Where to find popular knit patterns?
Popular knit patterns can be gathered online. Some of the yarn brands like lionbrand offer a set of scarf knitting patterns on their site. There are a host of other sites which list the popular knitting patterns with images of the knitted scarf along with the knitting instructions. Besides, Knitting and crocheting pattern books are available online through shopping sites.
Knitting involves intertwining yarn or thread in a series of connected loops either by hand with knitting needles, or on a machine. The pattern books provide instructions for hand weaving a particular pattern. Scarves are knitted with cotton & woolen threads, cashmere or pashmina. Following a pattern of choice on the instructional booklet, a scarf can be woven to the desired shape, width and length.
Back to top
What is a crochet kit?
Crochet kits generally include a DVD for instructions on crochet technique, an instructional booklet, a darning needle, L-crochet hook, some yarns and crochet patterns. The items of the kit may vary depending upon the yarn manufacturer selling the kit. Such kits are usually made available through yarn brands.
With the goodness of alternative sewing methods like crocheting, creating a trendy scarf is not impossible, provided your crochet kit is ready. You need some yarns, a pair of scissors, yarn needle, and some crochet hooks. Once you are ready with all of these, you can simply follow a crochet pattern book. These days a lot of free crochet designs and patterns are also available on the internet. Beginners must start with a ‘simple to follow’ pattern first.
Back to top
What is cashmere?
Cashmere is an extremely soft and luxurious fabric made from the hair of the Cashmere goat, which is a native to Kashmir in northwestern India, Tibet, Turkestan, Iran, Iraq and China. Cashmere is obtained from the animal by brushing the fur rather than clipping. More like wool, this fabric is lightweight and wonderful to wear. In fact, every fashion conscious woman would love to wear this luxurious wool for its silken feel and sheen.
The quality and feel of cashmere will leave you longing for more. Owning a garment made of cashmere is a luxury to be truly indulged in. Did you know that it takes one little goat four years to produce enough wool to make just one cashmere sweater?
Garments made of cashmere include scarves, shawls and sweater sets. Home weavers and knitters treasure cashmere for its soft hand and practical warmth. Cashmere wool is available for home projects at yarn shops, or online through Internet craft and knitting sites.
The production of cashmere fabric is much of a craft; it’s a combination of knowledge and skill. The finishing process alone requires three weeks of meticulous brushing, steaming and combing.
Back to top
When to wear cashmere scarves?
Cashmere scarves are a symbol of luxury, with every fashion conscious woman desiring to wear them against their skin. Beautifully warm and soft, cashmere scarves are comfortable to wear, especially during those cold winter days. Besides, cashmere has a silken sheen, which makes it all the more glamorous. Cashmere scarves are best worn during cold weather - wear them like head scarves, wrap them around the neck like mufflers or drape a beautiful cashmere shawl over the shoulders, to keep warm.
Aside from scarves, the range of garments made from cashmere includes sweaters, shawls, capes, dresses, and coats for both men and women. Garments made from cashmere can be knit, crochet or embroidered. You can make a fashion statement with an evening sweater set with a matching scarf in cashmere, to keep the chill off.
Back to top
What is pashmina?
Pashmina is a kind of textile which became popular in the West during the late 1990s. This soft and warm fabric is mostly used for making scarves and shawls. The word is derived from the Persian word pashm, which refers to the undercoat of fur on many animals - in this case, the goat.
Pashmina is usually made with wool from the underbelly of the Himalayan goat. Some of the manufacturers dealing with 100% pashmina employ a softening process for making them. The result is a soft and almost silken quality. Owing to the softness of processed pashmina garments, pure pashmina is often referred to as cashmere. However, pashmina is somewhat different —it comes from Tibet, and not Kashmir.
Commercial pashmina is basically a blend of pure pashmina wool and silk. This adds strength to the pashmina, which is otherwise too light to sustain much wear. The general rule is - higher the content of pashmina wool, the more expensive is the textile.
Back to top
What are sweater necklaces?
Sweater necklaces refer to scarves in some towns of Pennsylvania, USA. Needless to mention, this tiny piece of fashion accessory is a must have in every wardrobe, whether it is for style or practical use.
A sweater necklace or scarf is a piece of fabric worn on or near the head or around the neck for warmth, cleanliness, fashion or for religious reasons.
For instance, in cold climates, a thick knitted scarf made from wool is tied around the neck to keep warm. The scarf can be accompanied with a warm hat and heavy coat for added comfort. Going by the name, sweater necklaces are generally worn for warmth and as such they are either knit, embroidered or crochet. Optionally, one may choose to wear a scarf around the head to keep the hair clean and at the same time look good. Scarves are also worn by many for religious reasons to cover the hair.
Back to top