7/27/2016

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Tapestry Technique

7/27/2016

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Picture Perfect Tapestry Technique

Dishcloths | free tutorial available here

Working with different colors in crochet can be easily achieved with stripes, working separate pieces in different colors. Working shapes or geometric patters such as circles, triangles or image shapes is a different story. Much like fair isle or intarsia knitting, you carry yarn in back or work with different color bobbins. Geometric patterns are so much a trend right now in home decor. The simplest circle or triangle can be worked with maximum effect. Retro picture images are also very popular. Think background in color tapestry and making the project 3-dimensional with added embellishment. Hopefully you will be inspired by the many ideas, helpful tutorials and videos to get you started coloring your world!

7/04/2016

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Lover's Knot Stitch

7/04/2016

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!

6/24/2016

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Corner Granny Squares

6/24/2016

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Corner Granny Squares

Mitered Corner Granny Square Vest | Let's Knit Series

Granny squares in any shape or form are fun to look at and try to crochet. The inspiration for this post is a mitered granny square meaning that it starts from a corner and works out diagonally. This particular design has longer straps but I think I would make a bigger square and add just enough for the shoulders. There is a step by step tutorial that I worked out to begin the design in the inspiration. For the tradionalists, I've included a more common mitered pattern, which really starts with a small square. Great way to use up small amounts of yarn and better still, a portable and easy project for my holiday in Halifax!

6/13/2016

Needlecrafts - Knit, Top Down Winners

6/13/2016

Needlecrafts - Knit, Top Down Winners

Top-Down Cardigans | scroll to find free patterns available below

Top-down knitting really baffled me as I preferred to knit pieces. The finishing job of sewing seams was something I enjoyed doing. Curiosity got the better of me - What was this magical way of knitting which started at the neck, working down the yoke, dividing for sleeves and finally working the body ending with most of the sweater. Wow, no seams. Of course if you wanted sleeves you would pick up the stitches around the armhole. My exercise began with a baby garment, small and easy to rip back if I had a problem. So pleasant was this experience, I ventured into garment patterns designed for crocheting top down. Looking back, I wondered what took me so long to try this method. Starting with a small project was ideal to quickly see how the garment comes together. There are 5 baby garments for you to try - 3 cardigans and 2 pullovers. Small and satisfying projects for cottage knitting!

6/06/2016

DIY Restyle - Bagging Denim 2

6/06/2016

DIY Restyle - Bagging Denim 2

Inspirational images | Pinterest

Inspirational image | Pinterest

Inspirational images | style.com

The obsession with denim is not waning by any means. That is for sure. Vintage inspiration, whether it's the 70's, 80's or 90's is being reinterpreted and walking down the runways and in just about every major store chain. Denim patches, embroidery, accessories, embellished jackets, worn and destroyed jeans - all of these are abundantly available. Recycling denim is definitely much more interesting, better for the planet and readily accessible in second hand stores. Just like in decades past, everyone is striving for something unique, something that tells a personal story not a piece of clothing that has been duplicated many times over. Designer fashion that is unique and beautifully made, for the most part, is out of reach for the majority of consumers. Being creative to me is much more important than owning a designer bag or piece of clothing but then there's nothing to say that they cannot be a source of inspiration. Any post that deals with upcycling and recycling denim instantly draws you in to see all that creativity at work. Be sure to read all the posts - you just may be wildy inspired!