Needlecrafts - Knit, Fall 5 Fall Fashion Trends

1. Chunky Textured Beanie | free pattern available here

2. Cosy Hooded Cowl | free pattern available here

3. Scoop Neck Crop Top | free pattern available here

4. T-Shaped Tunic | free pattern available here

5. Color Block Tunic | free pattern available here

Even though we are in a continual spiral of humidity and heat waves, the stores are dribbling out the fall fashions.
The featured fashions in this post are essential to the easy wardrobe that both busy students and moms need - throw it on over jeans or leggings and you're good to go.
The crop top vest, great for layering over a shirt for added warmth but no fear of overheating in a cardigan.
All of these foundation pieces will serve you well this coming fall and winter.
The color block tunic offers you an opportunity to break up the color with simple garter, ideal for beginners or and easy rice or moss stitch .
The generous hooded cowl can become a poncho pulled down on the shoulders.
From classic worsted to super bulky yarn weights, there are five easy pieces to add to your fall wardrobe.

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

Top 20 Posts | Click on image below for posts

Happy Knitting!

Needlecrafts - Knit, Yarn Mixology

All inspirational images | Pinterest

Yarns are definitely my drug of choice. It's the colors, whether solid or multi-colored, the textures and construction that have me filling that "yarn closet" in the basement time and time again. Every year at about this time we travel to Daytona where my brother-in-law and his wife own a beautiful home. My sister-in-law, thankfully, is a crocheter and knitter. She truly understands my habit and willingly goes with me exploring for new yarns. At times this can make packing to go home a bit tricky but somehow I manage to squeeze in all my booty. When you enter a yarn store, you see all these tempting concoctions calling out to you . Do I buy something safe in one weight and color or do I go crazy and buy a little of everything. Well knitters and crocheters, mix it up and go crazy. Work with a variety of yarns and textures in the same color palette or totally patchwork style! Be sure to see all the creative ways to work with yarn textures, free patterns and helpful videos showing you how to read a chart, work the intarsia technique and give you an idea of the types of textured yarn available in the marketplace.

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Knit, Knits With Bells On

All designer images above | style.com

Fall/Winter 2016 is coming upon us, at least on the fashion runways. Every February and early March, designers prepare us for what's ahead. The shows start in New York, go onto London, Milan and finish up in Paris. It's always fascinating to see what silhouettes, prints and colors will be prominent and how the fashions are styled going down the runway. The knitwear featured in some of the collections had interesting design details that can be added to patterns you already have or thinking about for future projects. Sleeves silhouettes were important especially the bell sleeve highlighted in this post. What's easy on the knitter, it can be knit in a few ways. Most of the sleeves in the show are exaggerated in length but if you want make a statement, elongating the length definitely makes a dramatic statement. A tight sleeve with double increases produces a very full "frill" at the bottom. Sleeves can be made in two pieces or something as simple as working a middle panel in ribbing to take in the fullness from the bottom. Personally, I love three quarter sleeves so the bell in some of my garments can be slight or gathered! Have fun and think about ways you can update garments by taking apart a sweater or cutting (yikes!!) the sleeves on a machine knit sweater and adding new sleeves . Be sure to also read further down for several free patterns each with all the bells and whistles.

Continue reading...

Needlecraft - Knit, 5 Folksy Fair Isles

Free patterns for all 5 garments | read further for link(s) under each image

Time to reinvent the traditional, old-time styles for bright, contemporary counterparts that will have you reaching for your needles this winter. Fair Isle knits are definitely on our fashion radar right now. Traditional Scottish pattern - multicolored bands of geometric shapes rendered in sizzling colors. The cardigan and pullover styles in sophisticated color palettes and modern silhouettes have a more bohemian flavor, definitely what's in-store these days. So check out the 5 colorful picks that made the cut!. Look for helpful videos which show easy techniques for knitting fair isle bands with 2 colors and how to deal with long floats. From classic double knitting to worsted yarn weights, there are five easy pieces to consider for your wardrobe.

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Knit, Wide Neck Pullover

Pattern image | Burda Knitting F/W 2013

Whenever I come across a design or pattern that is simple but fulfills many purposes, I immediately want to share it with readers.
The wide neck sleeveless vest or shell is perfect to wear on it's own with a cami underneath or over a jean jacket for added warmth in late fall and early winter.
Knitting with a double strand of worsted weight yarn is not new but what is new are the wonderful array of colours available to experiment with.
What a wonderful way to allow you to be creative and create your own marl yarn, which is really two colours twisted together. Think of all the possibilities, whether you like strong contrasts such as black and white or subtle tonal contrasts like pale pink with sage.
Don't forget trying a tweed or space dyed yarn with a solid. Yummy mixtures, only limited by your imagination. Work a solid with marl yoke as shown or design your own colour definition.
All you have to remember is to work two strands together.
Fully fashioned sleeve openings are featured in this pattern, not to worry as this knitting term is explained both in words and with a helpful video.
Two pieces, easy stocking stitch knitting. What could be better?
Read further for schematics, pattern instructions, helpful tips and videos on finishing that garment perfectly.

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Knit, 5 Easy Cable Pieces

Free patterns for all 5 garments | read further for link(s) under each image

Red Head Wrap | free pattern available here Grey Head Wrap | free pattern available here Dark Grey Scarf | free pattern available here Yellow Wristwarmers and Hat | free pattern available here Textured Garter Shawl | free pattern available here

No doubt, intricately cabled sweaters are as beautiful to look at as they are challenging to knit. But if you want a satisfying, quick project, comfy and cozy yet uncomplicated, those are not for you. Whether there is one larger cable, giant cable panels or smaller cable panels, the five featured patterns are designs you will be delighted to knit. The designs are oversized for comfort, perfect to throw over jeans and under a poncho. A cable that splits into a V-neck is stylish as is the sleeveless turtleneck vest. Omit the ribbing on the bottom of the vest, make the body longer and you have one of fall season's must haves. For even smaller projects, included are five simple accessories to wear this fall with your sweater. Be warned you can make them as gifts, but once you've knitted them you'll want them for yourself. From classic worsted yarn weights to super bulky outdoor wear, there are five easy pieces to consider for your fall wardrobe.

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Knit, Taking a Ribbing

Images, Fisherman Sweaters | JCrew Knitwear and Vince Knitwear

Fisherman rib or shaker stitch sweaters are true classics but as you can see from the featured inspiration images they don't have to be boring.
These styles are cosy weekend sweaters you'll have for years and never tire of wearing.
Mine stretched out, which I personally loved as it only got cosier and worn in. By adding stocking stitch edges as shown in the JCrew inspiration or a wider neck in the Vince example, you tweak the classic style and it takes on a modern look. Personally, I love the cropped style, a little chunky, so the knitting goes faster and not quite so refined, a bit country.
This post features several, easy accessory patterns to hone your skills, whether you are right or left handed and then move on to some great garment designs.

Be sure to read further for helpful visual diagrams on fisherman knitting as well as helpful videos explaining the process very clearly.

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Knit, Tops in Tanks

Ribbed tank | free pattern available here

Tank tops work harder than any other top in my wardrobe. Ideal for layering, I wear other tops under them or under jackets, shrugs and sweaters.
Tanks can add warmth in the cooler seasons and when it's hot, worn alone. Good news for the beginner, the tank can be a quick project to knit if stitches are kept simple. Shape is an important factor when picking a style to make.
Featured are a variety of current shapes which will definitely fill most knitter's wardrobe needs . Think color, texture and yarn type when planning your project, whether you want dressy in a silky finish or simply casual in a crisp cotton finish. The styles will give you endless inspiration for yarn and fashion choices. Read further for 9 more free pattern styles.

Continue reading...

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!

Needlecrafts - Knit, Closet Classics

Buttoned cardigan | free pattern available here A-line Pullover | free pattern available here Middle image - Max Mara | style.com
Bottom image - Chloe | style.com

As much as I like statement pieces to add personality to my wardrobe, I rely on classics to be my staples or go-to pieces.
The word "classic" can sometimes conjure up boring or plain, but classic garments in themselves are meant to be the backbone of your wardrobe.
A crisp, white shirt, great fitting black pants can be seen as functional, not beautiful but it is the cut and small details that can make these garments special.
Every wardrobe should have some kind of knit pullover to throw on over jeans, whether you suit this season's oversize tunic style or the flared swing shape. Both styles are classics, can be knit in stocking stitch in a luxurious yarn. This is where scarves and statement jewelry complete the look. A great classic piece is also about shape, whether the sleeve has a new proportion, lengths are played with or necklines are fresh and appear modern. The easiest way is to knit your classic in a great new colour or textured yarn such as a tweed or marl. Read further for different styles of classic pullovers and cardigan patterns.
There are a couple with my name on them!

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Knit, Stripes of Color

Plumo | garment available for purchase here

There are certain styles and patterns that jump out at us when we see them. This is definitely one of those designs. The moment I laid eyes on it, I knew this was a project I would be knitting.
No buttoning brings comfort foremost, just easy wrapping of the wide shawl collar makes it deliciously cosy for the fall season.
Fair isle banding up the shawl collar provides interest, giving you the opportunity to practise colorwork, go crazy with mismatched designs or more sensibly with matching sides.
Any shawl collared design can be easily modified to achieve this look. Widening the "collar" at the front by actually adding stitches to the fronts or just patterning the actual shawl area.
Several free patterns and suggestions given below give you an idea of how to accomplish this.
Weight of yarn is not a factor unless you wish to achieve a more traditional type of fair isle look.
Think of the basic sweater done in a chunkier yarn and the shawl worked in a finer yarn like a shawl or scarf attached to the sweater fronts.
Ideal for any season or yarn type, this design can work in cotton, solid or tweeded wools. Let your imagination run wild!

Read further to see for free patterns and tips on yarn dominance when knitting with color.

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Knit, Slant on Raglans

Image and free pattern | free pattern available here

Images | Pinterest

Raglan shaping generally refers to a set of decreases, the same number on each side in order to shape a garment knit from the bottom up with the sleeves shaped in a slant.
The 50's swing coats always appealed to me, the raglan shaped sleeves always fit so well across the chest and looked chic and modern.
To this day I prefer that sleeve shape over the traditional set in sleeve and always hunt for the perfect vintage jacket or coat.
Raglan seams can be deep in length almost like a poncho and would be ideal for a fuller figure.
Other styles have shorter seams and are quite fitted, which are well suited to a more petite frame.
Decorative enhancements can be added to the seams such as eyelets or cables, small details which perk up an otherwise simple design.
Read further for more free patterns that feature both deep and more fitted styling.

Continue reading...

Needlework - Knit, Cowl Neck Scarves

Images - Cowlgirls by Cathy Carron | purchase here at the Vogue Knitting store

Nothing looks or feels more cosy than a soft scarf wrapped around your neck, especially when the winds of late autumn are becoming more chilly.
Cowl neck scarves, neck warmers, circle or infinity scarves, whatever you call them, they keep the cold at a distance.
Wrapped around your neck once or double wrapped, they are accessories adding colour and texture to your jacket, coat or sweater.
The rectangles are easy to knit with edges that can be sewn together making a closed circle or zippered, buttoned and laced together for more flexibility.
The book featured above is filled with creative ideas, a lovely addition to any knitter's library, a great gift idea for that special knitter.

Read on and be inspired by designs featuring different ideas for stitch patterns and closures, how to determine size and 4 free patterns to get started making your chill chaser.

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Knit, Fit and Flare

Both images | here

Peplums, handkerchief hems, flared hems, trapezoid shapes are so appealing because they flow or skim over curves rather than constrict or hug them.
In my closet are a few go-to pieces that I wear when I've overindulged for a period of time. Not only do I appear more confident, but I also feel more comfortable.
When I ran across this pullover by Sacai Luck at an online store, I knew it was a winner.
Sure enough, this style was sold out at a number of other online stores even though it was very expensive (by my standards) - $525.00 to be exact .
Taking a closer look at the sweater I realized what made the style so fresh and modern were the exaggerated gore panels.
Gussets, godets and gores are used to create fullness or flare and therefore, a better fit for certain body shapes.

Read further for examples of what each of these terms mean, how they are used and free patterns that feature these styling tricks.

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Knit, Basics for the Wee One

Inset Image | free pattern here

Simply adorable baby knits!
Recently, the world was focused on the birth of the royal prince and all things baby.
Every prince or princess can have these charming, easy and quick-to-knit basics, from booties to hoodies.
Ideal patterns for the mom who is learning to knit or for more experienced knitters that love to knit "wee" fashions.

Free Patterns
Left Side - Top to Bottom:
1. Casual Booties simple no-fuss style and quick to knit.
2. Comfy Cozy Socks a change from booties if you prefer socks.
3. V-neck Folkwear embellish with simple folk embroidery or leave the top plain as a classic v-neck.
4. Boatneck Topper a simple texture border gives the top interest.

Right Side - Top to Bottom:
5. Checkered Cardi checks are fun to knit and work up quickly.
6. Thinking Cap embellish the ends of the drawstring with pom poms or tassels.
7. Wee Mittens too cute and no fingers to knit.
8. Striped Hoodie would be just as stylish in a solid with a simple rice texture stitch.

Happy Knitting!

Needlecrafts - Knit, Draped Cowl Tops

Image and free pattern | here

Draped cowl tops are not only stylish, but extremely flattering, especially for those who are considered full figured.
The increases you knit create folds, falling into a soft V-neck which attractively frames the face .
Draping the neck can be incorporated into many styles, depending how deep you want the cowl to be. Included are different techniques in draping the neck.
The tunic length free pattern in a soft cotton would be ideal as a coverup or over leggings.
Once you've decided on the type of garment, rethinking yarn and colour is all it takes. Basically speaking, this is definitely a keeper for your library.

Read further for more free draped cowl patterns, schematics, helpful tutorials on differenttypes of increases and finishing tips.

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Knit, Shawl-Collar Shrug

Image and pattern in Russian | here
Note: This is an adapted pattern from Felice Knitting Magazine Jul-Aug '12

This is one of those basic shrugs, begging to be made in time for spring.
A classic, definitely, and one to be included in your pattern library.
Easy and fun to make, the pattern is sure to attract the new knitter.
The shrug can be made in cotton for spring and tweed for fall or in a velvety yarn for special occasions. This pattern is that versatile.
Two pieces to knit - one, a straight piece of knitting in stripes of straight and reverse stocking stitch and the other piece with simple increases forming the back and sleeves which are folded down to make armholes.
That's it!

Read further for schematics and written pattern instructions.

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Knit, Garter Stitch

Both Images | Nihan Altuntas, Etsy

Garter stitch has always been looked down upon as a beginner's type of knitting. True, this is a great stitch to start with, however it is a great stitch, period.
I love any of the knit and pearl stitch patterns where you can incorporate garter for the pearl portions.
The first two garment show how effective garter stitch can be with more texture than stocking stitch, but still simplicity at it's best.
The second garment shows how two pieces, worked from side to side, come together to make up a very chic garment .

Read further for inspiration, lots of free patterns for simple Spring styles and an unusual edging stitch that can be used with any of these patterns.

Both Images | Nihan Altuntas, Etsy

Continue reading...