Finding inspiration for designs

Other than what I see online, I sometimes find inspiration in my designs from the clothes I wear. Usually I take the form and shape from it, then I imagine the crochet stitches that could fill up that shape. I cannot purposely do this...sometimes I stare at a piece of clothing, wanting so hard to envision it in crochet. It doesn't work that way. So I just forget about it, and weeks past and even months past, and still I don't have any new design!
Sometimes I panic and think I might not be able to live up to the name of crochet designer, or that I might not be able to keep earning to support myself and this hobby-business of mine. But surprisingly, it is when I almost give up that an idea, or a vision of a design comes up. I know I have to work on it right away and make it come alive, otherwise I would forget the idea and lose the inspiration that goes with it. So it is with my new tunic design. I cannot show yet the finished piece, but I can show you what led to its creation.


I have been wanting to make a tunic since several months ago. I started on one, but somehow I knew it wasn't what I wanted. I kept going with it though, till it was almost done. I liked the color when I started it, but later realized its not that good. (When I can finally show you my finished design, I think you'll agree that the color is wonderful.) I couldn't decide what kind of sleeves to add, and I also knew that it had to be longer on the body for it to be a tunic. Anyways, I totally scrapped this one. I came to the realization it wasn't going to work out, even if I added length or sleeves to it. Also, I did not intend for it to be as see-thru as it turned out.

Before I completely lose hope, I went out to do some clothes shopping at one of my favorite neighborhood store. I saw this P200. ($4.30) brandless tunic, I liked the color, and the soft fabric. I thought it was a bit like lingerie though. I don't know exactly how it inspired me, but because of it I was determined to create my own tunic design. What I was sure of was that it was going to have cap sleeves, and it was going to be shapely at the waist. I proceeded to work on my new tunic design. For the stitch patterns, I leafed through my notes and books, studied some patterns, and adapted it to my design. For the sleeves, I made up my own style of cap sleeves crocheted directly on the armhole. In less than two weeks, I'm finished and content with my new design :) I have yet to finalize the pattern, and draw up diagrams though...

If you're looking for a crocheted tunic pullover style, with cap sleeves and waist shaping, then you would surely love my tunic as I do ;)