Needlecrafts - Knit, Stitched in Memories

Inspirational image | Pinterest

Inspirational images - Jill McGee, My Favourite Things | click on link for more images

Life is truly about creating memories and trying new things. Whether you have made a new dish, accomplished a goal or explored new territories, it's wonderful to somehow commemorate this event. At one point you took a picture and compiled an album, now we take pictures, make videos and post these events on social media. Declaring our deepest passions and what we have to say about them sometimes land on t-shirts with images and slogans. On a much more personal level, it's marvelous to share and somehow illustrate all our favorite things, whether they be travel, food, our heritage or where we live. When I saw Jill McGee's "All My Favorite Things" infinity scarf, I was inspired to write about this project. There are so many delightful, personal gifts you can make for people you love - whether it's an important wedding anniversary or a child's journey to adulthood, there is something important to knit about. Read further for helpful tutorials and videos as well as free alphabet and border charts to get you thinking about what you want to knit about yourself or someone near and dear to your heart.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Shawl Collar Pullovers

Inspiration image | Pinterest

Brooklyn Tweed Pattern - Millisande Pullover | available for purchase here

Shawl collars are definitely attractive and can take many forms but somehow are predominately seen in men's patterns. Everything in fashion has something "boyfriend" now whether its jeans, jackets and now oversized pullovers.
Women have always "borrowed" from the male closet, everything from clothing and shoes to colognes. My style has never been totally girly-girl. A clean, tailored masculine vibe has always appealed to me dressed up with feminine touches. The shawl collar pullover is one of those sweaters that lends itself to being accessorized with shirts underneath, a collar peaking above.
Opened up necks allow for adding scarves and jewelry. Buttons, zippers and buckles make for interesting closures. Think of cowl-like wrapping for cozy necklines.
Read further for the anatomy of a basic shawl collar neckline, different neckline styles and free patterns for the ladies and unisex patterns that will please both males and females.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Edgy Vests

All inspirational images | style.com

When you think of it, sleeveless cardigans and pullovers make a lot of sense and are becoming the unsung heroes of transitional dressing. When it’s warm outside, wear the cardi with a tank top; when it gets cooler, wear it with another sweater underneath; when it gets downright cold (like now), wear it as an extra layer with a coat on top. Basically, it’ll carry you from summer to winter seamlessly. A sleeveless pullover or vest can be and is just as flexible a garment in your wardrobe.
Layering works on so many levels. You add texture and color interest to your outfit as well as the ability to add or subtract warmth. Long or really dress length looks fresher but if you prefer jacket or fingertip length, that can look equally as stylish with the right accessories.
Personally, I do like the tunic length, worn with a t-shirt, skinny jeans and slip-on patterned runners. You can't go wrong.
All of these ideas can be made from any drop shoulder pattern as this is the basis of your sleeveless, edgy sweater. Read further for tips on what to consider when modifying an existing pattern and 8 great free patterns to get started.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Making Headway

Large image | Pinterest
Inset image | free pattern available here

Large image | Sunghee Bang
Inset image | free pattern available here

Hat fashions, if you notice, have certainly been turned on their head.
Hats are the one accessory you either love or hate. Hathead, flathead, these are the wintry results of trying to keep your head warm in the chilly weather.
This hair flattening problem was usually the result of head hugging toques and caps.
Lately, our love of all things chunky and big has gone straight to our head.
The chunky yarn and double thickness in some styles has added bulk making the hat more proportionately flattering for large heads .
My head shape and hair length was not ideal for hat wearing but once I made the chunky toque, I was delighted with the results.
Two evenings worth of knitting produced an attractive hat, so quick to make that I ended up making another as a spare.

Read on and be inspired by 10 free pattern designs featuring different ideas for making your next winter hat, either for yourself or someone special. For more ideas on different hats, be sure to read Anti-freeze Dressing .

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