Trendspotting - Knit, Crochet with Metallic Finishes

Runway Images | Vogue.com - F|W '13

Knit fashions have really become ornate. Whether it's bejewelling or the surface "metallized", the added attraction has been embellishment.
Yarns blended or twisted with a lurex filament have been around forever, but a surface treated to look like "wet metal" is new, at least to me.
Ultimately, it reminds me of gilding furniture and frames with fine gold, silver or even iridescent foil sheets. The surface is painted with a substance that becomes tacky, helping the foil to adhere.
There are also very interesting new reflective yarns that can be blended with traditional yarns, especially effective with eyelash type yarns where the light peeks out under the eyelash fringe
Read further about iridescent pigments and how you can "paint" iridescence onto a surface.

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DIY - Inspiration, Appliqué Embellishment

Image | here

There is no doubt in my mind. Designers are showing all kinds of embellishments in their collections for Fall Winter 2013.
Adornment or embellishment of clothing is not new and is a fabulous way to make a tired garment or even a new garment special.
Bejewelling is the standard when thinking of embellishment but to embellish really means to make something more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features.
These additions can be bejewelling, embroidery, appliqué, crochet or anything that enhances.
The art of appliqué, to my way way of thinking, is like decoupage. You are "glueing" a variety of fabric types onto a surface whether they are printed fabric, lace or embroidered cutout appliqués.
This "glueing" can be glue, sewing or fusible web fabric.

Read further for examples and how-to techniques for each method.

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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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Needlecrafts - Knit, Embroidered Embellishments

All Images | Pinterest

Embroidery can be simple or complex, depending on your expertise, patience and the effect you want to accomplish.
Lavish embroideries, as illustrated in the top two images are special, take time and effort but are they ever worth it. They are showstoppers.
Chainstitching around colourwork or just alone is easier to master and provides visual excitement to any design.
Add in a few french knots and the florals are jumping out.
An ideal candidate for embellishment is a plain sweater lacking any personalty but one you still enjoy wearing .
A simpler way this garment can benefit from embroidery is to work the stitching in the same colour or in a very subtle shade variation .
The embroidery will add texture without being visually distracting.

Read further for inspiration, stitch and design ideas.

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Spring Jacket

Image | free pattern here

The other day I needed a boost, a shot of colour in my wardrobe, a promising thought that Spring was on it's way...soon!.
Kimonos, wraps and shrugs are garments I gravitate towards. They have a soft shape and if they are made in interesting fabrics or yarns, they will take you anywhere.
While shopping and looking around in the mall, the word SALE never fails to catch my eye. You just never know what treasure may be waiting for you.
Well this kimono had my name on it. It was the right colour, shape and not badly priced.
Of course you have to try it on when you get home and at the same time I was thinking about what to post. Suddenly it hit me that a crocheted kimono shape would be a great topper to have for Spring and here is the free pattern that I will make, perhaps with a few adjustments. Maybe longer at the back and shaped fronts.
Once it's finished, I'll be sure to post the finished garment. In the meantime, the free pattern is here for you to try.

Image | Anya Flower Jacket - French Connection

Image | free pattern here

Happy Crocheting!