Needlecrafts - Knit, Collared Shrug

Image for inspiration only | Verena

This has been one of the busiest summers, travelling and visiting family. A trip to Italy was definitely exciting - a whirlwind tour of Amalphi coast, Rome, Florence and Venice. Both Rob and I have had the opportunity to experience Italy before - on our honeymoon, with friends and on business. This tour was with Rob's brother and his wife and needless to say we had an incredible time seeing all kinds of places we missed on our trips before. We ate and drank our way through these cities and I was lucky enough that in Rome I celebrated my birthday. As far as fashion goes every big city now has all the big chains, Zara and H&M being the most prevalent. Still there was fun in the markets and finding odd pieces that will remind me of this trip for some time to come. The coolness of Fall will be coming upon us soon so I thought this shrug was perfect for keeping away the chilly weather. The shrug is a long rectangle with a ribbed collar, fast and easy in a bulky weight yarn. A satisfying project to make for yourself and thinking ahead for gifts that will definitely be appreciated!

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Vested Interests

Inspiration images | freepeople.com and Wilfred clothing Past post - Edgy Vests | Click here for post

This fall we are going to great lengths with the sleeveless vest.
Case in point are just two of the versions featured in stores for this season.
A slight twist on the traditional style vest is the turtleneck style, worn sleeveless and open at the sides.
Due to the popularity of a past post Edgy vests , I am featuring pattern instructions adapted for this style in bulky weight yarn.
Front and back are alike to make it an easy, quick project.
If you like the idea of a looser cowl neck, work the rib for the neck with larger size needles to spread the rib and make the collar long enough to curl.
Another option would be to finish the garment in a boat neck style by omitting the neck.
There are so many beautiful yarns for this season, you'll want to knit more than one.
Read further for schematics, pattern instructions, helpful tips and videos on finishing that garment perfectly.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Boatneck Pullover

Inspiration image | Pinterest

You really don't have to resort to extreme knitting to achieve a great garment.
Case in point is the featured pattern above which has been given a few updated twists on a traditional classic.
Sleeves definitely look more modern, shorter, with a drop shoulder and beginning with a wider rib, reminiscent of the 80's.
Length has been cropped, not cinched with a rib allowing for ease with a plain edged hem.
No need to worry, no midriff is exposed but long enough to wear with a long skirt or wide pants.
Personalize the pattern further by adding two row stripes, easy for combining colors you love.
Four rectangles make up this simple design and it is truly seasonless. Whether you prefer cotton, wool or mohair, this is the pattern for you.

Read further for schematics, pattern instructions, helpful tips and videos on finishing that garment perfectly.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Making of a Swoncho

Most definitely the poncho is easy to wear. Throw it on and you're good to go and therefore, a good reason to knit one. Add sleeves and you have an easy sweater poncho or swoncho. What's considered outerwear becomes an essential garment.
The easy shape can be made in a variety of yarns - cotton for the spring and summer to the bulkiest of yarns keeping you toasty in the winter. This winter, of course was an exception. One had to hibernate to keep warm. Two basic rectangles with picking up stitches on both sides for sleeves and voila you have a lovely cover-up.
Consider what length and width works for you and whether you want a plain neckline or a built in turtleneck. Think convertible and make a cowl to throw on top of a plain neckline - the choices are endless Read further for the schematics and free pattern of basic, simple shapes and be sure to read the past post below for more information and free pattern.

What the heck is a Swoncho? - click on image below for different styles

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Shaping with Different Gauges

Vintage pattern | personal library

Uneven tension throughout a garment is not usually something a good knitter wants to see in her work. Certain vintage patterns did just that, whereby you would change from a smaller to a larger needle size in order to achieve a softer, looser fabric.
Mohair and brushed yarns were a good choice as the hairs filled in the more open looser areas.
This was also suggested in children's patterns to get the most of a pattern you had already purchased.
Shaping in this manner or using a larger needle for a finer yarn can have its drawbacks.
Certain yarns, when knit with too large a needle produce fabric that is just holey and not stable, which can lead to stretching.
The "condo" sweater pattern was a good example of this after knitters had not washed the garment carefully which was a disaster.
This is where a swatch is absolutely necessary to see how the yarn handles the difference in gauge and also how comfortable you are knitting in this manner.
The featured pattern is ideal as you can see how the gauge shapes the top and how the garter stitch opens up as you go up in needle size.

Read further to see the schematic and suggestions in making your top.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Basic Pullover

Image inspiration | 80's vintage pattern

One of the first sweaters I attempted to knit was this easy style.
When you are a novice knitter any shaping, complex stitch patterns or colourwork can be overwhelming, no matter how attractive the design looks. The pattern featured above is a vintage classic but just as stylish today as it was when I first saw it. No shaping, garter edges, back and front alike convinced me that I could accomplish this project.
Furthermore, this simple style is seasonless and can be made up in many different types of yarns.
If you are just beginning, this is perfect for that first project but if you are a more seasoned knitter, a small repeat pattern such as rice or double moss could be substituted for the plain stocking stitch.
The original pattern had been written for only one size and length.
The tension remains the same as in the original pattern but two more sizes are now available as well as two more lengths.
The finished bust ranges from 91cm(36in) - 112cm(44in) and you can choose a cropped, traditional or tunic length. Four rectangles make up this top. You can't get any easier than that.
Read further for schematics, pattern and tip on how to block and press knitted pieces for finishing.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Loopy Over Capelets

Image and adapted pattern | purchase Nube Knitting Magazines here

The harsh winter we've been experiencing is definitely calling out for some happy colours to put a smile on your face.
Loopy, bumpy textures and mouthwatering shades of melon and berries make this project a treat to knit.
Worked from the top down, a soft rolled neck is increased to a slouchy, comfy capelet.
After trying this quirky little pattern stitch, I was amazed at how quickly it worked up and how much fun it was to knit.
Perfect to throw on and stay toasty on a chilly evening if you like to keep the thermostat lower.

Read further for the pattern and tutorial on how to knit the Loop Stitch.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Basic Pint-sized Cardi

Large image | Mamy Factory, Paris
Inset image | Le Petit Bateau

A simple, yet stylish cardigan is another basic garment pattern that's a must not only for adults but also for children.
A cardigan is the perfect, soft layer for kids. They're comfortable, easy to move in and every child should have these in their wardrobe, just like mommy.
The featured pattern, like the basic cap-sleeved cardi, lends itself to many different types of yarns and looks.
Use up your ends and make a striped style, a tweed for fall and of course cotton.
Also, like the basic cap-sleeved cardi, you are knitting the body in one piece. Easy peasy and a great shower gift.
Choosing different stitch patterns for this simple garment will give the beginner practice with their knitting skills.
If you are a crocheter, finishing all the edges with a scalloped edge or make simple eyelet holes for small buttons.
Read further for schematics, pattern, buttonhole tutorials, finishing tips and other helpful sites.

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