Living Southern and Otherwise

When we decided to tell the boys I was pregnant, we assumed their response would be similar to one they gave when we told them we were getting married, " Cool!  Please pass the chips."

We were mistaken.

Sitting at the dinner table, we told them that they were going to have a little brother or sister. Tanner (our oldest and usually the fairly nonchalant one) responded in the way that any mother would hope for: with misty eyes, a big smile and an arm hugging around my shoulder.  He said that he was excited, but worried that it would hurt me.  It was so sweet.

Tristan (our youngest and usually the fairly interested one) responded in a way that was both comical and heartbreaking: he said, his answer was "no".  When we told him that, "Honey, we're not asking for an opinion, we're just sharing some happy news.", he replied, "My vote is still no."  Oy.

In the few days that followed, Tris refused to say the word "baby" when referring to what he clearly considered, an unpleasantness.  Instead, if the subject needed to be addressed, he'd simply give me a side-glance and point in the general direction of my stomach.  Heh.

The next week, he began saying the "b" word, but only accompanied by a little-boy-hand's version of floating quotes.  "Baby."  Seriously.

On the last day of school before winter break though, there was a wee bit of a break-through. He finally told his teacher that he "thinks" his mom "might" be having a baby.  This means he's acknowledging the change to come, so I consider it a small success.  We'll be bringing the boys to the ultrasound when we find out the sex in hopes that seeing the little bean responsible for making Tristan a big brother, will officially sell him on the fact.  He's a smart, secure, loving little guy, so I'm not really that worried.    Clearly though, this is just the beginning of the adventure that living with 3 children is sure to provide!

Speaking of "living", the magazine of the Southern persuasion is featuring the Austin Craft Mafia in the Texas edition of the January issue.  We were actually fairly surprised when they asked us--thinking that we're not really the Southern Living demo--but since we do technically reside in the south and are all living, I suppose that was an error in judgment on our part. ;)

Here's the article.  You may remember this shoot being the time I didn't even come close to finishing the cardigan I was planning on wearing (the finished one I later wore in all of the Knit Aid promos), so I wore it as a walking WIP instead. And yes, that is an earring holding it closed that the top.

The 1st picture cracks me up!  The look on my face says, "I love arranging yarn on a shelf.  It makes me feel zen." 

With that, I bid you adieu for now.  I'm off to write the next Eco-Craft column for Kiwi.

Hope you had a happy holiday!

xo,

Vickie

Knit.1: Kelley Deal Interview!

It's been almost 9 months since the last issue but finally, a new Knit.1 Magazine has hit stands!

This issue is filled with projects by your favorite knitting-bloggers (I personally find the Rainy Day fingerless gloves by Elli Stubernauch, ADORABLE); scoop on top-down math; a great article on natural dyeing, by Shannon Okey; Chinese Zodiac amigurumi (I just found out that our baby will be born during the year of the Ox, just like me!); and much more!  Get a glimpse of all of issue's projects here.

While you're perusing through the mag, don't forget to give my celebrity column a read--this issue's interview is with my friend, The Breeder's Kelley Deal!  

All photos by Dave Campbell

Wishing you "Best Stitches" for a wonderful holiday!

xo,

Vickie  

Read another celeb knitter interview, here!

Happy Birthday, Tanner!!

Our beautiful, caring, bright, witty boy, Mr. Tanner Dean Howell, turns 9 today!

He informed us this week that "9 is the new black", so we decided to go all out for his special day. See below video. ;)

Tanner sweetie, I wish for you a year of joyful discovery, endless possibilities, and infinite love.

xo,

Vickie (aka mom)

Tome for the Holidays

I'm a big fan of giving (and getting) books for the holidays.  Craft books especially, are the gift that keeps on giving, because they're filled with projects & anecdotes that'll keep you busy (and entertained) all year 'round!    If you're looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for the favorite knitter in your life--might I suggest, Knit Aid?  For only 8 bucks, you're wallet will be merry, too! Wait, what?

I have a few friends with new books out, that would make equally awesome pressies for the stitcher in your life.  Check out:

Drew Emborsky's, The Crochet Dude's Designs for Guys

The very first crochet book written by a guy for guys!  Drew's art school background shines through with 25+, beautifully executed projects.  From sweaters to scarves to belts, this book is filled with designs dudes will dig! Retails for $13.95.  Available online here.

Stefanie Japel's Glam Knits

Knitting and glamour?!  Bestill my stitcher's heart.  Gorgeous projects, designed for feminine curves.  I especially love the Gold Metallic Dress (seen here on the cover).  Bonus:  it's made with VHC Vegas yarn!   Available online here for only  $15.63!

Shannon Okey's Alt-Fiber

Photo: sashagulish.com

Interested in dabbling a little with alternative fibers like corn, bamboo & soy?  Well, this book's for you!  Alt-fiber's filled with a variety of projects--from coat, to capelet, to socks galore--using luxurious, eco-conscious yarns.  Available online here for $13.57!

xo,

Vickie

Fashion Backward

It's a frosty 33 degrees here today, which I know for you mid-westerners out there must sound like summer vacation weather but for Austin, it's flippin' cold.  Since even in the winteriest (just play along and pretend that's a word, please) years we still only get about 2.5 weeks total (the entire year) of this type of shiverment (can also be spelled: shiiiiiiverment), we Austinites tend to not always be properly prepared.  Case in point, the only warm jackets I own were purchased in 2007 solely for the purpose of leaving Texas for a January, Northeastern book tour and Vermont Craftstavaganza Holiday Special tv shoot.  These jackets while very useful during the below-freezing circumstances of yesteryear however, today, are only partially competent.  It appears that the morphing body shapes involved in impending babydom are unbefitting for an otherwise perfectly acceptable puffy coat.  Stuffed into the garment (which stays on thanks only to one, over-achieving snap), I look vaguely like that kid from A Christmas Story...if he were to dress-up now (as a 30-something man) in that same, child's snowsuit.  The glamor, has left the building.  Oh, and apparently so has the vanity (see picture below).

Not that I would be able to find an attractive preggie coat, should I want to invest in one.
Bear with me for a moment as I rant...

Abdomen-able Snow Woman 

You know, I'm pretty much a veteran when it comes to the indignities of life, post-motherhood.  Having naked-boy buns seemingly in my face on a daily basis: no problem. Having my undergarments revealed to a convention center's worth of attendees, by a child trying to hide under my skirt: I survived.  Hell, I've even come to peace with he knowledge that I'll never be able to sneeze again without crossing my legs.  Why though I ask you, WHY in the name of all that is fashion, has (affordable) maternity clothing not improved in the 7 years since I needed it last?!  I mean seriously, people--I know there's the demand; WHERE'S THE SUPPLY?  Where's the Project Runway maternity challenge with the winner's line for sale on Bluefly.com?!  Seriously.

I keep hoping that Gwen Stefani will randomly take pity and send me all of her child-bearing couture.  Until then though, I've officially changed my clothes-buying mantra from, "Wow, this looks great.  I'll take it!" to, "Well, this doesn't make me want to burst into tears, so I should probably get it.".

That is all.

Vickie

12 Days 'til Christmas

With only 12 days left until Christmas (and less until Yule & Hanukkah), if you haven't already gotten your gift-making on--there's no time like the present (or presents, as it were)!

Here are 12, simple to make projects, all of which can be whipped-up in very little time. In fact, if you really wanted to get crafty, you could finish 1 of these projects, every day until Christmas Eve.  Quick, easy, and won't break the bank.  That my friends, is a winning combination!

Eco-Gifts

Waste-Free Wreath, Burrito Wrap Bag, Soy Candles & Trinket Frame.

Knit-Gifts

Candy-cane Felted Purse, Hand Like a Hole Wrist Warmers, 4-Hour Scarf & Drinkie-Poo Cozies

Crochet-Gifts

Crochet Bangle, Winter Head Band (Nov. '08 Issue of Crochet Today), Dave 2.0 Scarf & Teensy Capelet

Happy Handmaking!,

Vickie

Bringing Up Baby

I spent last evening touring through the annals of the ol' interweb, on the hunt for the cutest, most knitresistable projects to stitch for baby.  On Ravelry alone though, there were over 10,000 results for "baby" garments, blankets and toys--so, I likely missed out on a bunch.  I did however, find a large handful of must-knits (or crochet) for the boutique bebe in your life.

From left to right are: Debbie Bliss' Alpahabet blanket, Sylver Designs' Mary Janes, Susan B. Anderson's Elephante, Sonnentaler's Kurbis hat, Slagt en Hellig Ko's Latte sweater, Sirdar's Baby jacket, Saartje's Bootees, my Mae Day dress, PDX Knitterati's Log Cabin blanket, Owlishly Skunk girl, Mason Dixon Knitting's Moderne blanket, Lesley Stanfield's Barnaby bear, Laura Lynn Hank's Chromium Star blanket, Last Minute Gift's Angora Booties, Knitty's Jane of the Jungle bikini, Knitty's Blu jeans, Daphne cape, Jujube & Lolo's Peace sweater, Jujube & Lolo's,  Flakey socks,  Elizabeth Zimmerman's February sweater, Erssie Knit's Cafe hat & booties, Design Club i Rib, Debbie Bliss's Cable Coat, Dale of Norway baby set, Brooklyn Handmade's baby Chuck's, Bev Galeskas' felted baby boots, my Boy in a Bubble suit, Crochet Today's Baby Blues dress, Jujube & Lolo's Winged Heart, Dale of Norway's Fair Isle cardi, Lorraine Major's Quick sweater (I made the one pictured :)), Yarn Forward's (designed by me for upcoming eco book) Caterpillar sack, and my Lyra Bonnet, Erin Go Booties, Punky Bee-ster sweater (I still need to write the pattern) & B&B Baby hat & bootie set.

Why the voracious interest in wee wearables, you might ask? Well, because Dave & I are expecting a little one of our own--I'm pregnant!   I just entered the 2nd trimester, so this seemed like as good of time as any to start planning his or her wardrobe. ;)  Ok, really, I just couldn't think of another way to tell you all, while still keeping it on-topic for a craft blog.  

Bless ya, for sitting through this long post before I got to the point.  

If you have a tot pattern that makes you go gushy or if you're a designer with a project to share, please post links here.  Oh, and I hope you enjoy my 36 picks for the coolest, newborn knits!

xo, 

Vickie

 

PROJECT VIDEO--Punch Embroidered Holly!

It's that time again, for another myLifetime.com Crafted project series.  Winter holiday videos from myself, C/F/F Kathy Cano-Murillo and more, are available just in the nick of time! Give 'em a gander for how-to instructions on making quick & easy holiday gifts that can each be created for under 20 bucks!

My project is a festive, punch embroidered tea towel that makes for the perfect pressie for any holiday party hostess.  If you haven't tried punch embroidery (aka Russian embroidery) before, it's a great, textural alternative (or supplement) to traditional embroidery.  My mom taught me when I was in elementary school and although I hadn't played around with it much over the years since, I couldn't resist diving back into the craft when the folks at Boye told me they were coming out with a new needle set.    So, without further ado, here's my video.  Enjoy!

Wardrobe Credits: 

Earrings & Ring: from Naughty Secretary Club

Sweater Pattern: Polar Cap Cardi from my upcoming book (co-written with Adrienne Armstrong), Eco-Stitch (working title)

Sweater Yarn: SWTC Vickie Howell Collection's Vegas in color: Casino

To see the rest of the winter Crafted videos, go here.

Have a crafty weekend!

xo, Vickie

Austin Craft Mafia at Blue Genie Art Bazaar!

Hey all.  The annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar started this week including oodles of amazing wares by Austin artists of all types.  ACM is participating with a small booth including crafty goods from yours truly, Naughty Secretary Club, Hot Pink Pistol, All Dressed Up and Shy, and Sublime Stitching.  This holiday season, support your local artist and buy handmade.

Just a few of the goodies availavle at the Austin Craft Mafia Booth!

Blue Genie runs through December 24th.  Check out their website for deets.

Hope to see you there!

xo, Vickie

And the Winners Are...

Thanks to the over 1,000 participants in the 35 for my 35th Book Giveaway!  I really appreciate everyone joining in on the celebration, and for all of the warm, Happy B-day wishes that I received.

Without further ado, here are the winners of a one of Sterling Publishing/Lark's crafty books:

Cindy Hubbard, Jackson, MI

Deanne Hodge, Crowley, TX

Laura Murphy, Chicago, IL

Monique Koenning, San Antonio, TX

Theresa MacNaughton, Meriden, CT

Suzanne Brooksbank, Aliso Viejo, CA 

Sue Cahill, Niagra Falls, NY

Mary Kay Bishop, Corinth, TX

Mary Harley, Hollywood, CA

Anita Moore, Calabash, NC

Sandy Hemprich, Rochester, NY

Sara De Rosier, Seattle, WA

Ha Lam, Elmhurst, NY

Shelly Elder, Albuquerque, NM

Tamara Schroeder, Lethbridge, AB Canada

Victoria Barton, Bakersfield, CA

Allison Fang, Austin, TX

Leigh Miller, Midlothian, VA

Bethleen Bradford, Elizabethtown, PA

Erica Warren, Louisville, KY

Lia Keller, Medical Lake, WA

Jill Huntsberger, Chicago, IL

Chealsea Walsh, Colfax, WA

Sam Bell, Oakland, CA

Jax Blunt, West Yorkshire, UK

Christina Merlo, Tulsa, OK

Tricia McCarthy, Wentzville, MO

Jessica Su, Atlanta, GA

Sherri Schottlaender, San Diego, CA

T. Ross, Clifton, VA

Linda Tieu, Rosemead, CA

Gretchen Du Pre, Austin, TX

Linda Allen, McAlester, OK

Bonnie Lingard, Carter Lake, IA

Mabel Chan, Torrance, CA

If your name's on the above list, you'll be paired with a book, shortly (Again, I'll keep your genre preferences in mind as best as I can, but it may not be possible to give everyone what they want--and hey, if you hate what you get, then you've got a free book to give as a holiday gift.)  You can expect a package from Sterling Publishing to arrive within the next few weeks with your prize.  Congratulations!

If you did not win this time, be sure to check back often for more contests.  I love giving things away, so there'll be plenty more freebies to come in future months!

xo,

Vickie

A Very Crafty T-Day

Well, we made it through Thanksgiving relatively unscathed.  We hosted this year which meant 1-7 additional people (depending on the day) staying with us in our tiny house for 5 days.   Surprisingly, it didn't feel all that cramped though, and our Thanksgiving couldn't have been nicer.   Dave's mom, sister, her husband and their too-freakin'-cute-for-words toddler son came out from the Dallas area, bringing all kinds of T-day goodies with them.  It was also my mom's 65th b-day so my brother--who usually avoids family holidays at all costs (don't ask), opting instead for working at the fire station every year--even flew out for the occasion!  This in and of itself made the day rule the school because a.) I *heart* my bro to the umpth degree and b.)  having all three of us together was the best gift possible for my mom.

Dave did most of the cooking, making the best version of  "turkey" I've ever had.  For you fellow vegetarians out there who've been subjecting yourselves to spongy soy roasts all of these years, PLEASE STEP AWAY FROM THE TOFURKEY!  There's a relatively new product out by the UK brand Quorn that tastes so close to real turkey breast, that even the carnivores in the group were nibbling on it cold the next day!  Bake it in olive oil, rosemary, oregano and a little salt & pepper, and the result is pretty darn near perfection.  Seriously.  

The only thing that I cooked myself, was the cornbread stuffing my mom used to make when we were kids.  This is the one dish that makes or breaks Thanksgiving for me--it's not the holiday with out it in my humble opinion.   But I digress.

The holiday week turned out to be pretty crafty in Casa de Howell/Campbell beginning with , my mom's birthday present.   Since 65 is a monumental year, I thought a keepsake would be the way to go.   Tanner & Tristan collaborated on drawing a card for her, which I then transferred onto some unbleached cotton, embroidered over, sewed into a pillow.  I was a little nervous that it wouldn't seem like enough, but when the happy tears started flowing I breathed a sigh of relief. ;)    For all of you out there trying to think of grandparent gifts for Christmas & Hanukkah, embroidered artwork (for photo album covers, journals, pillows, or just framed) makes for a great option.  It's a fantastic opportunity to co-produce something with your kids, instilling a sense of pride and giving in them.  Not to mention, since now we're officially in a recession, handmade gifts offer a thoughtful way to honor your loved ones without breaking the bank!

For a refresher course on how to get artwork transfered onto fabric, see my Eco-Craft article from a back issue of KIWI Magazine, here.

For the first time this year, I started and got 2/3 through (thanks to super-bulky yarn & size 19 needles) a non-work related project for myself!  Below is my WIP Rockerfeller sweater, from Twinkle's Big City Knits.  I love working off other people's patterns every once in a while, to see how differently everyone designs and writes patterns.  It seems to vary greatly from to designer to designer which I guess speaks to the fact that knitting is an oral tradition with many different interpretations.  This can be pretty frustrating for knitters but also, a opportunity for learning.

The kids got in on the crafty action (again) by making the obligatory waxed paper place mats, for the Thanksgiving kiddie table.  Here they are working on the only surface at the time, that didn't have food or dishes on it. ;)

Lastly, after 2 years of talking about it, I finally taught my sister-in-law Meredith to knit.  She's a complete natural! I literally showed her 2 stitches and watched her as she knit 2 more herself, and she had it.  She knit the piece she's holding in a matter of 2 hours, WHILE drinking wine and watching a movie!  She's officially kicked Will Forte out of his 3-year reigning "fastest learner" position.   :)  I've brought another innocent person over to the knitting dark side--mwahhahhah!

I hope you're all recovering from your own holiday adventures, and that you all had a peaceful and happy week.  More later!

xo, Vickie