9/29/2014

Needlecrafts - Knit, Sew, Crochet - Home Organizers

9/29/2014
Needlecrafts - Knit,Crochet,Sew - Pocket Organizers
Top sewn arm caddy | Inspiration only Top crochet striped seat sack | free crochet pattern available here Middle crochet arm caddy | free crochet pattern available here Bottom knit arm caddy | free knit pattern available here
Bottom sewn seat sack | free sewing tutorial available here
Being organized and by that I mean "A place for everything and everything in its place" is a rule I try to follow, for the most part.
Urban living demands that we take advantage of any and every space we can eke out in our homes, which is why door caddies, whether it's for bathrooms, bedrooms or kitchens are so handy for extra storage.
Handmade items used for storing items are extremely popular in home décor lending a casual or rustic air to the overall look, but they come at a price.
There is no reason why you can't replicate these wonderful accessories and in some cases necessities to add storage and organize your space. When contemplating a project, I advise using natural materials such as cotton, wool, twine or rope for baskets. You will be much happier with the finished result and the project always look more expensive, something you would have purchased in a chic home décor store. When making door caddies, if you are using twine or cotton, double the strands unless you are using a thicker weight. Doubling the strands gives the caddy stability, when you put heavier items into the pockets. Hallways with a long strip of board and pegs are great for hanging baskets stowing winter scarves, hats and mitts. No space in the hallway, no problem with the key caddy on the back of the front or back door to hold your keys and never panicking looking for them. Hanging baskets on bedroom drawer knobs are great for separating delicate hand wash items from the rest of the laundry. Seat sacks and big baskets for kid's rooms to organize toys or books. Children will be learn how to be tidy if you place hanging baskets within their reach. Read further for different styles of organizers and free patterns and tutorials to knit, sew and crochet your own.

9/22/2014

Needlecrafts - Knit, Closet Classics

9/22/2014
Needlecrafts - Knit, Closet Classics
Buttoned cardigan | free pattern available here A-line Pullover | free pattern available here Middle image - Max Mara | style.com
Bottom image - Chloe | style.com
As much as I like statement pieces to add personality to my wardrobe, I rely on classics to be my staples or go-to pieces.
The word "classic" can sometimes conjure up boring or plain, but classic garments in themselves are meant to be the backbone of your wardrobe.
A crisp, white shirt, great fitting black pants can be seen as functional, not beautiful but it is the cut and small details that can make these garments special.
Every wardrobe should have some kind of knit pullover to throw on over jeans, whether you suit this season's oversize tunic style or the flared swing shape. Both styles are classics, can be knit in stocking stitch in a luxurious yarn. This is where scarves and statement jewelry complete the look. A great classic piece is also about shape, whether the sleeve has a new proportion, lengths are played with or necklines are fresh and appear modern. The easiest way is to knit your classic in a great new colour or textured yarn such as a tweed or marl. Read further for different styles of classic pullovers and cardigan patterns.
There are a couple with my name on them!

9/15/2014

Needlecrafts - Knit, Cape in Shape

9/15/2014
Needlecrafts - Knit, Fitted Cape
Inspiration image | Anthropologie
Trips are always fun, but planning for different weather conditions is not.
This fall, I am travelling to two different countries and will encounter a difference in climate.
The challenge is always what to pack and, of course, I'll overpack and not bring something I should have thought of.
When I saw this cape, I knew this style was perfect for layering and dealing with both warm and cool conditions.
Knit in a thicker, soft cotton, it will be perfect for casual sightseeing and ideal for popping over a long or short-sleeved t-shirt depending on the day.
A zipper closure makes it easy and the pockets make it practical. Read further for suggestions on how to modify a traditional drop sleeved cardigan into this practical and gorgeous cape.

9/08/2014

Needlecrafts - Crochet Gifts, Coin Purses

9/08/2014
Needlecrafts - Crochet, Coin Purses
Gather all your odds and ends from past projects and make these quick, easy and incredibly charming gifts.
Whether it's stocking stuffers for the holiday season or a birthday present, these are very useful gifts and will definitely be appreciated.
They can be clipped onto a belt, used as a purse charm, made simply or embellished to the high heavens, it doesn't matter.
The cartoon animals are not only for kids. Put a smile on someone's face with these adorable shapes and colours. Read further for different ways to give your coin purse personality, whether you simply want a utilitarian change purse or a more edgy style.
Have fun and make several.

9/02/2014

Needlecrafts - A Vintage Fanatic, Vintage Patterns

9/02/2014
Needlecrafts - A Vintage Fanatic
A Vintage Fanatic | click here
Mining for great vintage style has always been high on my priority list.
Whether its buttons, craft books, textiles or clothing, I love to rummage through what I think of as "treasure".
No city has escaped this pleasure whenever I've travelled close to home or overseas.
In the 80's and 90's, I had the good fortune of working for both a chain of yarn shops, developing patterns for all the private label yarns they imported and for a large yarn manufacturer in charge of developing yarns and patterns.
Needless to say, I've amassed a large library of patterns, many of which will be new to knitters and crocheters as there was no global way of sharing.
So, welcome to A Vintage Fanatic, my new Etsy shop, open and ready to inspire you with easy-to-make fashions from the 70's, 80's and beyond.
All patterns are branded "Vintage Classics", come from various sources and have been carefully reformatted and enhanced.
The styles are very wearable and as evidenced in the stores and on runways, very current.
Not only are there fashionable patterns to knit and crochet for adults, but little ones can also be stylish.

Click on the image to take you to Etsy pattern and have fun shopping.