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, 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, 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 - 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, Simply a Shrug

Image | Sirdar

A few posts back, I featured a beginner's garment made with rectangles.
It was truly a great way to venture into knitting without too much trauma.
This design featured above is another idea based upon rectangles. In this case, they make a shrug. You can't get any easier than that.
Once you have dimensions, you can use any weight or type of yarn for any season. A pattern I've suggested is for a traditional worsted weight.
A good place to begin as this weight is the easiest and most times the most economical for beginners.

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

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