Needlecrafts - Knit, Basics for the Wee One

Inset Image | free pattern here

Simply adorable baby knits!
Recently, the world was focused on the birth of the royal prince and all things baby.
Every prince or princess can have these charming, easy and quick-to-knit basics, from booties to hoodies.
Ideal patterns for the mom who is learning to knit or for more experienced knitters that love to knit "wee" fashions.

Free Patterns
Left Side - Top to Bottom:
1. Casual Booties simple no-fuss style and quick to knit.
2. Comfy Cozy Socks a change from booties if you prefer socks.
3. V-neck Folkwear embellish with simple folk embroidery or leave the top plain as a classic v-neck.
4. Boatneck Topper a simple texture border gives the top interest.

Right Side - Top to Bottom:
5. Checkered Cardi checks are fun to knit and work up quickly.
6. Thinking Cap embellish the ends of the drawstring with pom poms or tassels.
7. Wee Mittens too cute and no fingers to knit.
8. Striped Hoodie would be just as stylish in a solid with a simple rice texture stitch.

Happy Knitting!

Needlecrafts - Knit, Boat Neck Style Tops

Image | Online 10 knitting magazine

Boat neck styles have always appealed to me as the neckline looks great under a jacket and highlights your statement necklaces.
T-shape tops are boat neck style but have increases for sleeves, thereby looking like the letter "T" .
Another great feature spares knitters the headache of following neck shaping in intricate pattern stitches.
Casting off in a straight line becomes a no brainer, a good thing when you want an easy knitting project or for beginners.
The straight cast-off edge also allows you to add interesting finishes such as lace and ribbon.

Read further for more creative ideas on how to finish shoulder seams of the t-shape top and a basic pattern for the garment.

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Hexagon Granny Cardi

Large image | here
Inset images | pattern available here

Granny squares have fascinated and delighted crocheters for as long as I can remember.
During the 70's craft magazines were filled with granny square projects.
There was no shortage of ideas, either in fashion or decor.
At the time, the most popular yarn weight used was worsted and for the most part, acrylics.
What appealed to me about this design was the simplicity of the pattern.
You can virtually adapt this design to suit your every whim.
Personally, I like to keep it simple and let the yarn do the work.
This is where marls, tweed and multicoloured yarns are so good.
Whatever you pick, this design is fast, fun and fantastic.

Read further for more design inspiration, a free pattern and a video tutorial.

Large image | read complete tutorial here
Inset Images | read complete tutorial here

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Knit, Draped Cowl Tops

Image and free pattern | here

Draped cowl tops are not only stylish, but extremely flattering, especially for those who are considered full figured.
The increases you knit create folds, falling into a soft V-neck which attractively frames the face .
Draping the neck can be incorporated into many styles, depending how deep you want the cowl to be. Included are different techniques in draping the neck.
The tunic length free pattern in a soft cotton would be ideal as a coverup or over leggings.
Once you've decided on the type of garment, rethinking yarn and colour is all it takes. Basically speaking, this is definitely a keeper for your library.

Read further for more free draped cowl patterns, schematics, helpful tutorials on differenttypes of increases and finishing tips.

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Knit, Basic Pint-sized Cardi

Large image | Mamy Factory, Paris
Inset image | Le Petit Bateau

A simple, yet stylish cardigan is another basic garment pattern that's a must not only for adults but also for children.
A cardigan is the perfect, soft layer for kids. They're comfortable, easy to move in and every child should have these in their wardrobe, just like mommy.
The featured pattern, like the basic cap-sleeved cardi, lends itself to many different types of yarns and looks.
Use up your ends and make a striped style, a tweed for fall and of course cotton.
Also, like the basic cap-sleeved cardi, you are knitting the body in one piece. Easy peasy and a great shower gift.
Choosing different stitch patterns for this simple garment will give the beginner practice with their knitting skills.
If you are a crocheter, finishing all the edges with a scalloped edge or make simple eyelet holes for small buttons.
Read further for schematics, pattern, buttonhole tutorials, finishing tips and other helpful sites.

Continue reading...