Needlecrafts - Knit,Crochet - Messy Bun Hats

Multicolor crochet bunhat | free pattern available here Grey back seam knit bunhat | Pinterest - inspiration only Blue ponytail crochet bunhat | free pattern available here

There's a new hat fashion in town - The Messy Bun Beanie. Styles have cropped up all over social media in a big way. It's always amusing to see something old become popular again with a sexy new name. Doesn't a "messy bun beanie" sound so much more interesting than an old ponytail hat. As a kid I wore these hats and remember all too well in my teaching days the little girls at recess with "holey hats". Like all fashions, they come and go waiting to be re-invented or as we say today "rebranded". There are 3 styles - a hat without the last few rows on top, a hat with a back seam partially sewn up or a few stitches in a row at the back, cast off or chained over to create a simple hole. But in the end all these styles serve a purpose allowing long hair to swing freely and not be bunched up inside a close-fitting hat. Read further for patterns that may inspire you to knit and/or crochet different versions of this holey hat.

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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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Design Files - Designer Profile, Stephen West

Crazy for Color | Purchase Stephen's e-book here

My first encounter with a Stephen West design was on Pinterest. The design was a beautiful shawl shaped to wrap around the shoulders.
Stephen's colour combinations are unexpected adding to the beauty of his garments.
As I encountered more and more of Stephen's work, I became very interested in his background and what influenced his designs. I'm especially pleased to have had the opportunity to interview Stephen and to highlight designs from his latest e-book, "Crazy for Color".

Read further for more about this talented designer and his work.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Boot Cuffs

Images | Boot Cuffs available for purchase here

Boot toppers are not new fashion accessories. Just when you thought you saw every possible design, along comes a new inspiration.
Popular for several seasons now, lace and cable variations have been worn with riding boots.
These boot toppers are pint-size versions of the popular leg warmers, still worn today but really came into fashion in the "Flashdance" 80's.
Worn with leggings, in neon colours, they were the rage along with big hair, scrunchies and headbands.
The leggings we still wear, thank you. Comfort, for me, is key.
Booties or shorter boots are everywhere these days and these skinny toppers just don't cut it visually.
On my hunt for something different, I came across these boot cuffs or spats as they flare out and cover a lot of the boot, both in front and back.
Making a few minor adjustments to the traditional boot topper is all it takes.
My plan is to make several pairs the colour of the boots and or my skinny jeans.
Contrast is lovely but a long leg line is nicer!

Read further for more ideas of styles, stitch patterns and free patterns to start making your own.

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Needlecrafts - Knit,Crochet - Triangle Scarves

Images | Phildar 77

In the movie "Le Divorce", Glenn Close is describing French women to Kate Hudson and their fondness of scarves, to which she adds "A whole chapter could be written about the French woman and her way with scarves."
The next scene breaks into scenarios where you see a parade of women wearing scarves tied in a multitude of ways.
My bulging "scarf department" is bursting in agreement but I believe there's always room for one more to squeeze in.
Shawls have been worn as scarves over the shoulder on coats. A version of this triangle is called a "shawlette", a baby version of the original large shawl.
Tied like a neckerchief, the ends come back to the front, either left hanging or tied into a loose knot.
Tassels of all sorts are being added to the corners and often more ornate ones at the front corner of the triangle.
My preference is the crocheted half granny-style as it adds a bohemian vibe to an outfit, a look I adore.
There are several free crochet patterns available as well as attractive free knit versions.

Read on and be inspired by the decorative tassels and how to make them. Well I guess that wraps it up!;)

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