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!