Chick with Sticks

To say that craft maven Vickie Howell keeps busy is an understatement. In between working with Austin-based ventures like Ruby Goes Retro and the Austin Craft Mafia, the mother of two young sons launched Austin's version of Stitch 'n' Bitch, a bimonthly gathering for knitters and other fiber fans. Now, Howell debuts on the small screen with Knitty Gritty, a new knitting show on the DIY (Do It Yourself) network.

"I always wanted my own craft show," Howell says. Although she worked at some of Los Angeles' high-profile talent agencies prior to motherhood, the possibility of her dream show didn't happen till she and her family relocated to Austin in 2003. Alessandra Ascoli from Screen Door Entertainment (which produces Knitty Gritty) found Howell through a Google search on knitting. A phone call later, Howell found herself back in L.A. auditioning for and then landing hosting duties for the new how-to show.

Knitty Gritty joins other DIY programs that provide step-by-step instruction on arts, crafts, and home improvement. What distinguishes it from typical DIY fare is its lively and stylish approach to knitting, which has spiked in popularity in the past few years, thanks in part to Debbie Stoller's 2003 book, Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook, and craftsters like Howell, who have made it their mission to revive knitting and other hand crafts for a new generation. The fresh approach is evident in Knitty Gritty's content, which ranges from the perfunctory to the whimsical. A getting-started episode is in the lineup, as is a segment on intarsia (designs knit into the fabric), but with a twist: Think tattoo art and alien heads instead of birds and bunny motifs. Knitty Cams and Knit Bits interspersed throughout offer fun and informative embellishments that guide viewers at a swift yet comfortable pace.

"Information is the star on DIY shows, but we get away from information as boring. Crafters and crafting used to have an unappealing, unhip, and matronly stereotype attached to them," says Howell, referring to the recurring Saturday Night Live sketch with Molly Shannon and Ana Gasteyer as crafters who host a public radio show (their obliviousness to double entendres and "Good times, good fun" tagline were running gags). "I want to communicate – especially to young girls – that knowing how to wield a crochet hook or staple gun can be every bit as cool as knowing how to play a guitar or maneuver a snowboard. I'm excited to spread the hip-crafter gospel, so to speak."

Joining Howell are such knitterati as Lily Chin, Erika Knight, Melissa Leapman, and others who share their tips, designs, and contemporary approaches to the ancient craft. A chorus of "Knitsters" chats with Howell and asks questions that viewers at home might ask.

Although Howell finished filming 13 episodes of Knitty Gritty last month, there's no downtime for Austin's craft mama. DIY recently ordered 26 more episodes, which she'll begin taping in the fall. In addition, Sterling Press will publish her first book, New Knits on the Block: A Funky Mama's Guide to Knitting What Her Kids Really Want. Scheduled for a spring release, the book aims for a playful rather than precious approach to knitting for kids.

A series in demand and a new book. All built on Howell's passion for working with two sticks and a bit of yarn. And she's just getting started.

"The cool thing about knitting," she says, "is that the possibilities are endless for what you can do with it."

Knitty Gritty airs on Fridays, starting July 2, at 9am on DIY. Check www.diynetwork.com for episode summaries and www.knittygritty.com for more information.