December 2015 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

December 18, 2015December 18, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Diamonds are High

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Diamonds are High in Deluxe Bulky Superwash.

Earlier this week I posted two thick and quick scarf projects in our new yarn, Deluxe Bulky Superwash (100g/87yds). The more I handled this yarn, the more I wanted to make something with it myself. So here it is – Diamonds are High.

This Fair Isle hat is knit on size 11 needles at a little under 4 stitches per inch. To keep the ribbed brim from flaring, as can sometimes an issue, increase the number of stitches just after the k1p1 section. As long as your tension is good in the diamond sections, this is a nice, stretchy hat.

Credit where it’s due: I brought the hat to Amy Gunderson and said, “this needs something, but I don’t know what.” It was she who suggested “big pompom” and she was 100% right. It really takes it over the top, so to speak.

This might be someone’s gift, but then again, it might stay with me. Nothing brightens your day like a colorful hat with a giant puffball on the top. Although after making this hat, I’m pretty sure I have enough for a second one with the colors reversed. I could make a gift and keep one for me. It’s the best of all worlds!

Happy knitting!

December 14, 2015December 14, 2015

Deluxe Bulky Superwash – Two New Scarves

11 days until Christmas!

I always seem to start these posts with, “are you ready for the holidays?” There’s a reason: I am never ready for the holidays. If, like me, you’re searching for something fresh that will work up quickly, we’ve got you covered!

We introduced Deluxe Bulky Superwash 100% wool (100g/106yds) this Fall. It’s a little thicker than our favorite Deluxe Chunky, and, as the name implies, it’s machine washable. That’s two of my criteria for quick holiday projects met.

Best of all, we’ve already introduced a couple of free knit and crochet patterns for this yarn.

At right, the Nesting Diamonds Scarf. This one might seem a little ambitious for Christmas, but do what I do: “I’d love to do the dishes/vacuum/shop for your mother’s gift but I need to finish this scarf.” Boom. Extra knitting time and fewer chores.

On size 10 1/2(6.5mm) needles, this is a lovely tasseled scarf that won’t break the bank or take forever. The body simply knit and purl, with slipped stitches at the edges of the scarf to create a neater border. The pattern is written and charted – take your pick of what’s more comfortable for you.

Next, the Ambrosia Scarf. Long and luscious, the scarf loops around for a dramatic look. The puff stitch arcs make for a soft and inviting feel with a lot of visual interest. Crocheted on a US Size N-15 (10 mm) hook, this is another one that will go quickly but still be satisfying to make.

We hope you take some time to make something beautiful for yourself as well. You deserve a break to enjoy the holiday season!

Happy crafting!

December 11, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Holly Jolly Socks or Stockings

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Holly Jolly Socks or Stockings in Uptown Worsted Tapestry.

Ho ho ho! Have you been very good? A little bit good? Well, Knitting Santa says you’ve been good enough, so we offer this holiday sock/stocking pattern as a gift!

Uptown Worsted Tapestry (180yds/100g) is a machine washable favorite for babies and adults, but there are a couple of colors that really stand out for the holidays.

812 Yule Time, with its classic red, white, and green color scheme, is used in the popular free Elfkin set for sizes 6 months to 6 years at right. We’re also partial to color 806 Emerald, which has a lovely blue spruce feel to it that fits right in under the tree.

These socks are worsted weight, knitted on US size 6(4mm) double-pointed needles. As you can see, they’re small enough to fit as socks great for sliding across the floor to see what Santa left you. They also include a small crochet loop so you’re free to hang them as stockings if you wish. We use size 6 needles for a tight fabric so no little gifts fall through the holes.

Knitted toe-up with a Turkish heel, one ball of Tapestry and one ball of Uptown Worsted 302 White Glow for the heels and toes ought to do it for small sizes. If your feet are longer than 9″, consider grabbing an extra ball of Tapestry. This handy guide to foot sizes from the Craft Yarn Council may be helpful in estimating, although I wear a US women’s size 8 1/2 or 9 with 9 1/2″ long feet and these socks fit me just fine.

We hope you have a great weekend of crafting and good times.

Happy knitting!

December 4, 2015April 3, 2017

Free Pattern Friday – Lightning Strikes

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Lightning Strikes shawl in Bamboo Bloom Handpaints and Deluxe Worsted.

Is it corny to say that Lightning Strikes hit me like a bolt out of the blue? Too bad, because it did. Amy Gunderson created this luxurious shawl using variegated Bamboo Bloom Handpaints (154yds/100g) and Deluxe Worsted 100% wool (220yds/100g) It’s such a great combo. The Deluxe Worsted comes in a multitude of shades. It’s easy to find a color to bring out whatever tone in the Bamboo Bloom you wish.

Short rows are worked back and forth in the contrasting color to create widening and narrowing rows of solid color, bending to a V-shaped lightning fork across the shawl’s spine. The natural thick/thin quality of the Bamboo Bloom helps soften the edges of the short rows into more organic curves. I love the fringe – it reminds me of rain in a storm.

Calling for one hank of Deluxe Worsted and two of Bamboo Bloom Handpaints, worked on size US Size 10½ (6.5 mm) needles, this is not a particularly time or money-intensive project, although it is one with electrifying results (pardon the pun). It’s also available as a kit from your LYS in the blue above, or with Bamboo Bloom Handpaints color 302 Koi Pond.