Handmade crochet shawls, a synonym of style and personality

LUELMO GEM

Hello, friends of Cantabria DModa! As a little girl I saw my mother and grandmother knit and crochet. I learned the most basic stitches from them and at some stage in my life I have practiced something with the needles. But in confinement I returned to crochet and discovered that, in addition to relaxing a lot, I brought out my most creative side. I did everything, crochet bags, crochet t-shirt bags and shawls that, above all, I gave away afterwards.

A friend asked me why I didn't sell them (the material is expensive and doing things just isn't profitable), I thought it would be difficult for someone to be interested in any of the crochet garments I make, but I created a page on Instagram and I started uploading photos with my designs.

As a suggestion from another friend, I called it 'Los chales de Gema' (@los_chales_de_gema) and to my surprise I started selling some of my creations. My first client was a German lady who bought me a shawl.

In summer, the t-shirt bag was highly requested and I did not stop making models in all colors.

This fall I really liked a shawl design that I make with thick wool that you can wear as a coat, over it or adjusting it with a belt like a poncho.

They are unique and special garments that are usually ordered by people who appreciate craftsmanship and dress differently from other people. In recent times we have seen that craftsmanship is revalued and many designers and firms have it present in their collections. I believe that these types of designs are not at odds with current trends, they can be adapted to your style without going with the typical crochet garment that your grandmother wore or being a person with a very 'hippie' style, with which we also identify the use of these types of creations.

I am going to show you some styling ideas in which we add hand-made crochet garments. The same inspire some of your next looks...

'Maxi-shawl'

In the first place, the 'maxi-shawl' that I was talking about before, you can superimpose it on your look and if you add a belt you can wear it as a poncho. You can also put it on a 'blazer' or frock coat or on top of your coat. It will give your look a plus of color and warmth and you will also be warm.

Poncho or 'maxi-poncho'

Another garment that is very popular and, moreover, is very versatile and gives a lot of play is the poncho or 'maxi-poncho'. Depending on your height you can choose the model that suits you best. Also decide if you want it in combined colors or plain with contrasting fringes.

With wide leg jeans

A perfect styling is to add it to a wide leg jeans and a sweater and it will be your outerwear with more color and joy.

With pantsuit

If you overlap it with a pantsuit, it will take away the seriousness and give it a different image.

more is more

If you are daring and you like to play with fashion, you can combine it by contrasting with the garments of your look and playing with accessories. Like this great success of Ana (@anagamaanagama).

Cloak or 'mini-cloak'

Another garment that looks great is the cape or 'mini-cape', which you can layer over outerwear or wear as if it were a maxi-neck (total trend), over blouses or dresses.

In the first example, we can see how Lola Rodríguez Abelenda (@lolarodriguezabelenda) wears a very current and trendy look like this one in 'total white' and adds her personal touch with the knitted cape with bodoque stitch and mini fringes.

In the following look I overlay a circular layer with bodoques in an intense green that gives life and personality to the outfit.

And here are some examples with crochet garments made by hand with great care. Currently I am already preparing more spring projects full of color.

I hope you like this new proposal and I encourage you to create your own pieces. As always, I show you my looks and particular fashion universe on social networks: Instagram, Facebook or on my blog, 'Brújula de Estilo'. See you soon!