A Very Important Benefit

Many of you may have already heard... one of our fellow mafiosas, the founder of the San Antonio Craft Mafia, Katherine Brown, is fighting glioblastoma, in layman's speak that's stage 4 brain cancer. The San Antonio group has been touched deeply by her illness and are holding a benefit for Kat and her children. Please help in any way you can. Have friends in San Antonio? Please tell them about the the event. Have a blog? Feel free to repost. For more information about Kat and her illness you can read articles in the San Antonio Express News and The Handmade News.

ACM on Twitter!

Follow the Austin Craft Mafia on Twitter! www.twitter.com/atxcraftmafia

Dawg Daze 10% Sale

Hello darling dears. It feels like the dawg daze of summer are upon us like a drooly basset hound panting on the back of my neck. Okay, that's kinda gross. But, I am in Texas, after all, where it gets extra sticky and hot and doesn't let up until...oh...next June. Thank goodness embroidering is a summer craft! It's cool all year round. ¿Que, no? Remember, you may need to alter your email settings to see my pretty pictures....

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10% OFF ANY SILLY THING YOU WANT!

Now until Monday we'll have everything on the site marked down 10% OFF! Treat yourself. Sublime Stitching is an indulgence that is good for you and others. We want to support your stitching habit.

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ECO TOTES BACK IN THE HIZZY (that means "HOUSE", Mom)

You all snatched up our eco-totes so fast we stood in the office, blankly staring as the dust settled around us, saying "Wha? Where did they go?" Well, they are back, including the Floral Fantasy version! Ever wondered where our bags come from and who puts together this stuff? Read about Fair Trade and meet my cute l'il staff!

Stitchable Eco Tote: 14 Bucks! (plus 10% off through Monday)
Floral Fantasy Stitchable Tote: also 14 Bucks! (plus 10% off through Monday)

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COMMUNICRAFTING IN AUSTIN, TX @ AMOA

Join me and friends from the Austin craft community at the Austin Museum of Art (AMOA) for a Sublime Stitching evening of "Communicrafting" (and cupcakes). We invited local teachers and designers to be on hand to let you jump in and try your hand at sewing, knitting, embroidery and more! I will also be there introducing my latest releases from independent publisher Chronicle Books in the AMOA bookstore. Craft lessons from: Rachel Hobson of Craft: & Average Jane Crafter, Leslie Bonnell of Stitch Lab, Kathie Sever of Ramonster and Austin Fiber Artists. Yay! Some of our favorite people.
Thursday June 18th from 6:30-8:30pm at AMOA - It's FREE! http://www.amoa.org

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FREE PATTERN ON FLICKR

Who loves you? There's a new, free pattern on Flickr for you! Now, I can't promise a free pattern every Friday (I really do want to say "Free Flickr Pattern Friday" each and every time) but I'm gonna try my durndest. Just print it out, trace with carbon paper or a transfer pen and stitch, stitch, stitch (and show us in the Sublime Stitching Flickr pool!)

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CONTESTS FOR YOU TO ENTER BECAUSE

Want to feel like a winner? Then check out these contests that all have prizes from Sublime Stitching!
Crafty Chica Contest (deadline: This evening! June 10)
Cut Out + Keep Contest (deadline: June 13)
Venus Zine Contest (deadline: June 15)

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FATHER'S DAY COMING UuuuUUP (embroidered ties, anyone?)


(Want to know where this image came from? Read about it here!)

Father's Day is coming up quick (June 21) - so here's a helpful list of patterns that would be good for dear ol' dad: Spaced Out, Zombies and Monsters, Vital Organs, Tattoo Your Towels, Camp Out, Lucha Libre, Country Cool, Rock 'n Roll, El Diablo

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ICE/ ARTSTAR RE-CAP

(Image via Indie Fixx)

We were all out of the office traveling recently...and I do mean "we". This is the first time ever that I was able to send two of my helpers, Jordan and Jessica, to ICE Atlanta while I was representing at Art Star Craft Bazaar in Philadelphia.There's a nice re-cap of the Art Star Craft Bazaar in Indie Fixx (and psst- I'm wearing this shirt from Raeburn Ink in the photo above since so many of you asked...)

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FIBER ARCTIC SHOW AT SCHMANCY IN SEATTLE

Opening this Friday June 12th: I will have work in this weekend's Fiber Arctic show at Schmancy in Seattle. You can watch the progress of the piece I'm doing on Flickr here, and owner / curator Kristen Rask has an interview with me on her Plush You blog!

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FEATURED CUSTOMER GALLERY SUBMISHY

There are some really good 'uns in the Customer Gallery right now. I practically had to close my eyes and just point to one to make a selection. This one is by Sara, who made it from one of the patterns in my newly release Sublime Stitching Baby Bib Kit. I especially love the white French knots she added along the front of the mama owl. Even if the designs aren't destined for a baby bib, they can go on oh-so many other things (Sara's going to frame this). Nice work! Had to hoot about it (cringe).

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GET THEE TO COCO'S VARIETY

Sublime Stitching has the distinct honor of being represented by retailers who fall outside of the traditional needlework shops. Did you know that a speciaty bike store carries Sublime Stitching embroidered tea towels? This is no mere bike shop / water dispensary / vitacilina. Coco's carries a lovely selection of oilcloth, Japanese toys, Mexcian jumping beans, a wide array of cute new and vintage dishware and Sublime Stitching Mexicana Tea Towels! If you saunter in, all casual-like and tell them the secret word: FLIMFLAM, you get 20% off any Sublime Stitching goods they may have laying around. If you are in Los Angeles, trot your buns down to Coco's Variety 2427 Riverside Drive Los Angeles, California 90039 (323) 664-7400 Map

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AND NOW... A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR:

Want to promote your business in our newsletter with an ad? Email: info@sublimestitching.com

Here at Sublime Stitching, we are always in need of your support. This boat can't float on dry land. Don't be fooled by our shiny press! We survive on monetary exchanges with you and other businesses. We are now seeking sponsorship for inclusion in the newsletter which is devoured by thousands of readers each month who often tell us it's the only newsletter they actually read from beginning to end (Really? Despite my cornball jokes?). Ads will never replace content and will always be marked as promos. But, we want to know how you, our beloved newletter subscribers, feel about the inclusions of promotional banners for fellow companies we love and support appearing in the newsletter.
Take the 2-second poll and tell me!

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Are you still reading? Well. Glad you hung around. Wanna help me clean up? Say, while you're here lemme tell you something I didn't mention earlier: I have a new book coming out this fall! Get a sneaky peeky here!

kisses and stitches,

Jenny

New Sublime Stitching from Chronicle Books!

Why, hello there. It's awfully nice to see you again. What have you been up to? Stitching? I have been working, traveling, tending to a sickly cat (who's a movie star, I'll have you know) and hoping summer won't bear down on us here in hot 'ol Texas just yet. I can still open my door without it feeling like a blast furnace, and that's nice. Okay, on with the embroidery goodness!

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NEW SUBLIME STITCHING RELEASES FROM CHRONICLE BOOKS

I ask you: is that not a cute baby? Her name is Marin. This is just a peek at the full-color booklet that comes inside the Baby Bib Kit which is out now! The photos were all taken here in Austin at my house by my long-time friend (and former bandmate) Kenneth B. Gall and the baby was generously loaned (heh) by my good friend Mindy who used to play drums in my old band The Hidden Persuaders (waaay back when). All three of these titles are now available!

BABY BIB KIT
STITCHABLE STATIONERY
EMBROIDERY JOURNAL
(with underside view of my embroidery on the back cover!)

Be sure to check out Average Jane Crafter's blog where she has lots of pictures of the Stitchable Stationery set she stitched up!

These things take time. All of these projects were designed and delivered last year, so I'm really, really excited to see them coming out now. And, get yourselves ready for my new, big honkin' book coming out in the fall!
SNEAK PREVIEW: Sublime Stitching: Embroidered Effects

Phew, right? No rest for the wicked stitchers!

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UPCYCLING WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The winners of the Sublime Stitching Upcycling Contest have been announced and are up on the site! It was not an easy decision because we know how much heart, soul and environmental awareness went into each and every project (I especially liked the layered aprons. You know who you are). We are in the process of featuring all the entrants in the Customer Gallery in rotating batches, so if you don't see your project in there yet, don't fret! It will appear as if by magic, real soon.

Very special thanks to our guest judge Autumn Wiggins of The Upcycle Exchange, and regular contributor to Crafting a Green World.

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HELLO CRAFT: SUMMIT OF AWESOME

And, it was, totally awesome. Be sure to read my re-cap on the Sublime Stitching blog about this wonderful event. Many thanks to the organizers who invited me and put on a super-tight, well organized and most importantly, fun event that provided resources and inspiration to many independent designers and business owners. I gave a craftnote speech, taught an embroidery workshop, and even brought my mom along! Read all about it.

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ICE ATLANTA / ART STAR CRAFT BAZAAR / MAKER FAIRE

May 30 - 31 is exploding! So, the machine that allows me to be in multiple places at once is broken. Which means I have to make a choice where to be on a weekend when three fantastic craft events are taking place. But, for the first time ever, Sublime Stitching is sending goodwill ambassadors Jessica and Jordan to I.C.E. Atlanta (they're excited- this is the first official "business trip" Sublime Stitching has been able to do like this, and I'm excited for them). Jordan fills orders and answers customer emails, and Jessica does blogging and web graphics (among many other things). if you'll be at ICE, please be sure to go meet them. They make my life a whole lot easier and are just two of the sweetest and coolest people ever. I'm lucky like that. While Jessica and Jordan are in Atlanta that same weekend, I will be at the Art Star Craft Bazaar in Philadelphia seeing my good friends of Art Star, Erin, Megan and Cisco. Another gut-wrenching decision is that I will miss the Bay Area Maker Faire that same weekend! But, our good friend Mr. Jalopy will be around so be sure to give him a hearty hello. If'n you're like me, and can't be in three places at once, choose the event nearest you and get there!

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B-B-BABY CLEARANCE 50% OFF

While we're bringin' in new baby stuff, we're moving some older stuff out. We are clearing out our baby onesies and baby tees from the Textiles section. Get 'em while we got 'em. Once they are gone, they are goners. Visit the textiles section, baby!

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Hum dee dum dee dum..what else? I already said a mouthful. Oh yeah! You should really check out these amazing embroidered wallets by Sarah Duede! What workmanship!

Craft Corps Blog Up!

Hey there! I just sent out the very 1st Craft Corps Weekly Newsletter announcing, among other things, that the Craft Corps Blog/Website is live--woohoo! Subscribe now and you'll meet a new crafter every week, have the opportunity to tell your own story (and be added to our links section), become eligible for future giveaways, and so much more.

I'm so thrilled to be a part of the craft world and hope you'll join me in celebrating that community, by Joining the Craft Corps. Take a look at the website and discover some of the amazing men and women from around the world, who have been kind enough to give us a glimpse into their creative lives. Trust me, it's hard not to be inspired by some of their stories--enjoy!

xo,

Vickie

P.S. The 1 year countdown until Craft Corps the book, (May '10, Lark Books) has officially started. Stay tuned for more details!

Handmade Austin Women Annual Spring Show this weekend May 2nd + 3rd

Handmade Austin Women 4th Annual Spring Show
May 2nd and 3rd, 2009
It's the weekend before Mother's Day!
Saturday 10am-6pm
Sunday 12pm-5pm

Handmade Austin Women presents the fourth annual Spring Show on May 2nd and 3rd, the weekend before Mother's Day. Handmade Austin Women are dedicated to unique design, and the highest quality in handcrafted work. We organize our show to promote the profound benefits of sustaining women artists at work here in Texas. We support Austin's cottage industry and the growing character of our local, independent economy.

Handmade Austin Women are pleased to announce the 2009 lineup:

• Trisha Allen ~ Uniquely Recycled, Art Cards
• Jenifer Nakatsu Arntson ~ Accessories, Wallets and Handbags
• Jo Bridges ~ Paintings
• Lisa Crowder ~ Studio Jeweler, Metalsmith
• Kathryn Davis ~ Mixed Media Collage Handmade Accessories
• Jamie Jo Fisher ~ Contemporary Art Jewelry
• Laura Freeman* (aka Luna Tart) ~ Ukulele
• Chia Guillory ~ Sunhats, Fashion and Accessories
• Laura Imhoff* ~ Singer Songwriter
• Heather Jarry* ~ Marionettes
• Gabel Karsten ~ Still Life Painting
• Beverly Mangham ~ Art Assemblage and Clay
• Christa Mares ~ Sculptural Crochet
• Melanie Schopper ~ Functional Ceramics
• Cherie Weaver ~ Drawings, Paintings

*musical entertainment

A family-friendly musical marionette matinee begins every other hour on Saturday. Live music plays on Sunday. Both days we offer complimentary tea and coffee service. Additionally, the Ginko Studios gardens will be open for viewing. Our show grounds are handicapped accessible, but call ahead for special-access arrangements.

For information, (512) 293-9505 or see us online at: www.handmadeaustinwomen.com

Handmade Austin Women
Spring Show 2009
Hosted by: Ginko Studios
Located at: 800 Gullett St.
Austin, TX 78722
(512)389-1920

This event is supported in part by Women and Their Work. Please visit www.handmadeaustinwomen.com for more information.

Download Letter-Sized 2009 Poster [PDF] [JPEG]

Pop Goes Crochet E-Cards & Giveaway!!!

Ok, I'm so freakin' excited today because thanks to the support of Lark Books and the computer wizardry of Websy Daisy, Pop Goes Crochet E-Cards are now available on my website!

Add a little POP to your friends' days by sending them one (or as many as you want for FREE) of four choices of Pop Quiz trivia cards. If the recipient also happens to be a crocheter then bonus, because the e-greeting will also give them a sneak preview at a project from the book!

The cards are all animated, but here's what the front image of each looks like:

Card #1 (For Friends and Band Peeps)

Capelet Design by: Whit Larson

Card #2: (For Anyone Bringing Sexy Back)

Felted Clutch Design by: M.K. Carroll

Card #3 (For Anyone Who Rocks)

Shrug Design by: Sue Rock

Card #4 (For Cowboys & Cuties)

Poncho Design by: Nikol Lohr

In honor of these 4 card designs, I'll give away free, signed copies of Pop Goes Crochet to the 4th, 44th, & 104th person to forward their sent e-card conformation to: contests@vickiehowell.com. Good luck!

SEND CARDS NOW, BY CLICKING HERE!

Snap, Crackle, POP!,

Vickie

Sublime Stitching NEW PATTERNS!

As if this week here in Austin weren't already totally insane with SXSW going on all around us, we decide to release a new line of patterns! Woo hoo hoodles!

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It's what you've been waiting for! New transfer patterns! We have for you: Garden Variety - Chinese Acrobats - Vintage Lamps - Artist Series:Daniel Johnston x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x

SXSW EVENTS w/JENNY HART & SUBLIME STITCHING Sublime Stitching will be at the Craftster / Standard Recording Party! Stop by for free food and drink (from 2 Tarts), live music and craft demos! I will be there at 1pm, meetin-n-greetin', signing books, doing Craft Pad giveaways, answering your questions and just hanging out, tryin' to look cool. Look for the Sublime Stitching sign, and if you tell me the secret word ("kerfuffle") I'll give you a little present. Here are the deets:

Craftster / Standard Recording Party Friday March 20th 11am-5pm (Jenny will be there at 1pm) @ The Art Project, 301 Chicon St. Suite F, Austin, TX If you will be attending, be sure to rsvp (so they can have plenty of food and drink- it's not required) x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x

Also happening in Austin...

Be sure to stop in the totally rad Domy Books. They already have packs of the Daniel Johnston patterns in stock, because they are our special friends and we heart them! x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x SXSW CONSOLATION CONTEST Can't make it to Austin for SXSW? Well, poor little you. (I'm just teasing). Not everyone can join the fun in Texas this week, it's true, but we don't want you to feel left out! Email us here with the secret word ("kerfuffle") and we'll enter you in a drawing for a free Sublime Stitching Craft Pad! Winner will be announced Friday, March 27. Feel better now? Good. x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x Every year at this time, I note the forthcoming spring and quote a silly poem my dad used to say. Ah-h-hem: "Spring has sprung, the flowers is 'ris....I wonder where the birdies is." Oh dad. You were so goofy. Anyone else ever heard that?

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Check in with Sublime Stitching on: Twitter - Flickr - Facebook - MySpac

You're Never Too Old to Wear Barbie

True you might be at the point in your life where you are a little too old to be playing with Barbie, but what about wearing her? From high end boutiques to hand made on Etsy designers are still showing the love for their favorite childhood doll. It is Barbie’s 50th and Mattel and Naughty Secretary Club are celebrating.

The first person that came to mind when I thought about wearing Barbie was the amazingly talented Margaux Lange. You can find her one of kind work on Etsy or her website. Margaux explains her love of Barbie by saying: Barbie™ was immensely important in fueling my creative life as a child, and ironically continues to be such for me as an adult. My "Plastic Body Series" jewelry stems from a desire to re-purpose common materials in combination with metals. I am inspired, terrified and fascinated, first and foremost by humans. Whatever her rationale I’m just thankful for the rad jewelry.

At first I thought fashion designer Jeremy Scott seemed a bit subversive for Barbie, but then I recalled his love of Care Bears and thought maybe not. March 9 – 28 if you just so happen to be jet setting in Paris stop by the colette store and check out the special Barbie™ boutique featuring a capsule apparel collection “Barbie™ by Jeremy Scott”, which will include Scott’s iconic trench coat, dresses and tees, all done in fun Barbie® patterns and iconography. Additionally, colette has commissioned additional Barbie™ accessories for “grown up” Barbie® girls including a mobile phone, luxury jewelry, stationery, candles and cosmetics.

Fuchsia haired jewelry maven Tarina Taraintino partnered with Barbie awhile back for a line of fun girlie jewelry. There are tiaras, chunky rings, charm necklaces and more. She even has her own pink haired Barbie, sometimes life is just not fair.

Barbie gets all “doll'd up” with Stila with a limited edition spring collection of beauty cans and a talking palette (yes I mean really talks you through your eyeshadow)! Apparently there is a larger collection of makeup and a Barbie hair dryer coming this fall available at Sephora. If that hair dryer is Barbie pink I am totally ditching my current gray model.

So what if your house wanted to wear Barbie? Well my favorite designer in the whole wide world Jonathan Adler is about to make that exact thing happen for one lucky house in Malibu, CA. That’s right kids the Barbie Dream House is fer realz! Jonathan Adler Loves Barbie™ – For Grownups is a capsule collection of “Jonathan Adler Loves Barbie™” décor pieces, including designer pottery, pillows, decorative objects and more – available at one of Adler’s nine stores or on his website. Additionally, Jonathan Adler and Barbie® will partner on an ultra stylish Barbie® Collector doll, which comes with coordinating doll-size furniture (of course!). These chic creations will hit retail shelves in the U.S. in September 2009. OMG I can hardly wait to see!

Last but not least I wanted to celebrate Barbie and her impeccable personal hygiene in my own special way. I gathered up my supply of Barbie hair brushes, a few plastic flower petals, chunky beads and made a little necklace magic. This necklace is an ode to Totally Hair Barbie.

Once I selected just the right supplies I used my Dremel to drill holes in the tops of the hair brushes. From here I wire wrapped them using eye pins so that they would hang from my jewelry wire. I also wire wrapped my flowers with eye pins. Once this was all done I strung everything up with a combination of fun vintage beads, added a clasp, crimped up the ends and my masterpiece was ready.

I think Totally Hair Barbie would like totally appreciate this necklace. Consider it a gift from me to you on your special day Barbie. Happy 50th from Naughty Secretary Club.

FREE Pop Goes Crochet Preview Pattern in CRAFT Magazine!

The latest issue of CRAFT Magazine (with Amy Sedaris on the cover) is out now--along with loads of other, inspiring projects of all shapes and sizes they were cool enough to include one of mine. The very first sneak preview inside my upcoming book Pop Goes Crochet (available for pre-order now), is offered in the issue!

Pick up your issue (or subscribe to the digital version) to check out the yarn-inspired fashion spread which includes my "Erykah" jacket (seen on the left, below).

Then type over to the CRAFT website for downloadable pages from Pop Goes Crochet: the FREE "Erykah" pattern! Pop Goes Crochet Trivia Question: What neo-soul inspired this coat's design?

This jacket is crocheted with VHC Vegas yarn and a large hook, making it relatively quick to make. Start yours now and have the perfect piece for both winter and spring. Oh, and bonus, the pattern's written for sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2X & 3X--so Skinny Minnies and Curvalicious Misses, this one's for you!

Happy hooking!

xo,

Vickie

Sublime Stitching Survey

It's time for the annual Sublime Stitching Pick-Yore-Brain Survey! This is your chance to just plain tell us what you want instead of us sitting around, scratching our collective heads and wondering. You, dear stitchers, are an essential element of Sublime Stitching and its wonderfulness. Without you, Sublime Stitching would be for naught. Really! It's the plain truth. TAKE THE SURVEY HERE The survey is around 50 questions, so please begin it when you'll have time to do the whole thing and submit it. You don't have to agonize over your responses- just tell us your first impressions and thoughts (nearly all questions are multiple choice and comments are optional). Also, this is pretty cool: We were contacted by a reporter from NPR seeking information on crafting and the economy so I've included some of the reporter's questions on the survey (those questions are indictated). After all, Sublime Stitching does have the smartest and most insightful customers around! Wouldn't it be cool to hear on the radio "According to a survey conducted by Sublime Stitching..."? Yes, it would! That would be you telling the world what you have to say! x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x 20% OFF SALE ENDING SoOoOOoN!

Did you know we have a 20% off every thing on the site sale going on? Yep! And, it's wrapping up at the end of January (Saturday is the last day!), so if you haven't taken advantage of our first-ever 20% off sale you still have a little more time! Just a helpful reminder.

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MICRO MONOGRAM CHALLENGE WINNER!

We got out the magnifying glass and carefully inspected the numerous entries we received for the Sublime Stitching Micro Monogram Challenge. After much squinting and eye-strain, we selected a winner whose project really stood out! (Under a microscope, that is) Melissa Taylor of Hill Air Force Base in Utah, submitted the teensiest little tiny monograms on wee little pillowcases! You simply must have a look at them in the Sublime Stitching Customer Gallery along with our favorite runner-up entries.

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Nothing says "I wuv you" more than something you made with your own, affectionate little fingers. Here's an Itty Bitty Kit for you that has everything you need to make a crush-worthy card. And, because we heart you: It's only $4.75! That's a price you can fall in love with.

Itty Bitty Cupid Card Kit (Limited Edition)

And, speaking of stitching on cards- Chronicle Books is now previewing my upcoming Stitchable Stationery Kit (available in June, pre-order here)! Check out these lovely, stitched-up samples (gorgeous work, Kate) on the Chronicle books blog! I can't wait for June. x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x SUBLIME STITCHING GOES HOLLYWOOD!

Here at Sublime Stitching, we like to maintain some discretion about our celebrity clients. We don't blab to you every time we get an order from you-know-who or that-one-actress-who-was-in...instead we jump around the office and squeal in private. So, when a celebrity does the blabbing for us to a major publication -well! We instantly become their biggest fans. Actress Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love, Walk the Line, He's Just Not That Into You) generously tipped readers of InStyle off to the fact that she's a Sublime Stitcher! The entire Sublime Stitching staff is going to go see her new movie this weekend as we are now Ginnifer's biggest fans! See the press clipping here! x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x kisses and stitches,

Jenny

A great cause and yummy yummy treats!

Since I closed my business, Amet and Sasha, I've been a wee bit silent on the crafting front. And why is that you might ask? Because I'm exploring food, baking to be exact. I'm even heading off to pastry school this spring. Can you believe it??!? Well, maybe you can, but my head's still spinning. One of my new projects is a food blog. It's just a wee baby of a blog, but if you like to eat, which I'm pretty sure is almost all everyone, then maybe just maybe you'll like my wee baby of a blog. But this is not why I'm writing. I'm writing because this month I'm taking part in a wonderful cause. It's a fundraising effort for a school lunch program in Lesotho. What's in it for you?? Amazing prizes. No, seriously... good good stuff. So please visit me and see how you can win some great food-related prizes while helping with a fantastic cause. If you have a blog and would like to help me tell the world about the raffle please do. There are SO many food bloggers out there donating to the cause. I'm donating a huge box of amazing brownies. Other people are donating things like Le Crueset products, cookbooks, classes.... so many great things. I hope your holidays are warm, cheery and full of many many tasty treats!

Austin Craft Mafia at Blue Genie Art Bazaar!

Hey all. The annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar started this week including oodles of amazing wares by Austin artists of all types. ACM is participating with a small booth including crafty goods from Vickie Howell, Naughty Secretary Club, Hot Pink Pistol, All Dressed Up and Shy, and Sublime Stitching. This holiday season, support your local artist and buy handmade.

Just a few of the goodies availavle at the Austin Craft Mafia Booth!

Blue Genie runs through December 24th. Check out their website for deets.

We hope to see you there!  xoxo

It's STITCHMASTIME!!!

Dude. Can I say it? Is it official yet? Yes? It’s Stitchmastime. We are also fast approaching a Handmade Hanukkah and totally Krafty Kwanzaa! (If you’re a new subscriber, I might as well just tell you now that I make the same joke every year.) There's a lot going on this month, so pay attention! And, don't fret. There's plenty of time to stitch your gifts, which will not only bring you some relaxation, but help you save money on gift-giving (and, we all know by now that t'is better to give handmade than receive mall-bought). As always, make sure your email is set to allow html to see my pictures!

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That's right- we have over 25 Gifts Under $25! If you're running in circles, panicked and wondering what to get 'em, allow me to humbly suggest a Sublime Stitching Gift Certificate! And, keep reading to get info on the special sale...after these words:

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Sublime Stitching is gonna be in the Big Apple!

OM Yoga Workshop w/ Cyndi Lee and Jenny Hart Friday, 12/12 6-9pm @ OM Yoga Center 826 Broadway 6th Flr NYC CALL 212.254.9642 to sign up (seating is limited!) Join Jenny Hart and OM yoga founder, Cyndi Lee in a uniquely meditative experience of spending time doing yoga and embroidering. All materials provided, no experience needed. All students leave with a gift they can give! Full info is here.

~and~

BUST Holiday Craftacular Sunday, 12/14/08 10am-7:30pm @ Metropolitan Pavilion 125 W 18th St. NYC We'll have a booth set up selling kits and patterns! Come say hi to me! And, if you tell me the secret word, "Stitch-a-riffic" I'll give you a free little somethin somethin. Don't be shy!

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10% SALE AND a new...

Just for the holidays, we have put together a little metallic palette of three Christmas-y colors! Get a Sublime Stitching Sparkle Pack, or any Sublime Stitching Tool and receive 10% off your entire order! Now through 12/17.

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INDIEBIZ CHICKS PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH JENNY HART

It's up! I really enjoyed doing this interview for IndieBiz Chicks and hope it offers some insight and helpful information for your own crafty biz: Listen: Jenny Hart IndieBiz Chicks Interview

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HOLIDAY SHIPPING SCHEDULE - PLAN AHEAD LITTLE STITCHERS! Order by the 17th with Sublime Stitching to get your order by Christmas (in the continental US), unexpected acts of the postal service notwithstanding. We will not be shipping on the 24th-28th of December or on the 1st-4th of January so my little elves can take a break. Happy New Year!

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AS SEEN IN TEXAS: Be sure to hit the 8th Annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar where Sublime Stitching goodies can be found in the Austin Craft Mafia booth. A fine offering of unique goods and handcrafts from local artists and designers fill up this 20-day long market, including original works by Sublime Stitching contributing pattern designer Alicia Traveria!

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And, I must say a heartfelt ~Thank You~ to all of you who came to see me at Felt Club LA a few weeks ago to say hello and take my workshop! It was such a thrill to meet so many of you and it really made my day.

Birthday Bash Book Giveaway!!--35 for my 35th!

Today's my birthday and I want to celebrate! Well, what better way to do that I say, than with gifts for you? Ahhhh, presents.

Thanks to the generous participation of Lark Books, I have a copy each of 35 (one for each year of my life) of their best-selling craft titles to give away!

35 for my 35th!

Come to my blog, for details on how to win! xo, Vickie

PROJECT: Mario Mushroom Wrist Warmers!

This holiday season whip up a cozy little gift, for the game boy (or girl) in your life. They're quick, they're cute and the pattern's adjustable! Get the pattern here!  xo, Vickie

What you need:

Worsted Weight Wool (amount varies based on size, but 100yds/110m usually does the trick!) in color: White

Scraps of Worsted Weight Wool in colors: Red & Black

Size US 6(4mm) DPNS

Tapestry Needle

Size

Adjustable (see "What to do")

Gauge

20sts x 28 rows=4" (10cm) in St st.

What to do:

Measure around the circumference of the future wearer's palm, excluding the thumb . If said wearer is unavailable for measuring, you can go by the measurements I usually work off of when making wrist warmers: Smaller Kid= 6"; Larger Kid= 7"; Woman= 8"; Man=9".

Because these are meant to fit snuggly, subtract 1" from the palm measurement. This will give you number "X". For example: Child's palm measures 6"-1"=5". "X" =5

To figure out how many sts to cast-on, multiply "X" by 5 (number of sts per inch). Once you have that number, round it up to the nearest multiple of 4 (to give you a workable number for K2,P2 ribbing in the round). For example: 5" x 5 sts per inch= 25. Nearest (rounded up) multiple of 4= 28. CO amount= 28 sts.

There you go! Ready to start? Well, ok then.

Cuff:

CO "X" sts. Distribute sts evenly on dpns. Join rnd, taking care not to twist.

Work in K2, P2 rib for desired length of cuff (I recommend about 2 1/2" for Smaller Kids; 3" for Larger Kids; 4" for Adults).

Beginning Main:

Next Rnd: Begin working in St st (knitting every rnd.)

Continue in St st until ready for thumb hole (I recommend 1" for Smaller Kids; 2" for Larger Kids; 2 1/2"-3" for Adults).

Thumb Opening: ( This section WILL BE KNIT STRAIGHT, not in the round.)

Next row (RS): Knit all sts. Once you've knit the last st on the last needle, flip piece over.

Next row (WS): Purl. Once you've purled the last st on the last needle, flip piece over.

Repeat last 2 rows, 4-6 more times (depending on size you're making).

End Main: (Return to working in the round)

Next rnd: Knit, rejoining the piece (this will close the thumb-opening top).

Repeat last rnd 1-4 more times (or until piece is 1/2" shorter than desired length)

Return to K2, P2 rib for 3 rows. BO in rib st.

Finishing:

Using scraps, tapestry needle & Duplicate Stitch, follow the chart to embroider mushroom on the front of each wrist warmer.

Duplicate Stitch Chart

(Need a duplicate stitch refresher course? See pg. 83 of my book, Knit Aid.)

Weave in ends. Block if necessary. Enjoy!

This pattern is meant for non-commercial use only. Copyright Vickie Howell, Inc 2008. All rights reserved.

PROJECT: Last Minute Skull Caps

There may only be 4 days left until Halloween, but it's never too late to knit-up another trinket of terror. These "Skull Cap" beanies are made with bulky-weight, organic wool and have painted faces making them a cinch to make in a sec! Get the scoop on how to make 'em here!

Skeleton smooches!,

Vickie

P.S. Looking for other, quickie Halloween projects? Try my Boo-tree-licious ornaments, Trick or Tote bag, Frankenrumi Toy, or Skully appliques!

The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin

My friend Anne Marie recently sent over this press release for a new and exciting show they are putting together here in Austin spring 2009. The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin Independent designer, craft & fine art showcase Event Name: The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin Date: Saturday April 18, 2009 Time: 11:00am to 5:00pm Location: Saengerrunde Hall, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701 Tickets: in advance $8, at the door $10. Website: www.TheBeardedLadiesPresent.com Contact: info@TheBeardedLadiesPresent.com Event Info: The Bearded Ladies Production Co. is set to produce its first show in Austin, Texas. The 2009 event will be a craft fair, fine arts festival, and independent designer showcase all wrapped up into one. By featuring the best vendors in Austin, The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin will provide shoppers an opportunity to find one of-a-kind gifts, unique accessories, fashionable attire, home decor and more. Shoppers can browse the work of talented artisans who buck the trend of mass-production by offering handcrafted goods that are finely constructed and very unique. These independent entrepreneurs are locally based, but also come from surrounding areas to participate in what is sure to be a fun family event filled with items you can’t find anywhere else. The first thirty shoppers to arrive at the event will receive a goodie bag stuffed with great giveaway items from vendors and local businesses. Shopping begins at 11:00 a.m., and admission is $8 in advance, $10 at the door; parking is available near Saengerrunde Hall. The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin is currently accepting applications for vendors. All local crafters, independent designers, and fine artists that want to broaden their customer base are invited to apply. Let all of Austin know what you have to offer and join The Bearded Ladies Present: Shop Austin! To apply go to: http://www.TheBeardedLadiesPresent.com/apply_here.html I'm excited already and can't wait to go and shop!

10% I'm-Bored SALE!

Dum dee dum dee dum. I’m bored. I know- let’s have a sale!

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10% OFF EVERYTHING DING DANG THANG FOR REGISTERED CUSTOMERS! If you’re not registered on our new site, it doesn’t hurt a bit! You can register here! The sale will go on until Wednesday, October 29th.

And…even if you’re not registered, or don’t wanna be (hey, that’s cool) you can still get a FREE PACK of Gothic Grandeur Embroidery Patterns with any order of stitchable Boxer Shorts thru Halloween!

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Just for fun, we’ve added some of those nifty incher buttons all the kids are wearing. Get ‘em while we got ‘em!

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A big ‘ol THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by our booth and came to my embroidery demos at Maker Faire Austin last weekend! It sure was nice to see you there. I also had the honor of teaching esteemed Makers (and my friends from Dinosaurs and Robots), Mark Frauenfelder and Mr. Jalopy how to embroider. Embroidering is now officially a gentlemanly pastime. Men, take note and start those sewing circles!

Jenny Hart on French TV

Bonjour mes amis, I'm going to be on French television this week! I'm quite excited about it. How did this happen? I appeared on Wendy Russell's Canadian HGTV show "She's Crafty" which then got picked up for distribution in France and re-named "Talons Aiguilles et Macramé" (High Heels and Macrame). So, somewhere on TV sets across Europe I will be teaching embroidery with a dubbed-over voice in français. I've been emailing all my friends abroad to let them know about it, but thought it would be fun to tell you too. Since we can't all make a field trip to France (wah) here's a link to behind-the-scenes photos on Flickr you can check out! Ouah! (That's French for "Yeah!") Okay, okay -enough with the French jibber jabber.

Sublime Stitching MONSTER Embroidery Patterns!

And not a minute too soon! Yes, yes- Halloween is nearly upon us like the grim reaper over our shoulder, but really: aren't flesh-eating zombies always in season? More than just monster patterns, there are FOUR NEW PATTERN SHEETS available over yonder on Sublime Stitching: Zombies 'n Monsters, Cute Little Heads, Michael Sieben (Artist Series) and Handmade Nation limited edition patterns by Kate Bingaman Burt to promote Faythe Levine's upcoming documentary!

Crochet Today! Mag Projects

Not to give you anxiety but, it's officially holiday gift-making season! Never fear though, Crochet Today! Magazine's latest issue offers 24 gift ideas that are as cute as they are quick to crochet. For this edition, Brett (editor) asked if I'd make a little girl's dress and a retro redux of a vintage headband. I happily agreed!

Snuggly Tot's Dress

I'm not really sure why this one wasn't modeled on a child but I swear, it looks adorable on! It's made with ultra thick, "Zoomy" yarn which makes it a perfect dress for winter (especially, when paired with opaque tights and a long-sleeved shirt.) Oh and bonus, this is definitely a weekender project--making it easy to whip up a few for the little ladies in your life!

Ear Warmer

Inspired from a headband picture from the 1950's, I changed-up the ties and added some graphic embroidery for a more modern feel--I *heart* lollipop trees! I also love CT's, Vintage Crochet section. :)

Alright, two weeks and counting until Stitch Hugger's due (*gulp*, we're still making the projects)--so back to work. As always though, I'll be updating on Twitter. As Dave Lowe says, it's like internet crack; impossible to stay away from. ;)

Happy Friday!,

Vickie

Naughty Secretary Club Classes in Dallas and Austin

Come join me at The Make Studio in the Historic Bishop Arts District of Dallas for a fun jewelry class and a book signing on Sept 20th. After class from 3-5pm the party gets started! I will be there signing copies of my new book The Naughty Secretary Club: The Working Girls Guide to Handmade Jewelry. There will be yummy cupcakes and drinkies not to mention tons of fun crafty door prizes!

From 1-3pm I will be teaching a class on making your own Revamped Vintage Necklace. Each student will be able to make their own necklace and matching pair of earrings learning how to use jewelry tools, string beads, basic wire wrapping and more. I am going to bring a suitcase full of vintage jewelry supplies for you to play with, but feel free to bring your own goodies as well. The class is $50 per student which includes all the supplies you will need and your own beading board. Feel free to bring your own set of pliers (flat, rounded and wire clippers) or I will have sets available for $10 each. Never fear Austin I will be teaching 5 new classes in October at Craft-o-Rama. call (512-707-2405) or email Craft-o-rama in Austin to sign up for the new batch. Collage Cuties Class: Tues. 10/16 6:30pm-8:30pm Love what you see on the scrap booking aisle, but don't care a thing about it? Incorporate all the fun papers into your jewelry! In this class you will make a bangle bracelet, large disc earrings and necklace using paper and decoupage medium. Learn to look at pictures in magazines, junk mail, wrapping paper and more in a whole new way. Feel free to bring any paper you would like to class, but Jen will also bring a large stash of her collage curios like vintage wrapping paper, wall paper, book illustrations, old cards and more for you to choose from as well as jewelry supplies and decoupage medium. Fee is $40. Charm Bracelet and Earring Class: Sat. 10/25 11am-1pm Learn the fundamentals of jewelry making while whipping up your own one of a kind Revamped Vintage Charm Bracelet, and matching earrings. This fun and informative 2 hour class will cover the basics of jewelry making like the difference between head and eye pins, wire wrapping, and how to open and close a jump ring. Class supplies include everything you need to make your charm bracelet and earrings including a giant assortment of vintage beads and charms from the Naughty Secretary Club stash for you to choose from! You will need flat and round nosed pliers as well as wire trimmers for this class. You will be able to buy a set from the instructor on day of class as well for an additional $10. Fee: $40 and includes materials. Starting Your Small Business Tues 10/14 7PM-8:30PM Did you know you could have your own craft business up and running in under an hour? Signing up for Etsy is that easy. Or do you think a traditional website is the right angle for you? May take a little longer, but it is not a whole lot trickier. Once you have your business all set up the next steps are letting the world know, networking and making some sales. This 1.5 hour long class will you give the run down on getting started! Fee: $30

Marketing Your Business Tues 10/21 7PM-8:30PM The success of your business is 40% what you make and 60% how you market it. Not yet signed up for Twitter? Don't have a blog? Not swapping swag with other crafters? You could be missing out on easy, crucial and often free ways to promote your crafty business. Whether you knit booties or solder jewelry this class will help you understand the best avenues to market your small business. Fee: $30

Taking Your Business to the Next Level Tues 10/28 7PM-8:30PM Things are running along smoothly with your small crafty business, but you want to know what else the world has to offer. How do people get product lines, book deals and TV shows? There is no secret formula, but Jennifer Perkins has experience in all three areas and will tell you what she knows. Fee: $30

New Lifetime Video: Skully Appliques!

The new Lifetime CRAFTED web videos are up! Type on over to MyLifetime.com for Halloween project tutorials ranging from crochet to decoupage!

Watch my video here, to learn how to crochet a simple, skull applique perfect for putting the boo on your bod or the haunting in your home!

Special thanks to:

• Naughty Secretary Club for providing me with the Jolly Roger ring I'm wearing
• Southwest Trading Company for providing the Vickie Howell Collection ROCK yarn
• Boye Needle for providing crochet hooks

Happy hooking!,

Vickie

P.S. If the Kiwi Mag Frankenrumi and the Lifetime Skully appliques don't fill your spooky crochet fix, don't forget last year's Boo-tree-licious ornaments (as seen in video)!

The Naughty Secretary Club: The Working Girls Guide to Handmade Jewelry is here!

Sorry for the mass note but I wanted to let the world know that my new book The Naughty Secretary Club: The Working Girls Guide to Handmade Jewelry is out today!!!!! If you love kitschy jewelry and especially love making it yourself then might I suggest you run right out to your local Borders or Barnes and Nobles and snag yourself a copy (remember if they don’t have a copy PLEASE ask them to order one), order it off of Amazon or get a signed copy at Naughty Secretary Club! Also if you could help me spread the word about my book I would love you forever and ever! Re-post this bulletin, Twitter about it, if you make some jewelry from the book add it to our Flickr group, if you have the book and heart it please leave an Amazon review, mention the book on your blog. Every little bit helps! If you are going to be in Austin on August 30th, please stop by Craft-o-Rama from 3pm-6pm for the Naughty Secretary Club Book Release Party! Xo, Jen P.S. enter the word BOOK into the coupon/voucher field when you check out at Naughty Secretary Club and get 25% off your entire order all August long!