November 2018 – Page 2 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

November 13, 2018November 19, 2019

Day 7 of Winter – Series 2 Edition

This is part 7 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 2 Edition.

Socks! Though I’m a pretty dedicated sweater knitter, I also love to knit socks. When I first started knitting about a decade ago, I was obsessed. Cuff down, toe up, afterthought heel, gusset – I loved it all.

Framework Socks (pattern link) in Bella Cash are knit from the cuff down in two colors of this machine washable cashmere (ooohhhh) blend. A slip stitch pattern creates the interesting texture on the leg and foot, but that’s not what I’m focusing on today.

I’m here to talk about the toe finishing on a top-down sock. The best way to join remaining stitches at the toe of a sock is by grafting, AKA Kitchener stitch. This is a technique that basically creates a row of knit stitches that is formed while joining two sets of live stitches. It is far superior to a seam because – who wants an uncomfortable seam on their toe?

I will be showing you how to graft with a contrast colored yarn so you can more easily see what’s going on.

The first thing to do is to cut your yarn after the last row of your pattern, leaving a tail about 3-4 times the width of the toe. Thread this tail through a tapestry needle. Place half your stitches on one dpn (front), and the other half on a second dpn (back).

Preliminary Step 1: Insert your needle purlwise through the first stitch on the front dpn.

Pull the yarn through the stitch, leaving it on the dpn.

Preliminary Step 2: Insert your needle knitwise through the first stitch on the back dpn.

Pull the yarn through the stitch, leaving it on the dpn. Set-up is complete. Now for the repeating action of grafting!

Step 1: Insert your needle knitwise through the first stitch on the front dpn and let this stitch slide off the dpn.

Step 2: Insert your needle purlwise through the next stitch on the front dpn but do not slide off the dpn.

Pull the yarn through.

Step 3: Insert your needle purlwise through the first stitch on the back dpn and let this stitch slide off the dpn.

Step 4: Insert your needle knitwise through the next stitch on the back dpn but do not slide off the dpn.

Pull the yarn through.

Repeat steps 1 through 4. When I’m grafting, I always have this running through my head: “Knit, Purl, Purl Knit.” It helps to keep me on track. If you’re grafting for the first time, I definitely recommend having a quiet space in which to practice. Once you get the hang of it, it’s easy enough to visually know where you are in the process. But in the beginning, it does require a bit of concentration.

Heres what my practice toe looks like after a few more passes. You can see how the contrast yarn is forming a row of Vs, just like a row of stockinette stitch.

I didn’t tighten up my yarn enough while grafting, so the stitches look sloppy. But its okay! I can just take the tip of my tapestry needle and snug up the loose stitches, traveling the slack off to the side.

The final two steps when there is just one stitch remaining on each needle is: knitwise through the front stitch, purlwise through the back stitch. Pull the remaining yarn tail through. The end!

And actually, if you’re making a practice toe, you should definitely wear it on your face as a mask.

Remember, you can find the Series 2 12 Days of Winter Kit Patterns on Ravelry.

November 12, 2018November 19, 2019

Day 6 of Winter – Series 2 Edition

This is part 6 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter 2018 Collection.

My number one goal when designing a scarf is to make it look good on both sides. This can be quite challenging! Many/most cables have a definite unpleasant look to their wrong sided rows. Fair isle in a scarf is better done in the round because A) curling and B) floats. But simple knit/purl texture can be very nice on a scarf, and easy to work, too.

Echo Scarf (pattern link) is knit in Dona. Scrummy, scrumptious, buttery, and soft with amazing stitch definition: Dona. This scarf features a generous amount of ribbing at each end that flows directly into the texture and reversible cable patterning on the body of the scarf.

It may be difficult to tell from the photos, but the main stitch pattern is only an 8 row repeat. The patterning is also shown in the pattern in chart form and also written text. I am 100% a chart person, but I know that some knitters prefer text because their brains don’t always “click” with the way charts are presented. I’ll never pass up an opportunity to talk about chart reading because I believe they are so much easier (once you get the hang of them) to follow at a glance.

To illustrate, I’ve highlighted a few sections of the actual scarf below that correspond to the chart.

A blank square means to knit on the right side and purl on the wrong side, and represents stockinette stitch. A square with a dot inside it means to purl on the right side and knit on the wrong side, and represents reverse stockinette stitch.

The squares are visually conveying what the actual piece of knitting will look like. The blank squares which are stockinette look plain and smooth, just as they do in the finished piece. So the idea is that when you look at the chart and see this arrangement of symbols, you can know what stitches come next just at a glance.

As a reminder, whether you’re a chart or a word person, this pattern still has you covered. Remember, you can find Series 2 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit patterns on Ravelry.

November 11, 2018November 19, 2019

Day 5 of Winter – Series 2 Edition

This is part 5 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 2 Edition.

Meet your new best friends: the Snowfolk (pattern link)! Agnes, Dorothy, and Maureen are a trio of knitters made from Deluxe Worsted. I love this yarn because it’s great for so many things – garments, accessories, home decor – you name it, Deluxe Worsted has you covered! This group of frosty friends is a joy to make, and you’ll have plenty of yarn to make more than three. We encourage you to have fun customizing your very own wintry knitting circle!

Universal Yarn Deluxe Worsted — Maureen (left), Agnes (center) and Dorothy (right).

Snowfolk is a collaboration between Amy (our amazing creative director) and myself (Rachel – Amy told me to add that I am also amazing). Between the three snowpeople we designed and the collaboration involved in this pattern (not to mention by our entire team who have made this collection possible), I started thinking about knitting in the company of others. I asked some of my colleagues what their favorite things about knitting with others are.

Here is what Amy had to say:

“I travel to a lot of knitting shows, and so I find myself knitting amongst strangers (or friends) quite often at these events. I love how this one thing that we have in common paves the way for such a strong bond between people. I have made many dear friends through knitting.”

Agnes wearing her colorwork hat. Stranded knitting is her favorite technique and she believes no hat should go without a pom pom. If she’s not knitting her hands are freezing! The muff solves the problem for her!

Heather told me:

“My weekly knitting group is a great way to decompress. I can share my worries with sympathetic people while also doing something soothing. Dropping in my with local knitting group has brought me lifelong friends – and a cat when a knitting buddy needed to move!”

Most of the time I’m someone who revels in knitting at home in the company of my pets, but there is something so nice about knitting with friends or seeing someone you don’t know knitting in public. That commonality often creates an instant bond. I love visiting my local yarn shop to catch up with the owner and her employee as I pass stitches from one needle to the other. Once or twice a year I treasure the moments when I can join one of my dearest friends in person to gush about what we’ve been knitting. A great friend who lives nearby joins me each week to knit and chat. If I’m honest, I don’t accomplish much when knitting with others! I may get through a few rows, but spending that time with those I care about while doing something we love is what’s truly special.

What do you love about knitting with others? Do you have a weekly knitting circle? Maybe you love attending shows. We’d love to hear about it!

Remember, you can find Series 2 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit patterns on Ravelry.

November 10, 2018November 19, 2019

Day 4 of Winter – Series 2 Edition

This is part 4 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 2 Edition.

Meet the Flocked Stole (pattern link):

This generously sized stole/shawl/scarf is knit in one piece from one end to the other. It uses Deluxe Chunky in my favorite heathered shade of gray, #91903 Charcoal Heather. On a size 10 needle, this is a project that isn’t going to take until next winter, either.

This project goes to show that rectangles do not have to be boring! The lace pattern in the main body of this stole uses centered double decreases which create angles on both cast-on and bind-off edges. The garter edging on each side also forms points, which brings me to the next thing I love about this piece – it is so easy to block!

To block, the easiest method is to use blocking wires and pins. You could also use pins by themselves on a blocking board. But I find it’s much easier to use the wires because I can stretch the item more evenly.

Because all four edges of the stole have points on them, I ran wires through the tips of these points, and then pinned my wires to a blocking board which stretched the whole thing out evenly. It’s almost always very important to block lace in order to open up the fabric, and also to even out the stitchwork.

Never used blocking wires before? This might be a good project to get started! I bet your LYS carries them – just ask!

Remember, you can find Series 2 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit patterns on Ravelry.

November 9, 2018

Free Pattern Friday – Prism Wrap

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Prism Wrap in Alpaculence (pattern link here).

Lightweight and sparkly, this design takes one ball each in two colors of Rozetti Yarns Alpaculence.

Worked flat in one piece, you alternate colors every other row and carry them up – don’t bother to cut and weave in those ends.

This would be a great companion piece to the Ziggity Hat (pattern link), another free pattern using Alpaculence in zigzags.

A simple pattern with striking results. We hope you enjoy it.

Have a great weekend, and happy crafting!

November 9, 2018November 19, 2019

Day 3 of Winter – Series 2 Edition

This is part 3 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 2 Edition.

Hats make such a satisfying knit. They’re small and portable, make great gifts, and they’re a fun medium to try out a new technique with.

The We Three Hats pattern (pattern link) includes three different hat patterns that can be made out of three colors of Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash. All hats are knit from the brim up to the crown. Each hat is a bit different, but one thing they all have in common is a coordinating pom-pom.

To pom-pom or not to pom-pom: that is the question.

And for me, the answer to that question will inevitably be: heck yes! I love pom-poms, all sizes. I have made many pom-poms in my life using lots of different techniques. I’d like to share with you my favorite way to make a pom-pom, along with a few little tips.

I’ve also used a homemade cardboard circle variation of this pom-pom maker shown in the photo. But I do love Clover’s manufactured sets. They come in lots of sizes and are pretty foolproof. Plus, they hold up a lot better than cardboard!

I like to use two strands of yarn because it makes wrapping the pom-pom maker go twice as fast. I use yarn from the inside and outside of the ball.

To begin, open up the hinges from both discs, along one side of the pom-pom maker. Begin wrapping yarn around both sides of the arced plastic pieces.

Continue wrapping yarn around the maker with even tension.

Think you’ve wrapped enough? Think again! Wrap yarn until it feels like the pom-pom maker is over-full. I usually try to count my wraps on one side so I can match the number on the following side.

This thing is wrapped as much as possible. Time to wrap the other side. Be sure to finish on the end as shown, so you carry the yarn to the other half of the maker to continue wrapping.

Close the side of the maker that is now wrapped in yarn and open up the other hinged side.

Start wrapping this second side as much as you did the first side.

This is going to be a beautiful and full pom-pom. I can tell already!

Cut the yarn. There is no need to leave a tail. But also cut two 12″ strands of yarn to set aside for later to secure the pom-pom.

Start cutting the pom-pom. The Clover pom-pom makers are very easy because you just cut in the groove between the two discs. Sharp scissors are a must for this step.

Cut all the way around the first half of the maker freeing these strands.

Then cut around the second half. Take care that the two halves of the pom-pom maker do not come apart yet. The strands are not yet secure.

Our pom-pom, unsecured, but cut. Not too pretty yet, but we’re getting there!

Take those 12″ strands that you set aside from earlier and tie them around the pom-pom, along the same groove where you cut apart the strands. I like to use two strands for this step because I like a full pom-pom, and there will be a lot of stress put on this tie yarn. If the yarn you’re using to make your pom-pom breaks easily, use a different yarn for the tie like linen, cotton, or acrylic. Two strands of my working yarn (Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash) were plenty strong enough in this case.

It is now safe to remove the pom-pom maker from the pom-pom.

It’s looking pretty good, but needs a little haircut to even out the edges.

Remember, you can find Series 2 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit patterns on Ravelry.

November 8, 2018November 19, 2019

Day 2 of Winter – Series 2 Edition

This is part 2 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 2 Edition.

Meet the Illusion Throw (pattern link)! Made using machine washable Uptown Worsted, this throw is squishy, resilient to pilling (perfect for everyday use!), and the perfect size to throw over your couch.

This graphic throw is inspired by one of my other favorite crafty things: quilting. Illusion Throw is definitely not like your grandmother’s quilt. Rather, it is a knitted interpretation of some beautiful modern and graphic quilts I’ve seen out there in the world.

I wanted to create a project easy enough for beginners (so no complicated shapes or shaping) but entertaining for more experienced knitters, too. The stitches themselves are easy – there is nothing more than knit and purl going on here.

The color changes – where white shifts to light gray and then to dark gray – this is achieved using the intarsia technique. I feel like intarsia sometimes has an unpleasant reputation, but it’s actually very simple to do. And there are only a few color changes on each row, so there is no need to have a thousand bobbins hanging off the back of your work.

To change colors with intarsia, all you’re doing is dropping the color you were using, picking up the new color behind the old one (to prevent any gaps or holes in your work) and knitting on. That’s it!

Remember, you can find Series 2 of the 12 Days of Winter Kits patterns on Ravelry.

November 7, 2018November 19, 2019

Day 1 of Winter – Series 2 Edition

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!

Last year we kicked off the collection with a pair of socks. This year we’re thrilled to do the same. For Day 1 of the collection, we have Mistletoes.

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.

Universal Yarn Adore Colors — 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).

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.

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.

Universal Yarn Adore — 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 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.

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.

Insert your needle behind the right leg and then the left leg of the naughty stitch.

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.

November 2, 2018June 23, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Duck Huntin’ Sue

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Duck Huntin’ Sue in Uptown Worsted and Uptown Worsted Tapestry (pattern link here).

This here’s the story of a girl named Sue. No, the lady in the glasses isn’t Sue…

Sue is the fuzzy yeller dawg. (I’m a native Southerner. I can – and do – talk this way sometimes). The Southern belle in the vest is Krista. She’s a talented crafter, and was kind enough to model this camo crochet vest in Uptown Worsted Tapestry, with a knit border in solid Uptown Worsted.

This vest was first worn by Lily Chin as a presenter at Stitches, and now we’re releasing it as a free pattern to you!

But wait, there’s more!

A crocheted quacker to match!

Sue says the duck should be hers, but we think that’s just a mallard of opinion.

Well, if she wants it that bad, it won’t ruffle our feathers. Better to play with the duck than our stash.

Have a great weekend, and happy crafting!

November 1, 2018

Bella Cash Worsted Giveaway Winners

Yesterday the opportunity to enter the giveaway for two skeins of our latest yarn, Bella Cash Worsted, came to a close. As promised, we have two winners: Cass and Kim T! A heartfelt congratulations to both of you!

That’s right – “cash” is short for cashmere. Mmmm

Curious what these lucky winners plan to make?

Cass commented: “I would make a shawl and matching fingerless gloves for my sister!”

We love that you’re planning to treat yourself and a loved one. That’s what crafting is all about, right?

Kim said she “would love to make some fingerless gloves” and that she’s “been trying to find the right yarn for this project.” Problem solved!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered the giveaway. It has been so fun to read about the things you’d like to make. Here’s a breakdown of some of your project plans:

With 21 comments about cowls, they seem to be the top choice! Like we mentioned before, the Cayuga Cowl was designed just for this yarn, so it’s the optimal choice!

Fifteen of you plan to make a scarf.

Might we suggest the Broken Garter Scarf by Amy Gunderson? This simple scarf has some really gorgeous results! The yarn is a bit thicker than the recommended Deluxe Worsted Superwash, so you might want to grab a third ball of each color, but how cozy would it be to wrap that scarf around your neck this winter?

Thirteen of you plan to make some mittens or fingerless gloves. We have a pair of mittens using this yarn coming your way, but we also think the Nutmeg Mittens would look great!

Deluxe Worsted Naturals — Nutmeg Mittens

Eight of you plan to make a hat. We’re busy working on pattern support for this yarn, and I can tell you we have a lovely hat design by Heather Hill coming your way very soon.

Can’t wait to cast on? We have some other options, too! Maybe you’re a cable fanatic? How about the Cold Mountain Hat or the Hazy Hat? Both of these would look beautiful in Bella Cash Worsted.

What an excellent variety of accessories! We hope you’ll share your projects with us. Thanks again for entering our giveaway!

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