July 2021 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

July 23, 2021July 26, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Holiday Jay

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Holiday Jay in Cotton True Sport (pattern link here).

Have you ever had a favorite sweater that you loved, and were sorry to put away when the weather warmed up? That’s the origin of today’s beauty, the Holiday Jay.

Our Managing Director Yonca Ozbelli was in love with the Jay Sweater, designed by Rachel Brockman in Kingston Tweed.

Shown in Kingston Tweed 110 Beryl (MC) and 102 Calcite (CC).

Yonca’s not alone – this sweater’s gotten a lot of love from the knitting community. We were so taken with it that we had to make more than one .

Shown in Kingston Tweed 101 Talc (MC) and 108 Amethyst (CC).

When temperatures started to climb here in North Carolina, Yonca decided to adapt the pattern in one of our favorite summertime yarns, Cotton True Sport.

She opted to call this short-sleeved version the Holiday Jay, because the colors and Fair Isle yoke feel very wintry. We love it when Yonca wears her “Christmas in July” sweater – it’s inspirational to see all the ways we can make a pattern just right for our own tastes and circumstances!

Shown in Cotton True Sport 102 Bright Red (MC) and 117 Bright White (CC)

Like the original Jay sweater, Holiday Jay is sized from XS through 5X. Yonca’s chosen red and white combo is delightful, although this would look equally striking in many other bright/dark contrasting combos. Maybe 112 Boysenberry and 118 Marshmallow, to make a bubbly cobbler a la mode version?

…and just like that, I’ve talked myself into another project. Can’t wait to cast on!

Have a great weekend, and stay cool.

Happy crafting!

July 16, 2021July 16, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Kite Handbag

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Woman wearing cream-colored crochet handbag slung over shoulder.

Today, the Kite Handbag crocheted in Clean Cotton (pattern link here).

We’re so lucky to have another beautiful crochet design from Edie Eckman!

Image of cream-colored crocheted purse lying in grass,

For this simple, classic design, Edie used Clean Cotton, which is 85% recycled cotton and 15% recycled polyester. It’s Earth-friendly and beautiful!

As well as solids, Clean Cotton is available in multis, for a lovely speckled effect in your projects.

Step one will be to make three individual squares, working in the round from the center out. Then join them at the edges to create the bag’s shape.

After joining, you’ll add a simple edging to the top for stability and a finished look.

Finally, add a handle. For ease, we used a handmade leather strap from Danish company muud, maker of fine leather bags. Here, we used a muud Hudson at 50cm (19.7″) long Hudson strap. You could also use the 70cm (27.5″) Hudson XL for additional length. They’re both available in black and in whisky on our site or from your LYS.

We love these straps because the simple swivel clasps are effortless to add and remove from your bag for easy care. Unclip the strap and toss your bag into the washing machine!

We hope you enjoy this beautiful, timeless crochet project. Have a great weekend – and happy crafting!

July 9, 2021July 9, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Carseat Blankie

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Carseat Blankie in Cotton True Sport (pattern link here).

This is a pattern we’ve had a lot of requests for – a baby blanket, but not too big and heavy, and sized to drape over a little one’s lap during a car ride.

Something that’s simple to make. Something practical, but pretty. Designer Aubrey Busek ticked all those boxes here.

The basketweave pattern she uses is all knits and purls – great basic knitting that produces a beautiful textured fabric. It’s written and charted, so you can take your pick of what instructions work best for you.

Aubrey picked lightweight Cotton True Sport for this pattern, for good reason. This 100% pima cotton is soft, smooth, and machine washable. Anyone who has shaken out a blanket full of Graham cracker crumbs knows how important easy care is for these projects. The 100% cotton keeps your little one comfy but not too hot- a sweaty baby is a cranky baby!

Just three balls will make this perfectly-sized 25 ½” x 21 ½” (64.7cm x 54.6cm) blankie. This would make a great shower gift, or really an anytime gift, for a harried parent. To borrow a phrase, this project is practically perfect in every way.

We wish you a cool and comfortable weekend! Happy crafting!

July 2, 2021July 2, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Edisto Shawl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Woman wearing knitted shawl and facing away from viewer

Today, the Edisto Shawl in Bamboo Pop Sock (pattern link here).

Designer Rachel Brockman has once again channeled her love of nature into an inspiring design. This bright, warm-weather shawl took its name from beautiful Edisto Island.

No wonder – this breezy beauty would be the perfect accessory for a walk along a windswept beach.

Wool-free Bamboo Pop Sock is a great choice for this shawl – and just one ball of two colors is all it takes.

We love this shawl so much we made it in two colorways. The combination of 505 Tide Pool and 507 Breeze seen above…

…and the more subdued 502 High Tide and 503 Jetties shown here.

Both are stunning.

This is a lovely pattern, designed to make maximum use of your two balls of Bamboo Pop Sock. You’ll be knitting flat on US5/3.75mm needles (or whatever gets you gauge).