Folksy Friday 18/2/2011 - Pack a Poncho!

In warmer weather I often wear a poncho which I made several years ago when I was expecting my first child, they are great to wear during pregnancy to keep warm.

Ponchos were originally created by the ancient people of the Andes and designed to be worn as an outer garment to keep warm and if made from waterproof material can also keep you dry.

They come in all sorts of colours and patterns and are worn all over the world.

They can be made from all kinds of fabrics but are mostly made from wool and are either woven, knitted or crocheted.

Here is a photo of my poncho which I have been wearing over the past 7 and a bit years.  It is made from a cream coloured sparkly aran yarn with a central cable back and front with the rest being made from moss/seed stitch.

Here are some wonderful ponchos that are made by other Folksy sellers.

Green Dragon Poncho by Nithria Crochet
Shades of Grey Poncho by Candyfloss
Crocheted Mini Poncho with Loop Flowers by Poppy Seeds
Big Purple Softie Kid's Poncho OOAK by MrsGKnits
Plus Size Poncho in Warm Orange and Brown by Craftsgarden
Grey Red Black Plaid Twill Poncho by Fashion Couture

Folksy Friday - All Shawls

I love shawls.  I think they give an air of romance regardless of the style of shawl that is being worn.  In Victorian England in the mid 1800's sheer lace shawls would be worn with crinoline evening gowns and opera-length gloves.

They come in a variety of shapes and styles and can be very lightweight with an open texture like lace or they can be heavier with a more solid texture.

Shawls are used for symbolic reasons, to compliment an outfit or to keep warm at outdoor or indoor evening affairs where the temperature is warm enough for men in suits but not for women in dresses and where a jacket may be inappropriate.

I will be writing more blog posts about shawls in the coming weeks but here a some I made earlier.