MOVIE MONDAY: Mildred Pierce, Part 1 & 2

Last night HBO debuted their version of the classic film, Mildred Pierce. Not quite a remake of the original (1945, starring Joan Crawford), director Todd Haynes takes the more in-depth approach into the life of a working mother in the 30's and the tumultuous relationship with her sociopathically-ungrateful daughter.

Academy award winning actresses; whip-smart script; fantastic costuming--this one is a must-see! In the meantime, here's a glimpse at how knit & crochet were represented in the 1st parts, of the 5-part miniseries.

Kate Winslet as "Mildred", wearing a Chunky, Knit Jacket

Crocheted Washcloths

Mildred in a Crocheted Cloche

Recommended Stitching:

NaturallyCaron.com's Brigham Hat, by Lisa Gentry

Mary-Kate Beret from Pop Goes Crochet

Great Gifts Washcloths

Urban Jungle Beanie

Caron's Cozy Knit Jacket, by Susan Shildmyer

NaturallyCaron.com's Asheville Jacket, by Kathy Perry

Happy viewing; happy stitching!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

See more Movie Monday posts here!

Farewell, Bev Galeskas

Me & Bev on the Set of Her 2nd Appearance on Knitty Gritty

It came as quite a shock to read in the latest issue of Yarn Market News, that the delightful Bev Galeskas passed away in December.

Bev was the very first guest on Knitty Gritty, and even though we later found out she was likely in pain from Lupus, she never once complained about the then inexperienced host or the ridiculously long shoot. From that day forward she became a mentor in the industry to me at what was the beginning of my career, and also a friend. She was kind enough to design the princess (pictured above) and wizard hats for my first book, New Knits on the Block, and return as a guest on the show during a later season. She was funny, sarcastic, whip-smart and loved a good glass of wine--my kind of lady!

I hate that I've been out of touch with her for the past few years, and never got to tell her how truly appreciative I am for her kindness. The industry (and world) has lost a good one with Bev's departure from this earth.

Bev, I hope you're floating on a soft cloud of roving, with a good pinot in hand and a smile on your face. You'll be dearly missed!

Much love and respect,

Vickie

NEW PATTERN: Cloverfield Cardi for Petite Purls!

Cloverfield Cardigan

Yarn: Stitch.Rock.Love's Sheep(ish), in colors: Robin's Egg(ish), Chartreuse(ish),

Olive(ish) & White(ish)

Although we're still a couple of months away from Sheep(ish)-- the first yarn in my new line, Stitch.Rock.Love-- hitting retail outlets, I'm thrilled to have a design made with it in the Spring issue of the kid-centric online mag, Petite Purls!

Cloverfield, is a cutie-pie cardi knit in one piece from the bottom-up, and using bobble & slip stitches to mimic flowers and grass. Your toddler can wear it in the warmer months with a sundress, and during colder ones over a long-sleeved shirt & jeans. Enjoy!

Sheep(ish) hits JoAnn Stores and Buy.Caron.com in June. In the meantime though, stay tuned on Petite Purls for an upcoming giveaway of the yarn to make the Cloverfield cardigan!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

NEW VIDEO: How-To Seam Up Amigurumi!

Crocheted my Bitty Bunny (or any other, amigurumi animal), and want to know how to seam it up? Check out this video for simple, how-to help!

Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Sunday Crocheting

Project: TBA Pattern

Yarn: Stitch.Rock.Love's Sheep(ish), in colors: Taupe(ish) & White(ish)

Hook: Tulip

Hope you're enjoying your Sunday stitching, as much as I am!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

NEW PATTERN: Bitty Bunny Amigurumi Toy

Materials

1 Skein, Simply Soft Paints, in color: (Color A) Rose Garden

Scraps, Simply Soft, in color: (Color B) Soft Grey

Size US H-8 hook

Tapestry Needle

Stuffing

2, Small Buttons

Needle & Thread

Felt Scrap or Embroidery Thread

Velvet Ribbon

Finished Size

Approx. 6" Tall (including ears)

Directions

Head:

Rnd 1: Using A, ch 4, join with a sl st in 1st ch. Sc 6 times in center ring. Joins with a sl st. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (12 sts)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, *sc, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (18 sts)

Rnd 4: Ch1, *2 sc, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (24 sts)

Rnds 5-7: Ch 1, sc in every st around. Join with a sl st.

Rnd 8: Ch 1, *2 sc, sc2tog; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st. (18 sts)

Rnd 9: Ch 1, *sc, sc2tog; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st. (12 sts)

Rnd 10: Ch 1, *sc2tog; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st. Tie off, leaving a 12" tail.

Stuff head. Don't worry, the small opening will be covered when the head is attached to the body.

Body:

Rnds 1-7: Work same as for head.

Rnds 8-11: Ch 1, sc in every st around. Join with a sl st.

Rnd 12: Ch 1, *2 sc, sc2tog; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st. (18 sts)

Rnd 13: Ch 1, *sc, sc2tog; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st. (12 sts)

Rnd 14: Ch 1, *sc2tog; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st. Tie off.

Stuff body and tuck any ends in as well (otherwise you'd need to weave them in).

Ears (Make 2):

Rnd 1: Using A, ch 4, join with a sl st in 1st ch. Sc 6 times in center ring. Joins with a sl st. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in every st around. Join with a sl st.

Rnds 3-4: Repeat Rnd 2.

Join B

Rnds 5-8: Repeat Rnd 2. Tie off, leaving a 6" tail.

Stuff body and tuck in any ends (excluding tail).

Legs (Make 4)

Rnd 1: Using A, ch 4, join with a sl st in 1st ch. Sc 6 times in center ring. Joins with a sl st. (6 sts)

Join B.

Rnds 2-5: Ch 1, sc in every st around. Join with a sl st. Tie off, leaving 6" tail.

Stuff.

Finishing

Use tails & tapestry needle to sew pieces together (follow photo as a guide). Weave in ends.

Need help? WATCH HOW-TO SEAM-UP VIDEO HERE!

Sew button eyes onto face.

Sew felt (or embroider) nose onto face.

Tie velvet ribbon around neck (velvet makes everything fancier.)

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Copyright Craft Rock Love Media, LLC. Pattern is for non-commerical use only.

Movie Monday (Music Video Edition): Farmer's Daughter

Today's Movie Monday selection was sent to me from my friend Luke over at Buy.Caron.com. It's not technically a movie but in the way that many music videos are, it's certainly cinematic in its own right.

You may remember from the contestant-inspired, crocheted Lilly Earrings I posted a pattern for a year ago that we Caron peeps are a sucker for crafty, American Idol-ers. That said, you can imagine my delight of finding out that one of the greatest Idol finalists, singer-songwriter Crystal Bowersox, is a knitter! Check her out, showing her stitching skills in the video for her song, Farmer's Daughter. Oh, and props to Crystal & the director for figuring out how to use knitting as the common thread (Thanks, I'll be here all night!) through the video's storyline. Enjoy!

Recommended Knitting:
Cardigan Neutral from AwareKnits
Caron's Cozy Knit Jacket, by Susan Shildmyer
NaturallyCaron.com's Iquitos Sweater, by Ann E. Smith

Happy viewing; happy knitting!

Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Like Movie Mondays? See past posts here!

National Craft Month at Jo-Ann Stores!

It's National Craft Month and in celebration, Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts is giving away a bunch of great patterns by prominent designers. I'm thrilled to be a part of the craft community that they're featuring! During the entire month of March my Leafy Ascot--designed using NaturallyCaron.com's Spa--will be available as a FREE, take-away pattern! Just go to any Jo-Ann store across the nation, look for the kiosk above, and nab it. Oh, and it only takes 1 ball of Spa to make it, so it's not only a lovely accessory for the Spring, but also an affordable one to make.

Clover next to mommy's picture at Jo-Ann's in South Austin

My Lacey Ascot Pattern

Austin Craft Mafia is represented by

3 projects from myself, Jennifer Perkins & Jenny Hart

Also check out patterns by my friends:

Drew Emborsky, Kathy Cano-Murillo & Cathie Filian!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

My daughter; a knitter in the making!

Yesterday, I came into the room to find my daughter Clover pretending to knit on a Sheep(ish) project for an upcoming issue of Crafts & Things Magazine. What do you think, do we have a future knitter-in-the-making? *sniff, sniff*

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

P.S. I apologize for the ear-piercing decibal of my voice in the vid. The cuteness apparently interferes with my vocals. ;-)