Needlecrafts | Vintage Inspired Knit Pattern

Inspiration is everywhere...vintage patterns have always been a great source.
Ultimately it's not about reproducing the same shape or overall design but inevitably something catches your eye inspiring you to express what you see in a fresh, new way.
In this instance, the large diamond pattern became my point of interest but not in a heavily repeated design.
Using the pattern as the border along a boat neck allows the lovely line of diamonds to be the focus and flatter the neckline.
Choosing which way to work the lace diamond was another consideration as each method produces a slight variance in the lace.
Everything else in the design is kept simple and easy to knit.
The free pattern is written in one size, ample for a small/medium or a slightly more fitted large in a worsted weight.

They say that diamonds are a girl's best friend. Enjoy!

Video Tutorial | K2tog - knit 2 together

Video Tutorial | yo, k1, sl1, psso - yarn over, knit 1, slip 1, pass slip stitch over

Click on images of past posts featuring easy sweater patterns for beginners

Top 20 Posts | Click on image below for posts

Happy Crocheting!

Needlecrafts - Knit, Crochet, Sew, NoSew | Ruanas

All patterns and tutorials | click on links for free patterns and tutorials after the jump

All inspirational images | Pinterest

Inspirational image | Pinterest

A ruana by any other name is simply an open faced wrap, but let's face it, it sounds exotic and therefore trendy. The style of this accessory is really a poncho that has been split up the front giving you more freedom and versatility (see the video at the end of the post showing you different to wear this wrap). Ruana is a Spanish word, a poncho-like outer garment of heavy wool, worn especially in the mountains of Colombia. Whether the garment is knit or crocheted in a heavier wool or sewn from a sequinned chiffon fabric, each serves a purpose in your wardrobe. Much like the pashmina shawls which were popular for completing outfits, these wraps are definitely ones to have on hand. Unless a shawl is very wide and long, the ruana gives you better coverage. There is a style waiting to be made whether you knit, crochet sew or just want a quick DIY project without any particular skills. Read further for helpful tutorials and videos as well as free patterns.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Capelet in the Round

Image | Nube Knitting Magazine

Knitting on a circular needle doesn't have to be a mystery, although I have to admit it was a tough sell when I began knitting. Holding a large number of stitches or thick yarn on two needles can be cumbersome, which is why a circular needle is recommended. There are a few tricks to remember when working in the round but these are very well explained in the video tutorials included below. The featured capelet pattern is ideal for a beginner with some experience. The design itself is not complicated and the recommended bulky weight yarn works up quickly. The shaping on the shoulders is easy, attractive and good way to learn about both simple and double decreases. This project is a perfect gift to yourself to wear on it's own or over a jacket for extra warmth. Read further for pattern, tips and video tutorials making it a breeze to knit with circular needles!

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Contrast Color Capelet

Inspiration images above | Capelet available for purchase at Free People

There's still plenty of time to make quick gifts for the holidays, especially if they are as attractive as this contrast band capelet I spotted at Free People.
Bulky yarn makes it a very quick weekend project and if you have been stuck indoors due to the horrible weather some have experienced, it's a great way to get something knit while watching favourite holiday movies.
Basically a rectangle in an easy knit and purl rice stitch pattern, work two decrease rows, overlap neckband, stitch into place and voila, a capelet.
If you want to make it even easier, instead of two colors, knit the capelet in a bulky tweed or marled yarn.
A gift that will definitely be appreciated and worn with pride.

Read further for free pattern instructions, ideal for introducing knitters to an easy project. Helpful videos explain how to work the rice stitch pattern, decrease stitches easily and change color in the middle of a row.
Finally, to all my sisters-in-law, I want one, maybe in black and grey!

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Cape in Shape

Inspiration image | Anthropologie

Trips are always fun, but planning for different weather conditions is not.
This fall, I am travelling to two different countries and will encounter a difference in climate.
The challenge is always what to pack and, of course, I'll overpack and not bring something I should have thought of.
When I saw this cape, I knew this style was perfect for layering and dealing with both warm and cool conditions.
Knit in a thicker, soft cotton, it will be perfect for casual sightseeing and ideal for popping over a long or short-sleeved t-shirt depending on the day.
A zipper closure makes it easy and the pockets make it practical. Read further for suggestions on how to modify a traditional drop sleeved cardigan into this practical and gorgeous cape.

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Needlecraft - Knit,Sew,Crochet - Criss Cross Shrug

There are so many lovely designs that are available for knitting, crochet and sewing. Unfortunately, those same designs do not usually cross paths into all the three crafts because of certain limitations within the design or the craft.
All three crafts appeal to me but I go through stages of wanting to do one craft more than the other.
For me, at the moment, it is crochet but a design that is knit can persuade me to start knitting.
When a pattern is easy and appealing to all three crafters, this is a good thing.
The last post was about making a rectangle that folded into a shrug.
This post also offers a design that allows you make your shrug in three different ways.
The crossover shrug is a long rectangle that folds and is sewn at the ends for sleeves. The middle part, depending how long and how wide, can become a cowl, a hood or a top for a cami underneath .
Read further for a refashion idea and free patterns for both a knit and crochet crossover shrug.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Cowl Neck Shrug

Image | Pinterest

Happiness is another shrug! They're like shoes, you can never resist another style that calls to you.
Not only is this shrug simple, it's knit in one piece and is adaptable to many weights of yarn.
You can knit one of these for any season and best of all this design is not size conscious.
Accessories are fast and fun to make, great accent pieces to lift any outfit.
Equally versatile in bulky to go over a lighter jacket or in a lightweight cotton to cover up a summer top.
An I-cord gathers the neck so that pulled together closely fashions a true cowl or left slightly loose, a capelet.
The style lends itself to stripes, color blocking and also colorwork on the back. Think roses or a Nordic design.

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