (who, coincidentally is from Austin). As always, it was a blast! Lisa L. was also going to be in town for work, so we made plans to meet her and her boyfriend at the show. We all watched from Will's dressing room until the band played, when we were allowed to come out on to the stage floor. My favorite moment of the night was when I looked up and saw Dave's smiling face while he watched Spoon, with Seth R. on his left and Will Arnett on his left. Good stuff.

After the show, we headed to the After Party where the cocktails flowed and we got to chat with some of the cast, writers and friends. We stayed until about 4am, jumped in a cab with Will's writing partner John Solomon (Will hung back to hob nob with Knocked Up/Superbad/40-year-old Virgin director, Judd Apatow) and headed off to the After After Party. We stayed there for all of 2.2 minutes when we thought better of missing our 7am flight in the name of another drink. Two more cab rides and the fastest packing job ever later, and we were on a plane headed for home.

Dave & I at a Soho bar with Adina Klein (Knit.1 & Vogue Knitting) and her boyfriend, Chris.

Will interacting with fans, after SNL.

I took this shot of Seth Myers talking to Chevy Chase, because I'm a mom and I thought Seth may want the moment recorded. You know, for his memoirs. Because Chevy's a legend. Thanks.

Dave at The SNL after party with Will, Seth Rogen and a friend.

Me at the after party with Lisa and musician, Jason Freese (that night he played horn on SNL with the band, Spoon.)

Special thanks to Lori Steinberg, Adina Klein and Will Forte without whom this trip would've never come together so smoothly. I *heart* my friends.

Thank you for listening.

xo,
Vic

Knitty Gritty Airtimes on DIY

I just got the DIY airing schedule for the fall season and thought I'd pass along Knitty Gritty will air weekdays at 11amPT/1pmCT/2pmET and Stylelicious will air on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 11:30amPT/1:30pmCT/2:30pmET.

Did any of you watch the season premiere of The Office? Much to my surprise on of our Knitsters had a part in it--she played the nurse who was caring for Meredith after Michael hit her with his car. Very cool.

That's all I got.

xo,
Vickie