Needlecrafts - Crochet, Lover's Knot Stitch

Large image | free pattern available here Inset image | pattern available for purchase here

How many times have you gotten ready for a summer function or you are going out to dinner wishing you had a special shawl you could wrap around you. Something a bit glamorous, definitely feminine in a soft, whisper of color with just enough shimmer or sparkle to make you feel very special. When I saw several examples of these shawls, I thought I would make one for our trip this coming September. Light as a cloud, it would not crease and would provide that finishing touch for our evening dinners and strolls. The turquoise kid mohair with the slight glimmer of sequins, that was the style that caught my eye. Possibly in a rich cream, honey or melon. Even the ribbons look fabulous, the loose stitch allowing the yarn to open up and show off the color in it's entire width. Think about bulky yarns for a more casual, transparent look. Using a large hook makes the project go faster and allows the yarn to "breathe". There are several free patterns, the main shapes being a triangle and a rectangle. Another great weekend project either for your staycation in the backyard or for the cottage!

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Working Around Hexagons

Image | Keito Dama 140

Whenever you see a creative design detail used in an unexpected way, you take notice.
The clever treatment of the negative space between the hexagon shapes proved to be most inspiring by opening up new possibilities for linking motifs .
Hexagon motifs are six sided and honeycomb shaped. They can be worked into a solid, lacy or more inticate, layered motif.
There are many lovely patterns readily available for both the beginner and more advanced crocheter.
Traditionally, these shapes were used for afghans or throws with the edges left uneven or half motifs used to fill in edge spaces.
The simple motifs used in this design are smaller with the "holes" in between filled in with contrast double crochet shells or stitches worked over a chain space.
An easy beginning project for this decorative detail could be a scarf or to edge a shrug or cardigan fronts.

Read further for tutorials, free patterns and ideas for working around hexagons.

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