Movie Monday: Lucas

Lately my husband and I have been introducing some of our favorite '80's movies to our boys. Most of the time, I'm happy to report, they're as entertained by them now as we were when we were kids!

This week's flashback came in the form of 1986's Lucas starring starring the late, Cory Haim. While Dave and I played, point-out-the-famous-people-when-they-were-kids (Charlie Sheen, Winona Ryder, Jeremy Piven, Courtney Thorne-Smith), I also spotted a couple of totally 80's, knit/crocheted garments.

Tom Hodges as "Bruno" wearing a striped, Crocheted Vest.

(This movie gets bonus points for putting a bully in crochet, because that's hilarious.)

Kerri Green as "Maggie" in a Bobble Stitch Pull-Over

Recommended Stitching:

NaturallyCaron.com's Willow Stream Pull-Over, by Ann E. Smith

Guy Vest, by Drew Emborsky

Daddy-O Vest (for kids!)

Bobbie Shrug

Bobble Blue Sweater, by Mari Lynn Patrick

Happy viewing; happy stitching!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

See more Movie Monday posts here!

FREE PATTERN: DJ Baby Rock! Hat

DJ Baby Rock!

Yo Gabba Gabba Inspired, Knitted Hat

If you're a parent to a child in the under 4 years set then chances are, you know of that which is the Yo Gabba Gabba phenomenon. We're huge fans of it in our household. Our daughter's face lights up every time she hears the first notes of the theme song as does my husbands when DEVO's Mark Mothersbaugh comes on to give on-screen art lessons. Me? I'm a sucker for the Dancey-Dance feature and guest appearance by bands like The Ting Tings and Weezer. Our boys pretend they're too old for the show, but we've caught them secretly watching Tony Hawk showing how to oli on his skateboard. Shhhh, don't tell.

Photo from DJ Lance Rock's FaceBook Page

In December, Yo Gabba Gabba Live will be coming to the Austin area. In preparation (and before the crafty business season begins), I decided to whip-up a knitted version of frontman DJ Lance Rock's iconic hat for my Clover to wear to the show and of course, to share with all of you. My Cool Trick is knitting this DJ Baby Rock Hat--enjoy!

Materials
Orange, Novelty Fur Yarn (Approx. 200-250yds/183-229m)
Size US 10 (6.0mm), 16-18” Circular Needle
Size US 10 (6.0mm) DPNs
Stitch Marker
Yarn Needle

Scraps of Yellow & White Felt
Scissors
Fabric Glue
Hot Glue Gun OR Needle & Thread

Size
Toddler (Child)

UPDATE: How to size pattern up for older kids and adults!

For a 20" head, CO 45 sts. (Follow decrease section as for Child size.)

For a 22" head, CO 49 sts. (Follow decrease section as for Child size.)

For a 23" head, CO 52 sts. (Follow decrease section as for Toddler size.)

Finished Measurements
16” (18”)

Gauge
2.25 sts=1”(2.5cm)

Level
Beginner

Directions
With a DOUBLE-STRAND of yarn and circular needle, CO 36(41) sts. Join round, taking care not to twist. Place marker to signify beginning of round.

Knit all sts around. Repeat for all rounds, until piece measures 5”/12.5cm(5.5”/14cm).

Decrease Section: Switch to dpns as necessary.
Round 1: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * to last two sts, k0(k2). In other words, for smaller size you won’t need to knit the last two sts.

Round 2: Knit all sts around.

Round 3: *K2tog; rep from * around. 9(14)sts remain.

LARGER SIZE ONLY
Round 4: Repeat rnd 3. (7)sts remain.

Snip-off yarn, leaving a 6” tail. Using a yarn needle, thread tail through live sts, discarding knitting needles. Pull yarn to cinch shut; feel yarn through top of hat; knot on the inside.


Finishing
Weave in ends.

Make Applique:
Cut white & yellow stars out of felt. Glue stars together; hot glue or sew applique to hat.

Place hat on kiddo’s head so they can be Yo Fabba Fabba!

AS SEEN ON

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Psst! For how-to knitting help, click here.

This pattern is for non-commercial use only. Copyright Craft.Rock.Love Media, LLC 2010. All rights reserved.

Anatomy of a Play Kitchen

A few months ago, my friend Andee told me about this amazing kitchen made from a nightstand she'd seen on the ultra-cool kid design site, Ohdeedoh. The minute I laid my eyes on it, I knew I had to make one for myself...I mean, my daughter. ;-) Fortunately, there's a complete supply list and tutorial over on the blog, Out of the Crayon Box--so once I gathered the supplies (I lucked out on scoring a nightstand from my friend Karly who just happened to have one she didn't need anymore) and found some time I was ready to go!

My husband Dave and I spent a weekend busting out our own, kitschy kitchen for our little Clover. The result, is this turquoise beauty which I'm giddy to report was also featured on Ohdeedoh.

Before & After

Since posting pictures in my Flickr pool however, I've gotten a few questions about some of the materials I used. I thought it might be helpful to give you the anatomy of our wee kitchen, in the form of pictures and a list. Here goes:

1. Stove Burners: Wooden disks found at Michaels, painted with Rustoleum Hammered Metal paint.

2. Stove Knobs: "Snodd" cabinet knobs from Ikea.

3. Kitchen Sink: Pet bowl found at Dollar General.

4. Sink Facet: Old bathroom facet found in the excess bin at the Habitat for Humanity RE-Store.

5. Backsplash: Tile sheet found at Lowes and glued on to scrap wood using Aleene's Liquid Fusion.

6. Pantry Curtain: Fabric from Ikea, adhered to wood using stick-on velcro.

7. Pantry Curtain Ruffle: Crocheted using stitch and Simply Soft yarn.

8. Paint: Turquoise house paint from Lowes, over a spray-on primer.

10: Oven Inside: Crafty Chica craft paint.

11. Oven Door: The nightstand's original drawer-front was plastic so I chose to replace it with plywood, cut to the same size.

12: Oven Latch: Magnet cabinet closure found at Lowes.

13. Oven Hinges: Plain ol' door hinges found at Lowes.

14. Oven Door Saftey Chain: Chain and eye-screws found at Home Depot.

Have you made one of these nightstand kitchens, too? I wanna see it! Heck, even if you haven't made one of these, I still want to see what cutie cocina your kiddo plays with! Post a link to a photo in the comments section, please.

Happy crafting!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Sophie Poncho on Daily Knitter

Sophie Poncho

Special thanks to The Daily Knitter newsletter for including my baby poncho design for Caron, "Sophie", in this week's installment!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Rhyme Time with Sesame Street & PBS Parents!

This week my son Tristan and I are up on the Sesame Street website for our 2nd, Kid-Tivity installment. Check it out for a tutorial on making Rhyme photo magnets out of recycled lids!

...And because we love a theme, you'll find a companion project, Rhyme Memory Cards, on PBS Parent's Craft Apparent!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Don't be an American Idiot, go see the show.

I just got back from New York where I spent the time in meetings. Except that is, for Tuesday evening when I snuck away (along with my friend/one of my editors, Paige) to see American Idiot (the musical based on the political punk album of the same name) on Broadway. I'd been hearing tidbits about the production (originally in Berkley, CA) from my friend Adrienne who's husband is at the Green Day helm, so I was thrilled when I found out there were tickets available for the one free night I had during a whirlwind trip.

Me & Paige in front of the AI Sign on Broadway

Anyone who's ever followed any project I've ever worked on knows how utterly into music I am but perhaps I should pause here to say that I'm also, a total theater geek. I've gobbled up the story of The Chorus Line at least a hundred times since I was a kid; I grew up going to L.A. productions of CATS, Phantom of the Opera and tributes to Bob Fosse; my (minimal) singing talent and (average) dance ability gave me one of my favorite memories from high school, being a Hot Box girl in West Torrance High's production of Guys & Dolls; years ago during my very 1st trip to NY I dragged my best friend to the original Studio 54 to see Cabaret one night and then Gypsy (starring Ms. Bernadette Peters) then next. But I digress.

Anyway, here's what I've learned about Adrienne over the past few years: along with being extraordinarily kind and giving, she's also extremely modest and not at all self-promotional. Her quiet words of pride over the conception of the AI musical were not enough to prepare me for the level of (for lack of a better term) "awesome" contained within 90 minutes of rock opera. I left the theater wanting to write a song, write a manifesto, and write my congressman. It was that good.

If you'll be in NY anytime soon, go see the show with its original cast--John Gallagher, Jr., Tony Vincent, Stark Sands, Michael Esper, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Christina Sajous, Mary Faber and the entire ensemble. You won't be sorry. If you won't be though, not to worry. I'd be willing to bet this show isn't going anywhere, any time soon--well, except (hopefully) in the form of a touring troop. Just as Hair remains relevant today, American Idiot's message will also speak to generations to come.

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Movie Monday: Winter's Bone

This week's Movie Monday pick, Winter's Bone, comes from my husband who saw a screening of it at the South By Southwest Film festival after it won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Picture at Sundance this year. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, Winter's Bone serves up a little knitwear with its story-telling intrigue.

Jennifer Lawrence as "Ree" wearing a Fair Isle Hat

"Ree" in a simple, Garter Stitch Beanie with Stockinette Brim

Recommended Knitting:

Shady Beanie, by me for Caron

Knit Simple's Fair Isle Hat, by Simona Merchant-Dest

Garter Stitch Hat, by SuperiKunit

Happy viewing; happy knitting!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

See more Movie Monday posts here!

P.S. Read a review of Winter's Bone over at SmellsLikeScreenSpirit.com!

C is for Crafting: NEW PROJECTS for Sesame Street!

This week Craft Apparent with Vickie Howell teamed up with the folks at SesameStreet.org to create two, Cookie Monster crafts for tiny tots. First off join me and my son Tristan as Kid-Tivity guest crafters. Together, we'll guide you and your kiddo through an easy project to tote around!

Next, type on over to the PBS Parents' Craft Apparent page for How-to scoop on making No-Sew or Learn-to-Sew versions of these felt puppets!

Stay tuned for another Craft Apparent Kid-Tivity Collaboration in two weeks!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Psst! See a few behind the scenes shot from the Sesame shoot here.

VIDEO:How to Knit a Basic Cable Stitch

Cabled Snookie

(Sleeve for a Nook, Kindle, iPad, etc.)

Have you been wanting to learn how to knit cables but feel a wee bit nervous about diving in to a big ol', complex project? Well, I'm here for ya, knitters! Try this cabled sleeve for your eReader, camera or mp3 player. You can find the free pattern on the Caron website and if you'd like a little moral support and camaraderie, join us for the Father's Day Gift Knit-Along on Facebook.

Whether you knit this or not though, check out my Basic Cable Stitch video tutorial for a little how-to scoop!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Yarn Market News Feature!

Industry publication, Yarn Market News was kind enough to write a feature about me in their 5th anniversary issue. In it I talk about my partnership with Caron and why I think the boutique and bog box yarn companies can all knit along. :)

Also check out the swanky Lark Books ad for Craft Corps (also in the issue)!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

New Poncho Pattern & Father's Day Knit-Along!

Sophie Poncho

You asked, we listened. The knitted version of my "Clo" baby poncho is here! Meet "Sophie"; the Simply Soft, quick-to-knit accessory for baby on the go. Get the free pattern here!

Father's Day Knit Along: Snookies (aka covers for Nooks & Other Techie Devices)

With less than 3 weeks until Father's Day, I thought it'd be fun to all band together and knit a quick gift for the dads in our lives. Join me for a Knit Along on our new Join me for a Knit Along on our new Caron Facebook Knit Along Group where we'll be making either of two versions of eReader cozies I've designed. Sign up, gather supplies and get started knitting with us tomorrow!

Dad doesn't have an eReader? No problem! I'll tell you how to adapt the patterns to fit most techie gadgets. Hope to see you there!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie