New Sheep(ish) Pattern: Biased Opinion Scarf

Biased Opinion Scarf in color: Lime(ish)

Get the pattern for my latest, Sheep(ish) design for free at Caron.com. Order the yarn, here!


Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie

From the Archive: Boo-treelicious Ornaments!

Boo-treelicious!

Crocheted Ghost Ornaments

MATERIALS:
1 ball, Stitch.Rock.Love Sheep(ish) for Caron, in color: White(ish)
1 US F (4.25mm) crochet hook
Tapestry needle
6, 1 1/2" Styrofoam balls
Scraps of black craft felt
Craft glue and white sewing pin (Ghost #3 only)
Spooky Tree (Found at craft stores or learn how to make your own here.)

ABBREVIATIONS:
Sl st=Slip Stitch
Ch=Chain
Rnd=Round
Sc=single crochet
St=stitch
Sk=skip
Sc2tog= single crochet two stitches together

DIRECTIONS:

Ghost #1 (Make 2)Ch 2, join round with a sl st.
Rnd 1: Ch1, sc [6 times] in center. Join with a sl st. (7 sts)
Rnd 2: Ch1, sc in base of same st as ch. 2sc in EACH st around. Join with a sl st. (14 sts)
Rnd 3: Repeat rnd 2. (28 sts.)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in next st and each st around. Join with a sl st.
Rnds 5-8: Repeat rnd 4.
INSERT STYROFOAM BALL
Rnd 9: Ch 1, *Sc2tog. Repeat from * to end/ Join with a sl st. (14 sts.)
Rnd 10: Repeat rnd 4.
Rnd 11-12: Repeat rnd 2.
Rnd 13-16: Repeat rnd 4.
Rnd 17: *Ch 7, sk 2, sl st, ch 10, sk 4, sl st, ch 12, st st. Repeat from * , ending with a sl st in the base of 1st ch. Tie off.
(See ghost finishing at bottom of post)

Ghost #1

Ghost #2 (Make 2)
Rows 1-8: Work as for Ghost #1.
INSERT STYROFOAM BALL
Rows 9-16: Ch 1, sc in next st and each st around. Join with a sl st.
(Periodically stretch out ghost "body" while you're working, so it flares out a bit).
Tie off.
(See ghost finishing at bottom of post)

Ghost #2

Ghost #3 (Make 2)
Ch 200. Turn.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in 2nd ch from hook and every ch to end. Tie off, leaving tail.

Assembly: : Pin end of crocheted strip at the top of Styrofoam ball. Put glue on several inches of the wrong side of the strip and begin wrapping around ball, leaving a small gap for the eye area to peek through. Once you get to the bottom portion of the ball (before it rounds off), stop gluing. With a tapestry needle and yarn, tack strip loosely (intentionally letting some of them show) to itself as you continue wrapping to create "body". Leave tails dangling and add a few loose strands randomly. Separate plies of yarn tales for unraveled look.

Ghost #3

FINISHING (all ghosts)
Hanging loop: With yarn and hook, pick up stitch off-center of the top of the ghost head. Ch 12, sl st in same spot that you picked up 1st st. Tie off.
Weave in ends.

Cut out felt eyes and mouth and glue them onto appropriate ghosts. Hang on your spooky tree. Happy Halloween month! xo, Vickie

Go here for crochet how-to scoop!

For more knitting and crochet patterns and kits, go here!

This pattern is meant for non-commercial use only. Copyright Vickie Howell, Inc. 2007. All rights reserved.

New Sheep(ish) Pattern: Vase Cozies on Craftzine!

Knit Vase Cozies

Flowers aren't the only way to add a pop of color to otherwise plain-Jane vases. With just a bit of yarn (Might I suggest, Sheep(ish)?) and an evening in front of the TV, you can whip up a craftier solution! These vase sleeves are worked up in the current pattern-craze du jour (see my Ode-to Missoni Blanket): the chevron stitch. Make them in your favorite colors, then change 'em out to fit the season... or your mood!


Get the pattern HERE and snag the yarn at select Michaels and JoAnn stores!


Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Learn to Stitch + Book Signing at VK Live, LA!

This week I'm heading off to Los Angeles for Vogue Knitting Live, where I'll be teaching at the Beginner's Boutique lounge! It's free with admission, so come on down with friends who want to learn how to knit or crochet--they'll leave with some mad skillz and a ball of Sheep(ish) yarn (while supplies last).

Coming to the marketplace preview on Friday evening? Stop by the Unwind booth, where I'll be signing copies of Awareknits: Knit & Crochet Projects for the Eco-Conscious Stitcher. Hope to see you there!

xx,
Vickie

Psst! Read more about VK Live on the LA Times Image blog!

Sheep(ish) Hits Select Michaels Stores Today!

Click HERE to find a store near you!

I'm excited to mention that starting today, Sheep(ish) will be available in a handful of Michaels stores nationwide! Check out my handy-dandy locator app to find a retailer near you!

As always, thanks for the support!

Stitch.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Chevron-craze Aftermath

I'm sitting here staring at the loot I scored from the Missoni at Target launch, after noticing that the article on my Chevy blanket on Ohdeedoh is the Top post for the week and am wondering...are we all that caught-up in the chevron-print craze? Yeah, I think we are.

 

 What's next? Pucci and pools of color? Betsy Johnson and polka dots? I don't know, but I can't wait to find out and start stitching more odes to some of my favorite designers!

Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Craft Corps on Blog Critics

It's been a while since I've mentioned Craft Corps, my passion project written to nurture and celebrate the creative community.  It was a lovely surprise this morning to get an alert though, that Blog Critics reviewed it and had such positive things so say about it. Give their article a read if you have a moment, then head on over to CraftCorps.org to add your own profile for fellow crafters to enjoy. The site is set to automatically refresh the home page so it features a new crafter with every click. Share your store!

Craft.Rock.Love,

Vickie

Ode-to Missoni at Target: Chevy Baby Blanket

AS SEEN ON

Read the Ohdeedoh Article HERE

My excitement for the Missoni line launch at Target may possibly have reached ridiculous levels. The bold, graphic pieces they're known for at prices that most can afford? A budget-conscious girl with a love for fashion never had a chance!  

The Chevy baby blanket is my crafty ode to Missoni--the design house that has me silly for stripes and seeing chevrons in my sleep. Enjoy!--VH

Materials 
8 balls Stitch.Rock.Love Sheep(ish) for Caron (70% Acrylic/30% Wool ; 167 yds/153 m) yarn in colors: (A) Magenta(ish), (B) Chartreuse(ish), (C) Pumpkin(ish), (D) Robin’s Egg(ish), (E) Black(ish), (F) Taupe(ish), (G) Red(ish), (H) Turquoise(ish)

Size US J hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Tapestry Needle

Finished Size
39” x 36” (97 1/2” x 90 cm)

Gauge
13 sts x 6 rows= 4” (10 cm) in patt stitch


Special Stitch:
3DCtog: Decrease 3 stitches in to one by double-crocheting them together.

NOTE: To make a larger version, increase stitches by multiples of 14 sts + 1. Don't forget to add an additional 3 for your foundation chain!

Directions
With Color A, Ch 130.

Row 1(RS): DC in 4th ch from hook, * DC in each of 5 ch, 3DCtog over next 3 ch, DC in each of 5 ch, [DC, ch, DC] in next ch, repeat from *, ending with 2 DC in last ch. Turn.

Row 2: 3ch, DC in front loop of first DC, * DC in front loop of each of 5 dc, 3DCtog, over front loops of next 3 DC, DC in front loop of each of 5 DC, [DC, ch, DC] in ch sp, repeat from *, ending with 2 DC in 3rd of 3 ch. Turn.

Row 3: As for Row 2, but working in the BACK loops of stitches. Repeat Rows 2 & 3 until blanket measures 36” (90 cm) and switching to Colors B, C, D, E, F, G & H every 4 rows for the first half of blanket, and every 2 rows for the 2nd half, ending with 4 rows of Color A. Use Color Stripe Chart as a guide.

Tie off.

Stitch Guide

Finishing

Weave in ends.

Get pattern pdf on Ravelry

download now

Get Sheep(ish) yarn at select JoAnn & Michaels stores and online at Buy.Caron.com!

Fire Relief for Friends

Bastrop Fire. (Credit: AP)

As I'm sure you've heard, there's been horrendous fires engulfing different parts of central Texas. The worst by far however, is in Bastrop (30 minutes outside of Austin) where so far 34,000 acres and 785 homes have been lost.  One of those homes belonged to my son's piano (and my friend/former bass) teacher, Jonas Wilson and his girlfriend Jenny Gracy.

Jonas, humoring Clover by wearing my sunglasses while he's giving a lesson.

Jonas and Jen--who are both musicians and bandmates in The White White Lights--shared not only their house, but also the recording studio where Jonas made a large portion of his living by composing and producing. With only a moments notice, they had to evacuate as both structures were devoured by flames. They lost everything--their clothing, furniture, music equipment, artwork...everything. I cannot even fathom how devastated and defeated they must feel.

Their families have set up a donation drive to help get them back on their feet.  You can read the full details about it here, or simply donate by clicking below. No amount is too small.



Thank you so much for your generosity!

With love,
Vickie

Today on Fave Crafts Radio!

Just a quick post to let you know that I'll be a guest on Fave Craft Radio today at 2pmCT/3pmET. Give the show a listen to hear all of the guests discuss free projects available to the public--I'll be chatting about a couple of Sheep(ish) patterns that are perfect for Fall. Click here to listen!

UPDATE: If you missed it, you can listen to the recorded broadcast here.

Listen to internet radio with FaveCrafts on Blog Talk Radio

xx,
Vickie

Sheep(ish) Coming to Michael's Test Stores!

+

I'm thrilled to announce that in less than 3 weeks Sheep(ish) will be in 20, Michaels test stores! If you live near any of the test stores, please pop in and buy a ball...or 10. ;-) It should be on shelves by September 20th. I really appreciate it!


Psst! Tell a friend.


xx, Vickie


Salisbury, MD
113 E N Point Dr
Salisbury, MD 21801

(410) 334-2322

El Paso,TX

1313 George Dieter
Suite C, El Paso, TX 79936(915) 629-9577

Rochester, MN

60 25th St SE
Rochester, MN 55904-5557
Phone: (507) 285-5947 

Pleasant Hill, CA

60 Gregory Ln
PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523-3321

Dallas, TX

5500 Greenville Ave, Ste 700
DALLAS, TX 75206-2931

Fort Wayne, IN

4230 W Jefferson Blvd
Fort Wayne, IN 46804-6818

Roseville, MN

2100 N Snelling Ave

Har-Mar Shopping Center

Roseville, Minnesota 55113-6000

Phone: (651) 631-1810

Tampa, FL

3802 S Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, FL 3361

(813) 835-0005

Clearwater, FL

2631 Gulf To Bay Blvd
Clearwater, FL 33759-4936

Phone: (727) 216-0612 

Merrillville, IN (list as CHI-Hobart #3858)

2384 E 79th Ave
Merrillville, IN 46410-5740

(219) 947-4589

Newburgh, NY

1245 Rte 300, Ste 1
Newburgh, NY 12550-5007

(845) 567-1953

Flourissant, MO

745 N US Hwy 67
Florissant, MO 63031-5107

Manassas, VA

10828 Sudley Manor Dr
Manassas, VA 20109-2834

(703) 365-2589

Chula Vista, CA

1242 Broadway
Chula Vista, CA 91911-2911

Burbank, IL

7600 S Cicero Ave, Ste B
Burbank, IL 60459-1500

(708) 229-0950

Miami, FL

12425 SW 88th St
Miami, FL 33186-1871

(305) 271-5515

Miami, FL #2

8354 S Dixie Hwy
Miami, FL 33143-7714

(305) 665-6793

King of Prussia, PA

200 W DeKalb Pike
King of Prussia, PA

(610) 265-2196

Greenville, NC

600 SE Greenville Blvd, Ste F
Greenville, NC 27858-6737

Salisbury, MD

113 E N Point Dr
Salisbury, MD 21801-2283

Portland, OR

11719 NE Glenn Widing Dr
Portland, OR 97220-9051

(503) 256-5466

New Sheep(ish) Pattern: Lacy Daisy Ascot

(Shown in color: Yellow(ish)

My latest Sheep(ish) design, the Lacy Daisy Ascot, is now available for free on Caron.com. It's a 1-ball project so if you've been waiting for something small to make before you gave Sheep(ish) a try, then it's time to pick up those sticks! Lacy Daisy ads a pop of color to any outfit and makes a great gift item for teachers, girlfriends, and moms! It'll only cost around $4 to make, but will look like a million bucks.

Enjoy!

Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie