Texture, Color, Blocks

February 24, 2021February 25, 2021

Texture, Color, Blocks

Just before the start of 2012 (when I made a New Year’s Resolution to learn to knit), I can recall a moment when I was shopping and suddenly thought “I want to learn to make a sweater.” I can’t recall if it was a particular sweater that inspired me, or if it was simply the notion of creating something both beautiful and functional. Either way, to this day I often find myself inspired by ready-to-wear (RTW) apparel. I think the inspiration goes both ways: RTW designers are inspired by handcrafters, too. When I’m on the go, I snap photos of interesting details, save pins, admire silhouettes, stitch patterns, and more. I’m confident that I’m not alone, too. I can’t say I know a maker who hasn’t been inspired by something they’ve spotted in the wild, whether it’s a specific garment or a current trend.

That seed of inspiration eventually sprouts into unique and interesting designs. Today, I wanted to spotlight a ready-to-wear trend that truly nods to the homegrown handmade items: patchwork and texture blocking. This style lends itself to scrappy projects, playful samplings of stitches, and a lot of room for creative expression. These garments are statement knits and don’t necessarily need to be polished, but they certainly can be. Here are just a few examples from ready-to-wear fashion.

Left to Right: High Snobiety scarf; J. Press cardigan, Line & Dot sweater/skirt set

Perhaps the most notorious textural, patchwork sweater was designed by J.W. Anderson and donned by Harry Styles. This sweater took social media by storm with many fiber artists creating their own versions of it. It was so popular, in fact, that the designer published the pattern (link) so you can make your own. Might I suggest Deluxe Bulky Superwash if you’re so inclined to make your own?

The now iconic J.W. Anderson sweater that has been recreated by thousands of knitters and crocheters!

Today I’m going to spotlight several sweaters using our yarns that tick all of those boxes. Get ready for a healthy dose of inspiration!

The Street Art Vest is knit using five colors of Dona: #130 Steely (MC), #103 Amber (CC1), #132 Alabaster (CC2), #125 Navy (CC3), & #131 Onyx.

We’ve been seeing knitted vests left and right – so what could be more on point than a color and texture blocked vest? Add an off-centered zipper and the result is truly a statement knit. The Street Art Vest (pattern link) is just the kind of zest design you’d expect from designer Amy Gunderson. In fact – you’ll notice that most of the patterns I’m sharing today are her designs!

One of the most exciting things about these patchwork projects is that they’re essentially sampler projects. It’s hard to get bored! This vest utilizes a combination of intarsia, twisted stitches, cables, and knit-purl textures. Thanks to the superior stitch definition of 100% superwash extra fine merino yarn Dona, the motifs stand out – even in the darkest colors. I love the industrial palette of this project with a dash of yellow to add just the right amount of zest.

Our theme today isn’t strictly about multi-color projects. In fact, monochromatic texture-blocking can look rather elegant. For those who aren’t comfortable sporting boldly colored garments, the single-color variations of this trend are an excellent option. Just take a look at #07 Lace Pullover (pattern link), designed by Amy Gunderson and published in the Fall, 2019 issue of Vogue Knitting m agazine. This design also uses Dona and the results are stunning. A breath-taking sampling of lace and twisted ribbing for the trim make this sweater as polished as can be.

*Ainsley is knit using four colors of Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash: #912 Ebony (A), #910 Porcelain (B), #913 Smoke (C), & #905 Pine (D).*

Ainsley (pattern link) is another exciting design by Amy Gunderson. Much like the Street Art Vest, this design features intarsia and a variety of rich textures. It is knit using Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash – a tweedy, woolly yarn that adds a rustic quality to any project. The relaxed fit gives this piece an androgynous appearance. It’s easy to wear with anything, and the v-neck lends itself to a bit of layering.

Soiree uses Deluxe DK Superwash in colors #861 Blue Rustic, #818 Dusty Blue, 860 Twilight Rustic, & #838 Twilight.

In the Fall, 2020 issue of Vogue Knitting, the patchwork inspiration was in full display in #7 Soiree. We love the cool shades of Deluxe DK Superwash. Bishop sleeves and a funnel neck make this piece especially cozy. Designer Laura Zukaite made bold textural choices for this design. It includes intarsia, chunky cables, fisherman’s rib, garter stitch, classic K2, P2 Ribbing, and lace. You’ll get to exercise all of your knitting skills with this pullover.

My own contribution to this selection of patterns is Lollipop (pattern link), knit in Donnina. This design is perfect if you want to play with color blocking and texture blocking, but it doesn’t fully step into patchwork territory. This candy-colored cutie features two different twisted stitch motifs and a pop of cherry twisted ribbing along the neckline. It’s lightweight, making it perfect for the spring weather we’re all dreaming of.

Those are my picks for patterns that use color, texture, and blocks to create a visually stunning product. How do you feel about this patchwork trend? Do any of these patterns speak to you? We’d love to know!

Happy crafting!

February 10, 2021

Design Spotlight: Galentine

How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? Some people aren’t a fan of those “Hallmark Holidays,” but personally, I enjoy them. It’s frivolous fun, whether you celebrate by yourself or with someone special. Love it or hate it, we’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy the surprise free pattern we’re sharing just in time for Valentine’s Day. Say hello to Galentine (pattern link)!

You can wear the sleeve with the cuffs folded up, or not. Whatever makes you happy!

So, why Galentine? Well, first, how could we not choose a Valentine-related name for such a happy pink sweater? But more importantly, this sweater was designed by our managing director, Yonca, for her daughter, Talya. Mother, daughter, sister, friend – who wouldn’t want to treat their favorite gal-pal to a hand-knit sweater? (Side note: this isn’t the first sweater Yonca has knit for Talya. You might recall the Flouncy Fringe Tank from last year, another cute design!)

Talya requested a cozy, oversized pullover with a funnel neck and roomy sleeves that she could scrunch up or fold at the cuffs. And, as you can see, Galentine is just that. We love the funnel neck featured in this design. It’s perfect for keeping you extra warm on these chilly February days.

Dona comes in a variety of beautiful colors, many of which are perfect for Valentine’s Day! Here, Aubrey is holding balls of Dona in colors #108 Red Delicious, #111 Sweet Pea, and #114 Camellia.

Galentine is knit using staff-favorite, Fibra Natura Dona. It’s a dk-weight, 100% extra fine superwash merino wool yarn that is a dream to knit (or crochet). Its plump, smooth, and round texture give it unbeatable stitch definition. Although this pattern is mostly stockinette, the ribbing pops in Dona. Yonca used color #114 Camellia for the design, but Dona boasts a palette of 38 colors so there is truly something for everyone. Personally, if I was opting for a pink version I’d go with #112 Smoky Peach…but my top choice would be #105 Gingerbread – a burnt orange hue I can never resist!

This sweater is knit flat in pieces from the bottom up and seamed. After assembling the body, the neckband stitches are picked up and knit in the round. This is an easy pattern and would make a great first sweater. It’s excellent for virtual knit nights when you might find yourself a little distracted while chatting away with your friends.

So you might be thinking, “there is no way I can knit this before Valentine’s Day”. Of course not, but if you did we’d be super impressed! We primarily named it Galentine because of the delightful pink and its purpose as a gift. This sweater is great no matter when you choose to knit or wear it! However, if you are looking for a Valentine’s Day present, may we suggest the Stavanger project bag (pictured above) by muud? It would make a great last-minute treat for yourself or a loved one.

Stavanger is a crossbody project bag great for taking your WIPs on the go. The top opens with two zippers and inside there is room for yarn, notions, and your project. Earlier I mentioned that Galentine is knit in pieces. This makes the project more portable and there is plenty of room in Stavanger to store your yarn and the piece of the sweater you’re working on. It’s also great for shawl projects and other small accessories. Stavanger comes two colors: black (as shown) and whisky (a lovely brown).

Stavanger features several pockets for storing notions and the inside has plenty of space for your yarn and project.

So what will you treat yourself to this Valentine’s Day? A cozy new sweater? Decadent Dona? Or a nifty new project bag? We’d love to know!

P.S. For more Valentine’s Day inspiration, be sure to check our Instagram feed (link) this week, where we’re highlighting some seasonal favorites!

Happy crafting!

January 13, 2021

Still Life – Six Painterly Projects to Knit

Today I’d like to highlight one of our more recent pattern collections, Still Life (link). It’s always fun to put together a pattern collection. This one is especially close to my heart because this is the last collaborative collection between our former creative director, the amazing Amy Gunderson, and myself. That means this collection has also been a long time in the making. Originally, these patterns were developed for another yarn, but sometimes things just don’t work out the way you originally planned. When we had to say goodbye to the intended yarn, we didn’t want to say goodbye to this collection. How could we? The pieces are all so beautiful. That’s why we reimagined them in our Deluxe Worsted Superwash and Deluxe Worsted Tweed. Today I’m going to share each of these projects with you and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

The first pattern in the collection is a contribution by Amy Gunderson. The show-stopping Chiaroscuro (pattern link). This seamless, top-down pattern features a bold slip-stitch colorwork motif across the circular yoke. I’ve always been a fan of mock-neck and turtle neck sweaters. As someone who is perpetually chilly, they maximize my comfort during the winter months. So, the high, ribbed neckband of Chiaroscuro is perfect for me. I also love the contrast color rolled stockinette trim that decorates the hem and sleeve cuffs. This is a casual piece that is begging to be knit. Our sample uses Deluxe Worsted Tweed which gives it a rustic appeal. However, if tweedy nubs aren’t your thing, simply use Deluxe Worsted Superwash instead – the yarns are totally interchangeable!

Chiaroscuro by Amy Gunderson in Deluxe Worsted Tweed

Next, we have Delft (pattern link), knit in Deluxe Worsted Superwash. This is my design, and while I don’t mean to boast, I have to say I just love it! I’ve worn the original sample of this design so much! It’s the perfect layering piece. The raglan shaping ensures a great fit. Twisted ribbing pops along with the hem and button bands, but what I love most are the horizontal bars created by using slipped stitches. Delft is another seamless pattern and is knit from the bottom up. You work the body and sleeves separately and join them at the underarms and complete the sweater in one piece.

Delft by Rachel Brockman in Deluxe Worsted Superwash

Those who love a good sampler project will enjoy Leyster (pattern link), designed by Amy Gunderson. This lengthy scarf is perfect for wrapping around your shoulders during the cool months of autumn and winter. The design is loaded with textural motifs that are a blast to knit, and you won’t get bored because the motifs alternate frequently. Leyster is an excellent project for a beginner knitter ready to tackle something more interesting than garter stitch.

Leyster by Amy Gunderson in Deluxe Worsted Superwash

Another project that uses Deluxe Worsted Superwash is the cozy shawl, Pointillé (pattern link). Like all of the designs in this collection, Pointillé is richly textured. It features three lovely colors. I love the crescent-shape of this shawl and find that it drapes around the neck and shoulders so easily. The stitch patterns are easily memorized and addictive to knit. The finishing touch is a crocheted picot trim – admittedly a design feature I can’t get enough of!

Pointillé by Rachel Brockman in Deluxe Worsted Superwash

Although I always say I favor knitting sweaters and hats, shawls are also high on the list of my favorite things to knit. They come in all shapes and sizes with varied construction methods. I’ve never really been bored with a shawl. Angular, asymmetrical triangles are a popular shawl shape, likely because of their modern design appeal. Verdigris (pattern link) falls into the asymmetrical triangle category, but with a twist. Stitches are actually increased on two sides of a cable panel, breaking this pattern up into beautiful and interesting sections.

Verdigris by Amy Gunderson in Deluxe Worsted Tweed

The final piece in the collection is another pullover: Vermillion (pattern link) in Deluxe Worsted Tweed. This pullover features bracelet length sleeves, slip stitches, cables, and a sweet split hem on the front. I designed the hem so that the ribbing shifts neatly into the center panels. I’m pretty sure this piece is going to be a favorite of mine to wear during the transitional seasons!

Vermillion by Rachel Brockman in Deluxe Worsted Tweed

I hope you’ve enjoyed taking a look at the patterns in the Still Life collection! We’re so happy with how this collection turned out. Which projects do you plan to put on your knitting needles? Do you have a favorite piece in the collection? We’d love to know in the comments!

Happy crafting!

January 6, 2021

Yarn Spotlight: Nymph

Happy New Year! We can’t believe the holidays have passed and that we’re nearly a week into January. After the trying times of 2020, many of us are pleased to welcome the new year. While I’ve never been big into resolutions for the new year, I do hope to press pause more often and savor the present more. That doesn’t mean I’m not looking forward to the new and exciting things the future holds, though.

Here at Universal Yarn, we’re busy working on the upcoming seasons – new yarns, pattern collections, and more, and as always we’ll be thrilled when we can share them with you. Speaking of new yarns, I thought I’d take today to showcase Nymph, the most recent addition to our yarn lineup. And, with new yarns come new patterns. Shall we get started?

When a sample of Nymph first made its way onto my desk, I was immediately smitten. As soon as I touched it I knew we had to add it for an upcoming season. It was so soft that I found myself petting the skein frequently while it sat on my desk. I couldn’t wait to knit with it!

Nymph is a blend of 84% cotton and 16% polyamide. It is a chainette yarn. Chainette yarns are made up of narrow plies that are actually knit into a hollow tube, making them resemble a tiny I-cord. In Nymph, the chainette is comprised of cotton, but the magic comes from the fine polyamide fibers blown into the hollow core of the chainette, creating a gorgeous, fluffy halo that is kitten-soft. Not only is it soft, but the construction makes the cotton feel lighter and airier than more traditional cotton yarns. Knitting and crocheting with this yarn is truly a joy.

Currently, this yarn is available in seven beautiful colors and we have eight more that will be available later this year. Exciting! As with every new yarn we introduce, we also include free patterns. After all, what’s a yarn without a sprinkling of inspiration for what to make with it? We have two patterns available on our website now and another one dropping this Friday, but you’ll get a lucky sneak peek today. Let’s take a look at the offerings.

First up, the Rosette Cowl (pattern link). As I mentioned earlier, my relationship with this yarn was love at first sight. After creating my initial swatches, I knew this yarn needed to be knit into something cozy to wear around your neck. That’s how the Rosette Cowl came to be. I opted for an easily-memorizable twisted stitch pattern framed by simple K2, P2 Ribbing. The result is a textural cowl that is irresistibly cozy. One of the things I love about Nymph is the fantastic stitch definition. The honeycomb motif is clear and beautiful in this yarn.

We love the textural pattern in the Rosette Cowl.

The Rosette Cowl requires three skeins of Nymph in color #104 Antique Rose to make the sample size. This pattern is easy to adjust, too. You could reduce the depth to get a smaller cowl with just two skeins. Alternatively, you can increase the number of stitches you cast on in increments of four to create a cowl with a larger circumference. Just remember – you’ll need a bit more yarn if you want to increase the size.

Nymph has such a lovely drape, as is evident in this photo of the Rosette Cowl.

Next up, the Velvet Dreams pullover (pattern link). I adore this cute little sweater! It is precious and feminine – featuring a lace panel along the center of the front and back. My favorite feature, however, is the lacy ruffle that decorates each sleeve. The sample is knit using color #102 Salvia. It is modeled by my darling niece, Malaika. She is five and a half years old and is wearing the 4-6 year size. Malaika fully approves of this sweater, and she was a bit bummed when I told her she couldn’t keep it. I guess that means I need to make one for her soon!

A lovely lace panel adorns the front and back of this pullover.

Velvet Dreams is sized from 1-2 years to 6-8 years and would be a great gift for any little one in your life. It is knit flat from the bottom up and seamed. After assembling the body, stitches for the sleeve ruffles are picked up and worked flat. Finally, the neckband stitches are picked up and knit in the round.

The sleeve ruffle on Velvet Dreams is almost too cute to handle…and so is the model, but I’m biased!

I promised a sneak peek at the next pattern we’re revealing in Nymph, so here it is: the January Sweater! This wintry pullover features stranded colorwork, proving that Nymph is a well-rounded yarn great for a variety of techniques. This seamless, top-down design is pretty straight-forward and I suspect that fans of the Jay Sweater will also enjoy this pattern. It would be great as a first sweater or first colorwork project.

This January Sweater is shown modeled by my sister, Amber, who happens to be Malaika’s mama, too. She loved the feel of this yarn. So there you have it, Nymph is kid-tested and mother-approved!

That’s all I’m going to reveal for now – you’ll have to tune back in on Friday to grab a copy of the pattern and read more about it here on the blog. I hope you’ve enjoyed taking a closer look at Nymph. It’s definitely a new favorite of mine! You can find Nymph on our website (link) and at your local yarn store (store locator link).

Happy crafting, everyone!

December 4, 2020November 30, 2020

Day 12 of Winter – Series 4 Edition

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

Well, somehow it’s already Day 12 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection! We’ve had so much fun sharing our annual collection of wintry kits with you, and we’re finishing things off with a fabulous little cowl designed by the wonderful Edie Eckman. To sweeten the deal, this kit comes with a pattern for both a knit version and a crochet version, too! You heard me right – whether you’re a knitter, crocheter, or both – this kit is perfection!

Left: Crochet Sugarplum Cowl; Right: Knit Sugarplum Cowl

The Sugarplum Cowls are created using lavish Fibra Natura Dona in colors #130 Steely, #111 Sweet Pea, and #134 Glacier. Dona is a yarn comprised of 100% extra fine superwash merino wool. This yarn boasts superb stitch definition and is an absolute joy to work with.

If you’ve been following us for a while, you may recall that we asked for Edie’s contribution to our 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection last year, too. Her Forest Garland also featured a knit and crochet version and was a hit. This year, I presented her with a similar challenge and asked her to share a bit about her design process with me. Here is what she had to say:

“Little design challenges can be good. If we let them, they can stretch our thinking and spark creativity.

A little design challenge is what Universal Yarn presented me with when preparing for this year’s 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection:

·       Use three colors
·       Use no more than one ball each color
·       Create an accessory with both a knitted version and a crocheted version
·       Keep it to advanced beginner level skills

Having parameters like this makes me have to think more carefully. How can I incorporate and balance the colors, when I can use no more than one ball each? How can I make both a knitted and crocheted version so that they look similar? How do I keep it simple enough for beginners, but interesting enough for more experienced crafters? And maybe most importantly, how I can I make it attractive and wearable?

Of course, having a beautiful yarn like Dona helps a lot. Those icy-winter colors and the smooth texture of the yarn enhance stitch definition, no matter what stitch you use. It’s such a great choice for so many types of projects!

For these Sugarplum Cowls, I settled on a chevron pattern, a classic for both crocheters and knitters. The increases and decreases that make the zig-zag pattern keep you on your toes just enough to maintain your interest, but not so much to cause frustration once you get the pattern established. And because it’s made in the round, there are no annoying seams to deal with!

Whether you choose to knit or crochet, I hope you enjoy making your Sugarplum Cowls. I certainly enjoyed the little design challenge.”

I hope you enjoyed hearing about Edie’s design. We love working with her, and you can find even more of her patterns in some of our other yarns on our website.

We sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed following along as we’ve highlighted each kit in the collection. Remember, you can find the Sugarplum Cowls and the rest of the 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store. Click here to find a shop that carries our yarn near you.

Happy crafting!

December 3, 2020November 30, 2020

Day 11 of Winter – Series 4 Edition

This is part 11 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition.

It’s already Day 11 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. Time is flying by, and we’re all feeling the holiday spirit. Today we’re revealing a beautiful project: the Inkberry Shawl, knit in soft, plush Donnina. This shawl uses low-contrast, semi-complementary colors #215 Purple Beet and #227 Balsam for a beautiful effect.

This shawl was designed by the talented Jennifer Sadler. She has such a knack for creating designs that are welcoming for knitters of all skill levels, and this shawl is no exception. It’s a soothing project full of garter, simple stripes, and airy eyelets. I asked Jennifer to share a bit about her inspiration and design process. Here is what she had to say:

Garter stripes balance out the blocks of color on each end of this lovely shawl.

“When it comes to knitting during the holidays, I enjoy projects that allow me to knit while watching a holiday movie or enjoying a cup of hot tea or coffee while visiting with family. I wanted to design something that fit that bill, while also being a very cozy and wearable finished object. The Inkberry Shawl is perfect knitting for watching TV or chatting. The long sections of garter stitch are the best for zoning out a bit while still being productive!

We love the generous size of this scarf.

While I love garter stitch, I wanted to add in a bit of texture for both visual and knitting interest. The garter lace stitch I chose is an easy to memorize 4-row repeat. And to make it easier to continue to zone out while knitting this shawl, there are no purls at all!

The asymmetrical triangle shawl shape is hands down my favorite shawl shape. I find it to be the easiest to wear, and a shape that requires hardly any adjustment throughout the day because it lays so nicely. The lovely Donnina yarn, made up of 100% superwash extrafine merino, gives the shawl a bouncy and squishy feel. The finished shawl would make a wonderful gift, or a lovely addition to any wardrobe. My hope is that you enjoy knitting Inkberry while staying cozy this holiday season!”

Wrap the shawl snugly around your shoulders for extra warmth and comfort.

We’re so glad that Jennifer contributed her lovely design to this kit collection. She certainly achieved the goal she set out for when she created this design. I’d love to knit one for myself, and a mindless knit sounds perfect given the crazy year 2020 has been. Despite its generous size, it would knit up surprisingly fast thanks to the simple stitch work.

Remember, you can find the Inkberry Shawl Kit and the rest of the 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store. Click here to find a shop that carries our yarn near you.

Happy knitting!

December 2, 2020November 30, 2020

Day 10 of Winter – Series 4 Edition

This is part 10 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition.

It’s Day 10 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, Series 4! Today is all about a nice throw to keep you warm and cozy all winter long. Say hello to the Lantern Throw. If snuggling up under a thick blanket with a cup of cocoa and a good book sounds like the perfect winter evening, you won’t want to miss this plush project!

The generous size of this blanket is perfect for sharing and is sure to cover your toes.

Chunky projects seem to be all the rage, and it’s no wonder, because projects made with super-bulky yarn work up satisfyingly fast. That’s certainly the case with the Lantern Throw. Blanket projects, even when knitting with worsted weight yarn, can be a big undertaking with progress that feels somewhat slow. However, add in some nice, thick yarn and it’s as though you’ve hit fast-forward. That’s why I chose to use Be Wool for this design. I love just that you can get such a large blanket out of less yarn than it takes to make most sweaters.

Snuggle up to this cozy blanket – it’s irresistable!

Be Wool is a super soft, bouncy blend of 60% acrylic and 40% wool. It’s perfect for homewares because it’s machine-washable and easy to care for. We suggest US Size 17 (12 mm) needles for this yarn in order to create a fabric that isn’t too dense and has just the right amount of drape without sacrificing structure.

Chunky braided cables add to the beauty of this otherwise simple design.

The Lantern Throw is decorated with oversized cables throughout. The specific type of cables are Braided Cables in a motif in which each cable mirrors another. If you haven’t knit braided cables before, or if you are completely new to cable knitting, fear not because I’ve got your back. I’ve created a thorough tutorial where I show you exactly how to knit the cables used in this pattern.

I hope you enjoyed that tutorial and that it gets you on the right track for knitting your own Lantern Throw. Remember, you can find the Lantern Throw and the rest of the 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store. Click here to find a shop that carries our yarn near you.

Happy knitting!

December 1, 2020November 30, 2020

Day 9 of Winter – Series 4 Edition

This is part 9 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition.

It’s already Day 9 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, Series 4! Time is passing so quickly and we’ve been having so much fun sharing each of the projects in this collection with you. Today we’re highlighting the beautiful Tinsel Stole designed by the talented Adrienne Larsen.

The Tinsel Stole is knit in Merino Mist in #102 Chamomile.

The Tinsel Stole is knit in Merino Mist, a blend of 60% viscose, 20% superwash fine merino, and 20% acrylic. The result is a yarn that is lightweight, feather-soft, and features a gorgeous halo and soft shimmer. It boasts great stitch definition, which can clearly be seen in the lace motif of the Tinsel Stole.

The stitch definition of Merino Mist is evident in the intricate lace of the Tinsel Stole.

I asked Adrienne to share a little about her design, and here is what she had to say:

“It’s hard to predict where a pattern is going to end. This started out as a mission to find a nice lace for a sweater. I found a stitch pattern I mostly liked in “The Japanese Knitting Bible” that I wanted to tweak. So, I transferred the chart into Excel and made some adjustments. Depending on the difficulty of the stitch pattern, I usually have a pretty good idea of what it will look like knit up. This one was pretty complex though, so it took a bit more fussing than usual. I probably knit and frogged the pattern five or six times.

Originally, the lace pattern wasn’t going to have the breaks in it. It was just going to be the alternating triangles butted up next to each other over the whole body of the sweater. It was just visually too much that way though; the complexity of the stitch work got lost. So, I stole an idea from past me. I had liked the interrupted effect in my Slate Shawl, so I thought I would try that again here. And it worked! It worked so well that I thought, “It doesn’t need to be a sweater at all.” It was special enough to be the zazzle on the edges of a scarf. And the Tinsel Stole was born!”

It’s always fun to learn about the process for a design, and we are so honored to have Adrienne’s contribution once again this year. Remember, you can find the Tinsel Stole and the rest of the 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store. Click here to find a shop that carries our yarn near you.

Happy knitting!

November 28, 2020November 28, 2020

Day 6 of Winter – Series 4 Edition

This is part 6 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition.

It’s Day 6 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, Series 4. Today, treat yourself to a warm and inviting accessory set knit in luxurious Cashmere Lusso.

Personally, I think hats and mittens are excellent projects for building your skillset. They’re small and manageable but have endless possibilities. If you’re looking for a small project with intricate details, I’m sure you’ll love the Sugar & Sage Set.

The small cables in this pattern consist of ten different types of cables, ranging between two and three stitches wide. They’re easy to work, but it certainly takes some concentration to make sure you’re working the right stitch in all the right places. Don’t let that deter you, though, because the results are well worth the effort.

The cable pattern in both the hat and the mittens includes charts and written instructions. I know some knitters are intimidated by charts, but I encourage you to try and get comfortable with them. Especially in more complex patterns, they can help make things easier to read and to memorize. I think of charts as maps for knitting. Because charts are visual tools, they can help you conceptualize what your fabric will look like as you knit. I shared some useful tips and tricks for staying on track with charts in this blog post (link).

Undulating cable panels decorate each mitt.

Each side of the cable panel featured on the hat mirrors the other. I love the way that it looks, but when I was designing the mitts I didn’t want them to replicate the motif perfectly. Instead, I broke the cable motif into two parts, split right down the center. Then I took each half and applied it to the mitts, so the Right and Left mirror one another, too. The result is a coordinating set of sisters in this accessory set.

Each edge of the mitts are worked in K1, P1 Twisted Ribbing.

Knit in Cashmere Lusso, a blend of 50% virgin cashmere and 50% recycled cashmere, the Sugar & Sage Set is decadent. The yarn is incredibly soft and it has excellent stitch definition. This is a yarn shines however you work it: cables, lace, or colorwork, you just can’t go wrong. This kit would be an excellent gift for the knitter in your life who is truly special – that could be you, or it could be a friend!

This kit has three options available: the Sugar & Sage Set (enough yarn for both patterns), the Sugar & Sage Hat, or the Sugar & Sage Mitts. Remember, you can find each version of the Sugar & Sage Kit and the rest of the 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store. Click here to find a shop that carries our yarn near you. Happy knitting!

November 27, 2020November 27, 2020

Day 5 of Winter – Series 4 Edition

This is part 5 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition.

Few things are more comforting than cuddling up with a good book while warmed by the heat of a fireplace. Growing up, I spent so many winter days doing just that. I would devour book after book, with the pages illuminated by the light of the fire, and it’s something I miss dearly about my childhood home. For the fifth installment of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, I wanted to create a design that conjures the comfort of the days when I could sit by the fire. The result? The Chimney Socks.

The Chimney Socks are cozy house socks that feature graphic colorwork and a knit-purl texture to match. The socks are knit using two colors of 100% wool, Deluxe DK Superwash. I chose #848 Coral Heather and #839 Smoke Heather to emulate billows of smoke emerging from a brick chimney.

The cuff features tidy twisted ribbing in grey. It is followed by a pretty stranded colorwork motif that reminds me of little houses. Then, the same motif is transformed into a textural pattern for the foot. The toes are knit using the contrast color to balance out the cuff and leg of the pattern.

The Chimney Socks are knit from the cuff down. They feature an Eye of Partridge heel flap and gusset, creating a sturdy sock with a perfect fit. I love how quickly these socks knit up. As someone with second sock syndrome, heavier socks are perfect for me because they knit up quickly. They also make great beginner socks for the very same reason. Plus, they are just ridiculously cozy. I have multiple pairs of DK-weight socks and I get so much wear out of them during the winter.

These socks feature an Eye of Partridge heel with a gusset.

You know what else is great about this kit? It includes enough yarn to knit two pairs of socks! Simply reverse the main color and contrast color for a coordinating set. It’s perfect for giving a gift to yourself and to a loved one!

Remember, you can find the versions of the Chimney Socks Kit and the rest of the 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store. Click here to find a shop that carries our yarn near you. Happy knitting!