7/27/2015

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Bralettes and Halters

7/27/2015
Needlecrafts - Crochet, Bralettes and Halters
All images | Pinterest
Crochet is everywhere, partly due to the popularity of the boho chic look, and that includes a lot of crochet whether it's dresses, vests and bikini halters.
As a result, at various music festivals like Coachella, crochet bikinis, bralettes and halter tops have never been more popular.
That free-spirited flower child lives on in cut-off jeans, floppy hats and long fringes fluttering in the wind. Shades of Woodstock, free love and rock and roll. In a previous post (click here or on image below), there were many requests for the pattern featuring a bustier on the inspiration page.
This post features several different pattern designs for bralettes and for those who want a bit more coverage, cropped halter tops.

Be sure to read further for helpful, visual diagrams and charts for bralettes, free patterns as well as video tutorials on how to crochet different halter tops.
Click on image of past post featuring over top bustiers.

7/20/2015

Needlecrafts - Knit, Taking a Ribbing

7/20/2015
Needlecrafts - Knit, Taking a Ribbing
Images, Fisherman Sweaters | JCrew Knitwear and Vince Knitwear
Fisherman rib or shaker stitch sweaters are true classics but as you can see from the featured inspiration images they don't have to be boring.
These styles are cosy weekend sweaters you'll have for years and never tire of wearing.
Mine stretched out, which I personally loved as it only got cosier and worn in. By adding stocking stitch edges as shown in the JCrew inspiration or a wider neck in the Vince example, you tweak the classic style and it takes on a modern look. Personally, I love the cropped style, a little chunky, so the knitting goes faster and not quite so refined, a bit country.
This post features several, easy accessory patterns to hone your skills, whether you are right or left handed and then move on to some great garment designs.

Be sure to read further for helpful visual diagrams on fisherman knitting as well as helpful videos explaining the process very clearly.

7/13/2015

Design Files - LKnits, Knitwear Marketing Strategist

7/13/2015
Design Files - LKnits, Knitwear marketing Strategist
How many times when you've knit or crocheted a garment for yourself or a family member, you received an appreciative thank you followed by "You should sell these, you'd make a mint!".
I'm sure this thought has occurred to every crafter who has made something they feel is unique and should be shared.
As a designer or maker of imaginative and original products, you hone your skills and become very familiar with every aspect of your craft, whether that is knitting, crocheting, stitchery or any other creative endeavour.
Marketing your designs are a totally different kind of skillsets, which are needed if you are thinking of going professional. Of course this all depends to what level you aspire to, making a living from what you design or just a sense of satisfaction with what you are able to produce.
This was a question I wanted to explore and came across a designer who also wanted to explore this area and help other designers with her marketing skills.
The result was "lknits", a site devoted to helping designers think like professionals in the way they marketed their products.

Read further for more about Lori Henry, her company LKnits and what marketing strategies can be provided for the designer who wishes to go professional.

7/06/2015

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Cables With a Twist

7/06/2015
Needlecrafts - Crochet, Cables With a Twist
Images, Crocheted Aran Sweaters | purchase of e-book available here
Crochet always came a little easier to me but much like knitting, at least in the beginning, it was cables that had me stumped.
Well, more like fear. In crochet, the pattern writing is long and involved. Thankfully it was charts that saved me. Charts are so easy to understand and like schematics, these give you a visual of what you are working. In a previous post, I included several free patterns featuring interesting aran stitch patterns.
This post features several, easy accessory patterns to hone your skills and then move on to more challenging garment designs.

Be sure to read further for helpful visual diagrams on front, back and crossing posts as well as helpful videos explaining the process very clearly.

7/02/2015

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Granny is a Square

7/02/2015
Needlecrafts - Crochet, Granny Top
Granny squares are so happy in design, add such a delightful element to a garment or accessory that I can't get enough of them.
The inspiration image shows how effective two large granny squares can be when made into a simple top. Smaller versions of the larger square are sleeves, but you can omit these for an easier project. The squares are made with a variegated or space dyed yarn letting the interesting coloration do all the work and you get all the compliments.

Read further for a charming collection of free granny square patterns and ways to add width and length with making extra squares.
This is another design that can be made for any season and in any type of yarn.
In the summer, wear it sleeveless and in the cooler weather, wear it as a vest over another sweater or shirt.
A great way for a beginner to start crocheting and make something beautiful to wear.