Stitchwell Minizine: Snail Mail Club Perk for Knitters, Crocheters, and Fibercrafters

Ready to go back to the tactile basics of feeling paper in-hand? Looking for a little creative spark that doesn’t disappear into the digital ether, only to be forgotten with one swipe of the screen?

Meet the Stitchwell Minizine, the snail-mail component of Stitchwell Social Club, and chronicles of the fiber crafts, culture, and care that keep us connected. This minizine is this Gen-Xer’s nostalgic take on the zines of our Riot Grrrl foresisters—mine, though, is less “riot” and more “rooting-for” using stitching as the unifying messenger. After all, the pin is mightier than the sword!

For reals, though: next only to the video that gave me the career I have today, print media is my truest communication love. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve written over a dozen books and booklets, and I’ve had the pleasure of being a columnist, contributor, and guest editor for a multitude of magazines. I treasure those physical manifestations of information and creativity. When I flip through them, I feel like everyone who touched each issue was part of something together.

I’ve missed that feeling. But, like my approach to everything in this chapter of my life, I’m less concerned with “big and far-reaching” and more interested in “bold and intimate.” I also listened to a friend who gave me some great advice after I mentioned bigger plans that would stretch me thin. She said, “Girl, shorter is always better.”

I’m all about the little wins of the Stitchwell community. It’s my hope that this zine will celebrate those wins while acting as a regular, tangible reminder that you always have fellow stitchers like me right by your side.

Be Well. Stitchwell.

ISSUE #1 SHIPS SOON!

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Happy Swatch Reveal Day! These are four (2 knit, 2 crochet) stitch patterns we’ll have to choose from for our Moodring, mental health temperature projects.

Written instructions and video tutorials for all will be included in the Moodring Make-Along Workbook, along with measurements and patterns for pillow, scarf, and wrap variations.

Workbook PDFs will be made available for download about 48 hours before August 27th’s launch.

Join the Moodring Mental Health Temperature Project Make-Along!

Reserve the Moodring Make-Along Workbook
• Stitchwell Community membership is free, but please purchase the workbook HERE.
• If you purchased a Moodring Box, you DO NOT need to purchase the workbook. It’s included.
• Stitchwell Circle and Stitchwell Council Members, the workbook is also included in your membership.

Knit Choices

Waves of Emotion
Undulating stripes of Garter stitch and incrementally dropped yarn-overs create waves of positive and negative space. The resulting fabric constricts and contracts, much like the human experience.

Crossroads (Shown in Earthy Palette)
Twisted stitches on a bed of Stockinette symbolize cross-roads in life, and the arms of those who hold us through the journey. The choice to accept support and stand tall in your self-care shines through this with this pattern.

Crochet Choices

Self-Care Cornered (Shown in Primary Palette)
Corner-to-corner crochet creates a a cobblestone effect. The fabric grows diagonally, until the stitcher is ready to move forward in creating the desired length of the project. This pattern gives pathway vibes — allowing the journey to shape the result.

Support Columns (Shown in Bluesy Palette)
Supported by half-double crochet rows, columns of double crochet stitches juxtaposed against negative spaces create a quick, graphic, and beginner-friendly pattern. The resulting fabric evokes the foundation of community, creating room to breathe and strength to heal.

Which one will you choose? Let us know over in the Moodring Make-Along Community Space

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What is S.A.C.K.

Did you know that toiletry items, including soap, aren’t covered by SNAP (U.S. subsidies program), forcing people to have to choose between being clean and having food to eat? I didn’t until learning about an organization called S.A.C.K.

During years of volunteering, S.A.C.K. founder Stacy Wiener discovered the disparity and decided to help. Nearly 20 years and 1 million soap sack donations later, her crusade for dignity through cleanliness perseveres.

S.A.C.K. (an acronym for Supporting A Community with Kindness) is a 501(c)(3) charity encouraging volunteers around the country to crochet, knit, or sew cotton carrying sacks, collect or purchase bar soap, then donate the soap sacks to their local food pantries, homeless shelters, relief efforts, social service agencies, and veterans clinics. June is Crafting with Care month on Stitchwell Social Club, so what better time to launch what will hopefully be a Summer of service, including knitting, crocheting, and donating sacks and soap through S.A.C.K.? As a club, members will have the option to attend a live session with Stacy, stitch soap sacks together during meet-ups, post photos, earn badges, join co-working sessions, and more as part of our commitment to this community service project and support system around it.

You don’t have to be a SWSC member (although I’d love you to join us) to participate in our SoapSack Summer initiative, though! I was honored to design both knit and crochet sacks to add to the S.A.C.K. patterns library, and include here for you to download. Make one (or many) to encourage a neighborhood soap drive, so non-stitchers can also participate, and donate your soap-filled finished sacks to a local shelter, food pantry, or to anyone who may benefit from receiving it.

Here’s to stitching for good!

xx,
Vickie

Download the Soapy crochet sack → HERE

Download the Sudsy knit sack → HERE

Don’t forget to personalize your donations by letting the future recipient know that a real person who cares made their soap sack. You can download a printable tag → HERE

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I’m so happy to share my latest design, and first garment pattern in a few years, the Tee-ser Crochet Chunky Tee.

This boxy, cropped, open-weave top is crocheted quickly with Purl Soho Pouf, a super-chunky, light and lofty yarn. It’s a great project for all levels of crocheters. The pattern is inclusively sized for bust/chest from 30″- over 64″/76-163cm, and can be lengthened or shortened for comfort.

Tee-ser Crochet Chunky Tee looks cute over a 3/4-length sleeve top paired with a skirt, cozy over a long-sleeved thermal with jeans, and chic with a cami and wide-leg trousers.

This crochet top is great for beginners making their first garment, or for more seasoned crocheters who want to stitch up something stylish in a flash. Whatever your level, my step-by-step video tutorial is available to keep you company while you create.

See the Tee-ser Video Tutorial → HERE

Tee-ser is meant to be boxy and is designed with 8″-12″ of ease. It’s designed for a cropped fit, but length can easily be added or removed. Both back and front are worked the same, with a simple, 2-row repeat, followed by a little shoulder shaping. To finish this top, front and back pieces are seamed at the shoulders and sides, then half-double-crochet arm bands are added.

Get the pattern → HERE

MATERIALS
• Purl Soho Pouf (50% alpaca/50% Highland Wool; 108yds/100gr), 3(3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5) balls —or 324yds-540 yds of equivalent super bulky yarn
• Size L/8 mm hook
• Large-eyed tapestry needle

SIZES
1(2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

Learn more about sizing & measurements → HERE

Need a Crochet Technique Refresher? Try my free, Get Schooled: Crochet series on YouTube!

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Hey, Midwesterners, meet me in the Chicago area! There’s a brand new, makers’ festival happening soon near Chicago, and I’ll be there teaching skills from my latest book, No Needles Knitting. If you’re in the area (or traveling to attend), I’d love to see you at the Fiber & Fabric Craft Festival! LEARN MORE

Tees & Tank Make-Along Members of my community, Stitchwell Social Club voted for our next make-along, knit or crochet summery tees or tank tops. Participants may choose any pattern that speaks to them, but I’ll be providing video support for the knit Breza Tank, by Nina Holubcova — a classic linen and cotton shell that can easily be lengthened or shortened and worn on its own or layered over a t-shirt or button-up. ​ For a limited time, I’m also offering kits, including the pattern pdf and your choice in colors of Urth Estia yarn, for sale in my shop. Although you do need to be a member to participate and get a $5 off coupon code, the kits are available to all. SHOP BREZA KITS

For the Spring, I’ve brought in a few of the industry’s best instructors to give empowering, bite-sized workshops all included with a $12 Stitchwell Social Club membership. Even better, right now, you can try out the club with a 3-day free trial. No obligation, cancel anytime. TOMORROW, MARCH 11th at 3:30pmCT Tunisian Rib Stitch Crochet with Toni Lipsey This class covers the essentials of the Tunisian crochet rib stitch, including building a foundation, working the stitch, changing colors, and binding off with confidence. Scarf pattern included! RSVP FOR TONI’S WORKSHOP APRIL’s GUEST-EXPERT WORKSHOP Two Color Brioche Knitting In-the-Round with Ewe Ewe Yarns’ Heather Walpole Heather will guide us through the essential brioche stitches, explain how the two colors interact, and help you build confidence by reading your work as you go. SIGN-UP TO TAKE THIS CLASS WITH ME MAY’s GUEST-EXPERT WORKSHOP Better Knitting Tips & Tricks with Patty Lyons In this workshop, Patty will share her favorite tips from her best-selling book, Knitting Bag of Tricks. You’ll leave feeling empowered by a few “aha” moments! SIGN-UP TO TAKE THIS CLASS WITH ME

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This cute, mitered heart plushie is a great way to use those the scraps in your yarn stash, then share a little love this Valentine’s Day. Keep your knit heart as a simple plushie, use them as pin cushions, add a loop to hang it as a V-day ornament, or fill them with dried lavender and chamomile for a sweet sachet. No matter what, who wouldn’t heart getting a handmade scrap bin heart?

Play with color combinations or use a single shade for a minimalist look. Texture variations, like a blend of cottons and wools, can add extra charm and tactile appeal to each heart.

Experiment with embroidery or tiny buttons to embellish your hearts. Stitching initials, little flowers, or sparkly beads will make each one unique and add a personal touch for your recipient.

These hearts can be finished in an evening, making them perfect for last-minute gifts. Package a few together in a pretty bag, or tuck them into a Valentine’s card for a thoughtful surprise.

Scrap Bin Heart Plushie: Make it!

MATERIALS

Scraps of 3 yarns, in similar-weight, in different colors: A, B & C
(Shown: Loopy Mango Big Cotton, Knit Collage Gypsy Garden, and Valley Yarns Superwash Super Bulky)

Knitting needles in the corresponding size to heaviest weight of yarn chosen

Stitch marker

Tapestry Needle

Yarn scraps, cotton or polyfill stuffing

Optional: lighter weight yarn for seaming.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Varies based on yarn.

GAUGE

Not important for this project.

ABBREVIATIONS 

Go here.

DIRECTIONS (Make 2)

With A, CO 20 sts, placing marker at center point (after 10 sts.)

Row 1: With A, k to 2 sts before marker, ssk, sl m, k2tog, k to end.

Row 2: Knit.

Rows 3-4: Rep Rows 1-2

Cut A; join B.

Rows 5-6: With B, rep Rows 1-2.

Cut B; join C.

Rows 7-8: With C, Rep Rows 1-2

Row 9: Rep Row 1.

Row 10 (WS): Ssk, BO to last 2 sts (there’ll also be 1 st on your RH needle), k2tog, BO rem sts.

NOTE: If you’re working in an Aran weight or lighter, BO leaving a long tail for seaming. For heavier weight yarns, I suggest using a separate, lighter weight yarn for seaming.

FINISHING

With WS facing, place two hearts together; stuff ends so they’re sandwiched inside. Using the Wool Needle and strand of yarn, seam to pieces together while also adding more yarn scraps or stuffing as necessary.

Weave in remaining end.

More Valentine’s Projects

• Boho Valentine Wall Hanging
• I Heart Cowl
• Crochet Heart Motif
• Paper & Yarn Galentines
• Love Rocks Knit Neck Garland

Community is love. Join mine today!

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If you’re watching the socials, the knitting and crochet community is embracing hats as a symbol for protest, yet again. Unlike 2016’s P*ssy Hats, though, these hats have historical significance. In the midst of World Ward II, Norwegian citizens took to the streets wearing pointy, red hats with tassels (nisseluer) as an act of silent protest. Eventually, the Nazis deemed them illegal and punishable by law to have on don or distribute.
Cut to today, in the midst of the public rise of neo-nazism, knitters are bringing the essence of them back.

I first came across this piece of our past through @maggietinks on Instagram Reel, then more from an @goodgoodco carousel post.

As things (or algorithms, as it were), go though, I then started seeing much more. Most notable, is the awe-inspiring fundraiser by Yarn Cult through sales of their “Melt the Ice” hat. Last I checked, over 250,000 had been raised towards immigrant aid agencies! I encourage you to purchase the pattern, even if the style isn’t one you’d wear yourself. This campaign, started by one person, is a prime example of the power of the yarn community.

Once you’ve done that, if you’re feeling inspired to make and wear a red hat yourself, but prefer a simpler, ribbed style, I’ve added a couple of my own beanie patterns to download for FREE (please, use the money you would’ve spent on my patterns on the fundraiser, instead.) Download the Knit Barge Beanie HERE, and the Crochet Ribbed Hat HERE.

Please note that for the pointed effect to happen, you may need to add an inch or so worth of chain stitches at the beginning.

For the knit version adding an inch in height will help, and if you’d like more of the look of the modeled shot in the top image, work additional length (so you’ll have 10 1/2′-11″ from CO edge), then use this seaming method in lieu of crown-shaping.

Be kind to one another, and stitch on!

XX

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As a professional knitter, crocheter, and hobbyist sewist, it’s always fun to look at and share some of my favorite completed projects from the past year. Each piece tells a story, reflecting my creative journey and the community I’m a part of because of craft. From cozy knits to delightful sewing collaborations, let’s dive into my 10 favorite finished projects of 2025!

1. The Meta Plaid Scarf
For a special class I’m teaching to a small group next month, I designed a unique, artistic version of the Meta Plaid scarf inspired by my new book, No Needles Knitting. I adore the graphic nature of both the Knit Collage Wanderlust rendition and the original (made is Berroco Macro yarn) —this project truly sparked my creativity.

2. A Collaborative Theater Ensemble
This project was particularly special as it involved my teenager for their theater banquet with the theme, Garden Under the Stars. I made a bustle skirt from scratch, while we transformed a thrifted corset into a stunning piece with hand-sewn flowers, beads, and coordinating fabric panels. 

3. The Rococo Revival Bandit Scarf
Inspired by my presentation at the Stitchwell Social Club about the Rococo Revival trend, I designed this ultra-feminine scarf adorned with ruffles and pearls. Its lush texture and ornamental details make it a standout piece in my collection! The Rococo Bandit Scarf pattern is available in my shop.

4. The Moodring Wrapghan
This crocheted wrap is more than just a cozy throw; it represents a summer of emotions through its beautiful shades of Purl Soho Cotton Chirp DK. Hosting a mental health temperature project make-along on Stitchwell Social Club with 500 fellow stitchers  prioritizing self-care through crafting made this project unforgettable.

5. Wide-Legged Pants Adventure
Note to self: Always take still photos! Although this shot is blurry, the pair of Peppermint Magazine wide-legged pants I created is one of my favorite sewn projects. After taking a class on body-neutral fitting using the Top-down, Center-Out method, I felt empowered to tackle this design!

6. The Cozy Rodeo Vest
The Rodeo Vest from the Knit Collage Fall Knit-Along has earned the title of coziest knit of the year! I love how this piece made my olive & aqua dreams come true—definitely a wardrobe staple I’ll cherish.

7. Designing for Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
A highlight of my year was designing Charlie Bucket’s knitwear for the AISD Summer Theatre Series production of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. Collaborating creatively with the local youth, theater community made my drama-kid heart swoon! 

Make your own Charlie’s Hat & Scarf Set with my patterns and Purl Soho Plein Air yarn.

8. The Must-Make Smock Top
After seeing my friend Twinkie Chan’s adorable version of the Open Back Smock Top from the Matchy Matchy Sewing Club, I couldn’t resist creating one myself! It was the perfect antidote to my FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), turning inspiration into a FO (finished object.)

9. The Under 3-Hour Cowl
Designed for a CreativeBug Live Workshop, this cowl became my most gifted handmade item during the holiday season! Its quick and satisfying pattern made it a joy to create, and sharing it with friends and family made it even more special. Bonus: the pattern and workshop are available for free on CreativeBug!

10. A Cropped Tee from Purl Soho Pouf
While working on the Under 3-Hour Cowl (see above) samples, I was inspired to design a cropped tee using the same, Purl Soho Pouf Yarn — I love crocheting with it.

I can’t wait to publish this pattern in 2026, but for now, I’m brainstorming the perfect name for it!

Honorable Mention: Season’s Feelings Holiday Mood Scarf
While still a work in progress, I’m loving the process of working with Berroco Ultra Alpaca and Vintage yarns for the Season’s Feelings, Holiday Mood Scarf Make-Along. Sharing this experience with over 1,000 stitchers on Stitchwell Social Club has been incredibly fulfilling, and I look forward to finishing this project by the end of January!

Speaking of Stitchwell Social Club, I would love to have you come join me there in 2026. The community is kind, supportive, and creative; there are loads of patterns and tutorials, and monthly guest-expert instructed workshops. Learn more HERE.

Twenty Twenty-Five was a rough one, but making cozy and beautiful things made it tolerable. Here’s to self-care through stitching and positivity through projects in 2026, and beyond!

 

The post My Top 10 Favorite Finished Projects of 2025 appeared first on Vickie Howell.

Happy Monday, everyone! As we get closer to our official launch of the Season’s Greetings Holiday Scarf Mood Make-Along, I thought I’d start the week off with something pretty to gaze at. Here’s a peek at stitch patterns for the knit and crochet scarves.  For this mental-health temperature project, we’ll be creating a patchwork of our “feels”.

Before I break this down for you, two things:

1. If you haven’t signed up yet, please join the Make-Along HERE. Joining is free, and although the official launch event is on November 1st, stitchers should feel free to sign on throughout the coming weeks. I know holiday months are busy, so I’ve built in A LOT of scheduling wiggle room. Do what you can, when you can!

2. If you’re shopping through my affiliate links with our partners (optional), there are three different yarns (Berroco Ultra Alpaca, Berroco Vintage, and Knit Picks Wool of Andes) and nine (also optional) palettes. You can get a quick look at them in this blog post. For a “yarn tour” and a more in-depth look at the yarns (including comparisons), please see the featured articles in the Make-Along space on my Stitchwell Social Club platform. 

READY TO SHOP? Here’s where to go:
•Berroco at Jimmy Beans Wool
(Psst… don’t forget that Stitchwell Social Club members at the Community level and above get 10% off of all purchases at JBM!)
•Knit Picks or Berroco at KnitPicks.com
•Knit Picks at Crochet.com

This MAL is a choose-your-own-adventure situation in which you can choose the daily or weekly options, the knit or crochet options, or a combination of any of those things. Patterns, including optional edgings and fringe, and tutorials, will be released by 11:59pmCT on October 31st. 

Ok, let’s take a look! 

KNIT

Daily Option: Mitered Squares

Scarf Scoop:
•Knit one mitered square a day (or as often as you’d like), picking up stitches and seaming as you go. Each square can represent one main emotion of the day, or include as many feeling colors as you choose. 

•This option makes a super scarf, which will measure approximately 12″/30.5 cm wide x 72″/183cm long. She’s an extra cozy one!

Weekly Options: Log Cabin Blocks

Scarf Scoop:
•  Knit 1 Log Cabin Block per week. Each “log” will represent a day.

• This option makes a standard scarf, measuring about 7″/18 cm wide x 70″/178 cm long.

CROCHET

Daily Option: Small Granny Squares

Scarf Scoop:

•Crochet one granny square a day (or as often as you’d like). Choose either style or mix and match. I’ll share different options for seaming. Each square can represent one main emotion of the day, or include as many feeling colors as you choose. 

•This option makes the super scarf, which will measure approximately 12″/30.5 cm wide x 72″/183cm long.

Weekly Options: Large Granny Squares

Scarf Scoop: 
• Crochet 1 larger granny per week. Each round will represent a day.
 
• This option makes a standard scarf, measuring about 7″/18 cm wide x 70″/178 cm long.

Patchwork projects are meant to be eclectic, so let your mood guide your stitch pattern and craft choices as you go. Have fun with it!

xx, (←stitch, stitch)

Vickie

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Season’s Feelings Holiday Mood Make-Along

Over the Summer, I had the pleasure of hosting 500+ knitters and crocheters for the first mental-health make-along. Over a 3-month period, using the same technique used for temperature blankets, we knit or crocheted a Wrapghan using colors to log out emotions. The experience was so impactful that I’ve decided that this practice will be a series of make-alongs. I’m happy to announce the next one, The Season’s Feelings Mood Scarf-Make Along. This is a FREE to join event hosted on my community platform, Stitchwell Social Club.

Merry or Meh?

The holidays can bring with them a range of emotions. From nostalgia over childhood favorites and the joy of making new memories with loved ones, to event-related social anxiety and grief from a loss that seems magnified during times of cultural togetherness.

The Season’s Feelings Mood Scarf MAL is a stitcher’s conduit for processing, remembering, and recording those feelings with a low-demand project to suit the busy season and a community to support us.

In a world where everything is seemingly focused on the “outer us,” the goal for the second mental health make-along in this series is to encourage stitchers to take some time for ourselves and focus on what’s going on inside during a season that can be jam-packed with emotions. My hope is that it will also help to normalize conversations among fiber crafters to include mental health challenges, which can sometimes be amplified between the fall holidays and New Year’s.

‘Tis the season for some self-care. I’m here for it, and for you!

What Even Is a Mental Health Make-Along?
(TL;DR It’s sort of like journaling with yarn … and friends …and events.)

The Season’s Feelings Holiday Mood Scarf Make-Along is my take on the popular temperature blanket knit/crochet-alongs, but with a mental health twist. The first of my Mental Health Make-Alongs, the Moodring Wrapghan MAL, was such a meaningful experience that the consensus was that we should keep the practice going!

Beginning on November 1, 2025 with a live Zoom meet-up, and through January 2026, instead of tracking weather, we’ll be tracking our emotions through the holiday months (from Dia De Los Muertos through New Year’s month), then stitching a just 1 square (or 1 round, depending the route you choose) in the shade that corresponds with how you’re feeling that day.

By building in a hearty amount of “skip days” and multiple project approach options, I’ve tailored this experience to be doable for a range of schedules. This time of year can be stressful. This make-along shouldn’t be. Hopefully, it will be quite the opposite. In truth, it can be as much or as little as you need it to be!

Join to download the Welcome Packet with more info!

Season’s Feelings Scarf: Pick Your Palette

For this make-along, I’ve partnered with Berroco and Knit Picks to bring you yarn choices for every budget, and available at ​JimmyBeansWool.com​, ​Knit Picks​, and/or ​Crochet.com​. They’re all soft, cozy, and beautiful choices!

As inspiration, I’ve put together TWELVE palettes in THREE different yarn lines. You’re welcome to use whatever yarn you’d like for the Self-Care Season Scarf, but if you choose to purchase any of those recommended, I’d really appreciate it if you’d use the listed affiliate links. Please and thank you.

Berroco Ultra Alpaca

Meet the Palettes

•Berroco ​Ultra Alpac​​a
(A luxurious Alpaca/Wool blend with subtle color changes and a slight halo)

•Berroco ​Vintag​​e​
(This one never lets a stitcher down — a go-to wool with loads of colors)

•Knit Picks​ Wool of Andes​

( Affordable workhorse Peruvian wool.)

I’m looking forward to making (better mental health) along with you, this holiday season!

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