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FASCINATING ‘FASCINATOR’ – It’s Not Just For A Princess

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Or, maybe it’s that this sweet, clever design will make anyone who wears it feel like a Princess.  Kate and her kin do not have the market cornered on dressy head wear.  Inside Crochet, Issue 18, June 2011 has a simple but elegant version they call ‘Wedding Fascinator’.  It’s but one of many lovely patterns in this issue – the quality of crochet design we have come to expect from this UK publication.

WEDDING FASCINATOR INSIDE CROCHET #18

I am able to buy my copy of this magazine every month at Joann Fabric and Crafts which typically sells it for 10% off the list price of $9.99.  I stopped in there today just to buy the mag.  It’s always worth the $$ IMO.  Yudu.com has an online version that is $4.99 per issue.  That’s a real bargain.

Other enticing patterns in this issue include the DewDrop Scarf by Zoe Clements which is a Solomon’s Knot single skein beauty worked in Artyarns Beaded Mohair and Sequins, a truly stunning looking yarn, the cover Willow Camisole by Irene Strange which will definitely appeal to the twenty somethings, and Linda Permann’s Lace Skirt which is worked side to side.  Also included are bibs, toys, shrugs and a bow-tie accented cap.  Other articles place emphasis on color in fashion and, in the great minds think alike category, a nice article on beaded crochet – something I just blogged on.

I continue to be pleased by this magazine.  I hope you are able to obtain a copy for yourself, either in print or online.  I think you’ll find it to be a good value, filled with useful information and creative crochet designs.

Looking for more Shrug patterns to crochet? Check out these Crochet patterns for Shrugs we found on Etsy as well as these books on Amazon. 

 

Comments

  1. Good for you! Nothing will make a bride feel more special than wearing something that is unique, handmade and that she can keep for an heirloom.

Have you read?

Crochet Christmas Dove Ornaments With a Printable Gift Poem

There is something especially lovely about a handmade gift that comes with a few thoughtful words. These crochet Christmas birds pair a folded yarn ornament with a decorative poem card, turning a little crochet project into a keepsake.

The design has a rounded head, a tiny embroidered eye and beak, and a forked tail. A broad overlapping section forms the wing, giving the bird that folded, origami-inspired appearance. It is a simple-looking shape with plenty of handmade charm.

A Crochet Bird That Doubles as a Gift Topper

What appeals to me most is the idea of using the bird twice. Tie it onto a wrapped present as a gift topper, then let the recipient hang it on their Christmas tree afterwards. The wrapping gets recycled, the ribbon goes into somebody’s “far too useful to throw away” drawer, and the bird becomes part of next year’s decorations.

Cream would be a lovely choice for a Christmas dove, while cranberry red, sage green and dusty blue offer a different seasonal look. Keeping the wing plain lets the crochet texture and folded layers stand out.

For a personalised crochet gift tag, an embroidered initial is a sweet addition. One small letter gives the ornament a purpose without needing to squeeze an entire name onto the wing.

The Printable Christmas Dove Card

The accompanying printable brings the gift together. Watercolour-style holly, evergreen branches, berries and gold accents frame the card, with space above the poem for attaching the crocheted bird.

The original Christmas poem shares wishes for peace, joy and love, then invites the recipient to hang the dove on their tree. There is also a “With love from” line, so the finished card feels like a complete little present.

I would print it on firm cardstock and attach the bird with a removable thread or ribbon loop. That way, the recipient can lift it off the card easily when it is time to decorate the tree.

It is a thoughtful Christmas gift concept, especially for crafters who enjoy making small decorations with a personal touch. The bird and poem card belong together: a little handmade ornament, a Christmas wish, and something to bring out again next December.