LIVE...from VK Live!

This week, I'm headed off to the very first, Vogue Knitting Live conference. I'm really looking forward to it, especially because it's the first time ever that I'll be taking (not teaching) formal knitting classes. I can't wait! I've been wanting to soak up some knowledge from the brilliant, knitting master, Mari Lynn Patrick for years. Now's my chance, in one of her advanced design courses! I'll also be basking in the light that is Debbie Bliss's, Traveling Cable class. Woohoo!

When I'm not learnin', I'll be teachin'. Well, in the form of serving up some knitty advice, that is. I'll be helping my friend & VK patterns editor, Lori Steinberg, answer your knitting/crochet questions at the VK Live Pro Bar. If you're stuck on a project, are having difficulties with a pattern, or just want to say "hi", stop by the bar on Saturday afternoon from 2-4pm to see me!

But wait, I got ahead of myself. First off, begin the weekend's festivities at a VK Live adjacent event! I'll heart you forever, if you grab a cab and come to the Needle Arts book signing evening, at Barnes & Noble in Manhattan.

Join me--along with Yarn Harlot, Debbie Bliss, Nicky Epstein, Debbie Macomber & Iris Shrier-- at 7pm this Thursday. We'll all be there to chat, sign books, answer questions, whateva.

I'm also THRILLED to announce that my writing partner in crime, Adrienne Armstrong, will be there too signing our book, AwareKnits. This is her first book signing ever (she's been on the road since our book came out, helping promote her hubby's latest cd), so please come on out and show her a little love--she's a delight, I tell you!

Hope to see you this weekend!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Psst...I'll also be Tweeting live from the show, so be sure to follow @VickieHowell.

Movie Monday: Greenberg

Greenberg serves up a plate of depression with a side of comedy and knitwear chaser. Here are a few shots of my fave part of the movie: the sweaters!

Greta Gerwig as "Florence", wearing a comfy, Aran Jacket

Ben Still as "Greenberg", wearing a Cabled Pullover

"Florence" in a chunky, Bobbled Cardi

Recommended Knitting:

Arusha Jacket, by Margret Wilson for NaturallyCaron.com

Iquitos Cable Sweater, by Anne E. Smith for NaturallyCaron.com

DROPS Pullover with Cables

Starsky Sweater, by Jordana Paige for Knitty

Happy viewing; happy stitching!

See more Movie Monday posts, here.

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Haiku Movie Reviews on Smells Like Screen Spirit!

Once upon a time, my husband (founder of Smells Like Screen Spirit) asked me if I wanted to write any movie reviews of his website. Then, my eye started to twitch at the thought of yet another project to delve into, that would require me to meet even more deadlines than I already have. I told him that the only commitment to movie reviewing I was willing to make, was at haiku length. And so it was.

Please check in often, for the new SLSS feature:

First up: Haikus about The Kids are All Right, and It's Kind of a Funny Story.

Enjoy!

Craft.Rock.Haiku,

Vickie

Baby Blueprint Crochet!

I've said it before, I'll say it again; Robyn Chachula is one of the most talented crochet designers in the industry. Her sense of accessible, yet modern fashion mixed with architectural structure is truly impressive. As a dive-right-in-and-wing-it designer myself, I'm fascinated by (and a bit jealous of) her ability to map out ahead of time, the most tedious aspects of a pattern and thereby make them easily understandable for every type of crocheter-- the "blueprint" approach to design that she's now known for!

My first real exposure to Robyn's work was when she contributed a beautiful, lacey cashmere sweater to my book, Pop Goes Crochet. I immediately became her fan. In the years since, she's designed for magazines, a booklet for Mission Falls (whose yarns are gorgeous, btw), and written books of her own. It's her latest project though, Baby Blue Print Crochet, that has to be my favorite. Because I, like Robyn, have a wee daughter (and am otherwise surrounded by friends' babies of all ages), every pattern in this book speaks to me. Here's a sneak peek of a few of my faves that, if time were no object, I'd most certainly make for every baby I know!

Joni Dress

Popsicle Boot

Charlie Vest

Callum Pull-Over

Burb Cloth Bib

If you're looking for something to buy with those Amazon or BN.com gift cards from the holidays, Stitchers, you've found the book!

Psst! See more Blue Print Baby projects, here.

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie