Needlecrafts - Crochet, Different Joins for Motifs

Image | Katia Yarns

Square motifs, aka granny squares and the like are great building blocks for any size project you wish to tackle. You determine the size of the squares by simply adding more rows.
Whether you want to make a simple scarf or an enormous blanket will be determined by the number of squares you make and the arrangement of those squares.
Making the squares was always so satisfying but the sewing part, not so much.
This is why I'm sure there are many shopping bags filled with lovely finished squares and crocheters overwhelmed with the daunting task of putting them together.
Not only could sewing be tedious, but a finished garment would look heavy with sewn squares close together.
The chaining between the squares gives the squares a lighter look, is much easier, faster and more fun.
These methods are much more forgiving as they don't show mistakes like sewing can. Whichever square motif you pick, the methods shown below are fast, fun and fantastic.

Read further for more design inspiration and stitch patterns.

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DIY Restyle - Denimology

Large and inset image | here

Who doesn't love denim! There's at least 10 pairs of pants (that I can think of LOL) in my closet. Jeans for every occasion.
Jeans for when you feel thin, fat days, casual, dressy, you name it, it's there for the wearing.
The hunt is always on for the perfect jean that makes your body look great, whether for "real", in your own mind or in front of a "good" mirror.
Sometimes plain Jane denim doesn't cut it. Now there is denim available with every imaginable coating and embellishment.
Foiling, bleaching, bejewelling, cutouts, patchwork, distressing, the list goes on and on. For every new treatment, there is a DIYer attempting to personalize their own denim.
When I ran across Denim Refinery, the creative juices started flowing and I was in denim heaven.

Read further for more inspiration, step by step tutorials and videos on how to restyle your denim pieces.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Basics for the Wee One

Inset Image | free pattern here

Simply adorable baby knits!
Recently, the world was focused on the birth of the royal prince and all things baby.
Every prince or princess can have these charming, easy and quick-to-knit basics, from booties to hoodies.
Ideal patterns for the mom who is learning to knit or for more experienced knitters that love to knit "wee" fashions.

Free Patterns
Left Side - Top to Bottom:
1. Casual Booties simple no-fuss style and quick to knit.
2. Comfy Cozy Socks a change from booties if you prefer socks.
3. V-neck Folkwear embellish with simple folk embroidery or leave the top plain as a classic v-neck.
4. Boatneck Topper a simple texture border gives the top interest.

Right Side - Top to Bottom:
5. Checkered Cardi checks are fun to knit and work up quickly.
6. Thinking Cap embellish the ends of the drawstring with pom poms or tassels.
7. Wee Mittens too cute and no fingers to knit.
8. Striped Hoodie would be just as stylish in a solid with a simple rice texture stitch.

Happy Knitting!

Needlecrafts - Knit, Boat Neck Style Tops

Image | Online 10 knitting magazine

Boat neck styles have always appealed to me as the neckline looks great under a jacket and highlights your statement necklaces.
T-shape tops are boat neck style but have increases for sleeves, thereby looking like the letter "T" .
Another great feature spares knitters the headache of following neck shaping in intricate pattern stitches.
Casting off in a straight line becomes a no brainer, a good thing when you want an easy knitting project or for beginners.
The straight cast-off edge also allows you to add interesting finishes such as lace and ribbon.

Read further for more creative ideas on how to finish shoulder seams of the t-shape top and a basic pattern for the garment.

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Hexagon Granny Cardi

Large image | here
Inset images | pattern available here

Granny squares have fascinated and delighted crocheters for as long as I can remember.
During the 70's craft magazines were filled with granny square projects.
There was no shortage of ideas, either in fashion or decor.
At the time, the most popular yarn weight used was worsted and for the most part, acrylics.
What appealed to me about this design was the simplicity of the pattern.
You can virtually adapt this design to suit your every whim.
Personally, I like to keep it simple and let the yarn do the work.
This is where marls, tweed and multicoloured yarns are so good.
Whatever you pick, this design is fast, fun and fantastic.

Read further for more design inspiration, a free pattern and a video tutorial.

Large image | read complete tutorial here
Inset Images | read complete tutorial here

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