Needlecrafts - Knit, Child's Play | Poncho with Hood

Lanas Katia free pattern

Who can resist this adorable and quick to knit poncho with a hood. This is definitely a garment that a child will love to wear. Any garment easy to put on, take off and layer for added warmth is ideal for school recesses and outdoor play. The suggested super bulky yarn makes it a winner for both experienced and beginning knitters. So bring out the yarn during the holiday break and knit a poncho for a special wee one !

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Needlecrafts - Knit, F/W 2015 Sportmax Shrowl

Inspiration images, Sportmax F/W 2015 | style.com Lana Grossa (small inset image) | free pattern available here

Right now designers are showing their collections for Fall/Winter 2015-16. It's always interesting to see if there's any new or unique details that can be incorporated into knitting and crochet.
Knitwear seems to go through cycles like everything else and at this time last year, knitwear was featured in all shapes, mainly oversized. Even sweatpant styles showed up as knitwear. Definitely comfortable and soft. This year Sportmax, little sister to Max Mara has an interesting take on the cowl turned down on the shoulders and the wide, long sleeves accented with fringe.
A free pattern which looks a lot like this style is available from Lana Grossa, just right for modifying if you want to exaggerate the neckline and sleeves. Read further for the schematics and some suggestions in modifying this pattern.

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Hexagon Granny Cardi

Large image | here
Inset images | pattern available here

Granny squares have fascinated and delighted crocheters for as long as I can remember.
During the 70's craft magazines were filled with granny square projects.
There was no shortage of ideas, either in fashion or decor.
At the time, the most popular yarn weight used was worsted and for the most part, acrylics.
What appealed to me about this design was the simplicity of the pattern.
You can virtually adapt this design to suit your every whim.
Personally, I like to keep it simple and let the yarn do the work.
This is where marls, tweed and multicoloured yarns are so good.
Whatever you pick, this design is fast, fun and fantastic.

Read further for more design inspiration, a free pattern and a video tutorial.

Large image | read complete tutorial here
Inset Images | read complete tutorial here

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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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Needlecrafts - Knit, Ribbed Top with Yoke

Image |ONline Knitting Magazine
Note: this pattern has been adapted from a pattern featured in ONline knitting magazine '07

When choosing a pattern to knit or crochet, there's always that question in my mind, will it be easy to dress up or down? Is it an all-season pattern?
So many stylish, beautiful sweaters are available at reasonable prices that my choice to make a garment has to be classic, but definitely not boring.
The classic and easy pattern above will be one that can be worn in summer either in a fresh white with a white lurex blend for the yoke or in winter in a marl over a plaid shirt .
The idea of being able to slip on a jacket over the top to dress it up or slip it over a tshirt for weekend wear appeals to me.
Hopefully this versatile pattern will appeal to you as well.

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

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Needlecrafts - Knitting a Side to Side Basic Top

Image | here
Note: this pattern has been adapted from the pattern on Kat Coyle's Blog

Another interesting basic top you can add to your library is knitted from side to side. There are several reasons for liking this pattern.
The basic garment style, a sleeveless shell takes on a totally new appearance by adding panels.
Knitting in a variety of yarn types can also create contrast in texture.
Add bottom panels and you have tunic length. Add the collar panel and you have a funnel neck. Folded in half, the collar has a more traditional look.
Basically you are knitting two squares for the body. That's it! Again, you can't get any easier than that.
Create directional dimension by knitting texture patterns that have a stripe effect. Look to the many rib stitch patterns for this effect.
Different colours for the panels create visual excitement such as marls or variegated with solids.
Heavy textured yarn on top in stocking stitch and smooth yarn for bottom panels in garter or moss stitch.
Once more, the possibilities are endless.

Read further for pattern, style and finishing tips and helpful sites.

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Needlecrafts - Knitting the Basic Top

Image | Phildar 16

Having a library of adaptable, basic garment patterns is something I've always believed to be useful.
The first of these basic garments is the cap sleeve top.
This pattern can be made in cotton or cashmere, take you from winter to summer and is ideal for layering.
The pattern itself is very simple and if you read further, I've rendered four different possibilities for this style.
Basically you are knitting the body in one piece. Presto, a top! You can't get any easier than that.
Knitting short or long sleeves makes it different. Choose different colours for the front and back breaking the colours at the shoulder. You now have a colour blocked top.
Choosing different stitch patterns also differentiates the garment parts. Stocking stitch bottom, garter yoke. Garter sides, moss stitch middle panel.
The possibilities are endless.

Read further for pattern, style and finishing tips and helpful sites.

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Beginner's Shrug

Large Image | free pattern here
Inset Image | free pattern here

Shrugs and wraps have become such an important part of my wardrobe, easy to layer for different seasons and comfortably soft.
Additionally, the shrug featured above is super easy and the "pattern" is free.
There is very little patternwise, just the amount of chain in the beginning and how long the piece of work is. Basically you are crocheting a rectangle, folding it in half, sewing the sides together, leaving the armholes free. Presto, a shrug! You can't get any easier than that.

Read further for measurements of rectangle, crochet tips and how-to videos.

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