Needlecrafts - Knit, Simply a Shrug

Image | Sirdar

A few posts back, I featured a beginner's garment made with rectangles.
It was truly a great way to venture into knitting without too much trauma.
This design featured above is another idea based upon rectangles. In this case, they make a shrug. You can't get any easier than that.
Once you have dimensions, you can use any weight or type of yarn for any season. A pattern I've suggested is for a traditional worsted weight.
A good place to begin as this weight is the easiest and most times the most economical for beginners.

Read further for schematics, pattern instructions, finishing tips and helpful sites.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Wide Rib Pullover

Image | Phildar

Note: This has been adapted from a Phildar pattern originally featured in a bulky weight yarn.

Let's face it, the garments we most often reach for are the ones that are easy to dress up or down.
As much as I like simplicity, there has to be a design element or feature that takes the garment from ordinary to extroardinary.
Wide rib detail on this basic, simple garment visually makes the garment a winner in any yarn.
Several trends really stand out this season. Neon is one that is huge. Store windows are filled with every type of style imaginable, but a little goes a long way.
Why not knit the rib edges in neon and the rest in white or pale grey.
The same can be said for black and white. Possibly just the sleeve ribs in white and the garment in black.
Tweaking is all it takes. Basically speaking, this is definitely a keeper for your library.

Read further for schematics, pattern instructions, finishing tips and helpful sites.

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DIY - Restyle, Classic White Shirts

Images 1,2,3 | pixiemarket.com
Image 4 | Paul Smith S/S 2013

A crisp, classic white shirt is a staple in any wardrobe and you probably own more than one. I'm always on the lookout for the perfect white shirt.
Unfortunately, this same, classic shirt can appear like you are wearing part of a uniform, in other words no personality.
Create subtle texture with white on white. Lace appliqués, pearl embellishment on collars or sheer cutouts provide texture, especially when the whites vary.
Contrast can be dramatic and glamourous as shown in the silver combination or country casual with print or frayed denim fabric.
Have fun and add t-shirt sleeves, an example of stripes in contrast to the shirt also provides a difference in textures.
In the end, you design something unique and are recycling used clothing. That is a good thing.

Read further for more ideas on how to make an outstanding white shirt.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Ribbed Top with Yoke

Image |ONline Knitting Magazine
Note: this pattern has been adapted from a pattern featured in ONline knitting magazine '07

When choosing a pattern to knit or crochet, there's always that question in my mind, will it be easy to dress up or down? Is it an all-season pattern?
So many stylish, beautiful sweaters are available at reasonable prices that my choice to make a garment has to be classic, but definitely not boring.
The classic and easy pattern above will be one that can be worn in summer either in a fresh white with a white lurex blend for the yoke or in winter in a marl over a plaid shirt .
The idea of being able to slip on a jacket over the top to dress it up or slip it over a tshirt for weekend wear appeals to me.
Hopefully this versatile pattern will appeal to you as well.

Read further for schematics, pattern instructions, finishing tips and helpful sites.

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Needlecrafts-Crochet, Hairpin Lace

Large image | Trico & Crochê Magazine
Inset Image | Zara

Hairpin lace and broomstick lace always made me think of antiquated crafts, like tatting.
Our fascination with vintage has definitely breathed new life into outdated crafts, all with a modern twist.
The appeal of all things artisinal and handmade has opened up the floodgates.
Everything that is old is new again which brings me back to the craft of hairpin lace.
After reading several tutorials and watching videos, I realized how easy this craft was and how wonderful the result when combined with traditional crochet stitches.
Work your way from a simple scarf to a more complex top.
Included is a hairpin look-alike using simple crochet stitches.
Read further for more inspiration, step by step tutorials and a video on how to create hairpin lace.

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