Needlecrafts - Baby Shower Gifts, Nursing Capelets

Image and free pattern | Ravelry pattern library
PDF pattern (English version) directly from Pierrot Yarns, Japan | here

Nursing a baby in public when done discreetly is no longer such a delicate and controversial issue.
What is horrible are the modesty nursing capes available for this purpose. The capes are large, totally unfashionable and reminds one of the capes they use in hair salons.
By sheer fluke, I came across a practical, yet stylish capelet design from Pierrot Yarns in Japan.
My immediate response was to modify an existing capelet pattern for nursing in public. Remaining stylish, yet practical was the aim.
Really, any circular pattern can be modified, but a great choice is a simple pattern as it can be worked up quickly for a shower.
What a unique gift to present to the mother-to-be. Surely, everyone else will provide enough onesies and diapers.

Read further for an adapted capelet pattern and schematics,free patterns fo more inspiration including crochet, finishing tips and helpful sites.

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Mesh Stitch Primer

All Images | style.com

There's nothing to hide this summer as it's all transparent where fashion is heading.
It can be sheer pleasure or sheer torture depending how you look at this trend.
To my eye, sheerness around the shoulders is delightful and sexy as shown in the very chic Gucci design.
This same sheerness can be translated into summer tops and tunics designed with open and easy to stitch mesh patterns.
A pullover or vest with an overall design in a mesh stitch can be complimentary to all body shapes with an attractive camisole underneath.
Crocheted skirts over leggings are stylish yet give you confidence in the coverage.
Read further to become totally inspired, get tutorials on different versions of the net stitch pattern and free crochet patterns that feature net patterns .

Continue reading...

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.

Continue reading...

Needlecrafts - Knit, Wide Rib Pullover

Image | Phildar

Note: This has been adapted from a Phildar pattern originally featured in a bulky weight yarn.

Let's face it, the garments we most often reach for are the ones that are easy to dress up or down.
As much as I like simplicity, there has to be a design element or feature that takes the garment from ordinary to extroardinary.
Wide rib detail on this basic, simple garment visually makes the garment a winner in any yarn.
Several trends really stand out this season. Neon is one that is huge. Store windows are filled with every type of style imaginable, but a little goes a long way.
Why not knit the rib edges in neon and the rest in white or pale grey.
The same can be said for black and white. Possibly just the sleeve ribs in white and the garment in black.
Tweaking is all it takes. Basically speaking, this is definitely a keeper for your library.

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

Continue reading...

DIY - Restyle, Classic White Shirts

Images 1,2,3 | pixiemarket.com
Image 4 | Paul Smith S/S 2013

A crisp, classic white shirt is a staple in any wardrobe and you probably own more than one. I'm always on the lookout for the perfect white shirt.
Unfortunately, this same, classic shirt can appear like you are wearing part of a uniform, in other words no personality.
Create subtle texture with white on white. Lace appliqués, pearl embellishment on collars or sheer cutouts provide texture, especially when the whites vary.
Contrast can be dramatic and glamourous as shown in the silver combination or country casual with print or frayed denim fabric.
Have fun and add t-shirt sleeves, an example of stripes in contrast to the shirt also provides a difference in textures.
In the end, you design something unique and are recycling used clothing. That is a good thing.

Read further for more ideas on how to make an outstanding white shirt.

Continue reading...