Needlecrafts - Knit, Shaping with Different Gauges

Vintage pattern | personal library

Uneven tension throughout a garment is not usually something a good knitter wants to see in her work. Certain vintage patterns did just that, whereby you would change from a smaller to a larger needle size in order to achieve a softer, looser fabric.
Mohair and brushed yarns were a good choice as the hairs filled in the more open looser areas.
This was also suggested in children's patterns to get the most of a pattern you had already purchased.
Shaping in this manner or using a larger needle for a finer yarn can have its drawbacks.
Certain yarns, when knit with too large a needle produce fabric that is just holey and not stable, which can lead to stretching.
The "condo" sweater pattern was a good example of this after knitters had not washed the garment carefully which was a disaster.
This is where a swatch is absolutely necessary to see how the yarn handles the difference in gauge and also how comfortable you are knitting in this manner.
The featured pattern is ideal as you can see how the gauge shapes the top and how the garter stitch opens up as you go up in needle size.

Read further to see the schematic and suggestions in making your top.

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Needlecraft - Knit, Crochet - Pocket Scarves

Embellished pocket scarf | Pinterest
Scarf with V-shaped pockets | free pattern available here
Pocket scarf with cowl | pattern for purchase available here

A scarf with pockets always made good sense, a useful accessory you can knit, crochet or sew.
Sure, the pockets might not be suitable for anything you really don’t want to lose but who cares, they look fabulous.
Just the same, taking a walk or running a quick errand, you may need a handy spot for keys or a couple of dollars for coffee.
Making the pocket deep enough, adding buttons or a zipper will make the pockets more secure.
No gloves, no problem keeping hands toasty when the weather turns cold.
Make these scarves in cool cotton for spring and cozy, soft wool for fall and winter. They will definitely come in handy.

Read further for different style ideas, how they are constructed and lovely free patterns to knit and crochet.

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Needlecraft - Knit,Sew,Crochet - Criss Cross Shrug

There are so many lovely designs that are available for knitting, crochet and sewing. Unfortunately, those same designs do not usually cross paths into all the three crafts because of certain limitations within the design or the craft.
All three crafts appeal to me but I go through stages of wanting to do one craft more than the other.
For me, at the moment, it is crochet but a design that is knit can persuade me to start knitting.
When a pattern is easy and appealing to all three crafters, this is a good thing.
The last post was about making a rectangle that folded into a shrug.
This post also offers a design that allows you make your shrug in three different ways.
The crossover shrug is a long rectangle that folds and is sewn at the ends for sleeves. The middle part, depending how long and how wide, can become a cowl, a hood or a top for a cami underneath .
Read further for a refashion idea and free patterns for both a knit and crochet crossover shrug.

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Needlecrafts - Knit | Sew | Crochet - Easy Fold Shrug

One rectangle, yes just one rectangle folded makes a shawl vest. When it comes to shrugs, there's never too many and there's always a different way to make one.
What's particularly appealing about this style is the collar that folds back.
The rectangle can be worked side to side with the end bands worked in a different stitch or worked up all in one.
Sew this style in a knit fabric, line it and you have a reversible shrug.
The last post was all about denim bags, one of which was a patchwork idea.
This style is ideal for turning all those different denim pieces into a spectacular shrug.
Crochet granny squares for the ends or as shown in the inspiration image, all throughout.
Read further for stitch pattern suggestions (free patterns for are capelets - use the great stitch combinations as inspiration) and a great idea of how to tie a scarf into a vest.

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DIY - Restyle, Bagging Denim

Inspirational images | Pinterest

One of the easiest ways to recycle denim is to make a bag.
Consider carefully the end product, how you wish the finished bag to look, whether you desire a very casual bohemian look or a more finished chic bag.
Patchwork, embellishment and destroyed surfaces appeal to a variety of tastes by giving the denim fabric a distinct surface to work with.
You can recreate the denim fabric by bleaching, painting, embellishing with rhinestones, embroidery, studding or any other type of treatment you see that inspires you. Read further for different ways to give your denim personality, whether you want to knit or crochet strips, weave strips or simply sew pieces together.
The denim allows you to create your own designer bag.

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