This is part 3 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition.
Warm, neutral colors are essentials in my wardrobe, especially for Winter. I find those warm tones make the typically gray weather feel brighter, and they also tend to be flattering on all. I wanted to design a matching hat and scarf set for the 12 Days of Winter kits this year that felt elegant and still fun. Looking at colors of our Adore yarn, I was immediately struck by the combination of Sand (129) and Powder (104), and how it reminded me of my favorite winter beverage. So I designed the Chai Latte Set!
I’m a spicy food girl. The hotter the better, and one cuisine I adore is Indian. The depth of flavor, richness of the food, and variety always appeal to me. This decadence in spice doesn’t just apply to food in India, it also applies to beverages. A warm chai latte, to me, is like the essence of winter time. Delicious spices meld with tea and milk to make a cozy drink I cannot live without. Below, you’ll find a recipe for a homemade chai latte that is sure to warm you up during the cold months!
Image from BBC
Makes about 4 mugs of Chai
What you need:
cinnamon sticks – 2-3
cardamom pods (whole)- about 8
4 whole cloves
1 star anise
sliced ginger – 1 piece
3 black tea bags – Assam or English Breakfast tea works well
Your milk of choice
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
Using a dry skillet, toast the spices until they are fragrant, watching them carefully so they do not burn.
Add the spices, ginger, and tea bags to a small pot with 4 cups of filtered boiled water, and leave to infuse for approx. 10 mins (or longer if you want it strong).
Heat milk with brown sugar and stir. Once the sugar is dissolved, use a milk frother or whisk to lightly foam the milk.
To serve, use a strainer to strain the spices, ginger, and tea bags from the tea. Add the sugared milk, leaving the froth. Stir to combine. Finally, spoon the froth on top and you are ready to enjoy!
Once you’ve made yourself a nice mug of Chai, sit down with the Chai Latte Set kit and get to knitting! This set features a stranded colorwork snowflake on the front and back of the hat, each end of the scarf, and a lovely snow flurry-esque motif on the scarf body. The scarf is knit as a tube, so you never have to worry about seeing your floats when you wear it. A lovely pom pom adorns the top of the hat, and fringe is added to the scarf.
Adore is a blend of superwash fine merino and acrylic. It is a super-soft yarn, with a saturated and varied color palette. I ‘adore’ Adore, because it really is a luxurious yarn in a very affordable skein. Plus, it is easy to care for, so it makes an excellent choice for garments and accessories that will be worn often.
I hope you all enjoy your Chai Lattes, and knitting the Chai Latte Set! Remember, you can find the kit, along with the other 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store. Click here to find the one closest to you.
Few projects are more satisfying than baby projects. I always relish the opportunity to knit baby projects for several reasons. First, they are satisfyingly fast. Want to make a sweater in less than a week? Just throw a baby project on your needles or hook! How about in a few hours – try an accessory! Second, they’re small, therefore they’re cute. Does that need any further explanation? I didn’t think so. Finally, baby projects are great for perfect, lovingly handmade gifts. I’ve created numerous projects for my niece and daughter of one of my dearest friends, and I love knowing they’re staying cozy in knitwear!
Today, I want to share some great projects for all the little ones in your life. From cute sweaters to cuddly toys, you’re sure to find a perfect project.
Cotton is a popular choice for baby projects because it’s soft and easy to care for. Plus, it’s gentle and great for sensitive baby skin. Last year we introduced Cotton Supreme Sapling, a 100% cotton bulky-weight yarn that is – put simply – baby soft. Since then we’ve introduced two excellent projects for babies using Sapling: the Sunshine Throw and Daisy Cardi.
Sunshine Throw in Cotton Supreme Sapling
A striking lace pattern framed by garter stitch decorates the Sunshine Throw (pattern link). The lace motif is deceptively simple. It is an 8-row repeat that you’ll memorize in no time. This blanket would be an impressive gift at a baby shower, and an heirloom piece to last for years to come.
Daisy Cardi in Cotton Supreme Sapling
Whether it’s the baby’s first cardigan or your first time knitting a sweater, the adorable Daisy Cardi (pattern link) is a perfect choice. It features little more than beginner-friendly garter stitch and K1, P1 Rib but has lots of impact, especially when you add some cute buttons! Knit in Cotton Supreme Sapling, this cardigan is optimal for the chilly weather of autumn, winter, and early spring.
Storytime Blankies in Bella Chenille Big
Few yarns are softer than our chenille yarn family, consisting of Bella Chenille and Bella Chenille Big. These 100% polyester yarns create a velvety, plush fabric perfect for snuggling. The Storytime Blankies (pattern link), knit in Bella Chenille Big, are completely worthy of cuddles. These simple blankets feature a bit of twisted stockinette for a nice texture and a bold stripe in the center. It’s finished off with fun tassels little ones would love to play with. Which Way is Up? in Bella Cash
So far I’ve shared projects in bulky yarns, but finer yarns are also perfect for baby projects! Although we created Bella Cash, a blend of superwash merino, cashmere, and nylon, with all sorts of projects in mind, we specifically intended for it to be a yarn perfect for babies and children. We have the patterns to prove it, too!
Sized newborn to four years, Which Way is Up? (pattern link) is an excellent example of a baby project using machine-washable Bella Cash. Little arrows decorate this seamless raglan cardigan. If you prefer to knit accessories, try the sweet Heartsbloom Hat & Mitten Set (pattern link) instead. The superb stitch definition of Bella Cash shines in the textured accessory set, which is great for the chilly days ahead!
Heartsbloom Set in Bella Cash
Toys also make great gifts for babies. Unlike baby accessories and clothing, little ones are sure to hang onto stuffed toys well into childhood (and perhaps beyond!).
Pipsqueak in Bella CashPipsqueak (pattern link), a cute mouse crocheted in Bella Cash, is the perfect size for babies. Not too big, not too small. Spike stitches and pastel stripes add texture and visual interest to the project. All of Pipsqueak’s facial features are embroidered, too, meaning you don’t have to worry about making sure you have safety buttons for the eyes. (Side note: this pattern has a complementing jacket included – sized from 2 years to 12 years. Don’t miss it!)Itty Bitty Set in Bamboo Pop Sock
Earlier I touched on accessories for exceptionally quick baby patterns. Tis’ the season for keeping the head, hands, and toes cozy! The Itty Bitty Set (pattern link) is soft and stretchy thanks to the lightweight and breathable Bamboo Pop Sock. The combination of simple ribbing and elasticity of the yarn helps to ensure the little one can wear this project for more than a month. After all, they do grow up so fast!
Left: Mini Mittens Right: Toasty Toes – both knit in Adore
We also absolutely adore Adore for baby projects. In fact, I wrote a whole blog post dedicated to baby projects using Adore earlier this year. You can find it here (link). Like the other yarns I’ve mentioned, Adore is touchable and soft, yet durable and easy to care for. We’ve knit everything from baby blankets to accessories in this yarn. The Mini Mittens (pattern link) and Toasty Toes (both pictured above) are both projects that are great last-minute gifts. They also require so little yarn that you could easily make many pairs from just one ball. So if you have multiple babies in your life, you’re all set!
This list is by no means comprehensive. We have a plethora of wonderful patterns for children and babies. If nothing here strikes your fancy, don’t forget to browse or selection of patterns for children! You can find all of our children’s patterns here (link).
This week I want to chat a little about one of our favorite staple yarns: Adore. Comprised of 55% superwash merino and 45% anti-pilling acrylic, Adore is soft and easy to care for. It is exactly the type of yarn you reach for repeatedly because it ticks all the boxes. It has a broad palette of beautiful colors making it great for multi-color projects. This four-ply yarn is round and springy, giving it excellent stitch definition. It’s there for you whether you want to create a selfish sweater or the perfect gift for that upcoming baby shower.
Speaking of perfect for baby projects – let’s take a look at some of the great baby patterns we have for Adore.
Crosscut (sweater) and Parallelogram (blanket)
I’m pretty sure the quintessential handmade gift for babies is a blanket. Knit or crochet, if you’re a fiber artist, you’ve probably made one for a little one in your life. It’s easy to see why. Baby blankets tend to be fast (certainly faster than an afghan!) and you can be sure the little one won’t grow out of a blanket in a month or two.
Parallelogram in Adore: #130 Cream, #105 Cloud Grey, #111 Banana, & #110 Turquoise
For the knitters, we have Parallelogram. This is one of my designs, and it was inspired by quilts. It’s modern and graphic but is primarily comprised of garter stitch. It’s an incredibly easy pattern. It is knit in six strips that are sewn together. The way the stripes are arranged in each strip creates the larger blocks of color in the finished piece. If you’re looking for a mindless project with a bit of impact, Parallelogram is right for you.
Oasis Blanket in Adore #105 Cloud Grey, #101 Peony, #110 Turquoise, & #103 Capri
For the crocheters, we have the Oasis Blanket. This one is a personal favorite. Admittedly, I haven’t finished mine (yet!), but it’s so fun! It is created by making granny square motifs, sewing them together, and then working a border around the edges. What I love about this project is how portable it is. You can whip out your yarn and knock out a square any time and in any place.
Besties
Although blankets may get used for longer than a sweater, you can’t argue with the fact that lil’ babes are ADORE-able (see what I did there?) in sweaters. And baby sweaters are extremely satisfying projects. Raise your hand if you like saying you completed a whole sweater in a few days!
We have no shortage of cute baby sweaters that use Adore. If you enjoy combining garter stitch, stripes, and cute buttons, you’ll love the Besties cardigan. This simple pattern is seamless and quick. With Adore’s broad palette, the color options are endless.
Crosscut in Adore #105 Cloud Grey
If you’re looking for a sweater pattern with interesting construction, why not try Crosscut? This sweater is knit from cuff to cuff and has a striking cable panel along the sleeves and seed stitch along the neck and hem. We love the way Adore makes the cable and texture pop.
Cozy Kid Set in Adore #102 Pale Pink
Lovers of texture and twisted stitches will find the Cozy Kid Set on their needles in no time. This zippered cardigan is a great layering piece for fall and has a coordinating hat, too!
Special Gift Jacket in Adore #111 Banana
The Special Gift Jacket is a precious, crochet wrap cardigan. Scrunch stitches give it a beautiful, all-over texture. The delicate side ties might be my favorite detail!
Don’t have time to make a sweater or blanket? No worries! Why not try out the Mini Mittens or Toasty Toes? Better yet, why not make both? These are so fast! You can work them up in a matter of hours and they are sure to be your go-to projects for every baby in your life.
So, those are my picks for baby patterns using Adore. There is more where that came from, too, so be sure to peruse our website for patterns that suit all ages! Happy crafting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Purls & Triangles Blanket in Universal Yarn Adore(pattern link here). Looking for a simple project with visual impact? This blanket is for you!
Adore is a super soft blend of machine-washable merino and anti-pilling acrylic – making this a seriously baby friendly project. Bonus: this yarn has great stitch definition, so it is ideal for designs with texture. In this blanket, knit and purl stitches join forces to create an all-over triangle pattern with just a touch of seed stitch along the border. The stitch pattern is easily memorized and it’s great for new and seasoned knitters alike.
We’ve chosen 120 Jade for this blanket, but I think it would look equally spectacular in 113 Apricot or 117 Hazel. What can I say, I love warm colors! With 32 colors to choose from, you have plenty of options. Which will you choose?
Happy crafting, friends!
This is part 1 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 2 Edition.
We can hardly believe it’s already November. Knitting season is in full swing. Our needles and hooks are full of warm and woolly goodness. We’re preparing for the holidays – working tirelessly on special projects for friends and family. Here at Universal Yarn, we’ve also been working hard to create the second annual installment of a beautiful collection of wintry kits to welcome the season. So, at long last, we’re able to reveal the first of twelve special kits. Say hello to the 12 Days of Winter 2018 Collection!
I’m a big fan of stranded colorwork. It may take a backseat to knitting cables, but for some reason, I simply cannot resist a good pair of colorwork socks. The Mistletoes socks combine self-striping Adore Colors and Adore for a visually striking effect.
Notice the changes in color for the colorwork portions. That effect is created by Adore Colors.
Despite the beauty of stranded colorwork, many knitters find themselves intimidated. Like everything else in knitting, once you’ve done it you realize how simple it really is. If you haven’t done colorwork before I want to empower you to get your feet wet – if you have, I want to encourage you to learn a bit more! Let’s get down to it! I’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you along the way.
Get comfortable with charts. This is something else that can intimidate knitters, but it’s essential for colorwork. I’d actually argue that colorwork is an excellent introduction to reading charts since you’re usually only looking at colors. Last year I included some tips and tricks for understanding charts. You can find the full post here (link).Â
Manage your yarn. Managing your yarn well when knitting colorwork can make the process so much more enjoyable. I recommend keeping each ball of yarn on a separate side to prevent unnecessary, annoying twists and tangles.Â
Notice one ball is placed on the left and one is placed on the right. This prevents them from twisting around one another.
Taking care of tension. This is probably the most important aspect of stranded knitting. To achieve the results you want, your tension should be even. Why? Floats. Since you’re carrying two strands of yarn across the back of your work, one of the yarns will always be “on hold” while you work stitches with the other color.
The right and wrong sides of the work. Notice the floats of yarn on the wrong side. They’re quite pretty!
If your floats are too tight, the fabric will pucker. Puckered fabric is considerably less elastic and will appear a bit bumpy – taking away from the beautiful patterning you worked so hard on. Not to worry, though! There are ways to ensure that your floats are even and not too tight. I’m personally a pretty tight knitter, so I use these techniques, too.
Use larger needles. First things first: swatch, swatch, swatch! Once you do, you’ll realize that your gauge in stockinette stitch is different than your gauge in stranded knitting. To combat the difference, changing needles helps a lot. Expect to use needles that are one to two sizes larger for stranded portions of your knitting. Most patterns, including the Mistletoes, will direct you to do this. However; that’s not always the case. Keep this in mind whenever you’re knitting colorwork.
Turn your work inside-out. This is exactly what it sounds like. By turning your work inside-out, your floats will be facing you while you’re knitting. It doesn’t change the actual knitting at all, but it’s a simple way to manage your floats. By carrying your floats on the outside, you’re allowing them a bit more room. This trick is simple, easy, and effective.
Notice the right side is on the inside of the round.
Notice that the wrong side of the fabric is facing outward.
Gently stretch your work. Chances are that you’ll sometimes have a stitch that’s a bit odd – perhaps a bit too tight or a bit too loose. You can rectify the issue by occasionally stopping to give the fabric a gentle stretch. Don’t be overzealous as that can cause stitches to get more uneven. A little goes a long way.
Gently stretch the work downward.
Gently stretch the work horizontally.
Manually even out oddball stitches. Like I’ve mentioned above, there are instances where a stitch looks a bit wonky. If a gentle stretch doesn’t help you can manually pick the stitches around it to try and even things out.
Oh no! Look at this awful little stitch! It’s far too tight and hidden by the surrounding stitches. Good thing you can work some magic!
Insert your needle behind the right leg and then the left leg of the naughty stitch.
Once you’ve picked up both legs, gently tug on the stitch – give it a little wiggle.
The naughty stitch has realized the error of its ways! You can now see the stitch very well and it looks lovely alongside its friends. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done!
Block it out! Blocking is magic. The process evens out stitches, so when you finish your work be sure to block it! Once the yarn blooms it will fill up any negative space in your fabric allowing your colorwork to shine! Just be sure to follow the care instructions on your yarn label so that you don’t unintentionally damage the fabric. Side note: we have a post to help you understand yarn labels, too. Find it here (link).
Look how pretty and even the colorwork is after blocking.
That’s it! I hope these tips and tricks will help you as you knit the Mistletoes or any stranded colorwork. Remember, you can find Series 2 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit patterns on Ravelry.
