Crochet

Crocheted items lost popularity for a short time during the 1990s and early part of our current century; however, they are making a definite comeback for those who enjoy a more homey feel! The wonderful thing about crocheted items is that crocheting is not a difficult skill to learn, making it quite simple to custom design the scarf, cardigan, or bag you need to make your outfit pop!

For those less artistically inclined, there are always wonderful choices available at Amazon.com and various other online or offline vendors.

If this isn’t a style you’ve utilized much in the past, allow me to share some ideas with you for adding crocheted items to your wardrobe! It’s a great way to texturize your outfits and add interest!

Scarves

I was recently reading a friend’s blog who travels extensively. Her ponderings can be found at myfrenchunderpants.blogspot.com. One article I found particularly entrancing was her ‘Less is More’ post about lingerie shopping in France.

It seems that the dressing rooms she visited were each equipped with an array of scarves as no outfit is truly complete without one! I thought it was quite an artistic and fun thought—trying on lingerie with a scarf to match!

That being said, I must admit that my favorite styles from celebrities of bygone eras usually involve some kind of scarf or shawl. There is just something feminine about a scarf tied about one’s neck or around the waist with long tendrils swaying as one walks!

Crocheted scarves can come in various styles, some incredibly feminine and others hardier in nature. Here are some styles you may not have considered. For instance, consider this version of the crocheted scarf from UniversalYarn.com:

That being said, I must admit that my favorite styles from celebrities of bygone eras usually involve some kind of scarf or shawl.

There is just something feminine about a scarf tied about one’s neck or around the waist with long tendrils swaying as one walks!

Crocheted scarves can come in various styles, some incredibly feminine and others hardier in nature.

Here are some styles you may not have considered. For instance, consider this version of the crocheted scarf from UniversalYarn.com:

Not only do these scarves add that extra little oomph and va-va-voom that every outfit needs but they are practical against the cold and work well with the layered look that is so popular today!

Cardigans, Sweaters, and Vests

While I use a fair number of scarves in my personal ensembles, I also adore crochet cardigans. Vests are certainly not as common, but if layered with a wide belt and knee-length denim skirt, they can be most attractive!

Essentially, crochet gives one a soft, casual look. While I would not employ it in a business or formal setting, the crocheted cardigan or sweater can prove a beautiful layer for your casualwear that adds style!

 

While this cardigan might easily be crocheted as a home project, this one might prove a bit more challenging.

Of course, used as a pullover with a dark denim skirt and flesh-toned platforms that strap up your ankle, you are ready to go just about anywhere in style!

And, of course, there is always the cowl neck sweater!

This is the type of piece I would encourage any shape or size of woman to utilize.

Notice, the softening of the woman’s figure as it drapes toward her hips!

And the cowl neck serves as an attention-getter, which can easily hide other unsightly lumps and bumps!

Of course, crochet need not be fuzzy or even earth-toned!

And, certainly, there are instances where it works well with a dressier skirt! For instance, there is this double-layer top!

It is indeed possibly a bit polished for a personal crocheting endeavor but se la vi! If it’s your style, buy it for your next birthday, anniversary, or event. “Hey honey, look what you bought me!”

The wool threads might also be used for blazers.

A unique approach, I grant you, but it definitely works!

Consider this item: I have worn it both with denim and buckskin-colored boots as well as a sharp navy skirt and heels.

The Artsy Touch!
By all means, don’t limit yourself to these simple methods for incorporating crochet!

There are countless more styles to be explored!

Such as…I’m sure you’ve seen infants with their crocheted beanies with flower clips attached.

Believe it or not, I’ve seen a couple of women pull of the same look with amazing success!

While I certainly think you should have a round or heart-shaped face for it, it’s an adorable, rather bohemian look!

Also, while I’m not a huge fan of crocheted skirts in general, there are occasional styles that work really well, such as this white number!

It reminds one of a garden tea party or church picnic; just don’t forget the wide-brimmed hat!

Making Your House a Home
Whether you choose to wear crocheted items or not, there is no denying that crocheted blankets and coverlets provide a homey feel to your house! While I do not make use of such items during the summer, I’ve found that adding an afghan to the end of the guestroom bed as well as laying one across a cozy chair in the den adds a feeling of warmth and seasonal cheer in the winter months.

Although I live in Texas where the winters are usually not too harsh, the presence of such articles really makes one appreciate the season! And trust me, someday, I’ll live in a gorgeous village somewhere up North with delicious mountains and harsh winter storms where those items are more functional than decorative!

Seasonal or Non-Seasonal?
It depends on the yarn used, I would say. Thicker yarns should be reserved for the fall or winter; they yeild warmth and a cozy look. In summer, there's nothing less attractive than sweating through your crocheted scarf as its fibers wrinkle about your neck! Ew! Some crocheted styles use other threads that are lighter weight, however, which can certainy be attractive in summer. Basically, if it feels warm, don't wear it in summer!

How Do I Care For Crocheted Items?
Unless otherwise instructed on the label, crocheted items should be handwashed and air-dried! The patterns can be mangled by a good, efficient clothes dryer! Also, washing such a fabrick in the washer can lead to fuzzies taking over your beautiful scarf. Of course, if you're going for that look, go for it!