Time for inspiration: Free knitting patterns

Time for inspiration: Free knitting patterns

Posted on by crisdvic

As Fall is approaching, it is time for inspiration and find new free knitting patterns for your new cozy garments to craft.

And while waiting for the novelties of your favorite local yarn store, you may start looking at your stash and browse through your preferred on-line magazines and/or Ravelry for inspiration. I find Ravelry particularly useful to combine inspiration and stash. I use to go directly to the advance search and start selecting the craft (knitting or crochet), weight, total yardage and number of colors of my stash, and keep browsing into the advance filter sections.

One of the interesting features of this advance filtering, is the “difficulty” rating. This is a good start for beginners, as most of the scored patterns are within the 3/10 threshold (easy) in this search option, and this rating is given by the actual ravelers that made a project out of the pattern. However, only 20% of the patterns are rated in this option. That means that either nobody has yet added a project or, in most of the cases, they forget to fill the “difficulty” attribute in the “about this pattern” section. Thus, dear ravelers, let me encourage you to fill as much information as possible on your projects to help our community!

Still there is another option to get the level of difficulty/skill level of a pattern, that is opening the pattern cover page. Here you will see more details about it, and some designers add this description in the notes section (end of the page). The difference here is that the scoring is made by the designer, and not the actual end-user. Being in both sides myself, I tend to believe that the designer scoring use to be biased towards the easy edge (:=).

In my designs, I like to combine colors and to offer easy and not too much yarn-consuming proposals. In previous posts I already added ideas useful for the fall ( Co-inspiration, Sari Wrap, Twisted Capelet, Greeny Poncho)l. Now, let me add some FREE new additions from my Ravelry store to help on your inspiration.

Texture Wrap: A collaboration with Infinite Twist with an ethereal texturized winged-shape shawl that combines different yarns, contrast color gradients and stitches to make a unique piece that will definitely will not go unnoticed. Skill Level: Intermediate.

Pi Poncho: A collaboration with Knotions Magazine with a basic poncho pattern is the perfect introduction to circular needles, knitting in the round, and easy lace patterns. Skill Level: Intermediate.

Happy crafting!

Tied Fringe Shawl

Tied Fringe Shawl

Posted on by crisdvic

Lidia Tied Fringe Shawl

When Nicole from I Like Knitting asked me to do something little different with the fringe of this winged wrap, I was not sure how it was going to end up. Finally, the double knot fringe along the top edge brings a stylish way to wear the shawl. In addition, the piece is big enough to be wrapped around the shoulders and tied with a vintage leather belt.

The combination of cotton and linen of Drops Belle, provides texture, lightness, rusticity and a subtle shine. Being knit in basic double seed/moss stitch, the shawl is reversible and ends with a simple eyelet pattern.

The Lidia Tied Fringe Shawl pattern is available in I Like Knitting Magazine, August 2021 issue and in Ravelry. From August to Autumn, this ILK issue is full of patterns to inspire you as you knit for what’s left of summer, while still prepare for chillier days ahead.

Happy knitting!

Lotus Socks

Lotus Socks

Posted on by crisdvic

Talking about handmade socks almost always means thinking about knitting. However, you can also make crocheted socks that are as cozy and trendy as the knit ones. They are usually bulkier, but quicker to make.

If you are used to knit socks, you will need to pay attention to the stretch, thickness and yardage. Look at the June issue of Knotions Magazine to learn more about these differences and see some very useful tutorials, together with a couple of patterns, including my Lotus Socks.

This basic design, inspired by the lotus flower, is the perfect introduction to crochet socks. It is a fast and fun project to make, using extended single crochet, simple shaping, and minimal finishing.

Created toe-up, with a mini gusset and short-row heel, you have the advantage of trying your sock on as you go, making adjustments as necessary.

Ready to try?

Sari Wrap

Sari Wrap

Posted on by crisdvic

The Sari Wrap is my first collaboration with Knotions Magazine. The suggested themes in the call for submission were India and Garter Stitch.

My inspiration came from the colorful and ethereal saris from India. Saris are probably one of the most versatile outfits, as one size almost fits all and can be used practically all year around.

Since silk is the usual fiber used in their fabrics, I suggested a combination of Mohair-Silk to enhance the lightness and to allow enough dimension to be draped in different shapes. The piece is knitted in garter stitch with a needle size large enough to enhance this vaporous effect.

A distinctive feature of this piece is the color combination. Mohair-Silk gives a subtle glossy effect and texture that smooths the transition between the reddish and golden colors that you can see in this typical outfit. As a contrast in color and texture, black narrow stripes and a crab stitch finish in Alpaca-Silk are added as a nod to the kohl eyeliner.

The Sari Wrap pattern is available in Knotions and Raverly. In Ravelry you will also see several pictures of different ways of how to wear it. This is really an easy to make and with some imagination you can use all your mohair left overs !!! As with my previous suggestions (Mestral Purse & Top) , leave some free room in your stash for new goodies!!!.  

Kairi Tank

Kairi Tank

Posted on by crisdvic

Kairi Tank is a semi-cropped and loose sleeveless garment perfect for summer that can be also converted to a vest for late spring or end-of summer colder days. Its oversized shape allows it to easily fit any body type without too much effort in sizing. Mostly knitted in basic stockinette,  this piece incorporates eyelet sections in the shoulders and hip to provide some fun during your knitting.

Start preparing your summer outfit!

The Kairi Tank pattern is available in I Like Knitting Magazine, June 2021 issue, that features other lovely summer tops, cardigans and accessories.

As you have seen in may previous posts (Maya Bag & Espadrilles), I have collaborated before with I Like Crochet Magazine. This is the first time I publish in I Like Knitting, and I hope it is not going to be the last one!

Maya Mandala Bag

Maya Mandala Bag

Posted on by crisdvic

Mandala is a Sanskrit word for circle, and it represents the universe in Hinduism and Buddhism. A crochet mandala can be either a simplistic design with only one color and textured stitches or a complex mix of textures and colors. A circle is a perfect shape for a quick and easy bag, adapting the size as you go.

This Pattern combines both textured stitches and colored lines with subtle accents of glassy beaded yarn to create a kind of boho style. The combination of cotton and linen yarns are ideal for bags, since both fibers lack elasticity

This pattern combines with my Maya Espadrilles. In fact, they are a perfect and quick complementary project to use with the left-over yarns of the Maya Mandala Bag.

Maya Mandala Bag and Maya Espadrilles patterns are available in I Like Crochet Magazine, June 2021 issue, together with a bunch of other interesting summer crochet ideas.

Maya Espadrilles

Maya Espadrilles

Posted on by crisdvic

Espadrilles are casual, flat shoes, characterized by a flexible sole made of esparto or jute rope. This footwear is typical in some regions of Spain as Catalonia and Basque Country. 

While the sole is the defining characteristic of an espadrille, the uppers vary in style. Make your own custom espadrilles sandals by crocheting custom uppers with cotton and linen yarn. Since these fibers lack elasticity, they are perfect for creating a shoe that fits and won’t stretch out. 

In the Maya Espadrilles pattern, the top and heels are made of colorful crochet stripes, with the accent of a beaded yarn to create a subtle boho style. 

This pattern matches with my Maya Mandala Bag. Use leftover yarn from the Maya Mandala Bag to make a perfect match.

If you cannot find jute soles, flip-flop rubber soles can be an alternative. You just need to poke holes on the sole before adding toes and heels.

Maya Espadrilles and Maya Mandala Bag patterns are available in I Like Crochet Magazine, June 2021 issue, together with a bunch of other interesting summer crochet ideas.

Co-inspiration

Co-inspiration

Posted on by crisdvic

Where does your inspiration/co-inspiration come from? 

In my case I have to confess that most of the times comes from others. In particular the themes that knit/crochet magazines and yarn stores announce periodically in their “call for submissions”. If you are not familiar with it, you can go to the following ravelry community forum

Here you can see some recent results of my co-inspiration.

I Like Crochet Magazine Jan/Feb 21 issue: Convertible Pocket Shawl. A quick and super simple, multi-use pocket shawl that features two angled pockets with decorative buttons and three invisible fasteners to convert the shawl into a capelet for optimal warmth.

I Like Crochet Magazine Jan/Feb 21 issue: Westerly Duster Cardigan. An oversized, seamless duster cardigan made with a combination of soft and lightweight yarns to provide a stylish and warm outfit.

Crochet Society Box 20: Half-Moon Rug. An easy, quick and fun project to make and ideal for adding a bit of color to a small home corner.

And what about you? What is your source of co-inspiration?

Last-Minute Christmas/New Year Gifts

Last-Minute Christmas/New Year Gifts

Posted on by crisdvic

Already late for your last-Minute Christmas/New Year gifts? Here some tips that may help you to find ideas in Raverly.

First search for patterns and start filtering for yardage of 0-150 m/yrds. That will definitely give you a quick project to make. Then browse through the weight, and crochet/knitting (if needed). Apart from the classic headbands, hats, cowls, gloves and scarfs that you can find under the aran OR bulky OR super-bulky weights, you may also find some more original proposals as bracelets, necklaces, and even earrings with thinner yarns. If you find this alternative interesting, filter by categories-accessories-jewelry, and then short by rating, most popular, difficulty, yarn required of whatever term that better fits your choice.

Enjoy your last-minute handmade gifts with my best wishes for 2021!

Pictures from: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aurora-earrings; https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/celtic-knot-necklace-2; https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/christine-bracelet

Gaura Bralette & Cardigan

Gaura Bralette & Cardigan

Posted on by crisdvic

Gaura Bralette & Cardigan summer set is a cool crochet project that can be easily modified to fit your shape while making it. The S-M-L instructions and the charts will guide you where and when to pay attention for the adjustments.

The Gaura Cardigan uses the hexagon technique to make two folded pieces seamed together at the back and top of arms, and is easier than it looks.

Patterns available in Ravelry (Gaura Bralette & Gaura Cardigan).

In addition, you can also find some more inspirations about “hexagon” projects in my Pinterest Board: Inspiration- hexagons.