Needlecrafts - Crochet, Tapestry Technique

Dishcloths | free tutorial available here

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!

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Brimming with Boho Style

All images | telegraph.co.uk - Trending Wide Brimmed Hats

For the most part, I don't wear hats. It's not that I don't like them, especially the slouchy beanies. The truth is they just don't suit me.
This coming fall season, envy no more. The 70's were back on the runways in a big way, especially highlighting the boho chic look.
One doesn't have to adopt the whole bohemian layered look, especially if you were around the first time. The brimmed hat seems to suit just about everybody from the small brimmed bucket style to the wide brimmed fedora. Paired with capes, ponchos or wide wraps, this hat lends itself well to a bohemian vibe. A stylish way to keep warm, to be sure. Read further for different styles of the brimmed hat. Add to the brim of the bucket style or omit rows on the wider brim. Also, be sure to read the tutorials on personalizing your hat with a distinctive hatband. Boho chic is a relaxed style, one I've always been drawn to, especially in accessories.

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Scarf to Poncho

Inspirational image | Pinterest

Every Tues evening, my sister-in-law and I get together to knit, crochet and watch "The Voice".
Josie has just begun to knit again so simple stitch patterns are her preference along with simple squares and rectangles.
Whenever I come across an easy and stylish garment made essentially from a rectangle, I'm on board.
Simple shrugs, a simple pattern featured in a past post seems to appeal to her right now, another easy pattern made from a large rectangle. The poncho featured in this post will definitely prove to be just as popular. A great spring cover-up, both crocheters and knitters will want to add this one onto their "To do" list.
This pattern will certainly carry you through the different seasons right from fall/winter to spring/summer. The only hardship will be picking a yarn. Read further for step by step stitch tutorials and schematics for this easy pattern.

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Knit, Crochet - It's a Wrap

All images | The Knit World Special (Lithuanian knitting magazine)

Think positive! Spring is coming. The first thing I want to do is lighten up and throw off the heavy winter gear.
This is where shrugs, wraps and shawls can be the most basic and versatile garments you own. Throw one on and you're good to go. They wrap colour and texture around you and are totally cozy. A very popular past post featured a shawl collar shrug, made in 2 pieces with some shaping of the back piece.
Just when you thought a design couldn't get easier, I came across one with 4 simple rectangles, the front shawl, a back and two sleeves.
Go through all your past winter projects and overbuys (I have plenty!) and use up all the bits and pieces for your front shawl. Pick up one or two of the colours for the sleeves and back.
As I write this post, I'm already thinking of combinations that will work for my new wrap.

Read further to be inspired by more ideas and free patterns for both the knitter and crocheter.

Continue reading...