Aubrey – Page 55 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

September 4, 2014September 3, 2014

Throwback Thursday – Jenna Cardigan

It’s Throwback Thursday!

Fall is almost here – or so they tell me. Those of us here in the South still have a little longer to wait. Maybe knitting a lovely cool weather design will help hurry things along!

Enter the Jenna Cardigan. Originally knit in Dolce Merino, this would look great in both Merino XF and Deluxe DK Superwash wool. The nice thing about the substitution is that while this would have taken 16 balls of Dolce Merino for a size 2X, it uses fewer than eight balls of Deluxe DK Superwash. I love a beautiful sweater that won’t break the bank!

We wish you breezy fall weather – and happy knitting!

September 2, 2014

AFGHAN KNITALONG – BLOCK THIRTEEN

Block Thirteen is live!

Plaid! I don’t know why I didn’t think about this as an option, but I love it. Little squares within the square.

Plaid to the Bone uses elongated stitches to create raised lines that cross the surface of the stitch and give texture. Amy shows us how that works.

Just a few extra wraps, dropped on subsequent rows. Easy peasy. I must confess to having gotten a little sneak at the next block, which is also a variation on plaid, and I can barely wait for everyone else to see it too.

As always, you can share your blocks (and feedback) with us here, on Facebook, or in our Ravelry group. Check back in two weeks for the next block in the series!

August 29, 2014

Free Pattern Friday – Croc-a-Scarf!

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Rawr! It’s the Croc-a-Scarf in Classic Shades!

This crochet piece is worked lengthwise in crocodile stitches, creating a crescent that follows the shape of your shoulders. Self-shading Classic Shades, shown here in colorway 733 “Jubilant,” provides effortless color. What a vibrant and fun crochet project!

August 28, 2014August 28, 2014

Throwback Thursday – Back to School Vest

It’s Throwback Thursday!

Today, we feature the Back To School Vest. This vest was originally designed for Deluxe Worsted Concord Tweed, a member of the Deluxe Family that had flecks of color throughout. It was exactly the same weight as Deluxe Worsted and Deluxe Worsted Superwash 100% wools, making it a perfect match for those yarns.

If you’re looking for a more tweedy look, I have to mention Llamalini. I mention it because it’s a gorgeous yarn, but also because we just got in four new colors and really, I’ll take any excuse to knit something out of Llamalini’s blend of linen, royal llama, and silk bourette. So luxurious.

The Back to School Vest is knitted in the round up to the armholes, then back and forth to the shoulders. This is pictured as a top, but would also work well as a layering piece. I can see this with a pair of jeans over an untucked shirt for a look that says, “yes, I look this good without even trying.”

Happy knitting!

August 22, 2014August 22, 2014

Free Pattern Friday – Idyll Hat and Cowl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Idyll Hat and Cowl in Ariana.

We just got a new yarn in, and as so often happens, we got super excited and had to make something new! Ariana (100g/91yds) is a unique yarn. It’s a kind of a mesh tube made of bamboo with a squishy polyamide filling. Based just on the pictures I’d seen, I knew it would have excellent stitch definition, but I wasn’t expecting it to be so soft to the touch. I’m always up for a bulky-weight squeezable yarn!

The pattern is both written and charted, and works up quickly on US size 10 needles (size 9 for the hat). Maybe my “to knit” list is getting too long, but I don’t care, this is getting added. There’s always room for a super-soft hat and cowl!

August 21, 2014August 21, 2014

Throwback Thursday – Garter Rib Cowl

It’s Throwback Thursday!

Today, we share the Garter Rib Cowl. Originally designed for Cashmere Fleur de Lys, this pattern would provide plenty of style in any worsted weight yarn, particularly one with a bit of spring to it.

This would be a great two ball project in Uptown Worsted 100% anti-pilling acrylic, as well as Deluxe Worsted or Deluxe Worsted Superwash 100% wool. It would be a three ball project with a bit more drape in Llamalini, but with the heathered tones of that linen/llama/silk bourette blend, it would be a great look.

I’ve got some Deluxe Worsted left over from my 30 Day Sweater KAL project, and this looks like the perfect project for it. A simple two-row repeat on size 9 needles sounds like a great break from back-to-school insanity. Let’s all knit and relax!

August 18, 2014

Afghan Knitalong – Block Twelve

Block Twelve is live!

Love it! Raising Cane (ha!) builds on the single twists of Block Eleven, bringing in a crossover twisted main stem. But this block adds a couple of new techniques.

First, there’s twisting stitches by working through the back loop. Amy Gunderson demonstrates with this video, showing how to work both knits and purls through the back loop to create a twisted stitch that really stands out from its background. This is a very effective technique when used with a smooth yarn like Uptown Worsted.

Next, there’s the matter of crossing over! You may recall that last time we shared a video on adding right and left traveling twists to your knits. This time, we build on that by adding right and left traveling purls. This lets those twisted stitches that pop so well move to outline the leaves.

I don’t know about you, but I learned something! And I’ll definitely keep twisted stitches and right and left twists in my knitting toolbox as a method for outlining other designs or adding more texture to my projects. Very exciting!

We’d love to see your blocks! You can share with us on Facebook, or in our Ravelry group.

Check back in two weeks for the next block in the series, and a new technique!

August 15, 2014August 15, 2014

Free Pattern Friday – Back to School Backpack

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Are you ready for school? Me neither! But the Back To School Backpack is a reminder that it’s time to gear up for Fall.

I love the combination of self-shading yarn with a solid Deluxe Worsted Superwash accent and tie. The entire backpack is worked in one piece. Begin by knitting the back piece from the center out. Next, work the side and bottom sideways and attach to the back piece as you go. Stitches for the front piece are worked from the outside in. Voila! A minimum of seaming!

This design is made in our brand new Classic Shades Metallic (175yds/100g). When I say “brand new,” I mean that we literally just got our first shipment from the mill a few minutes ago. Classic Shades Metallic has the gorgeous self-shading tones and sheen of Classic Shades, plus metallic thread for extra bling.

Now that it’s arrived, there goes my productivity for the day.

Happy knitting!

August 14, 2014

Throwback Thursday – Antonia

It’s Throwback Thursday!

Today, Antonia!

Antonia was originally designed for Dolce Merino, a great 50/50 merino/microfiber blend. Fortunately, we have two excellent substitutes!

Merino XF Superwash is 100% extra fine merino. Very soft, very springy, and just the right weight to make this cool-weather cardi. Alternately, we’d recommend knitter-favorite Deluxe DK Superwash 100% superwash wool. If you want to perfectly duplicate the look of the original, several of the greens are a very good match.

The braid portion of the pattern consists of right twists of the type we’ve been working on in our Afghan Knitalong. The bobbles are made by knitting multiple times into the same stitch, then immediately decreasing to make a raised bump in the fabric. They really pop against the reverse stockinette column background.

We hope you enjoy this free stylish cardi-style jacket. Happy knitting!

August 10, 2014

Sunday Swatch – Saki Bamboo

Today’s Sunday Swatch is in Saki Bamboo color 101 Crayon Box.

Saki Bamboo is a soft machine washable blend of superwash merino, rayon from bamboo, and a little nylon for extra durability. I love how crisply this yarn stripes up.

I picked this yarn because there’s a project I’ve been wanting to start, and Saki Bamboo seemed like the perfect fit. The Mystik Spiral socks use short rows to create a diagonal band across the foot and leg of a sock, ideal for a strong self-striping yarn. Sure enough, it’s looking pretty great.

I’m delighted with how well the stripes are turning out, and how soft the bamboo content makes these socks. This is definitely going to be the project I keep in my purse on vacation this year.

Happy knitting!