Needlecrafts - Knit, Patchwork Scarves

Images | Phildar 98

New stitches can be exciting to try and master! I remember all too well when I began knitting all the texture stitches calling to me, "Try me! No! Try me!"
What I wanted to try were the cables, even the easiest ones intimidated me in the beginning.
All that putting stitches onto a cable needle, losing them while knitting from behind. Yikes! It was a bit frustrating until I got the hang of it.
Constantly making swatches gave me the confidence to try more unusual stitches and master them.
Fashion, at the moment, loves patchwork which brings me to the topic of swatches.
What better way to practise your knitting than to get a few odd balls of yarn, make rectangles and sew them together for a fashionable scarf.

Read further for more inspiration and how to make a hooded scarf.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Wide Rib Pullover

Image | Phildar

Note: This has been adapted from a Phildar pattern originally featured in a bulky weight yarn.

Let's face it, the garments we most often reach for are the ones that are easy to dress up or down.
As much as I like simplicity, there has to be a design element or feature that takes the garment from ordinary to extroardinary.
Wide rib detail on this basic, simple garment visually makes the garment a winner in any yarn.
Several trends really stand out this season. Neon is one that is huge. Store windows are filled with every type of style imaginable, but a little goes a long way.
Why not knit the rib edges in neon and the rest in white or pale grey.
The same can be said for black and white. Possibly just the sleeve ribs in white and the garment in black.
Tweaking is all it takes. Basically speaking, this is definitely a keeper for your library.

Read further for schematics, pattern instructions, finishing tips and helpful sites.

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