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.

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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!

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.

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