June 2017 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

June 30, 2017

Free Pattern Friday – Vane Shawl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Vane Shawl crocheted in Cotton True Sport.

Summertime can lead to a bit of crafting doldrums. We may not feel like covering our lap with a huge in-progress blanket when the days are long and warm. But there’s no reason to put down the hook and needles – there are plenty of great warm-weather yarns and projects out there!

Take today’s for instance. The Vane Shawl calls for an E-4 (3.5mm) hook and 6 balls of Cotton True Sport, a light 100% Pima cotton that practically radiates “cool.” The pattern itself is my favorite kind of shawl – worked from the top down. Fewer repeats on rows as you get to the final point means that progress gets faster as you go.

The fringe is a fun, summery detail. A nice touch on a pleasant project that won’t weigh you down.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend.

Happy crafting!

June 23, 2017

Free Pattern Friday – Skylark Capelet

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Skylark Capelet in Radiant Cotton.

A few days ago we had someone on Facebook point out (correctly) that we’ve been offering more knit than crochet patterns, and that we need to be sure to show our crocheting friends some love. It’s a point well-taken, and I was delighted that we had something coming up so quickly that fit the bill!

The Skylark Capelet calls for three hanks of Radiant Cotton, a smooth 100% Egyptian cotton with a light sheen somewhere between mercerized and matte. It’s a pleasure to work with.

What I love about this capelet is that just by varying the number of buttons and where you choose to fasten them, you could easily turn this from a capelet into a buttoned cowl, or really into any shape you wish. The edging lends itself particularly well to buttoning.

There’s no limit to what you can do with this versatile crochet piece.

We hope you have a great weekend, and take time to make something just for you!

Happy crafting!

June 16, 2017January 14, 2020

Free Pattern Friday – Mingle Cowl

Today, we have a small piece of heaven for you in the Mingle Cowl.

This cowl soothes my psyche with its shades of blue and gray. Two strands are held together throughout the cowl making this a pretty quick project, too. Knit up in our new fall yarn, Bella Cash, this piece is soft as a newborn kitten making it perfect for a piece that will be worn against bare skin.

Bella Cash is a 2/sport weight, comes in 20 solid colors, and is machine washable. Oh wait, and did I mention – there is cashmere, too! Mmmmm.

Blue not your thing? How about 102 Blush + 109 Snow?

Or 107 Coffee + 106 Oat?

I also like classic 108 Ebony + 109 Snow.

Happy knitting and happy weekend!

June 9, 2017June 9, 2017

Free Pattern Friday – Cardinal Jacket

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Cardinal Jacket in Major.

We love this versatile piece not just for its great use of self-shading bulky Major (328yds/200g) but also for its easy construction.

This cozy open front cardigan is knit sideways. Essentially, you’ll be knitting a big rectangle, binding off on one row and casting back on on the next to make holes for the arms. Sleeves are knit flat, joined to the armhole openings, and then seamed.

The stitch pattern is a twelve-row repeat called Shifting Horseshoes. It’s both written and charted. The fabric has a subtle wave, and it’s not too hard to read your stitches once you’re in the groove of knitting it.

Add a closure if you wish, or wear it open, or gather it with a shawl pin. It’s a versatile piece.

We hope you enjoy this loose and lovely cardi!

Happy knitting!

June 2, 2017

Free Pattern Friday – Zephyr Tank

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Zephyr Tank in Flax and Flax Lace.

I. Love. This. Because I don’t know what it’s like where you are, but here, it’s starting to get hot. All I’m saying is, this cat has the right idea.

But I still want to knit! Enter Flax and Flax Lace.

Flax Lace. Cool and fine. Just like you.

100% linen in DK and laceweight. I feel cooler just looking at it.

The Zephyr Tank has a body knit in Flax. It flares out at the hips for a nice silhouette. The Flax Lace edging at the hem is knitted on the same size needle as the body, giving it a nice drape.