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!

Needlecrafts - Knit, Crossover Shawl

Inspirational image | Felice knitting magazine

Not really a shawl or what we consider a shrug, I was quite fascinated the first time I saw this style on a colleague. The idea was to keep the body warm without restricting movement.
What is essentially a scarf wrapped around the neck, criss-crossed around the chest and then somehow attached around your back, I was hooked by the simplicity.
Any scarf that is not too narrow or too wide and is long enough to wrap around your body is ideal.
There are different ideas for closures, buttons being the easiest.
Beginners will love this project as it is a great way to practise making cables.
Meant to be worn either alone as a chill chaser or wrapped around a light jacket for added warmth, this crossover shawl is practical and easy. Read further for knit instructions for two different weights of yarn, tutorials for different buttonholes and how to space buttonholes.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Crochet - Tie the Knot

Image and knit tutorial | here
Image and crochet tutorial | here

Image | Prestigio Moda Maglia 2007

One of the first classic scarf patterns I came across in an old Patons pattern book was this ascot or tuck-in style.
Reading and understanding patterns, at that time, was hard to grasp as my skills in knitting were limited and I've mainly learned by someone teaching me.
What fascinated me was how one end of the scarf slipped through a ribbed channel or sleeve.
Once someone had shown me how you made an increase row before starting this ribbed sleeve, knitting into the fronts and backs of every stitch, thereby doubling the number of stitches.
When I saw how one stitch went on a needle and the next stitch went onto a stitch holder, I immediately understood how you were able to work the two parts separately.
Joining the two parts by slipping a front stitch then a back stitch onto one needle, knitting two stitches together across the row gave me the whole picture.
Once you understand this concept, the sky is the limit as what you want to make, whether it is a scarf or shawl.
All you are doing is creating two end pieces whether they are leaf shaped or have straight edges doesn't matter and the rib can be narrow or wide.
The shawl part can be worked with stitches, different textures, narrow or wider, it's up to you.
Read further for a tutorial on how a bow knot is constucted, how to divide the stitches, ideas and free patterns.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Crochet - Braiding Ideas

Image | Benissimo Magazine

Large image | Chainlink braid, free tutorial here
Top and middle inset images | Interweave Rapunzel scarf pattern for purchase here
Bottom image | Youtube video - crochet weaving see video after jump.

One of the easiest ways to add interest to any garment is to add trim.
Trims can be opulent and glitzy or simple and humble. It depends on your own preference and the look you are trying to achieve.
Braid trims have always attracted my eye, from child-like prints to ornate velvet ones.
What better way to trim out a simple toque, sweater front bands, v neckline, boat neck or just to make a cowl neck scarf than with knitted or crocheted bands.
Working strips into braids is not only easy but also versatile and cost effective.
In everyone's stash, at least in mine, there are oddballs of expensive, lovely yarns that really need to be used and shown off.
Even if they are different weights, you can compensate by making the thicker or bulky strip first, measure the finished strip and then work the finer yarns accordingly by working more stitches and rows.

Read further to be inspired by different ways braids can be used and free tutorials for different braid projects.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Crochet - Capelets

Please Note - this pattern has been adapted for a bulky-weight yarn | Ondori Knitting Magazine

In between the many dinners, visiting and shopping during the holiday season, there are moments where you want to have a simple project on hand.
This is especially true while watching the holiday movies and there are many that I love.
The weather has turned cold and I mean frigid so thoughts have been to make something that will cover the shoulders and yet not be too bulky and in the way.
A capelet worn over a coat or jacket made with a bulky-weight yarn was the quick and easy answer.
The fringe on the knit version is an option, creates added length and is fun to do.
For crocheters, there is a fashionable high-necked version to keep you toasty.
Read on for instructions for this design and for an easy quick to crochet pattern from airali at besenseless.blogspot.com .

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Border Pattern Scarves

Images | Phildar 98

Vintage shows always have an abundance of antique linen, lingerie and handkerchiefs with beautifully finished crocheted edges.
Intricate, lacy edges were made with very fine crochet thread, usually for a bride's trousseau.
Finely worked linens became family heirlooms, were lovingly cared for, repaired and passed down through the generations.
Years passed and yarn replaced crochet thread for baby blankets and afghans.
Skip to present tastes and you find that lace patterns are no longer just for finer yarns and threads. Designers have definitely embraced chunky and bulky yarns for lace patterns.
Scarves are a good way to revisit some of these lovely patterns.
Making two long strips of lace and joining them together gives a feminine touch to any sporty look.
Not all lace edgings have to be labour intensive. Read further and see that some are fun and quite modern.

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DIY Fashion - Boho Style Scarves

Roses | tutorial available here
Fringe | tutorial available here
Lace | tutorial available here
Pompoms | tutorial available here

It's safe to say that scarves can be the most hard working and decorative accessory you own!
They provide colour, fill in spaces you may want to hide, add texture and pattern, totally upgrading a basic outfit into something special.
Scarves can fill in for jewelry, which I've done on more than one occasion, especially when travelling.
What's really wonderful are all the easy DIY ideas available. In most instances a minimum of effort and cash and you have a fabulous fashion statement . Read further for more inspiration and tutorials on making that special scarf .

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DIY Restyle - Bagging a Man's Suit

Handbags | Edson Raupp at Victoria and Albert Museum Shop, London

Handbags are made from just about anything you can think of. There is the recycling of what we consider throwaway materials such as plastic bags cut into strips and then crocheted into a bag or can tops clipped together to make a mesh fabric for totes.
Restyling is huge with belts made into barrel-shaped bags, jeans made into totes and what I found to be particularly interesting, men's suits.
It's a shame to see a good quality suit discarded, a common occurrence when fashion dictates its time for an update and the inevitable weight gain or loss makes it necessary to buy a new one.
All the more reason for a quality suit to be restyled and given a second life.
A variety of rich fabrics including banker's pin stripes are used to make these artistic bags. The Brazilian artist, Edson Raupp sells his impeccably made bags at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, a museum renowned for it's art and design.
Read further for more examples and ideas of how designers have been inspired to use suits in their designs. A French designer illustrates how she utilizes all the parts of a suit to make her bags.

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In Fashion

All Images | fringed, faux fur trim, colour blocked, ruffled

My favourite accessory has to be a scarf and I have many of them. Very rarely have I given them away (some are vintage) and have regretted some that got away. Whether you prefer wearing unpatterned solids or some pattern, a scarf adds colour, texture and pattern to what can be a bland outfit.
Infinity, eternity, circle or whatever name you are familiar with when describing a continuous scarf with no ends,we either already have one or have thought about purchasing one. This simple scarf has evolved - either with embellished edges or colour blocked with different textures.
This holiday season, nothing could be easier than to make yourself a lovely sequinned wrap to wear over a simple dress or blouse and pants. You'll wear it throughout the season.

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In Fashion

Boot Images | flylondon.com

Fall is here and thoughts run to warm footwear but let's not forget style. Boots run the gamut from "I will only wear these indoors and for 5 minutes" stiletto boots to comfy "slipper" boots that usually become rundown with wear.
I've always looked at these brands, well especially the first two and thought how different but not "out there" crazy they were. Now if they'd only go on sale!

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In Fashion

Taylor Thomasi Hill - Artistic Director, Moda Operandi | coolspotters.com
All Accessories | forever21.com

During the fashion show seasons, streetstyle becomes a sport. Many of the fashion magazine editors, fashion bloggers and important retail buyers have become celebrities just by dressing right and playing to the camera.
In each instance you find that accessories play a major role in how the fashion look is put together. Granted, each player has their own personal aesthetic, be it quirky, casual or rock and roll. The "style" is the end result you see.
I have always loved accessories, the quirkier, the better and they do not have to cost a fortune. It's being fearless and bold when putting the accessories together.

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Jewelry Design - My Work

Necklace: Enamelled copper pieces with copper chains, glass and ceramic beads.

My background is in textiles, yarn actually, but I've always loved jewelry. The love affair began and still continues with vintage and tribal or anything with a vintage vibe.
Throughout the years I've collected many pieces, took ones that were broken apart and made new pieces.
There was always a curiosity about how jewelry was made, so one weekend I enrolled in a Jewelry I at a community college and continued on with many other courses including casting and enamelling.
This does not exclude my love of fine jewelry, but my real love is "distressed chic"...a hippy at heart.
Below are a few pieces that I've designed and fabricated in a variety of ways, mixing it all up together.

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DIY - Beaded Crochet Necklace

Wear the necklace long or wear it doubled.

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In Fashion - Bagging Boho Chic Style

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