12/21/2016

Needlecrafts - Knit,Crochet - Messy Bun Hats

12/21/2016
Needlecrafts - Knit,Crochet - Messy Bun Hats
Multicolor crochet bunhat | free pattern available here Grey back seam knit bunhat | Pinterest - inspiration only Blue ponytail crochet bunhat | free pattern available here
There's a new hat fashion in town - The Messy Bun Beanie. Styles have cropped up all over social media in a big way. It's always amusing to see something old become popular again with a sexy new name. Doesn't a "messy bun beanie" sound so much more interesting than an old ponytail hat. As a kid I wore these hats and remember all too well in my teaching days the little girls at recess with "holey hats". Like all fashions, they come and go waiting to be re-invented or as we say today "rebranded". There are 3 styles - a hat without the last few rows on top, a hat with a back seam partially sewn up or a few stitches in a row at the back, cast off or chained over to create a simple hole. But in the end all these styles serve a purpose allowing long hair to swing freely and not be bunched up inside a close-fitting hat. Read further for patterns that may inspire you to knit and/or crochet different versions of this holey hat.

11/28/2016

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Weekend Hookups

11/28/2016
Needlecrafts - Crochet, Weekend Hookups
Solid basic beanie | free pattern available here
Simple patterned basic beanie | free pattern available here
Getting a "headstart" on making gifts this season has never been easier.
Our family has for some time traditionally used the "Secret Santa" method for family gift giving.
On Thanksgiving, names are pulled for whom you'll buy a gift. There is a limit and unfortunately has devolved to gift cards.
My sister-in-law's family has decided to draw names but gifts have to be handmade.
This is a great idea and Josie is knitting a scarf for her niece's boyfriend. Some members of her family became worried, thinking they had no DIY or crafting expertise.
But in the end, this forces one to be creative and I believe the recipient is much more appreciative of what's been created.
All those trinkets that money can buy are lovely and definitely an easy gift to think about, but creativity has so much more value.

The quick and easy hats and headbands featured above are definitely a project to be made in a weekend and hopefully enjoyed for years to come.
Happy Crocheting!

11/22/2016

Needlecrafts - Knit,Crochet - Vests Gone Sideways

11/22/2016
Needlecrafts - Knit,Crochet - Vests Gone Sideways
Large image | Pinterest Ribbed knit wrap vest | free pattern available here
Nothing simpler to knit or crochet than a large rectangle with two slits for armholes et voilà you have a sleeveless wrap vest. The only things to consider are how long you want the vest, how big a rolled collar you want and how deep the armholes will be. Length can be determined from the bottom of the armhole to where you want the vest to stop. The deeper the armhole, the more the vest will drop. Do you like to wrap with a large collar (I do) or do you prefer the neck edge away from the face. A sleeveless wrap vest is great to throw on over another sweater, a light jacket making it a great accessory you'll want in different weights of yarn. The holiday season has pretty much creeped up on us but you still have some time to make one of these as a gift for yourself or someone special in the family. Think about texture and yarns with sparkle. Plain stocking stitch for bulkier yarns or simple relief stitches for lighter weights. Read further for different ideas to inspire you and how to get you started on your project gone sideways.

11/14/2016

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Floral Fantasies

11/14/2016
Needlecrafts - Crochet, Floral Fantasies
All inspirational images | Pinterest
Flowers needn't be sweet and cloying as you can see from the forecast trends. Think of backgrounds such as the actual headwrap and the neckwarmer in black, navy, grey, dark purple and even camouflage green. The flowers themselves pop out and make a statement while the background color fades into the neckline of your coat or the hair. For the most part, we have a tendency to choose lighter colors for the background whether it's cream or a pastel. Choosing a dark background gives the accessory a sophisticated air and quite frankly looks more expensive. Note that some of the patterns are for pillows but dear crocheters don't stress, you can stop whenever the flower looks big enough. Remember in this case bigger is better. These are quick and easy gifts to give yourself or the fashionistas in the family Read further and find the perfect flower to bloom on a headwrap, scarf or neckwarmer.

10/30/2016

Needlecrafts - Knit,Crochet - Sharf, Scarf and Shrug

10/30/2016
Needlecrafts - Knit,Crochet - Shrug and Pocket Scarf
Inspirational image | Pinterest
It's amazing how many shrug ideas I've come across that are different and practical but at the same time give you creative license to make it your own by modifying the design to suit your needs. Here is an idea where you can knit or crochet both the shrug and scarf or just one or the other. Think about attaching a purchased scarf you may have to a shrug you'd like to make. Gather all your scrap yarn, make a shrug or scarf or both if you have enough. Make the scarf long enough to wrap around your neck or shorter to button at the front. The sharf, a funny name I coined for this design is easy to wear because the shrug holds the scarf in place. On a grey winter day, it'll keep you warm as you're reading a novel or like me binge watching a series while crocheting. Read further for different ideas to inspire you and free patterns for both shrugs and scarves.

10/17/2016

Needlecrafts - Knit, Stitched in Memories

10/17/2016
Needlecrafts - Knit, Stitched in Memories
Inspirational image | Pinterest
Inspirational images - Jill McGee, My Favourite Things | click on link for more images
Life is truly about creating memories and trying new things. Whether you have made a new dish, accomplished a goal or explored new territories, it's wonderful to somehow commemorate this event. At one point you took a picture and compiled an album, now we take pictures, make videos and post these events on social media. Declaring our deepest passions and what we have to say about them sometimes land on t-shirts with images and slogans. On a much more personal level, it's marvelous to share and somehow illustrate all our favorite things, whether they be travel, food, our heritage or where we live. When I saw Jill McGee's "All My Favorite Things" infinity scarf, I was inspired to write about this project. There are so many delightful, personal gifts you can make for people you love - whether it's an important wedding anniversary or a child's journey to adulthood, there is something important to knit about. Read further for helpful tutorials and videos as well as free alphabet and border charts to get you thinking about what you want to knit about yourself or someone near and dear to your heart.

10/11/2016

Needlecrafts - Knit,Crochet - Berets Heading For Fall

10/11/2016
Needlecrafts - Knit,Crochet - Berets Heading For Fall
All inspirational images | Pinterest and vogue.com
Odd balls of yarn leftover from projects always piles up in bags in my "room" where the yarn stash is. The stash area is really part of the laundry room with a cabinet and rows of clear boxes on one side organizing my yarn. As I work on projects, the leftovers are put in bags. Of course the yarn goes somewhere into the ether, because I never look at it again until it becomes a monster of a pile. That's when I go on a purging binge and these bags get passed down to my sister-in-law. Her husband has now warned me not to give her anymore yarn as it is mounting up and cluttering a spare bedroom. This post on berets is perfect for this type of dilemma. The hat doesn't call for much yarn and you can easily make the top one color and the band another. So this is me turning over a new leaf, hopefully. I am truly envious of knitters and crocheters who are able to use up every scrap of yarn they have. Do these people really exist or do they give away yarn as well. Well this post has 12 knit patterns and 12 crochet patterns ranging from classic shapes to the fashionable slouchy beret. There is plenty of opportunity to dive into that pile and make a few hats for yourself and everybody in your family.

10/03/2016

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Modern Fair Isle

10/03/2016
Needlecrafts - Crochet, Modern Fair Isle
Vogue Knitting Magazine, Fall 2016 | available at most news stands and here
Beanie, cowl and mitt set | free patterns available here
Fair Isle is traditionally thought of as knitted sweaters in wonderful stripes of colors either in part or covering the whole garment . The latest fall issue of Vogue Knitting has taken the fair isle technique and given the featured designs a modern twist. This issue is one knitters will be sure to keep in their library. However, as much as I love knitting, I am an avid hooker and find, for the most part, crocheters don't get many designs with this technique. Read on lovers of crochet because I have found designs you will surely approve of and definitely want to try. Remember, this technique is not for beginners and I have included a library of helpful videos and links to teach and help you understand fair isle crochet. In the same vein is intarsia or tapestry crochet which applies to shapes and using bobbins of yarn across the row. If you are unsure of tackling this technique, don't despair. Included are a cardigan, pullover and hat that uses a lovely texture stitch that looks like fair isle. There are lots of helpful videos, articles and lovely, free design patterns to try. Hopefully you will be as inspired as I was putting this post together !

9/26/2016

Needlecrafts - Knit, Collared Shrug

9/26/2016
Needlecrafts - Knit, Collared Shrug
Image for inspiration only | Verena
This has been one of the busiest summers, travelling and visiting family. A trip to Italy was definitely exciting - a whirlwind tour of Amalphi coast, Rome, Florence and Venice. Both Rob and I have had the opportunity to experience Italy before - on our honeymoon, with friends and on business. This tour was with Rob's brother and his wife and needless to say we had an incredible time seeing all kinds of places we missed on our trips before. We ate and drank our way through these cities and I was lucky enough that in Rome I celebrated my birthday. As far as fashion goes every big city now has all the big chains, Zara and H&M being the most prevalent. Still there was fun in the markets and finding odd pieces that will remind me of this trip for some time to come. The coolness of Fall will be coming upon us soon so I thought this shrug was perfect for keeping away the chilly weather. The shrug is a long rectangle with a ribbed collar, fast and easy in a bulky weight yarn. A satisfying project to make for yourself and thinking ahead for gifts that will definitely be appreciated!

9/05/2016

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Utility Flat Top Caps

9/05/2016
Needlecrafts - Crochet, Utility FlatTop Caps
All inspirational images | Pinterest
Trend Report courtesy of Trendstop | Be sure to read complete report here
Finding a hat that suits me has always been hard and at times hysterically funny. Trying on hats in a department store with a friend becomes a comedy show with both of us giggling uncontrollably. But you can never lose hope and it seems that my pixie cut looks great with this style of hat and stylish to boot. Admittedly it has to be snowing heavily for me to wear one but at least I now wear one confidently. Bound and determined I have crocheted several designing the perfect one for my head - I am no longer envious of my hat wearing friends. There are many styles to consider, some are fuller and others a little more square. One important element is the visor, not too small and enough rows to look substantial. Read further and find the perfect hat for you, I'm delighted with mine.

8/29/2016

Needlecrafts - Knit, Crochet, Sew, NoSew | Ruanas

8/29/2016
Needlecrafts - Knit, Crochet, Sew, NoSew | Ruanas
All patterns and tutorials | click on links for free patterns and tutorials after the jump
All inspirational images | Pinterest
Inspirational image | Pinterest
A ruana by any other name is simply an open faced wrap, but let's face it, it sounds exotic and therefore trendy. The style of this accessory is really a poncho that has been split up the front giving you more freedom and versatility (see the video at the end of the post showing you different to wear this wrap). Ruana is a Spanish word, a poncho-like outer garment of heavy wool, worn especially in the mountains of Colombia. Whether the garment is knit or crocheted in a heavier wool or sewn from a sequinned chiffon fabric, each serves a purpose in your wardrobe. Much like the pashmina shawls which were popular for completing outfits, these wraps are definitely ones to have on hand. Unless a shawl is very wide and long, the ruana gives you better coverage. There is a style waiting to be made whether you knit, crochet sew or just want a quick DIY project without any particular skills. Read further for helpful tutorials and videos as well as free patterns.

8/15/2016

Needlecrafts - Knit, Fall 5 Fall Fashion Trends

8/15/2016
Needlecrafts - Knit, Fall 5 Fall Fashion Trends
1. Chunky Textured Beanie | free pattern available here
2. Cosy Hooded Cowl | free pattern available here
3. Scoop Neck Crop Top | free pattern available here
4. T-Shaped Tunic | free pattern available here
5. Color Block Tunic | free pattern available here
Even though we are in a continual spiral of humidity and heat waves, the stores are dribbling out the fall fashions.
The featured fashions in this post are essential to the easy wardrobe that both busy students and moms need - throw it on over jeans or leggings and you're good to go.
The crop top vest, great for layering over a shirt for added warmth but no fear of overheating in a cardigan.
All of these foundation pieces will serve you well this coming fall and winter.
The color block tunic offers you an opportunity to break up the color with simple garter, ideal for beginners or and easy rice or moss stitch .
The generous hooded cowl can become a poncho pulled down on the shoulders.
From classic worsted to super bulky yarn weights, there are five easy pieces to add to your fall wardrobe.
Click on images of past posts featuring easy sweater patterns for beginners
Top 20 Posts | Click on image below for posts
Happy Knitting!

8/08/2016

Design Files - In Fashion, Shades of Fall 1216

8/08/2016
Design Files - In Fashion, Shades of Fall 1216
In a previous post I wrote about the privilege of attending Color Marketing Conferences as part of my job . Participating members came armed with sample swatches, test cards and any other materials to present their stories about their proposed color choices. Politics, pop culture, sports, technology and social issues can influence the selection of colors as well. Workshops consisting of teams worked on mood boards depicting their stories of what was happening in the world influencing color. In the end, all the boards were presented and imagery discussed. Amazingly most teams had similar imagery on their mood boards reflecting both world events and colors they evoked. To this day I remember that collaborative experience and befriending people from every industry who were involved in making color choices for their company's products. Depending how far in advance you are making your decisions it is vital that the colors will be popular and will translate into sales.

7/27/2016

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Tapestry Technique

7/27/2016
Needlecrafts - Crochet, Picture Perfect Tapestry Technique
Working with different colors in crochet can be easily achieved with stripes, working separate pieces in different colors. Working shapes or geometric patters such as circles, triangles or image shapes is a different story. Much like fair isle or intarsia knitting, you carry yarn in back or work with different color bobbins. Geometric patterns are so much a trend right now in home decor. The simplest circle or triangle can be worked with maximum effect. Retro picture images are also very popular. Think background in color tapestry and making the project 3-dimensional with added embellishment. Hopefully you will be inspired by the many ideas, helpful tutorials and videos to get you started coloring your world!

7/04/2016

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Lover's Knot Stitch

7/04/2016
Needlecrafts - Crochet, Lover's Knot Stitch
How many times have you gotten ready for a summer function or you are going out to dinner wishing you had a special shawl you could wrap around you. Something a bit glamorous, definitely feminine in a soft, whisper of color with just enough shimmer or sparkle to make you feel very special. When I saw several examples of these shawls, I thought I would make one for our trip this coming September. Light as a cloud, it would not crease and would provide that finishing touch for our evening dinners and strolls. The turquoise kid mohair with the slight glimmer of sequins, that was the style that caught my eye. Possibly in a rich cream, honey or melon. Even the ribbons look fabulous, the loose stitch allowing the yarn to open up and show off the color in it's entire width. Think about bulky yarns for a more casual, transparent look. Using a large hook makes the project go faster and allows the yarn to "breathe". There are several free patterns, the main shapes being a triangle and a rectangle. Another great weekend project either for your staycation in the backyard or for the cottage!

6/24/2016

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Corner Granny Squares

6/24/2016
Needlecrafts - Crochet, Corner Granny Squares
Mitered Corner Granny Square Vest | Let's Knit Series
Granny squares in any shape or form are fun to look at and try to crochet. The inspiration for this post is a mitered granny square meaning that it starts from a corner and works out diagonally. This particular design has longer straps but I think I would make a bigger square and add just enough for the shoulders. There is a step by step tutorial that I worked out to begin the design in the inspiration. For the tradionalists, I've included a more common mitered pattern, which really starts with a small square. Great way to use up small amounts of yarn and better still, a portable and easy project for my holiday in Halifax!

6/13/2016

Needlecrafts - Knit, Top Down Winners

6/13/2016
Needlecrafts - Knit, Top Down Winners
Top-Down Cardigans | scroll to find free patterns available below
Top-down knitting really baffled me as I preferred to knit pieces. The finishing job of sewing seams was something I enjoyed doing. Curiosity got the better of me - What was this magical way of knitting which started at the neck, working down the yoke, dividing for sleeves and finally working the body ending with most of the sweater. Wow, no seams. Of course if you wanted sleeves you would pick up the stitches around the armhole. My exercise began with a baby garment, small and easy to rip back if I had a problem. So pleasant was this experience, I ventured into garment patterns designed for crocheting top down. Looking back, I wondered what took me so long to try this method. Starting with a small project was ideal to quickly see how the garment comes together. There are 5 baby garments for you to try - 3 cardigans and 2 pullovers. Small and satisfying projects for cottage knitting!

6/06/2016

DIY Restyle - Bagging Denim 2

6/06/2016
DIY Restyle - Bagging Denim 2
Top row - left| free tutorial available here Top row - right | Bag available for purchase here Middle row - left| free tutorial available here Middle row - right, inspiration only | Pinterest Bottom row - left, inspiration only | Pinterest Bottom row - right | free tutorial available here
Inspirational images | Pinterest
Inspirational image | Pinterest
Inspirational images | style.com
The obsession with denim is not waning by any means. That is for sure. Vintage inspiration, whether it's the 70's, 80's or 90's is being reinterpreted and walking down the runways and in just about every major store chain. Denim patches, embroidery, accessories, embellished jackets, worn and destroyed jeans - all of these are abundantly available. Recycling denim is definitely much more interesting, better for the planet and readily accessible in second hand stores. Just like in decades past, everyone is striving for something unique, something that tells a personal story not a piece of clothing that has been duplicated many times over. Designer fashion that is unique and beautifully made, for the most part, is out of reach for the majority of consumers. Being creative to me is much more important than owning a designer bag or piece of clothing but then there's nothing to say that they cannot be a source of inspiration. Any post that deals with upcycling and recycling denim instantly draws you in to see all that creativity at work. Be sure to read all the posts - you just may be wildy inspired!

5/29/2016

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Bagging Scraps of Fabric

5/29/2016
Needlecrafts - Crochet, Bagging Bulky Yarn & Fabric Scraps
Inspirational images | Pinterest
The past three months have been extremely busy with me getting back to designing crochet patterns. Posting has been somewhat erratic as the process of getting creative and educational craft posts ready takes a lot of energy. Happily, this will be corrected as the patterns start to become completed to my satisfaction. It's wonderful when life comes full circle - I am back to designing, which is my first love but (with a big sigh!) there's a learning curve once again to be disciplined in my work. This particular post highlights how I feel about certain designs - Daniela Gregis bags are so creative and colorful, they make you smile. Precious is not a word you would use in describing these bags but make no mistake they are heirlooms. Recycling is definitely something to consider when you decide to make one of these bags- old jean shirts, sheets, fabric you've hoarded. There's no mystery as Gregis uses very basic patterns for these bags. A small crocheted rug or a larger basket can become a special market bag you'll be proud to carry. Read further for inspiration, free patterns for guidance, helpful tutorials and videos to get you started.

5/10/2016

Needlecrafts - Knit, Yarn Mixology

5/10/2016
Needlecrafts - Knit - Yarn Mixology
All inspirational images | Pinterest
Yarns are definitely my drug of choice. It's the colors, whether solid or multi-colored, the textures and construction that have me filling that "yarn closet" in the basement time and time again. Every year at about this time we travel to Daytona where my brother-in-law and his wife own a beautiful home. My sister-in-law, thankfully, is a crocheter and knitter. She truly understands my habit and willingly goes with me exploring for new yarns. At times this can make packing to go home a bit tricky but somehow I manage to squeeze in all my booty. When you enter a yarn store, you see all these tempting concoctions calling out to you . Do I buy something safe in one weight and color or do I go crazy and buy a little of everything. Well knitters and crocheters, mix it up and go crazy. Work with a variety of yarns and textures in the same color palette or totally patchwork style! Be sure to see all the creative ways to work with yarn textures, free patterns and helpful videos showing you how to read a chart, work the intarsia technique and give you an idea of the types of textured yarn available in the marketplace.

4/24/2016

DIY Summer Jewelry | Leather Wrapped Bracelets

4/24/2016
DIY Fashion - Summer Jewelry - Leather Wrapped Bracelets
Inspirational images | Links to tutorials below
Summer is a great time to show off jewelry especially when you stack several wrap bracelets together.
Create your own arm party with all the different ideas for leather wrapped bracelets.
Whether you like a lot of bling or something a little more subtle, there are all kinds of different tutorials for you to try.
All these lovely styles can be worked up quickly, great for gift giving.
Leather lacing is readily available in all kinds of colors, but I thought it was fun to show this spring's trendy pastel shades.
My personal favorite is the golden beads wrapped several times with pale blush leather.
Beaded trims by the yard are also readily available in craft stores in beautiful colors.
Be sure to check out all the different ways to wrap up your jewelry to wear this summer.

Wrapped rhinestone trim | complete tutorial available here
X's, spiral and double edged wrap| complete tutorials available here
Single wrap | complete tutorial available here
Wrapped pastel bead trim | complete tutorial available here
Stamped metal message | complete tutorial available here
Embroidery floss tutorial | Pinterest
Pandora style wrapped bracelet | Pinterest
Video Tutorial | Easy Wrap Bracelet
Video Tutorial | Triple Wrapped Bracelet
Video Tutorial | Layered Wrap Bracelet
Video Tutorial | Infinity Knot Bracelet
Click on either image below featuring past posts with tutorial on bracelets!
Happy DIYing!