Needlecrafts - Knit, Loopy Over Capelets

Image and adapted pattern | purchase Nube Knitting Magazines here

The harsh winter we've been experiencing is definitely calling out for some happy colours to put a smile on your face.
Loopy, bumpy textures and mouthwatering shades of melon and berries make this project a treat to knit.
Worked from the top down, a soft rolled neck is increased to a slouchy, comfy capelet.
After trying this quirky little pattern stitch, I was amazed at how quickly it worked up and how much fun it was to knit.
Perfect to throw on and stay toasty on a chilly evening if you like to keep the thermostat lower.

Read further for the pattern and tutorial on how to knit the Loop Stitch.

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Poncho with Flare

Peplums on garments seem to be a style everywhere in fashion from t shirts to jackets.
Unfortunately, this style is not always easy to wear, especially if the body itself is formfitting.
My idea of comfort is an oversize garment and a design that can be adapted for different seasons and types of yarns.
Inspiration struck when looking at a blouse with a very loose flare or flounce and a loose body.
Since poncho styles seem to be popular, I decided to design a very easy garment with a flared band or skirting.
As I looked around for yarn, I came across an unfinished project which consisted of a few crocheted squares, probably intended for a shrug.
This was an excellent starting point where I didn't have to start from scratch.
You may also want to think of this pattern for the spring or summer crocheted with a lovely soft cotton.
This design is very easy to customize either in the squares and also in the skirting as this is your waist.

Read further for the pattern instructions, schematics and also a thank you to Erin, a colleague and a very patient model.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Crochet - Braiding Ideas

Image | Benissimo Magazine

Large image | Chainlink braid, free tutorial here
Top and middle inset images | Interweave Rapunzel scarf pattern for purchase here
Bottom image | Youtube video - crochet weaving see video after jump.

One of the easiest ways to add interest to any garment is to add trim.
Trims can be opulent and glitzy or simple and humble. It depends on your own preference and the look you are trying to achieve.
Braid trims have always attracted my eye, from child-like prints to ornate velvet ones.
What better way to trim out a simple toque, sweater front bands, v neckline, boat neck or just to make a cowl neck scarf than with knitted or crocheted bands.
Working strips into braids is not only easy but also versatile and cost effective.
In everyone's stash, at least in mine, there are oddballs of expensive, lovely yarns that really need to be used and shown off.
Even if they are different weights, you can compensate by making the thicker or bulky strip first, measure the finished strip and then work the finer yarns accordingly by working more stitches and rows.

Read further to be inspired by different ways braids can be used and free tutorials for different braid projects.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Cowl Neck Shrug

Image | Pinterest

Happiness is another shrug! They're like shoes, you can never resist another style that calls to you.
Not only is this shrug simple, it's knit in one piece and is adaptable to many weights of yarn.
You can knit one of these for any season and best of all this design is not size conscious.
Accessories are fast and fun to make, great accent pieces to lift any outfit.
Equally versatile in bulky to go over a lighter jacket or in a lightweight cotton to cover up a summer top.
An I-cord gathers the neck so that pulled together closely fashions a true cowl or left slightly loose, a capelet.
The style lends itself to stripes, color blocking and also colorwork on the back. Think roses or a Nordic design.

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DIY Arts & Crafts - Button Up

In a previous post I wrote about my obsession with buttons, bakelite in particular.
If truth be known, I love any button with interesting colour, shape or texture.
Whenever I purchase a blouse or jacket, vintage or contemporary, I will inevitably change out any hohum buttons that are serviceable but not exciting.
On my usual hunt for any new ideas, I ran across an article about melting plastic beads, cheap pony beads into suncatchers.
Reading further, I found some jewelry and other simple home décor ideas which, in my mind, opened up possibilities for buttons.
There are an incredible variety of plastic beads, clear and opaque, big and small.
What was interesting was the combination of clear and opaque, baking thoroughly or less baking for some texture. Read further for more inspiration, ideas and tutorials on how to make your own buttons and shawl pins.

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