Needlecrafts - Knit, Crochet - Rectangle Ponchos

Garter fringe knit poncho| free pattern available here
Crochet stripe poncho| free pattern available here

At this time of year I feel like cocooning and binging on T.V.programmes I missed or sporadically watched. Case in point, "Mad Men" and now "Downton Abby". It's great to watch each season as one big movie. What a treat! Of course that doesn't interfere with my knitting or crochet but it's always better to have extremely easy projects. As you get involved, patterns get mixed and before you know it you are ripping back a few rows. The featured pattern in this post is perfect - 2 rectangles to knit and/or crochet, a good way to even practise new stitch patterns. There's not much pattern here to think about, thankfully. So get out all the odds and ends or take advantage of the great sales on yarn and start creating!

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Basic Techniques - The I-Cord

All inspirational images | Phildar

Happy New Year to all! This past year has definitely been busy, productive and creative. Let's start the year off with a simple knitting technique, quick to accomplish and best of all, easily applied to an accessory that can be very chic. An i-cord can be used in so many ways. Make them in different weights and textures of yarn, attached at one end and twisted loosely for a one of a kind scarf. Use strips as contrats edging for slippers, hem, hat or sleeve edges. Braid several strands together for a cosy cowl. The ideas for using i-cords are endless especially if you try knitting all the different types, whether textured or spiraled. Be sure to read about the different methods of making i-cords such as the french spool method (we called it corking), something I loved doing as a kid. There is a kid's version of an i-cord maker, something that every child will enjoy doing. Be sure to read further for helpful tutorials, ideas and video to get you started.

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Happy Holidays - Top 10 Posts 2015

To all of you, a safe and happy holiday season! See you back here in the New Year, January 5th. Until then, enjoy the top 10 posts of 2015.

Top 20 Posts | Click on image below for posts

Needlecrafts - Knit, Child's Play | Poncho with Hood

Lanas Katia free pattern

Who can resist this adorable and quick to knit poncho with a hood. This is definitely a garment that a child will love to wear. Any garment easy to put on, take off and layer for added warmth is ideal for school recesses and outdoor play. The suggested super bulky yarn makes it a winner for both experienced and beginning knitters. So bring out the yarn during the holiday break and knit a poncho for a special wee one !

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Needlecraft - Knit, 5 Folksy Fair Isles

Free patterns for all 5 garments | read further for link(s) under each image

Time to reinvent the traditional, old-time styles for bright, contemporary counterparts that will have you reaching for your needles this winter. Fair Isle knits are definitely on our fashion radar right now. Traditional Scottish pattern - multicolored bands of geometric shapes rendered in sizzling colors. The cardigan and pullover styles in sophisticated color palettes and modern silhouettes have a more bohemian flavor, definitely what's in-store these days. So check out the 5 colorful picks that made the cut!. Look for helpful videos which show easy techniques for knitting fair isle bands with 2 colors and how to deal with long floats. From classic double knitting to worsted yarn weights, there are five easy pieces to consider for your wardrobe.

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