Needlecrafts - Knit,Crochet - Sharf, Scarf and Shrug

Inspirational image | Pinterest

It's amazing how many shrug ideas I've come across that are different and practical but at the same time give you creative license to make it your own by modifying the design to suit your needs. Here is an idea where you can knit or crochet both the shrug and scarf or just one or the other. Think about attaching a purchased scarf you may have to a shrug you'd like to make. Gather all your scrap yarn, make a shrug or scarf or both if you have enough. Make the scarf long enough to wrap around your neck or shorter to button at the front. The sharf, a funny name I coined for this design is easy to wear because the shrug holds the scarf in place. On a grey winter day, it'll keep you warm as you're reading a novel or like me binge watching a series while crocheting. Read further for different ideas to inspire you and free patterns for both shrugs and scarves.

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Lover's Knot Stitch

Large image | free pattern available here Inset image | pattern available for purchase here

How many times have you gotten ready for a summer function or you are going out to dinner wishing you had a special shawl you could wrap around you. Something a bit glamorous, definitely feminine in a soft, whisper of color with just enough shimmer or sparkle to make you feel very special. When I saw several examples of these shawls, I thought I would make one for our trip this coming September. Light as a cloud, it would not crease and would provide that finishing touch for our evening dinners and strolls. The turquoise kid mohair with the slight glimmer of sequins, that was the style that caught my eye. Possibly in a rich cream, honey or melon. Even the ribbons look fabulous, the loose stitch allowing the yarn to open up and show off the color in it's entire width. Think about bulky yarns for a more casual, transparent look. Using a large hook makes the project go faster and allows the yarn to "breathe". There are several free patterns, the main shapes being a triangle and a rectangle. Another great weekend project either for your staycation in the backyard or for the cottage!

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Crochet - Cold Shoulder trend

All images above | style.com and pinterest

Every woman young or old, at least all the ones I've ever encountered and spoken to has some part(s) of their body they are not comfortable exposing. My problem area or at least in my mind has always been my upper arms, right back to my younger days. Cap, elbow length or short sleeves are pretty much what I wear, although sleeveless under shrugs has been my uniform of late. Of course the runway fashion, can appear a little over the top, but really even those are watered down when sold to different boutiques and department stores. Trends are for inspiring and usually trickle down to wearable styles, but the sizzle of the runway is so much fun. This is why the "Cold Shoulder" trend makes so much sense. The upper arm is covered but the peek-a-boo opening in the seam can be sexy or at least feminine. Please be sure to see the free patterns after the jump, knit and crochet patterns, basic "T" shapes with shoulder seams. The lacy knit pattern takes care of two trends- open shoulders and lace effects. The crochet pattern is striped, another spring trend. These are basic shapes if you eliminate the patterning and decide to work with a solid color or color block. Also, think of this as a stash buster, the back worked in one color and the front divided into two or even three colorways. Have fun thinking up ways to design your own spring fashion....the basics are there for you to experiment with.

All images above | style.com and pinterest

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Wavy Ripple Stitch

Inspirational image | Pinterest

Colorful and stylish is the inspiration above. A basic garment with ripple yoke and hem edgings finish the garment with texture and color. Note the yoke has stripes of color and the hem in the same shade as the main body, bringing the attention to the face and not the hips. In my experience, whenever you thought of crochet ripple or chevron stitch patterns you envisioned afghan or baby blanket patterns. The wavy edge it created became an ideal finishing element for adding tassel fringes. Different stitch patterns such as lacy or granny stitch types were also great for using up different colors and textures of yarn. If it was a rectangle, it was easy but shaping into a garment was another story altogether. So many designs for wraps, ponchos and shrugs are made up of rectangles. It's a shame if you limit working this interesting pattern to blankets. Straightening out the wavy edge is easy (read further for a helpful video which shows you how). Spring into the new season with a colorful poncho. There are several styles from which to choose along with smaller accessories, ideal for a beginner. Read further for patterns, helpful tutorials, ideas and videos to get you started.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Crochet, Foldover Shrug

Main, bottom inset images | free pattern available here
Top inset image | free pattern available here

Main image | free pattern available here
Inset images | free pattern available here

Putting together past posts featuring shrugs, I came to realize just how much I love shrugs.
From the very first one I made, it was love at first wearing.
Up until then, I owned and loved jackets of every description, not conservative but they were the backbone of my work life wardrobe.
As soon as you slip on a shrug, you realize how easy it is to wear yet they provide the same benefits of a jacket.
Call it softwear, once you try one, you'll never go back.
The jackets I kept still hang in my closet, just in case, but I know eventually they'll be given away.
Read on and find your favorite style. Trust me, you will love them too.

Click on images of past posts featuring easy shrug patterns and ideas

Happy Knitting and Crocheting!

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.

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Cables With a Twist

Images, Crocheted Aran Sweaters | purchase of e-book available here

Crochet always came a little easier to me but much like knitting, at least in the beginning, it was cables that had me stumped.
Well, more like fear. In crochet, the pattern writing is long and involved. Thankfully it was charts that saved me. Charts are so easy to understand and like schematics, these give you a visual of what you are working. In a previous post, I included several free patterns featuring interesting aran stitch patterns.
This post features several, easy accessory patterns to hone your skills and then move on to more challenging garment designs.

Be sure to read further for helpful visual diagrams on front, back and crossing posts as well as helpful videos explaining the process very clearly.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Crochet - Spring Vests

Top left | free pattern available here
Top right | free pattern available here
Bottom left | free pattern available here
Bottom right | free pattern available here

Top left | free pattern available here
Top right | free pattern available here
Bottom left | free pattern available here
Bottom right | free pattern available here

Circle vest, step by step tutorial | beacrofter.com

Right now the spring weather is teasing us with a warm day here and there.
When the warmer weather finally comes, a sleeveless vest will be just the right garment to wear over a t shirt or blouse.
Blazers can be cumbersome, but you still want to look pulled together whether it's for work or a casual weekend.
Here are 9 very easy patterns to try - 4 for the knitter and 5 for the crocheter, one being the very fashionable circle vest.
Beginners as well as seasoned crafters will love these projects as they are quick to make and a great way for beginners to practise.
So spring into knitting and crocheting these fabulous vests.

Happy Knitting and Crocheting!

Design Files - Street Style, F/W '15 Collections

All images | Tommy Ton, style.com - wwd.com - vogue.com

For the past month and a half, the Fall/Winter 2015-16 Collections were presented by designers in the major fashion capitals, New York, London, Milan and Paris.
As much as fashion addicts around the world anticipate what will be coming down the runways, street fashion worn by fashionistas, whether they are editors or fashion students can be just as influential as witnessed by all the photographers on the streets.
How knitwear is accessorized, colors chosen, and actual styles worn is very revealing as these are real people wearing real clothes, sometimes enlightening both the public and designers of emerging street trends.
Street fashionistas love to display their own personal style, which can translate into or inspire store windows, garment styling and color pairing.

The following images definitely inspired me by detail, color and garment style.

How to appliqué on sweaters | read complete tutorial here

Lovely landscape picture knits | free patterns available here

Create your own marl | read complete tutorial here

How to add fringe | read complete tutorial here

Cold weather cape | free pattern available here

Lion Brand vest look-a-like | free pattern available here

Cascade "Magnum" super bulky yarn | free pattern available here

Top 20 Posts | Click on image below for posts

Happy Knitting!

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 Gifts, Coin Purses

Beaded | purchase coin purse here Patched | purchase coin purse here Wrapped | purchase coin purse here
Granny | purchase coin purse here
Skirted | purchase coin purse here Floral | purchase coin purse here

Gather all your odds and ends from past projects and make these quick, easy and incredibly charming gifts.
Whether it's stocking stuffers for the holiday season or a birthday present, these are very useful gifts and will definitely be appreciated.
They can be clipped onto a belt, used as a purse charm, made simply or embellished to the high heavens, it doesn't matter.
The cartoon animals are not only for kids. Put a smile on someone's face with these adorable shapes and colours. Read further for different ways to give your coin purse personality, whether you simply want a utilitarian change purse or a more edgy style.
Have fun and make several.

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Needlecraft - Knit, Crochet - Pocket Scarves

Embellished pocket scarf | Pinterest
Scarf with V-shaped pockets | free pattern available here
Pocket scarf with cowl | pattern for purchase available here

A scarf with pockets always made good sense, a useful accessory you can knit, crochet or sew.
Sure, the pockets might not be suitable for anything you really don’t want to lose but who cares, they look fabulous.
Just the same, taking a walk or running a quick errand, you may need a handy spot for keys or a couple of dollars for coffee.
Making the pocket deep enough, adding buttons or a zipper will make the pockets more secure.
No gloves, no problem keeping hands toasty when the weather turns cold.
Make these scarves in cool cotton for spring and cozy, soft wool for fall and winter. They will definitely come in handy.

Read further for different style ideas, how they are constructed and lovely free patterns to knit and crochet.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Crochet - Pillow Talk

Inspiration images courtesy | www.the-brick-house.com, www.houzz.com and www.horchow.com

For many of us, summer vacations are a weekend here and there or if we're lucky a week or two at the cottage, somewhere idyllic and quiet.
In my case, the cottage is not ours but within the family there are several cottages. We are very fortunate, indeed, to be invited to enjoy a lazy week or weekend.
Getting caught up on reading and perusing magazines is part of being in a relaxed mode but soon enough one needs a project, small and easily finished.
Pillows are such a project. Useful, they can be colourful and also a welcome addition to a living room or den.
Pouring over decorating magazines always inspires me to make something handmade, whether knit or crocheted to add to my collection of woven pillows.
Handcrafted pillows are very popular and can be pricy so why not make a couple during the summer whether at the lake or relaxed in your own backyard.

Read further for lovely free patterns to knit and crochet including a wonderful vintage pattern. You will definitely recognize the design from either your mom's, aunt's or grandmother's living room. My own recollections were from my aunt's living room where I thought they looked so elegant in satin.

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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, Overtop Bustiers

All images inspiration only | Pinterest

No doubt about it, bustiers are very sexy, as are crocheted bikinis. Whenever you see images of people, mainly models wearing either one, they look confident which is sexy.
You have to own it to wear it. Unfortunately, not many of us have the body or the confidence to pull this look off in the way we imagine.
When I saw the bustier/bandeau over a shirt and over a tshirt, I was thrilled that no midriff was required!.
For the summer a crochet bandeau or "tankini" would be lovely over a more sheer tshirt, a style that is very prevalent in the stores right now.
White on white or bright on neutral you would be stylish, not exposed and therefore have that comfort level to exude confidence.

Read further for inspiration, different style suggestions and free patterns for different bikini bras.

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Basics for the Wee One

Inset Image | pattern for purchase here

Adorable classics! Make them in fun brights or traditional neutrals.
Every prince or princess can have these charming, easy and quick-to-crochet basics, from booties to hoodies.
Ideal patterns for the mom who is learning to crochet or for more experienced knitters that love to crochet "wee" fashions.

Free Patterns
Left Side - Top to Bottom:
1. In the Hoodie simple, no-fuss buttoned jacket with hood .
2. Cool Dude slouch hat for stylish babes.
3. Wee Vest sleeveless hoodie, ideal for cool spring days.
Right Side - Top to Bottom:
5. Casual Booties quick to crochet in many colours.
6. Bright Stripes easy cardi to make in colourful stripes or classic solid.
7. Tiny Bobbles a cardi too cute and hard to resist.

Happy Crocheting!

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Sheer Delight

Inspiration image | Pinterest
Top inset image | free pattern available here

Lately I've been on this binge of looking for nicer tanks and camis to wear under summer cardis. It could be due to all the Hexagon Granny Cardis I've been making .
By the by, I will be featuring them (yikes!... all 5 of them and by then, who know how many more!) at a later date. It's amazing how different they all look and I love the versatility, casual or dressy.
The hunt for these camis led me to find some lovely openwork tanks, worn over either matching, complementary or contrasting colour.
What's great about these tanks is the basic shape and if you use a heavier worsted or chunky cotton how quickly they work up.
Crochet two simple squares and you have a top. Finishing garments in a unique way can add that "of the moment fashion trend" or just your personal taste.
Mix stitch patterns on the same garment to give interest. Suggestions are given for different ways to use simple shapes such as the rectangle and square.

Read further for different style suggestions, finishing ideas and 6 free garment patterns.

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Circling the Edge

Inspiration image | Pinterest

Right from the first time I laid eyes on this shrug style, I was smitten. Even though this design is not new, both crocheters and knitters continue tweaking this design creating new and interesting variations.
Spring and summer is coming, I have to hope, and probably a wedding or shower are in the offing.
The inspirational image above has all the elements of a perfect outfit for such an occasion, elegant and effortless.
Once you look at the construction of the shrug, you begin to see how you can truly personalize this style to suit different moods and trends.
At this point on the fashion meter, the needle is turned to the bohemian look, incorporating global travel, patterns and colour. In other words hippy style, my favourite.
Having said that, I am definitely going to make a version of the above style as there is always room for looking polished.

Read further for the anatomy of a circular shrug, different styles and how to achieve them, helpful video tutorials and 6 free garment patterns.

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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.

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