Etiqueta: pattern

Tied Fringe Shawl

Tied Fringe Shawl

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

Garbi Cardigan: Local Wool

Garbi Cardigan: Local Wool

Few days ago Misskitts published a post on its blog describing the story behind a few local dye artisans and wool producers. I recommend it to you because I think it is interesting to be aware of the added value that these small companies provide. To have a more complete list, I also recommend the compilation that tejereningles published a couple of years ago. The Garbi Cardigan (or Garbí Cardigan) is my contribution to the visibility of these artisans.

A few months ago I had the opportunity to meet one of these artisan producers in a pleasant weekend of weaving retreat organized by El Robledal and Bellotaknits . Several projects have already come out of this retreat: #hardysweater , #bennettshawl from magazine Bellota 4 , and the #lasantacardigan with skeins of El Robledal and patttern from the book Punto y a parte-II of Luymou.

The Garbi Cardigan is my latest project inspired by that experience. With fingering skeins of the same shade as the #lasantacardigan, it is a basic project, perfect to start with the 2-needle technique. Two rectangles stitched on the sides and the back, which combine stockinette stitch, garter stitch and a simple lace. You will only need a little more than 1 skein of 100 g and a button. And although the pattern describes 3 sizes (S, M, L), it is difficult that once finished it does not fit you nicely. The wool used gives it a fantastic fit and the right warmth to combine it with a summer dress or top.

As always, you will find the pattern in Etsy and Ravelry. In addition, you can also find some more inspirations about “rectangle” projects in my Pinterest Board; Inspiration: rectangle knitting & crochet patterns.

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Mestral Purse: Stripes & Leftover Yarn (II)

Mestral Purse: Stripes & Leftover Yarn (II)

In the previous post I suggested using leftover yarn to make a simple Summer Top with circular needles (Mestral Top). Since I still had about 100 grams left, I thought of doing something even simpler, and this time in crochet. The result: the Mestral Purse.

In this project I have used a color ratio similar to the Top, and some basic crochet stitches. Being a small pouch, depending on the handle you put on it, you can also use it as a fanny pack. Being also small in size, knitted in crochet and with quite thick stitches, there is no need to add a lining, although this always depend on how you like it…

The two projects together need less than 600 grams in total in 4 colors. A good excuse to reduce your stash!

Like the Mestral Top, you have the pattern of the Mestral Purse in Ravelry and Etsy.

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El Top Mestral: Stripes & Leftover yarn (I)

El Top Mestral: Stripes & Leftover yarn (I)

El Top Mestral utiliza una técnica muy sencilla para combinar colores utilizando restos de ovillos (“leftover yarn”): Las Rayas  (“Stripes”)

Existen diferentes técnicas para hacer proyectos de punto de media, o a 2 agujas, combinando varios colores (Intarsia, Stranded, Brioche,…). Sin embargo, para proyectos con restos de ovillos el tejido a rayas es el más fácil.

Las rayas son una de las formas más sencillas de tejer con varios colores, y la más fácil de utilizar con ovillos sobrantes. Basta con elegir la combinación de colores, la proporción de cada uno y empezar a tejer.

La combinación más adecuada

Para escoger la combinación de colores más adecuada es útil disponer de una rueda de colores (Color Wheel). Se pueden encontrar algunas sencillas apps gratuitas  en la AppStore.

Selecciona el color principal y, en función del tipo de prenda que quieras tejer o qué colores tienes disponibles, decide qué tipo de combinación (complementaria, complementaria dividida, tríada, análoga) encaja mejor.

Elige colores con contraste. Asegúrate de que uno de ellos sea relativamente claro / brillante y relativamente oscuro para que destaque en el proyecto. Puedes hacer una foto en blanco y negro de los ovillos juntos para apreciar mejor esta diferencia.

Los colores neutros (blanco, negro, gris, marrón, crudo y crema) combinan con todo y a veces son útiles para suavizar una composición demasiado vibrante.

La proporción más adecuada

Si quieres que tu proyecto tenga un color principal, al menos el 50 % del mismo debería ser de este color y el 40 % o menos del segundo color seleccionado. El tercer color, que se utilizaría para añadir contraste, no debería de superar el 10 %.

Si quieres utilizar más colores, en vez de añadir otros muy diferentes, puedes cambiar la saturación del color principal o secundario (haciéndolos más claros o más oscuros) y mantener la proporción> 50 / <40 /> <10.

El Top Mestral

El Top Mestral puede ser un ejemplo de cómo utilizar los ovillos sobrantes en un proyecto tejido a dos agujas.

Cuatro hilos de diferentes colores de grosor / composición similares (algodón L).

  • 70%: Verde azulado (turquesa) con 2 niveles de saturación=color primario
  • 20%: Neutro (crema)
  • 10%: naranja / mostaza=color complementario

Además, si tejes diferentes tipos de punto, te puede ayudar a disimular la utilización de ovillos de grosor (ligeramente) diferente.

Te animas a probar? Podrás encontrar el patrón del Top Mestral en Ravelry y Etsy. Además, también puedes encontrar otras ideas en mi Board de Pinterest.  

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