Needlecrafts - Crochet, Shaggy Coats

All designer inspiration images | style.com

All vintage inspiration images | Pinterest

All vintage inspiration images | Pinterest

Shades of the 70's! This style of shag jacket has appealed to me forever and now it's back as you can see by the runway images.
The project is actually very simple. You create a crochet filet base and fringe parts or the entire body.
Each runway design featured above highlights different types and weights of yarn ranging from natural to fancy yarns.
One last thing to keep in mind is the amount of yarn, buy a lot as this project will need it.
Read further for video tutorials, how to suggestions and different ideas for this exciting vintage-style project.

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Cables and Chains

Inspiration pattern | for complete Berrocco Genoa free pattern, click here
Side to side 2 square inspiration pattern | for complete Side to side knit free pattern, click here
Poncho-style inspiration pattern | for schematics, available after the jump

Manytimes we get excited by a new stitch pattern but the style is one that is not flattering or has shaping that we find challenging or don't want to do.
My mantra when knitting or crocheting is "Easy,peasy please!".
Challenging stitch patterns in themselves can be difficult enough without having to figure out decreases for armhole or neck shaping.
When you encounter a pattern you like don't be put off by the style, adapt it to suit your needs and style.
The easiest summer shapes for tanks and tops are the square and rectangle.
Let the stitch do all the work, not you when you show off your next new project.

Read further for easy-to-read stitch symbols, video how tos and different schematics for this exciting stitch pattern. Definitely on my project list this summer.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Basic Pullover

Image inspiration | 80's vintage pattern

One of the first sweaters I attempted to knit was this easy style.
When you are a novice knitter any shaping, complex stitch patterns or colourwork can be overwhelming, no matter how attractive the design looks. The pattern featured above is a vintage classic but just as stylish today as it was when I first saw it. No shaping, garter edges, back and front alike convinced me that I could accomplish this project.
Furthermore, this simple style is seasonless and can be made up in many different types of yarns.
If you are just beginning, this is perfect for that first project but if you are a more seasoned knitter, a small repeat pattern such as rice or double moss could be substituted for the plain stocking stitch.
The original pattern had been written for only one size and length.
The tension remains the same as in the original pattern but two more sizes are now available as well as two more lengths.
The finished bust ranges from 91cm(36in) - 112cm(44in) and you can choose a cropped, traditional or tunic length. Four rectangles make up this top. You can't get any easier than that.
Read further for schematics, pattern and tip on how to block and press knitted pieces for finishing.

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Summer Hats

Inspiration images above | Pinterest

Inspiration images above | Sandra's Closet and Pinterest

Hold on to your hats! It's heads up for all big and bold styles for this spring and summer.
Whether you're looking to hide a bad hair day or more importantly protection from the aging UV rays, there is a headcover for you.
All types of romantic brims, as wide as you dare to go. If urban cool caps suit you there are updated baseball caps, beanies and bucket styles .
Golf or tennis anyone? Visors have the ability to be cool again. Beaded, jeweled or gold encrusted makes it current.
At this point on the fashion meter, it's head turning dash and anything goes.

Read further for the advice on wiring a brim, different materials to try, helpful video tutorials and lots of free patterns.

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Overtop Bustiers

All images inspiration only | Pinterest

No doubt about it, bustiers are very sexy, as are crocheted bikinis. Whenever you see images of people, mainly models wearing either one, they look confident which is sexy.
You have to own it to wear it. Unfortunately, not many of us have the body or the confidence to pull this look off in the way we imagine.
When I saw the bustier/bandeau over a shirt and over a tshirt, I was thrilled that no midriff was required!.
For the summer a crochet bandeau or "tankini" would be lovely over a more sheer tshirt, a style that is very prevalent in the stores right now.
White on white or bright on neutral you would be stylish, not exposed and therefore have that comfort level to exude confidence.

Read further for inspiration, different style suggestions and free patterns for different bikini bras.

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