Free Pattern Friday – Paper Flowers

Woman in knitted lace pullover. Text reads, Free Pattern Friday, Paper Flowers in Uptown Baby Sport

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Woman wearing lace pullover knitted in Uptown Baby Sport

Today, Paper Flowers knitted in Uptown Baby Sport (pattern link here).

Do you love lace? Then today is for you! Rachel Brockman uses allover lace stitches on the body of this pullover to add extra elegance.

A lace body is offset by bracelet-length stockinette sleeves, and a boat neck enhances the piece’s overall vintage vibes. But this is a luxurious sweater with a secret!

Ball of Uptown Baby Sport yarn

This lacy delight is actually an affordable, easy care project, thanks to Uptown Baby Sport 100% anti-pilling acrylic! I have to tell you, I used to be a yarn snob, but the Uptown yarns converted me. They’re so soft! When I compare Uptown to the acrylics I used as a young crafter just starting out, it’s like night and day. And it’s hard to argue with results like this gorgeous project!

Absolutely beautiful. I think my queue just got longer again.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend, full of inexpensive treats and priceless joy.

Happy crafting!
-Heather Hill

Flash Pattern Friday – Serafina

It’s Flash Pattern Friday!

On the last Friday of the month, we take a beautiful paid pattern and set it free for a limited time through Ravelry. Today it’s Serafina, knitted in Fibra Natura Ravello (Ravelry link here).

Serafina was designed by Rachel Brockman as part of the Perennial Knits collection, showcasing five timeless patterns in Ravello. We love this design so much we put it on the cover!

And what’s not to love? There’s a delicate, lacy hem with a touch of stranded colorwork…

…bordering a simple stockinette body, with raglan sleeves and constrating edging. All together, Serafina is graceful, polished, and beautiful.

Light green ball of Ravello yarn sitting on knitted lace

The gorgeous stitch definition and depth of color come from the yarn, Ravello. This 50% cotton/50% cashmere blend feels like a dream and works up smoothly and easily. This is one of my favorites from our Italian mill, because it is so versatile in warm weather, and because of the faint haze that the cashmere gives to the cotton. True luxury.

With its inclusive sizing and seamless construction, this pattern will appeal to a range of knitters. It certainly appeals to me. My queue continues to grow!

To get Serafina free, use the buy it now or add to cart links on the Ravelry pattern page linked here. Then enter coupon code FLASH where you see the “use a coupon code” links that appear during purchase. Not a Ravelry user? Drop us a line by the end of Sunday 6/26 and we’ll get you taken care of.

Have a safe and fun weekend.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

Free Pattern Friday – Delilah

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Delilah knitted in Flax (pattern link here).

Lightweight, lacy, and perfect for summer, Delilah is a linen luxury that’s tailor-made for warm weather.

This design comes to us from Aubrey Busek. If you know her work, it’s easy to see her creative touches: she always brings a certain flair to her designs, as with the bohemian tassels adorning this asymmetrical triangular shawl.

Aubrey chose Flax 100% linen yarn for this design, and no wonder: when it comes to summer fashion and comfort, you really can’t go wrong with linen.

Closeup of hanks of Flax linen yarn in shades of blue

Delilah is a perfect topper to any outfit you choose. We’ve paired it with a long summer dress here, but it’s simple to style any number of ways. Its 50″ length looks great wrapped over the bodice, draped loosely at your neck, or artfully thrown over one shoulder.

Delilah’s lace repeat is easy to memorize, and a great match for its soothing stockinette center. This shawl is just as fun to work up as it is to wear.

This is definitely a design to bump to the top of the queue.

We hope you have a cool and relaxing weekend.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

Free Pattern Friday – Leaf Lace Dress

sleeveless knitted lace toddler dress paired with white top, laid flat. Text reads: Free Pattern Friday, Leaf Lace Dress in Magnolia

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Light green sleeveless children's dress with lace skirt

Today, the Leaf Lace Dress knitted in Magnolia (pattern link here).

First, though, here is actual footage of me seeing this dress for the first time:

Teenage girl Anna from the movie Frozen squealing in excitement
Squeeeee!

So adorable. And such fun to knit! This raglan-sleeved project is worked largely in the round, beginning at the hem with gorgeous lace.

Closeup of knitted leaf lace design

Look at this beautiful skirt! Designer Rachel Brockman has both written and charted this section to make it easy to follow. Rachel’s choice of Magnolia yarn for this design provides excellent drape and definition!

Three skeins of Magnolia yarn in shades of blue and green
Colors Left to right: 109 Brunch, 114 Citrus Leaf, and 110 Frayed Denim

Magnolia‘s blend of 95% plant-based modal with 5% cashmere makes it cool in warm weather, but also gives it an extra touch of luxury! The stitch definition is divine, for maximum impact in that leaf lace skirt. It’s a soft, smooth yarn with a beautiful sheen – one of our favorites for summer. And since Magnolia is machine washable, it will be fine for the baby or toddler who makes the inevitable mess!

Light green sleeveless children's dress with lace skirt paired with white top

Sized from newborn through 18-24 months, this charming short frock would be perfect for so many occasions – I’m thinking specifically of a summer wedding I’m going to this month, where this would not be out of place at all. I’m also imagining the look on a prospective mom’s face getting this at a baby shower:

We hope you have a fantastic weekend, full of fun projects!

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

Flash Pattern Friday – Delphi Stole

It’s Flash Pattern Friday!

On the last Friday of the month, we take a beautiful paid pattern and set it free for a limited time through Ravelry. Today it’s the Delphi Stole crocheted in Cotton True Sport (Ravelry link here).

Woman with light green filet crochet shawl draped over her shoulders

Amy Gunderson designed this as part of Contrarian Shawls 2, a collection of charming knit and crochet shawls designed in our Fibra Natura line of yarns. It’s a lovely filet crochet pattern. If you’ve never tried filet crochet before, this is your lucky day! When this pattern was first released, Amy shared blog posts on how to work filet crochet, and on how to create edging for this shawl.

Thanks, Amy!

For this design, Amy chose Cotton True Sport, a smooth, fine 100% Pima cotton yarn which lends itself well to knitting, weaving, and crochet.

Shown: 106 Summer Green

The Delphi Stole is a great summertime accessory, and we’re delighted to make it free this weekend!

To get the Delphi Stole free, use the buy it now or add to cart links on the Ravelry pattern page linked here. Then enter coupon code FLASH where you see the “use a coupon code” links that appear during purchase. Not a Ravelry user? Drop us a line by the end of Sunday 5/29 and we’ll get you taken care of.

Have a safe and happy weekend.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

Sunkissed Summer Collection Review

This week we released the bright and flirty Sunkissed Summer collection! It features five summery projects to knit and crochet, and trust me – you’ll want to make all five.

Sunkissed Summer: the Magnolia spring collection

This collection highlights our light and luxurious Magnolia yarn. Its modal and cashmere blend makes for projects that are silky, smooth, and perfect for the warm weather of the season. Some fiber friends have shared that it’s hard to stay motivated to work on projects when it’s warm, but it’s actually the perfect time to set aside wool and welcome in this lighter alternative. It is a delight to work with, and finished projects boast a beautiful sheen and incredible drape. Plus the colors are all so juicy and fun. With names like Dreamsicle, Brunch, and Key Lime, you feel like you’re indulging in all the best parts of summer while you work!

Magnolia

The first project I’d like to feature is the crocheted Paradise Pouchmy own design! This was a joy to create and I’m thrilled to have the chance to share a bit about it. The bag features two identical panels with a vibrant central mandala that is rhythmic to create. You’ll explore post-stitch work along with texture-rich rounds to make this mesmerizing accessory. For added intrigue there are colorful tassels that frame your work with fun!

Paradise Pouch designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre

Next up, lets take a look at Sunburst by Aubrey Busek. Its design captures the radiance of a rising sun with curved sections reaching like rays towards the burst of fringy tassels along the edge. The lace and bold colors create dynamic lines and shapes that can spice up any outfit you choose. When you drape this piece around you, you’ll feel transported to a breezy beach which you can carry with you wherever you go.

Sunburst Shawl by Aubrey Busek

Lastly, lets check out Sailfin, a striped stunner by Rachel Brockman. This colorful scarf is inspired by the glorious stripes of the saltwater sailfin fish. The scarf’s eye-catching colors and pattern are just as captivating as its underwater muse. The smooth texture allows for the colors and drape of Magnolia to stand out and shine. Pair this accessory with your favorite summer outfit and be ready to receive joyful compliments all day!

Sailfin by Rachel Brockman

There are still two other projects, the Painted Sunset shawl and the Seagrass top, yet to explore in this collection. Which one is your favorite? If you’re like me and you are having a hard time choosing, then get them all! The collection bundle is just $20 compared to $6 for each accessory pattern, and $7 for the Seagrass top. Until Friday 5/13 there is even more savings on our Ravelry page. To celebrate this collection release, you can snag an extra 15% off – no code needed!


That’s all for now, friends. Happy Stitching!
Ashley Jane

Free Pattern Friday – Rippled Waters

Closeup of woman holding a light blue knitted wrap. Text reads Free Pattern Friday, Rippled Waters in Papyrus.

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Woman facing away from viewer, holding a light blue knitted wrap outstretched.

Today, Rippled Waters knitted in Fibra Natura Papyrus (pattern link here).

Designer Aubrey Busek took her inspiration for this design from still waters, kissed by a breeze that ripples the surface. It’s apparent in the lace elements…

Closeup of knitted twisted rib wrap pulled over a woman's shoulder to show the fabric.

…and in the choice of twisted rib, a stitch which gives a dimensional element to the body of the piece.

Assortment of balls of Papyrus yarn.

Also adding to the texture, the choice of yarn. Fibra Natura Papyrus is composed of a light and luxurious cotton/silk blend with a fascinating feel. Easy on the hands to work with, Papyrus is a great yarn for warmer weather. It adds a certain 3D quality to your fabric.

Smiling woman in green dress facing camera. A blue wrap knitted in Papyrus is draped over her shoulders.

I’ve got some stashed away, waiting for me to cast on for my Beechnut Pullover. But looking at this wrap, maybe I should go ahead and make this instead. Or both. Yep, that’s it, both.

We hope you have a fantastic weekend, full of love and joy.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

Free Pattern Friday – Norwood

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Norwood knitted in Whisper Lace (pattern link here).

Rachel Brockman’s gorgeous Norwood was originally a pay-only pattern, but today we’re setting it forever free!

It was first published as part of the Lakeside Retreat collection of patterns designed in our Fibra Natura line of natural fiber yarns.

Rachel’s penchant for creating a simple, clean design and then adding a decorative twist is beautifully realized here. The majority of the body is a field of simple stockinette…

…with one side panel graced with decorative cables, lending a whole new dimension to the design.

The eight row cable repeat is both written and charted. Use what works best for you. You may notice something else about this pullover.

It’s very light! In luxurious laceweight wool/silk blend Whisper Lace, worked here on US3 / 3.25mm needles, Norwood is a perfect piece for those spring and fall days when the weather isn’t quite sure what it wants to do, or when you want to cut the chill of the breeze coming off the water. Rachel leans into that intention with graceful three-quarter length sleeves.

All together, Norwood is a beautiful, versatile design in a luxurious and surprisingly affordable yarn.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

Projects Perfect for Easter

Hi there, crafters! We’ve entered one of my favorite times of year: spring. Flowers are blooming, bees are buzzing, the days are longer, and the air smells sweeter. This is a great time to break out the warm weather yarns and start a new project! Easter is just around the corner, and I thought I’d take this opportunity to share some patterns that I think are perfect for the holiday and the spring season.

Easter Earl, a stylish little bird

I couldn’t mention patterns for the season without first sharing Easter Earl. Designed by Rachel Brockman, Easter Earl is an adorable stuffed chick that is knit using Ricorumi DK Cotton. Easter Earl is approx 8″ tall, perfect for decorating a dresser or desk, and his body is knit in the round from the bottom up. The wings, feet, and bow tie are worked separately and sewn to the body. If you’re a knitter looking to make a stuffed toy, Easter Earl is a great place to begin! Ricorumi Cotton DK is designed for amigurumis and other small projects. It is a soft, yet durable cotton and holds structure for projects like these. Whether you make Easter Earl to fill a gift basket, or for yourself ‘just because’, he is a fun project that will get you in the mood for the season!

Lunaria Socks

The Lunaria Socks, designed by Allison Lutes, were our free pattern Friday release last week. Made using two colors of our Bamboo Pop Sock, I can guarantee these will become your favorite warm weather socks. Bamboo Pop Sock is a stretchy blend of bamboo, cotton, and PBT that is cool and breathable. They are worked from the cuff down with a heel flap & gusset construction. Allison added a sweet floral motif, tiny bobbles, and a cute picot edge to the cuff for this design. As a girly-girl who loves anything floral, I absolutely love these spring-y socks! I’d make mine using the colors 606 Valentine and 603 Dandelion.

Cotton Candy Swirl Shawl

Everyone loves a one-skein-wonder project! If you have somewhere to go for Easter or another event this spring, consider making the Cotton Candy Swirl shawl. Crocheted using our 100% superwash extra fine merino yarn, Cobblestone, Cotton Candy Swirl is an easy level pattern that uses treble crochet stitches to create a lacy fabric. Cobblestone boasts over 600 yards per skein, so one will make up this entire accessory. Perfect for throwing over your shoulders for an event (a spring wedding, perhaps?) or just for going out and running errands, the Cotton Candy Swirl shawl is a piece of cake.

Bunny Got Back Socks

In the mood to make something whimsical? I love the Bunny Got Back knit socks, designed by Amy Gunderson. These ankle socks feature an adorable colorwork pattern of little bunny backs, and a pom pom on the ankle. You can sport your own bunny tails now! Using a soft color palette of our Bella Cash yarn, it keeps them wearable for every day. Bella Cash is a blend of superwash fine merino, cashmere, and nylon that is currently 50% off on our website! This fine weight yarn makes a great choice for delicate garments and accessories, kids projects, as well as socks. It is easy to care for, but has a luxurious feel due to the cashmere fiber content.

The last pattern I wanted to mention is the Pierpont sweater, designed by Melissa Leapman for our Perennial Knits pattern collection. Knit using cotton/extra fine merino/cashmere blend Ravello, this sweater is lacy and dramatic in all the right ways. My grandmother was a super stylish lady, and she loved interior decorating. This sweater reminds me of the little ceramic apricot color bunnies she always decorated with for Easter, which is why I wanted to share it in this post. I think it would be a perfect garment to wear for any event you have this spring, or just for your Easter family brunch. Ravello’s fine weight combined with its fiber content make it perfect for the spring season. It is light and breathable, but will keep you warm if there is a chill in the air. If peach tones aren’t your thing, don’t fret. Ravello comes in a widely varied color palette with something for everyone.

Bamboo Pop Sock yarn

Comment which of these spring projects you’d want to make first! Stay tuned this week for even more Easter fun coming to our website!

Happy Crafting,
Aubrey

Free Pattern Friday – Lyrist Shawl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Lyrist Shawl knitted in Wool Pop (pattern link here).

So beautiful. Soooo beautiful. And I love that it has enough techniques to keep you focused, and to maybe learn something, too!

There’s slip stitch colorwork for the body of this asymmetrical shawl. Designer Rachel Brockman chose Wool Pop in color 621 Dijon (4 skeins) for the main color, and color 627 Empress (2 skeins) for the contrast. They’re both very vibrant tones, but pairing the lighter color with a dark makes this truly striking.

The diamond lace edging uses right and left twists to create a lovely texture. You’ll knit the slip stitch portion, then use intarsia to join it to the panel in the same row. Decreases will occur along one edge in the body portion of the shawl.

Rachel chose our popular Wool Pop for this design. Its blend of bamboo, wool, and polyamide create the perfect fabric for this shawl, with just the right mix of drape and resilience.

Wool Pop’s different fibers take the dye in different ways, creating a saturated, multi-hued look with a beautiful sheen.

This is not so much a mindless knit as a mindful one. It rewards the maker with a stunning garment they’ll reach for again and again.

We wish you a wonderful weekend, full of beauty and light.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill