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.