Needlecrafts - Crochet, Bagging Scraps of Fabric

Inspirational images | Pinterest

The past three months have been extremely busy with me getting back to designing crochet patterns. Posting has been somewhat erratic as the process of getting creative and educational craft posts ready takes a lot of energy. Happily, this will be corrected as the patterns start to become completed to my satisfaction. It's wonderful when life comes full circle - I am back to designing, which is my first love but (with a big sigh!) there's a learning curve once again to be disciplined in my work. This particular post highlights how I feel about certain designs - Daniela Gregis bags are so creative and colorful, they make you smile. Precious is not a word you would use in describing these bags but make no mistake they are heirlooms. Recycling is definitely something to consider when you decide to make one of these bags- old jean shirts, sheets, fabric you've hoarded. There's no mystery as Gregis uses very basic patterns for these bags. A small crocheted rug or a larger basket can become a special market bag you'll be proud to carry. Read further for inspiration, free patterns for guidance, helpful tutorials and videos to get you started.

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Grannies Head to Toe

A family of granny square accessories | all free Drops patterns available here

Who doesn't love granny squares?. They make you smile and feel happy. I've loved them forever.
A garment made with granny squares, on the other hand, can be overwhelming for some tastes with a very definite style.
My answer to that, "Make accessories!" Hats, wrist warmers, scarves and slippers. All very useful, quick to crochet and just enough pattern and color.
Slippers are a great gift and you can never have enough pairs for people who drop in. I have several pairs of slippers in my foyer, especially during the winter.
Whether you like it bright and colorful or shades that are subtle, there are plenty of slipper, hat and scarf/cowl pattern ideas for you to try .

Read further for helpful slipper how-to diagrams, video tutorials and great free patterns for friends and family.

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Summer Hats

Inspiration images above | Pinterest

Inspiration images above | Sandra's Closet and Pinterest

Hold on to your hats! It's heads up for all big and bold styles for this spring and summer.
Whether you're looking to hide a bad hair day or more importantly protection from the aging UV rays, there is a headcover for you.
All types of romantic brims, as wide as you dare to go. If urban cool caps suit you there are updated baseball caps, beanies and bucket styles .
Golf or tennis anyone? Visors have the ability to be cool again. Beaded, jeweled or gold encrusted makes it current.
At this point on the fashion meter, it's head turning dash and anything goes.

Read further for the advice on wiring a brim, different materials to try, helpful video tutorials and lots of free patterns.

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Quick & Easy Slippers

Large image | purchase booties pattern here
First side image | free ballet slipper pattern here
Second side image | purchase moccasin pattern here
Third side image | purchase slingback scuff slipper pattern here
Bottom side image | free sock pattern here

Sometimes a lovely gesture warrants a small gift, nothing too elaborate but something that is attractive, wearable and shows you appreciated a friend's or family member's kindness.
There are times when crocheted slippers make an ideal gift.
Perhaps an invitation to the cottage. You can never have too many slippers.
This is something I am very familiar with. The McGuire family "get togethers" are large and not everyone thinks to bring slippers or indoor shoes to slip on when the weather outside is wet and muddy.
There are many styles available that you can make from the simple ballet slipper to
the full blown "ugg-style" bootie.
An interesting way to attach a felt sole is also included should you wish a stiffer and sturdier sole.
Read about several ways to make your slippers nonslip .
Read further for more inspiration, instructions for different styles of your next slipper project.

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DIY - Beaded Wrap Watchband

Inset image | La Mer Watchband

Wrap watchbands are great because they serve two functions.
They are actual watches but at the same time are decorative as bracelets.
The price of the watch, a little rich for my blood inspired me to make my own watchband that was easy and made with materials I had at home.
Coming up with a plan was not hard. In an earlier post, I had made a crocheted necklace, so why not a watchband.
You could add chains to the side or embellish in a number of ways, but I thought cotton and mother of pearl beads.
The whole project took exactly a movie's worth in time. Not long and easy.
Definitely will make several different ones.

Read further for materials needed and general instructions.

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Needlecrafts - Knit,Crochet - Shawl to Shrug

Image and complete pattern | here
Note: This is a free pattern - Filati Journal 43 Model 41 - Model of the Month

As usual, I'm always trawling for different pattern and fashion ideas.
I love those eureka moments when your eye catches something with a slightly different twist on an old pattern.
I learned, to my pleasant surprise, that a shawl can be much more than just a pretty shawl.
It's exciting to see an old standby pattern like a triangle-shaped shawl easily morph into a garment a little more stylish and up-to-date.
Somehow interesting patterns and shapes for shrugs call out to me, which is why this pattern applealed to me.
Basically you are knitting or crocheting a triangle. The outer corners of the triangle are tacked down, a finishing knitted rib or crocheted edging around pulls everything together.
That's it!.

Read further for instructions, finishing tips, free knit and crochet patterns with helpful tips on sizing.

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