Needlecrafts - Crochet, Bagging Fringe

Inspiration image | Coach Dakota Bag

Inspiration image | Etro

Inspiration images | (large) Giorgio Armani (top) Etro (bottom) Blugirl

Fringes, when added to both accessories and clothing creates a bohemian vibe. This, of course conjures up images of a free, hippy lifestyle which has a certain amount of sexiness to it.
During the seventies Yves Saint Laurent brought folklore fashion, an ethnic look which inspired youth in the counter culture to dress in a very individual way. Present fashion is embracing fashions from that time as they are new to a younger market. Floppy hats, vests, bell bottom jeans, lots of patchwork, embroidery and embellishment, all this and bags with long fringe was nirvana back in the day.
Definitely worth remembering and repeating, maybe in more contemporary colors or for summer, in an explosion of happy colors.
Read further for free patterns featuring 6 different types of crochet bags, suggestions for fringe placement, tutorials and helpful videos for ideas on fringing.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Shawl Collar Pullovers

Inspiration image | Pinterest

Brooklyn Tweed Pattern - Millisande Pullover | available for purchase here

Shawl collars are definitely attractive and can take many forms but somehow are predominately seen in men's patterns. Everything in fashion has something "boyfriend" now whether its jeans, jackets and now oversized pullovers.
Women have always "borrowed" from the male closet, everything from clothing and shoes to colognes. My style has never been totally girly-girl. A clean, tailored masculine vibe has always appealed to me dressed up with feminine touches. The shawl collar pullover is one of those sweaters that lends itself to being accessorized with shirts underneath, a collar peaking above.
Opened up necks allow for adding scarves and jewelry. Buttons, zippers and buckles make for interesting closures. Think of cowl-like wrapping for cozy necklines.
Read further for the anatomy of a basic shawl collar neckline, different neckline styles and free patterns for the ladies and unisex patterns that will please both males and females.

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Wrapped in Blooms

Inspiration image | Keito Dama

Ol' man winter has been pretty relentless with snow and freezing cold weather. So I say, "Think Spring!" All this frost and subzero temperatures make me yearn for bright colors, warmth and sunshine.
A choker made with these lovely crocheted flowers would definitely put a smile on my face. Try a flower scarf made with these colorful blooms or if that's too much a crocheted chain with flowers and buds spaced at intervals. As much as I loved all the ideas for chokers and statement necklaces, the biggest surprise was neckpieces as suggestions for wedding attire.
This is a very sweet, yet sophisticated look. Although, the flowers embellished with crystal beads and pearls would definitely take the fashion quotient up a notch.
Read further for free patterns featuring 6 different types of flowers and helpful videos showing how to crochet with beads, definitely inspiration to make a whole garden.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Crochet - Open Mesh Stitches

All runway inspirational images | style.com

Transparency or sheer clothing has been evolving and building for a few seasons. The sheer trend began as a controversial seasonal accent only to end up as a strong year round trend.
What is interesting is how several designers have embraced transparency through knitwear both in knitting and crochet.
In the crochet world, this is not new. The filet stitch used in tank tops, dresses and skirts have been around forever, but now you dare to wear them with just underwear not lined as you would in the past.
Very fine cotton was used to design and make these intricate designs.
Contemporary fashion is all about heavier cottons using larger needles and hooks to create airy, read holey, fabrics.
Most of the featured free patterns can be modified easily. By using the same pattern with a heavier yarn you will achieve not only an oversized garment as shown in the inspirational images but one with the trendy big holes.
Leave off the sleeves, make the tops much longer into dress length and you have something more modern and totally ready for spring. Even easier! Make 2 rectangles, sew up the shoulders and sides. Voila! A top, coverup or dress. Read further for knit and crochet free patterns and video stitch tutorials for different open filet and mesh stitches.

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