Vickie Howell

Vickie Howell returned to the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird, so we have an opportunity to get caught up with her. So much has happened in the last two and half years!

VickieHowellprofilepicVickie was taught to crochet by her mother, as they watched tv together. At a very young age, about 20, Vickie became the hostess of Knitty Gritty. She has also been on Knitting Daily, yarn lines, patterns, books (and booklets!). Marly commented that Vickie has had a lot of ‘lives’ and Vickie agrees, because creative people have ideas as ebb and flow. She feels that she has been an communicator, introducer, recruiter, encourager, which builds an openness with others you may not have anything in common with.

Primarily she’s been an encourager of crochet, not that she hasn’t knit, but feels they are both wonderful for different reasons. Vickie says you have to be willing to fail, and to ask for what you want, taking the risk that you can show things they may not be aware they want to learn. Wee Garter Stitch (link to Ravelry so you can peek at the different pieces) is a collection of knits, both classic and trendy. Vickie saysVH Wee Garter Stitch she learned to knit when her second child was born (who is now a teenager). For instance, the cover piece is the Honey Baby pullover features the classic honey-comb done in a bit unusual garter stitch pattern, with popular stripes. Vickie says she loved the Best Dressed which is vintage styled with modern comfy fit, minus seaming. The Coyote Kid is the vintage Cowichan Cardigan (remember The Big Lebowski?) with lots of colorplay to attract a little one’s eye. (Vickie created that to work up quickly in a bulky weight yarn!) Fox Lovie combines the texture of garter stitch, the classic feather and fan waves, and the modern love of fox knits, to create the dragged around companion of a little hands. Look for Zebras, Leopard prints, bows, ruffles and all the elements that become beloved children’s garments.

A very recent addition with Vickie Howell’s world media is a new podcast, Craftish. She describes it as conversations of creative-types.  At this moment the 12 episodes include author Rachel Herron, Star Wars director Rian Johnson, Moogly’s Tamara Kelly, podcaster and magazine editor Kara Gott Warner, food and lifestyle photographer Jody Horton…. such a wide variety of stories, how they remain creative. Vickie finds that one type of creativity flows into other kinds, she hopes that by sprinkling fiber artists like knitters and crocheters that it will also change what people perceive about homecrafts, to elevate it and increasing its value.

She has quite a bit happening and we hope she will come back to share what she couldn’t mention today. We can watch for CrochetScene magazine edition that she took over…. It’s a non-stop life!

You can follow Vickie Howell through her website: www.VickieHowell.com, her Facebook page, Ravelry Designer page, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.  There is also a wonderful selection of online classes at CreativeLive.com.

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  1. Geraldine Scott says:

    At the end of knitting a scarf or blanket, I love to get tassel-happy when finishing….such a nice way to embellish a project!

  2. Katelyn M says:

    Thanks for another great show. This book looks really cute! I love the coyote sweater, and would love to make it for my son. It was great to catch up with Vickie again, I say that like I am the one that knows her! Honestly I am not a big tassel person when it comes to embellishing my projects, but I do love to use them in jewelry.

  3. Bonniejane says:

    Thanks for this interview and what an inspiration. I get tassel happy thinking about knitting for my grandchild using the dress pattern she mentioned.

  4. Mary L. says:

    I go tassel happy with my knitted blankets and afghans. They are so much fun!! Thanks for another great podcast!

  5. Elizabeth says:

    I never realized Vickie’s career was so extensive and her book seems so adorable and just what I need. The Lord willing, I will be a first time grandmother in January. That’s enough to make anyone tassel-happy!

  6. Suzanne says:

    I want to sit on Vickie’s couch and get against hug of encouragement. Thankfully I can get a burst of her enthusiasm every time I listen to her podcast and her interviews. I love me a good tassel. I get a little tassel happy, one might say.

  7. amy says:

    I am always tassel happy when i see them on clothes other people are wearing, but i rarely make anything with tassels. I did love learning about vicki’s podcast and have already listened to a few episodes.

  8. Vicki says:

    I haven’t made anything with tassels in awhile, but maybe I’ll get something cast on soon. I enjoyed hearing your story and look forward to checking out your new book and designs.

  9. Linda says:

    I used to really enjoy watching Vicki on Knitty Gritty. I was nice to listen to her on your podcast. As far as tassels go, I love them!

  10. Lauren says:

    Always fun to learn about people in the yarn world. I love tassels, especially on kids clothes…it makes them tassel happy!

  11. Shelly says:

    I don’t know about being tassel happy, but I have a niece that would love to receive some creations from your book.

  12. Laura says:

    I always love when Vickie is on the show! She is a great creative ambassador; love her. I saw the cutest tassel happy tapestry crochet bag on FB yesterday. I’m not usually a tassel fan but loved it on that bag. I have recently added knitting to my list of crafts so I would love to win her book.

  13. Martha says:

    I love using tassels and fringe in my weaving. You could say ai was a little tassel happy. I enjoyed hearing Vickie’ store. Thank you for having her on,

  14. Diana Hugo says:

    Driving from Maine to Michigan. Listening to Marly and Vickie in Canada in the middle of the night. I’ve never used tassels in my knitting and think I might try it after listening. Thank you for saving the podcasts for us to listen to at odd times!

Marly Bird

The One and Only, Marly

Marly is a knitwear and crochet designer (and yarn addict) that is here to help you learn how to knit and crochet in a way that's fun and approachable.

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A cartoon image of a joyful chicken, sitting comfortably in a green armchair, knitting happily with blue yarn, surrounded by pink and white flowers, looking for DIY project ideas. -Marly Bird

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