9/29/2015

Needlecrafts - Knit, Wide Neck Pullover

9/29/2015
Needlecrafts - Knit, Wide Neck Pullover
Pattern image | Burda Knitting F/W 2013
Whenever I come across a design or pattern that is simple but fulfills many purposes, I immediately want to share it with readers.
The wide neck sleeveless vest or shell is perfect to wear on it's own with a cami underneath or over a jean jacket for added warmth in late fall and early winter.
Knitting with a double strand of worsted weight yarn is not new but what is new are the wonderful array of colours available to experiment with.
What a wonderful way to allow you to be creative and create your own marl yarn, which is really two colours twisted together. Think of all the possibilities, whether you like strong contrasts such as black and white or subtle tonal contrasts like pale pink with sage.
Don't forget trying a tweed or space dyed yarn with a solid. Yummy mixtures, only limited by your imagination. Work a solid with marl yoke as shown or design your own colour definition.
All you have to remember is to work two strands together.
Fully fashioned sleeve openings are featured in this pattern, not to worry as this knitting term is explained both in words and with a helpful video.
Two pieces, easy stocking stitch knitting. What could be better?
Read further for schematics, pattern instructions, helpful tips and videos on finishing that garment perfectly.

9/23/2015

Needlecrafts - Knit, 5 Easy Cable Pieces

9/23/2015
Needlecrafts - Knit Fall Basics - 5 Easy Cable Pieces
Free patterns for all 5 garments | read further for link(s) under each image
Red Head Wrap | free pattern available here Grey Head Wrap | free pattern available here Dark Grey Scarf | free pattern available here Yellow Wristwarmers and Hat | free pattern available here Textured Garter Shawl | free pattern available here
No doubt, intricately cabled sweaters are as beautiful to look at as they are challenging to knit. But if you want a satisfying, quick project, comfy and cozy yet uncomplicated, those are not for you. Whether there is one larger cable, giant cable panels or smaller cable panels, the five featured patterns are designs you will be delighted to knit. The designs are oversized for comfort, perfect to throw over jeans and under a poncho. A cable that splits into a V-neck is stylish as is the sleeveless turtleneck vest. Omit the ribbing on the bottom of the vest, make the body longer and you have one of fall season's must haves. For even smaller projects, included are five simple accessories to wear this fall with your sweater. Be warned you can make them as gifts, but once you've knitted them you'll want them for yourself. From classic worsted yarn weights to super bulky outdoor wear, there are five easy pieces to consider for your fall wardrobe.

9/16/2015

Needlecrafts - Knit, Vested Interests

9/16/2015
Needlecrafts - Knit, Vested Interests
Inspiration images | freepeople.com and Wilfred clothing Past post - Edgy Vests | Click here for post
This fall we are going to great lengths with the sleeveless vest.
Case in point are just two of the versions featured in stores for this season.
A slight twist on the traditional style vest is the turtleneck style, worn sleeveless and open at the sides.
Due to the popularity of a past post Edgy vests , I am featuring pattern instructions adapted for this style in bulky weight yarn.
Front and back are alike to make it an easy, quick project.
If you like the idea of a looser cowl neck, work the rib for the neck with larger size needles to spread the rib and make the collar long enough to curl.
Another option would be to finish the garment in a boat neck style by omitting the neck.
There are so many beautiful yarns for this season, you'll want to knit more than one.
Read further for schematics, pattern instructions, helpful tips and videos on finishing that garment perfectly.

9/08/2015

Needlecrafts - Knit, Taking a Ribbing

9/08/2015
Needlecrafts - Knit, Taking a Ribbing
All inspiration garments | Club Monaco
Some of the simplest, classic designs in knitting can make a strong fashion statement. In this case, the humble rib takes center stage whether it's a simple K1, P1 rib or a handsome wide K6, P3 rib. The garment shape and yarn color can convey the fashion message whether it's subtle or in your face bold.
Read further for several collections of free knitting patterns, starting with the quick and easy accessories to the more elaborate pullovers for the male in your family. Cozy and oversized or slightly more form fitting, there will be a stylish pattern to suit everyone's taste for this fall. Also, there are several alternative rib patterns for you to try, test and think about using in future projects.

9/02/2015

Needlecrafts - Knit, Crochet, Foldover Shrug

9/02/2015
Needlecrafts - Knit, Crochet, Foldover Shrug
Main, bottom inset images | free pattern available here
Top inset image | free pattern available here
Putting together past posts featuring shrugs, I came to realize just how much I love shrugs.
From the very first one I made, it was love at first wearing.
Up until then, I owned and loved jackets of every description, not conservative but they were the backbone of my work life wardrobe.
As soon as you slip on a shrug, you realize how easy it is to wear yet they provide the same benefits of a jacket.
Call it softwear, once you try one, you'll never go back.
The jackets I kept still hang in my closet, just in case, but I know eventually they'll be given away.
Read on and find your favorite style. Trust me, you will love them too.
Click on images of past posts featuring easy shrug patterns and ideas
Happy Knitting and Crocheting!