Rattlegarumi!

Morning, Craftshines!  The May/June issue of Crochet Today! Magazine is about to hit shelves and in it, is my amigurumi rattle.    It's crocheted with organic cotton, with a jingly cat toy buried within to create the rattle sound.  Add a piece of luxurious silk ribbon around the neck of the bunny's head, and you've got a unique, classic and lovely gift for that baby in your life that's sure to be held onto as a keepsake for years to come!

Mag subscribers, look for this issue in your mailbox any day now.  For the rest of you, check your local newsstand in a couple of weeks!

xo, Vickie

P.S.  Hey, stitchers!  Don't forget to send your friends one of my new e-cards.  They're fun, free, and a great way to let them know that you *heart* them, they rock or they just plain, make your day.  Here's the link!

Pop Goes Crochet E-Cards & Giveaway!!!

Ok, I'm so freakin' excited today because thanks to the support of Lark Books and the computer wizardry of Websy Daisy, Pop Goes Crochet E-Cards are now available on my website!

Add a little POP to your friends' days by sending them one (or as many as you want for FREE) of four choices of  Pop Quiz trivia cards.  If the recipient also happens to be a crocheter then bonus, because the e-greeting will also give them a sneak preview at a project from the book!

The cards are all animated, but here's what the front image of each looks like:

Card #1 (For Friends and Band Peeps)

Capelet Design by: Whit Larson

Card #2: (For Anyone Bringing Sexy Back)

Felted Clutch Design by: M.K. Carroll

Card #3 (For Anyone Who Rocks)

Shrug Design by: Sue Rock

Card #4 (For Cowboys & Cuties)

Poncho Design by: Nikol Lohr

In honor of these 4 card designs, I'll give away free, signed copies of Pop Goes Crochet to the 4th, 44th, & 104th person to forward their sent e-card conformation to: contests@vickiehowell.com.  Good luck!

SEND CARDS NOW, BY CLICKING HERE!

Snap, Crackle, POP!,

Vickie

I Love to Create: Owls, the Crafter's Mascot

Today's I Love to Create post is an ode to the official (well, in my book, anyway) mascot of the crafter: the owl.  I'm pretty much obsessed with them and like everything else, the kitschier the better!  While thrifting for wall art the other day, Dave and I came across this little plastic, 1970's number.   We thought he might be the perfect candidate to wisely look over our baby-to-be's room.  I tend to not like wildlife decor if it looks at all realistic though, opting instead for whimsical, graphic or cartoon versions.  This owl teeters (or make that, tweeters) on the border between the two looks, so we snagged it with the plan to get creative.    I gave him a simple, crafty makeover taking this plastic pal from out-of-date to adorable!  Here's how:

Step 1: Pick Your Plastic

Scour flea markets and thrift stores for molded plastic animals.  They're fairly easy to find (in addition to this owl, we came across a lion, puppy and siamese cat all in the same store!), and cost under $20.

Step 2:  Prime Time

Cover the entire piece with your primer of choice.  This step's important!  Without it, the paint will peel right off.

Step 3: Color Me Happy

Use Tulip's Soft Fabric Paint (I went with  the color "Azalea", to match the chandelier I painted a few weeks ago) and a sponge brush to give the owl a little color.  You'll need a couple of coats for complete coverage.  Let dry.

Step 3: Sticky Situation

Take a small paint brush and add some Glitter Bond to the areas of the piece that you'd like to add a little razzle-dazzle to.  In this case, I outlined the feathers on the owl's chest and wings.

Step 4: Glitterati

Sprinkle Crafty Chica's Chunky Glitter (I chose the color, "Frida's Fuchsia") over the Glitter Bond.  Let dry.  Shake excess glitter off, using a dry paint brush if necessary.

That's all there is to it--now you've got yourself one, beautiful bird!

  

If painting's not your gig (or if like me, you need even more of an owl fix), check out these other crafty treasures that fit the bird bill (or beak, as it were):

 Lucky Kitty's Pirate Owl Plushie, Naughty Secretary Club's Black Belly Necklace, Yumi Yumi's Owl Print, and  Delicious Crochet's Amigurumi Horned Owl Pattern

Oh but wait, there's more!

Stencil1's Owl Stencil, Future Girl's Macrame Keychain,  my crochet Tarina Necklace (Bonus Pop Goes Crochet pattern coming to Craftzine.com on 4/15!), and Crab Apple Design's Greeting Card.

Hey, "Whoooo's Crafty?"  You know you are!

xo, Vickie

P.S.  Give a hoot, don't pollute!

Family Follies

I don't really have anything on-topic to say today, except that I'm almost finished with the Modern Love(y) blanket that'll I'll be offering a pattern for soon on my site.

Unrelated, I'm already at that really uncomfortable stage of pregnancy that's not at all aided by my serious lack of torso.  Last night, this was the conversation at my house between me and my 9 year old son:

Tanner:  Mom, if it makes you feel any better, there's a guy in the new Wolverine movie who's WAY bigger than you are.  He's big everywhere!

Me:   Great.

Tanner:  Yeah.  His name's The Blob.

Me:  I'm sorry, did you just compare me to someone named "The Blob"?

Tanner:  Yeah, but I mean, he's really big and...

Me:  Tanner, you should stop now while you're behind.  Listen to me carefully honey, because your future wife will thank me for this one, don't EVER compare a woman to anything that even remotely resembles something huge ESPECIALLY if it's also called, The Blob.  Trust me, it will NEVER make her feel better.  Got it?

Tanner:  Got it.

I think that pretty much says it all.

xo, Vickie

Contest Winner & This Week on Crafty TV

Thanks for entering last week's Pop Goes Crochet giveaway!  The 27th's e-mailer is..."Wdmmlc".  Please reply to the e-mail I sent with your real name and address by Wednesday.  Congrats!  Meanwhile...

Stylelicious on DIY

When: Tuesday March 24th 4:30amET

Episode: Spice it Up

Stylelicious has the remedy for plain wardrobe pieces. I jazz up a skirt and tank with a touch of tulle. Host Jesse Kelly-Landes adds some sass to some simple slippers. Host Jennifer Perkins has an idea to put some personality into your underwear.

When: Saturday March 28th 4:30amET

Episode: Time for a Change
When wardrobe pieces get old and tiresome, give them a new lease on life! I'll show you how to revamp an old sweater with a cool needle-felting design. Jennifer Perkins makes a hilarious handbag with girl's training pants. A tired skirt gets a makeover with fishing line and a serger.

Knitty Gritty on HGTV

When: Friday March 27th 6:30amET

Episode: Loom Knitting

We're all familiar with those colorful plastic looms you find in craft stores. And we all know looms are great for hats and baby blankets, but did you know you can make cables on a loom? How about socks with decreases? And what about lace? Up until recently, no one knew how to create these patterns, but designer Isela Phelps is taking the world by storm, showing everyone that loom-knitting is as versatile as needle-knitting. Watch as she gives us a primer.

xo, Vickie

Picking Up Stitches Tip & Preggo Pic

Morning, Sunshines!  I realized that there's been so much to blog about over that past 2 weeks, that the tips I had planned to post fell by the waste-side.  I've got a busy day of catching-up on work and catching-up with Dave and some friends to see a couple of SXSW shows.  Sooo, I'll make this one a quick one taken right from the pages of Knit Aid:

Knit RX: Divide and Conquer

To make sure that picked-up stitches along a curved neck or shoulder line are distributed evenly, divide the area into quarters and mark each section with a pin.  Then, pick-up 1/4 of the desired stitches in each section and you'll be smooth sailin'!

I also want to take a moment to thank all of you who've bought copies of the book (extra mushy thanks to those who've given it positive reviews!)  I just looked on Amazon and your support is evident.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate that.  

Now, for no other reason than to document proof to my daughter that pregnancy didn't stop me from rockin' it, here's a shot of me and my friend Noelle (she's due the same week as I am) at yesterday's Hollywood Gossip show on South Congress.

T.G.I.F!

xo,

Vic

Countdown Contest: Month & 1/2 until Crochet goes POP!

Ok, I clearly suck at math...apparently, even when it only involves counting.  THIS week, not last, marks 6 weeks until the first week of May when Pop Goes Crochet comes out.  I'm blaming the oversight on my pregnancy brain, but who really knows?  The good news though is, that it gives me an additional week to give away signed copies.  Hooray!

Ok, now for another little sneak peak.  The book is broken down into 5 chapters--Rebels, Icons, Fashionistas, Starlets and Rockers--all of which are filled with projects that are an ode to both the individual they're named after and the versatility of crochet.  

Those of you who've seen me at conventions and fairs probably recognize these tops, because I've worn them to death (the black version's also what I'm wearing on the cover).  They're comfy and versatile with a drop-waist that's flattering to those of us who don't necessarily want to draw attention to our midsections.  It's made with SWTC/Vickie Howell Collection "Love" yarn (Silk & Bamboo) for drape and in 2, "T" shaped pieces for quick assembly.  Ladies and gentlemen, I give you...

Helena

The mad musings of Alfred Hitchcock, Stephen King and Tim Burton, have seeped into pop-culture with the crimson impression of some of their famous fictional victim’s blood. If art imitates life however, it’s Helena Bonham Carter who’s the embodiment of the dark, often quirky beauty of cinematic thrillers and cult classics. These crocheted mesh tops invite you to become entangled in the web where fright meets fashion.

...And now, for a little insiders scoop: The other woman in this picture was never in the same room as I was. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we each had to be shot on different days. Thanks to the PhotoShop wizardry of art director Kristi Pfeffer though, my vision of the twin scene from "The Shining" was still able to come into fruition. Happy.

This is the 27th project in the book, so I'm going to give a signed copy of Pop Goes Crochet to the 27th person who E-MAILS their entry to: contests@vickiehowell.com, by 11pmCT on Sunday March 22nd.

Good luck and thanks for sneak peakin'!

xo, Vickie

I Love to Create: Guide to Artful Sewing Preview

This week on I Love to Create, I'm sharing a little looksie of my friend Kathy Cano-Murillo's latest book, Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu Low-Sew Projects for the Everyday Crafter (Potter Craft).

For you Chica fans out there, this book will not disappoint!  It embodies her signature style of playful color, experimentation and the adoration of crafty excess.  Her infectious positivity shines through, as she guide's you through her world of artful sewing--one step (and crafty ode) at a time.  Crafty Chica's Guide will give you the knowledge you need to start your sewing adventure, all the while putting a smile on your face with projects that are as fun to look at as they are to make.   Below are just a few of those goodies, along with some supply tips for making your own.  Let's start first though with a list of Crafty Chica's Reason's to Sew (paraphrased):

• IT'S A SKILL YOU CAN BRAG ABOUT.  Once you master your first project, you can officially shout to the world, "I sew"!
• YOU'LL LEARN SOMETHING NEW ABOUT YOURSELF.  Working with a needle and thread will make you discover a whole new dimension to your personality.  [How you work on projects] will all come to be your signature style.
• MEET NEW FRIENDS.  You can connect with a other threadheads for inspiration, tips, or just to have company while you create.
• NEW PLACES TO SHOP.  Hello, fabric store!
• HONORING YOUR ELDERS.  We have the genes, energy and spirits of our sewing relatives in us.  Think of how proud they'd be seeing you whip out that measuring tape!
• TEACHING OTHERS.  Once you take up sewing, you will give advice to others.  Knowledge is power!
• DESIGN CUSTOM WORK YOU LOVE.  You will be able to tailor-make pieces of art and clothing, to your exact style and price you can afford.
• GIFTING.  The best thing about creating is the ability it affords, to give and share!
• SHATTER SELF-DOUBTS.  If you can tackle sewing, maybe you'll give those other things you've missed out on a second thought, and try them, too!

Razzle Dazzle Sewing Machine

The tools for creating can be as artful as the finished projects themselves.   Turn your sewing machine into a showpiece, with a little Liquid Fusion and a whole lotta buttons and rhinestones.

Color-it-Yourself Lover Pillowcase

Make cases you wanna cuddle by creating Sacred Heart appliques using cotton fabric and Crafty Chica Tango Permanent Fabric Markers.

I Will Never Part with This T-Shirt Glitter Tote

Recycled t-shirt projects are a must-make for the crafter with a conscience.  Kathy's version has texture and dimension, thanks to fabric layering, Aleene's Glitter & Gem Glue, and a little microfine glitter!

Chop Top Frock

With only a little chopping and sewing, turn a men's dress shirt into a one-of-a-kind tunic-tank. Personalize it, by using a stencil and Tulip Soft Fabric Paint design to the chest.

Family Fragment Fabric Collage

This one has to be my favorite.  Adore your elders by placing them on exhibit--old pictures of them, that is!  Scan those precious pics into your computer, print them out on Photo Transfer Paper, iron them on to plain cotton fabric and sew them into your collage!

For more information on Kathy's books, the Crafty Chica line of products and general crafty scoop, go to www.craftychica.com and www.ilovetocreate.com.

Crafty kisses,

Vickie

Zack & Miri Make a Purl, No?

Riddle me this, Batman.  Who's the knitter/crocheter on the crew for, Zack & Miri Make a Porno?  Because let me tell you, the movie is a veritable "I Spy" delight for the yarn fan.   Stars Seth Rogan (Zack) and Elizabeth Banks (Miri) were rarely not sporting Feather & Fan,  Garter Stitch scrap,  and novelty crochet scarves; floral ponchettes; chunky, fair isle toboggans  and be-pompomed hats.

The flick itself is funny but I should mention, a hard "R".  If you're under-age or easily offended (or made uncomfortable) you should probably skip it.  Lest you have to then miss out on the yarn goodness of Zack & Miri however, I've created a pictorial--a knitwear storyboard, if you will--of some of pieces worn in the film.  Wardrobe department, this tribute's for you!

Thanks to Dave who's a big enough fan of Seth Rogan's to stand in a 2-hour line last night for a SXSW screening of his new movie (Observe and Report), but still didn't get (too) annoyed by the number of times I had him pause the Z&M Blu-ray so I could take pictures.   You are the wind beneath my knitted, fan-girl wings.

Now, carry on with your regularly scheduled programming.

xo,

Vickie

PGC Weekly Contest Answer & Winner

Thank you so much to all of you who entered last week's Pop Goes Crochet trivia giveaway!

The answer to" What Rasta icon immortalized the crochet tam" is of course, Bob Marley!

Congratulations to Cynthia Acheson, the winner of a signed copy of the book.

Didn't nab a copy this time?  No worries--Check back here this Thursday for another chance to win!

Happy hooking!,

Vickie

Crafty TV This Week with Vickie

Stylelicous on DIY

Episode:  Rainy Day

When:  Thursday, March 19th

Stylelicious is making rainwear fun! Host Vickie Howell demonstrates how to make an oilcloth embellished raincoat. Host Jen Arntson has a clear winner with a rain-proof messenger bag cover. Host Karly Hand comes up with a vintage-inspired rain hat.

Customized Kiddie Raincoat

Knitty Gritty on HGTV

Episode:  Knitting Rules!

When:  Friday, March 20th 6:30amET/PT

Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is best known as a knitting-humor writer.   In this episode Stephanie shows us how to knit a sock from a recipe as opposed to a pattern. These basic rules are a great starting point for us to get creative and expound on this much-loved garment.

Can't find a picture with Stephanie on the KG set, but here's one from when we ran into each other in the bathroom at the Atlanta airport.  What the...?

Happy crafty viewing!

xo, Vickie

Sustainable Sandwich Wrap

The April issue of Kiwi Magazine is about to hit stands which includes, my Eco-Craft column.  This month's project is a sustainable sandwich wrapper made out of oilcloth, vintage buttons and a hair elastic.  Do the environment (and your wallet) a favor and ditch those disposable plastic baggies in favor of this reusable replacement.  

Get the how-to instructions for this project by grabbing a copy of the Kiwi Kuisine issue of the mag, or by logging onto their website!

xo,

Vickie

Countdown Contest: 6 Weeks until Crochet goes POP!

With a month and a half until Pop Goes Crochet hits shelves, I wanted to start celebrating. So, every week for the next 6, I'll be showing little sneak peeks, linking to some of the talented contributors and giving away signed copies of the book! 

To kick off this countdown, it seems appropriate to start with an excerpt from the introduction.  Grab a cup of tea and give it a read, won'tcha?  (Or just scroll down for contest details.  I won't tell, I promise.)

(Click on images for larger view)

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN the first giveaway copy, send the answer to this crochet trivia question to contests@vickiehowell.com:

What Rasta icon immortalized the crocheted tam?

ENTRY DEADLINE for this week's contest is SUNDAY MARCH 15th @ 11pmCT. Winner and answer will be posted here next week.  Good luck!

xo, Vickie

I Love to Create: Knitted & BeJewelled Shamrocks!

With only 6 days left until St. Patrick's Day, this Irish lass (ok, I'm more Spanish than Irish, but that's not really the point now, is it?) has clover on her mind.  For this week's I Love to Create

column I combined my sweet spot for shamrocks with two other things I dig: finding uses for luxurious yarn scraps that I can't bare waste, and combining regular craft supplies with knitted pieces.  These lucky leaves are quick to stitch and fun to bedazzle.  Make a bunch, give 'em out to your friends and listen for the chants of "Erin Go Braugh!"

MATERIALS
Scraps of Green, Sock Yarn

Size US 2 (2.75mm) Needles

Tapestry Needle

Tulip Cordless Heat Setting Tool

Tulip Glam-it Up! Iron-On Crystals

SHAMROCK SIZES

Large = 3 1/2" tall

Small = 2 1/2" tall

How to Knit:
MITERED LEAVES (Make 3..or 4, if you're feeling lucky!)
CO 18 (20) sts.

Larger Size Only
Row 1: K8, ssk, k2tog, k8.

Rows 2,4,6,8: Knit

Both Sizes (for smaller size, treat Row 3 as 1)

Row 3: K7, ssk, k2tog, k7.
Row 5: K6, ssk, k2tog, k6.
Row 7: K5, ssk, k2tog, k5.
Row 9: k4:ssk, k2tog, k4
Row 10: Ssk, BO to last 2 sts (you’ll still have one st on the RH needle as well), ssk, BO remaining sts.

Using a tapestry needle, sew leaves together.

Pick up 3 sts at base of shamrock and knit a 1 1/2"-2" i-cord stem (for an i-cord refresher, see my how-to video).  BO.

Curve stem with your fingers.  Weave in ends.

How to BeJewell:

1. Use a heatproof surface such as a ceramic tile to rest heat tool on between applications and while cooling. Set slightly away from work area to prevent burns.
2. Move button to ON position and hold button down to heat. Press tip on tissue or paper. When ready, a scorched spot will appear.
3. Hold tool straight up and touch top of embellishment. Hard pressure is not needed, heat will melt glue. Too much pressure will cause tip to slip and burn your knitted piece! 
4. Allow tool to heat up again if laid down or finger is removed from button.

Ideas for What to Do with Your Shamrock:

• Hot glue or sew a pin to the back, and wear it as a "Don't Pinch Me" brooch.
• Use a little Tacky Glue to paste it on a card front, for a one-of-a-kind St. Patty's Day greeting.
• Use as an applique by hand tacking or using decorative embroidery to sew your "shams" onto a tote bag, pillow, t-shirt, onsie, and more!
• Make neck garland by knitting a whole slew of shamrocks and attaching them to a long piece of ribbon or crochet chain.  See my Love Rocks garland for inspiration.

No matter what you do with yours though, you won't be saying "Shamrock"-- you'll be screaming, "Sham-wow!"  ;)

From my house to yours, wishing you the luck of the Irish.

xo,

Vickie

St. Patty's Day REPOST: Booties Go Bragh Pattern!

(Originally posted 3/07)

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.

Dig this project? Get more great knit & crochet patterns and kits like it, here!

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

This Week on Crafty TV with Vickie

Knitty Gritty on HGTV

When: Friday, March 13th at 6:30amET

Episode: Knits that Fit
No one likes spending lots of time knitting garments that don't end up fitting! Knitwear and crochet designer Amy O'Neill Houck shares a sweater template rather than a pattern. She uses math formulas and techniques to customize this template. As you knit, you take measurements and make choices so that the resulting sweater fits your body, and has design elements of your choice as well such as longer sleeves or body, tapered sleeves, different edgings, and stitch patterns.

Stylelicious

When:  Thursday, March 12th at 4:30amET

Episode:  All About Aprons

This episode keeps things clean with fashionable aprons!  I create an apron out of shopping bags, Jesse Kelly-Landes makes a utility apron out of oil cloth, and Jennifer Perkins makes a maternity shirt out of a vintage apron.  We also meet Lizelle Villapando and Talena Rasmussen from Booyo (and Parts & Labour) who make cool retro reversible aprons. 

My retro-inspired apron, made entirely out of shopping bags.

xo, Vickie

Free PATTERN: Moebius Lace Cowl by Turvid

Hey there!  Designer Turvid (from the lovely land of Norway), just posted a beautiful new pattern for a 1-ball, lace cowl using Vickie Howell Collection LOVE yarn.   Quick, fun to knit, and oh-so-luxurious--just how I like 'em! 

Check it out here.

Happy Saturday stitching, everyone!

xo,

Vickie

I Love to Create: Customizing Yarn with T-shirt Dye!

Ever wonder if those cold-dyes in the fabric paint aisle of the craft store, would also work for dyeing yarn?  Well I did.  Turns out that curiosity does not kill the craft!  For relatively little time and money you can have your own custom made yarn without having to hunt down fancy, chemical dyes or invest the hours required for natural dyes.  Here's the scoop...

What You'll Need:

• Tulip's One-Step Fashion Dye in desired color.  I went with 3 different colors for 3 separate hanks of yarn: Yellow, Black & Red.
  
• Small amount (about 50 yds) of white, natural fiber yarn (wool, cotton, hemp, etc).  Note: Synthetic yarns will not take this dye, so make sure you know what you're working with before you start the dye process!
• Plastic wrap or bags (This is a great time to use one of those zip-closed bags you might have recycled!)
• Newspaper or protective mat.

What to Do:

• Prep area by spreading out newspaper or mat to protect your work space.
• Following the directions from the box, add water to to dye mix bottle.  I wanted more saturated color, so I added less water (about 2/3 full) than called for.  Play around with water-to-dye ratios, for different shades of color.
• Apply dye to yarn with squeeze bottle.
• You'll notice that the dye will bead up upon contact with the yarn, so use your fingers to mush the color into the fiber.  Make sure to not agitate the yarn too much though because even though you're using cold water, you may see some felting with too much rubbing.
• For the Yellow & Black hanks, I saturated the yarn as much as possible with 1 bottle of dye while also embracing the imperfections of hand-dyeing.  Don't be afraid of having a little white poke through, it adds character!

I call this one, "Dexter".

• For the red batch I didn't worry about dyeing evenly at all, instead opting for a splatter effect.

• Once you're satisfied with the color coverage, wrap wet yarn in plastic wrap or baggie.  Let sit for at least 4 hours.
• Rinse color out, using cool water and mild soap (gentle shampoo works great!)  Squeeze out excess water, again being careful not to agitate.
• Let hang dry.

What You Get:

From the colors I chose, I expected more punk rock than pastel--but hey, Easter's coming up, right?  You never know how each yarn is going to interact with the dye, so go into your yarn-speriment with an open mind.  It's liberating, I promise.

Here's what the 3 balls look like, knitted up.

• Swatch #1: the yellow, turned out pretty close to perfect as far as color-matching goes.  This lovely, lemon yellow is perfect for Spring!
• Swatch #2: the black, had a mind of it's own and turned out less goth, more grape.  Still nice, though!
• Swatch #3: my fave, the red, came out a variegated pink and white.  This one reminds me of taffy and would be adorable made up into a little girls' jacket!

Something Different:

If you really want to go crazy, try working with one of the Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kits.  The above ball of yarn was dyed with the "Moody Blues" pack.  This technique just requires tying off segments of yarn for each of the 3 colors, letting them blend at the ties.  You'll notice that the colors of this one are a wee bit more muted than their single-colored sisters.  This is what results from filling the applicator bottle completely, with water.  The bonus of going the muted, tri-color route is definitely mileage.  I was able to dye over 200 yds of yarn with one kit--that's enough for a skinny scarf, a kids' beanie, or a baby garment!

Although this colorway isn't necessarily my gig, I do love the nostalgic feel that it has--reminds me of the yarn my mom used to knit garments with for my dolls when I was a kid.

Hope the rest of your week is to dye for (har, har, har.)

Have fun and dye on!

xo,

Vickie