This is part 10 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
It’s Day 10 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. Today, the Snowdrift cowl designed by Adrienne Larsen. This design combines cables, twisted stitches, and eyelets to create a show-stopping winter accessory. It’s knit up in Fibra Natura Dona – one of our favorite yarns for knitting cables because of its superior stitch definition. Did we mention that it’s incredibly soft, too? For today’s post, we’ve asked Adrienne to share her passion for cable design with us. Here is what she had to say:
“I love cables. I love how they look and I love thinking about how they work. When creating a new cable pattern, I always break into two main elements: the ground and the squiggle.
The ground is pretty self-explanatory. The ground is what the cable is sitting on: the background. It is usually reverse stockinette stitch because it’s simple and doesn’t pull focus from the main event: the squiggle. If you want to add a little zing, the ground could be seed stitch or garter stitch. If you prefer a really smooth look, it can even be stockinette.
The squiggle is where you can really get creative. You can do a simple cable, which sits in place, and just crosses over itself, like in a 2×2 Right Cross. The squiggle can also move back and forth over the ground as a traveling cable. The stitches in the squiggle usually stay together and move on top of the ground. It can also move under or over other squiggles.
The stitches in a squiggle are classically groups of knit stitches. In this pattern, I decided to change things up by adding some twisted stitches and purls to some of the squiggles. If you look, the twisted stitch squiggles and the plain squiggles always stay that way, even when they move under or over each other.
I also added yarn-overs to some of the stationary squiggles. I didn’t like that you could see the underlapping stitches in the cables in the yarn-over squiggles, so I only placed them when they were stationary. I also only changed from twisted/purl combination squiggles to yarn-over squiggles after during an underlap, when possible where it could be hidden.
That’s just a few things that are considered when cable patterns are designed!”
-Adrienne
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning a bit more about Adrienne’s approach to cable design. We think it’s fascinating and feel so lucky to have her designs in this kit collection. Remember, you can find the Snowdrift kit and the rest of the 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store.
This is part 9 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
It’s Day 9 of Winter in the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. In today’s guest post, we welcome the next addition to the kit collection and enjoy a recipe for homemade marshmallows!
Today, the Snow Day Hat and Mittens, designed by Jennifer Sadler. This cozy accessory set is knit up in warm and woolly Deluxe DK Superwash. This yarn has great stitch definition, making it perfect for the knit-purl snowflake motifs in the hat and mittens. The light, Oatmeal Heather color also helps those stitches to stand out and gives this set a sophisticated feel.
When we asked Jennifer to share her inspiration for the design, she also wanted to include a recipe. Who are we to say no to that offer? Here is what she had to say:
“Snow days are one of my favorite things in the world. Where I live, everything shuts down, and you’re guaranteed a cozy day at home. I designed this hat and mitten set to reflect my love for snow and have a quick project to whip up the moment the snow appears in the forecast. And who wouldn’t love wearing a trio of faux-flakes while playing in real snowflakes?
When I’m ready to warm up inside by the fire, I absolutely love having a hot cup of cocoa with homemade marshmallows on top. As intimidating as they may sound, they are pretty simple to make and are infinite times better than their store-bought counterparts. I’m sharing my favorite recipe with you below, so you can whip up some of your own for your next snow day (or just a regular Tuesday, no judgment here!)
Homemade Marshmallows Ingredients: 2 ½ tablespoons unflavored gelatin 1 cup light corn syrup 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 2 tablespoons vanilla extract (peppermint extract is also a yummy option!) ¼ teaspoon salt Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Directions:
Combine gelatin and ½ cup cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer with whisk attachment. Let stand for 30 minutes.
2. Combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and ½ cup water in a small heavy saucepan; place over low heat and stir until sugar has dissolved.
3. Clip on a candy thermometer; raise to high heat. Cook syrup without stirring until it reaches 244 degrees F (firm-ball stage). Immediately remove pan from heat. Tip: if you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the syrup by placing a few drops in a glass of cool water. Scoop the drops of syrup out of the water and test with your fingers. The drops should be firm, but pliable. This is firm-ball stage.Testing the syrup by placing a few drops in a glass of cool water and scoop them out with a spoon. Firm, but pliable.
4. With mixer on low speed, slowly and carefully pour the syrup into the softened gelatin. Increase speed to high. Beat until mixture is very thick and white and has almost tripled in volume, about 15 minutes. Add vanilla; beat to incorporate.
5. Generously dust an 8×12 baking pan with confectioners’ sugar. Pour marshmallow mixture into the pan. Dust top with confectioners’ sugar; wet your hands and pat it to smooth. Dust with more confectioners’ sugar and let stand overnight, uncovered, to dry out.
6. Turn out onto a cutting board. Cut marshmallows with a dry hot knife into 1 ½ inch squares, and dust with more confectioners’ sugar. Alternatively, dust small cookie cutters with confectioners’ sugar, and cut marshmallows with the cutters.
7. Enjoy!”
-Jennifer
We simply cannot wait to try out this delicious recipe. It’s the perfect complement to last year’s recipe for spiced hot cocoa. Remember, you can find the 12 Days of Winter Kits at your local yarn shop.
This is part 7 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
We’re a week into the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection for 2019, and we hope you’re enjoying everything we’ve shared so far. Today we’re introducing an earthy green cowl that’s sure to hold your interest. Say Hello to the Mountain Pines Cowl, designed by Jennifer Sadler. This deliciously squishy cowl features twisted stitches that form the shapes of evergreen trees. Knit in soft, plump Deluxe Chunky, this is a fairly quick project that will keep you warm all winter long.
Jennifer, who is based in Asheville , North Carolina, got her inspiration from pine trees. Here is what she had to say:
“Here in the North Carolina mountains, pine trees are easily found – there are actually six different kinds of pine trees native to the state. I love how in the winter they stay green, adding a touch of color to an otherwise brown landscape, and when it snows, the branches let the snow pile up, creating a pillow of white on top of the green needles. The Mountain Pines Cowl pays homage to those green monster trees.
The pine tree motif is much simpler than it looks to knit. It uses twisted stitches, and no cable needle! Once you’ve experienced the ease of twisted stitches, you’ll want to incorporate them into your knitting as much as possible – they create a wonderful visual texture, with hardly any extra work.”
-Jennifer
I couldn’t agree more with Jennifer – twisted stitches are a joy to work, especially when you get the hang of them. It eventually feels intuitive and you’ll be glad to have this skill in your toolbox. The Mountain Pines Cowl uses purl twists, so that’s what we’ll focus on in this tutorial. You’ll learn the Left Purl Twist (LPT) and the Right Purl Twist (RPT). The Left Purl Twist (LPT) leans to the left, and the Right Purl Twist (RPT) leans to the right. We’ll cover the LPT first, followed by the RPT.
Left Purl Twist Start by making a swatch. Swatches are not only crucial for getting the finished item you want but are also great for practicing new stitches. Work in your pattern until you’ve reached the two stitches you need to twist. I’ve highlighted these stitches in purple so it’s easier to see. As you can see we have a knit stitch and a purl stitch on the left-hand needle. We want to change their positioning by moving the knit stitch over the top of the purl stitch.Admittedly, the LPT is just a bit more complex than the RPT. It might feel a little fiddly until you get the hang of it. Remember the order of the stitches from the previous photo? The order of the stitches from right to left was Knit, Purl. For the LPT, the first step is to purl the second stitch on the left needle through the back loop. This stitch is highlighted in blue. As you can see, the first (knit) stitch on the left needle remains in place. After you purl the second stitch through the back loop, do not drop the first and second stitches off the left needle. Next, move your yarn to the back of the work and knit the first stitch on the left needle. Now you can drop both the first and second stitches on the left needle. These stitches are highlighted in purple. After you drop them, you’ve completed the LPT. Notice how the stitches have changed position, and the knit stitch now leans to the left, over top of the purl stitch. Well done, now on to the RPT!Right Purl TwistWork in your pattern until you’ve reached the two stitches you need to twist. I’ve highlighted these stitches in purple so it’s easier to see. Here we have a purl stitch that precedes a knit stitch. We want to change the position of these stitches, so that the knit stitch leans to the left, over the purl stitch. Begin by knitting two stitches together, but do not drop the stitches from your needle. As you can see, the two stitches remain on the left needle, but there is now a new stitch on the right needle. Bring your yarn to the front, then purl the first stitch on the left needle. Now you can drop the two stitches on the left needle – I’ve highlighted them in purple so it’s easier for you to see. And that’s it – you’ve completed your RPT. Notice how the knit stitch now precedes the purl stitch.
I hope you find this tutorial helpful, and I hope that it drums up excitement for you to start knitting this lovely cowl. Like Jennifer, I’m a big fan of coniferous trees, so this design sings to me!
Remember, you can find the 12 Days of Winter Kits at your local yarn shop. Happy crafting!
This is part 6 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
It’s Day 6 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. Today we’re sharing a show-stopping shawl that’s incredibly quick to knit, largely thanks to beautiful drop stitches. Say hello to the Icicles shawl, designed by Adrienne Larsen.
Knit up using Rozetti Yarns Cotton Gold and Alaska, held together as one strand, this project glistens and glows. Cotton Gold, with its luminous sequins, is one of our favorite carry-along yarns and adds magic to any project. Alaska is a super soft and featherweight yarn with a gorgeous halo. Together, these yarns are a match made in heaven.
Aside from the glorious yarn combination, the stripes of undulating dropped stitches make this pattern shine (literally!). We love how quickly drop stitches make any project knit up, and they’re easy to work. The Icicles shawl, thanks to the stitch pattern, would be a great last-minute gift for someone truly special. If you’re feeling intimidated by dropped stitches, fear not – these are the good kind of dropped stitches. Today, we have a tutorial on how to work each of the dropped stitches featured in the pattern.
Kw2 – Knit and wrap yarn around the needle two times.
To work a kw2 on a right side row, knit the next stitch, but wrap your working yarn around the needle two times. Pull through. On the wrong side of your work, a kw2 will look like two stitches on your needle, but you’re only going to work into one. The stitch you knit should be the first stitch on your needle, with the extra wrap behind it. Knit the stitch, and drop the wrap. Kw3 – Knit and wrap yarn around the needle three times. To work a kw3 on a right side, knit the next stitch, but wrap your working yarn around the needle three times. Pull through. On the wrong side of your work, a kw3 will look like three stitches on your needle, but you’re only going to work into one. The stitch you knit should be the first stitch on your needle, with the two extra wraps behind it. Knit the stitch, and drop the two extra wraps. Kw4 – Knit and wrap yarn around the needle four times. To work a kw4 on the right side, knit the next stitch, but wrap your working yarn around the needle four times. Pull through. On the wrong side of your work, a kw4 will look like four stitches on your needle, but you’re only going to work into one. The stitch you knit should be the first stitch on your needle, with the three extra wraps behind it. Knit the stitch, and drop the three extra wraps.
And that’s how you work each of the drop stitches – easy peasy. Depending on how these stitches are ordered in a stitch, you can get a variety of interesting shapes. Working sequentially from a kw2, kw3, and kw4, you create an upward slope in your knitting and working back drown from a kw4, kw3, and kw2 will give you a downward slope. This is how the wavy motif in the Icicles shawl is created. Fun, right?
We hope you’ve found this tutorial to be helpful – and that you’ll have a great time with this technique. Remember, you can find the Icicles shawl kit and the rest of the 12 Days of Winter Kits at your local yarn shop.
This is part 5 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
It’s Day 5 in the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, and it’s a personal favorite. Say hello to the Gingerbread Stocking! I have to start this off with a bit of a sad story, but I’ll end it with something sweet, I promise.
When I was about three years old, I was given a very large green stocking with my name embroidered in red on the cuff. My favorite thing about it was that it had a big ol’ Santa Claus face attached to it and he had a huge beard. It was kitschy, and I loved it for more than 20 years. So here is the sad part…before I moved out of my home state I got rid of nearly everything I owned because I knew I’d be traveling for a while. I put together a box with my holiday decor to store at my in-laws’ house. Then, heartbreakingly, I accidentally dropped that box off at Goodwill. The next winter, when I realized all of the decorations were missing – including my stocking – my heart sank. I lost this silly stocking that meant so much to me!
Twisted stitches create the cables along the cuff. An I-cord edging creates the hanger.
As sad as I was about that stocking, life is short, it was a material item, and you have to move on (even though it still stings!). So, for the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection this year, I decided it was time to design a stocking. After all, handknits are so special. That’s how the Gingerbread Stocking was born. I chose Deluxe Bulky Superwash because it’s easy to care for, thick enough to create a sturdy stocking, and it makes for quick knitting. Not to mention the fact that I love the expansive palette. I chose classic, deep colors for this design, and that got me thinking about one of my favorite winter treats: gingerbread.
The Fair Isle motif used throughout these socks reminds me of the decorations that adorn gingerbread houses. It’s a super-fun knit, and I worked this thing up in a matter of days. Worked in the round from the cuff down, this stocking features an after-thought heel. (Side note, we have a great tutorial on after-thought heels from the first 12 Days of Winter series that you can find here.)
In honor of these stockings and my love for gingerbread (or anything that contains molasses or ginger), I thought I’d share a recipe for gingerbread loaf – I told you I’d end this post with something sweet!
Ingredients
4 Tbs. unsalted butter
1⁄2 cup sugar
1⁄2 cup molasses (yummy!)
1⁄2 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger (also yummy!)
2 eggs
1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. ground ginger
1⁄2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1⁄2 tsp. ground allspice
1⁄4 tsp. ground plain
1⁄2 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
Directions Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and greasing a 9×4 loaf pan.
In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Then, add the molasses and crystallized ginger. I highly recommend separating the ginger a bit so it doesn’t just clump together. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
In a separate bowl, sift the flour, spices, and baking soda together. In several batches, alternate stirring the flour mixture and the milk into the butter mixture. Take care not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the loaf pan, place in the oven, and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool or serve warm (my personal preference), and try not to eat it all at once!
Yummy!
I hope you’ll enjoy knitting the Gingerbread Stocking as much as you’ll enjoy indulging in this gingerbread loaf. What’s better than pairing knitting with baked goods? Remember, you can find the Gingerbread Stocking kit and the rest of the 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store. Happy crafting!
This is part 4 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
It’s Day 4 of our 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. Today we’re excited to share the Forest Garland, designed by the amazing Edie Eckman. It’s the perfect diy-decor for your home this holiday season. The best part? This kit includes both a knit and crochet pattern – each worked up in beautiful Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash.
The design is equal parts elegant and whimsical. Simple design paired with neutral, but earthy colors make for a decoration that looks as great in a minimalist home as it would in a home with loads of decorations. We love how the tweedy nubs in Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash nod both to nature and to ornaments that adorn Christmas trees.
On top is the knit version of the trees, on the bottom is the crochet version.
Whether you knit, crochet, or dabble in both, crafting these little trees is downright addictive. They’re also super beginner-friendly. They’re simple and offer skill-building opportunities. Because they’re small and you make nine trees for each garland, they offer plenty of time to practice techniques if they are new to you.
The knit version of the Forest Garland, worked up using Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash in the Porcelain colorway.
The knit version is comprised of garter stitch, the most basic stitch and it is the first stitch knitters learn. New knitters will learn to increase stitches by knitting into the front and back of a stitch, which creates the shape of each tier. They’ll also learn how to pick up stitches, which is the joining method for each tier. More experienced knitters will enjoy the relaxation and speed of this project.
The crochet version of the Forest Garland, worked up using Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash in the Pine colorway (how fitting for little pine trees!).
Personally, I’m still fairly new to crochet and plan to make this version for myself. Just like the knit version, the crochet version uses one of the first stitches new crocheters learn: single crochet. Skills to indulge in include increasing and using front post single crochet to pick up stitches to create each tier. As with the knit version, experienced crocheters will zip right through these little pines.
Because each tree doesn’t take up a lot of yarn, you can easily adjust the length of the garland by creating more than nine trees. We also think it could be fun to alternate the snowy white trees with the traditional evergreen version. Whatever you choose, we’re certain that you’ll love this project. Remember, you can find the 12 Days of Winter Kits at your local yarn shop. Happy making!
This is part 3 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
It’s already Day 3 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this lovely shawl with you. Say hello to December in the City – a luxe shawl in dreamy Cashmere Lusso, designed by Adrienne Larsen. We love the lace columns and geometry of this shawl, and we wanted to pick Adrienne’s brain. We asked her to share a bit about her inspiration for this design, so she kindly obliged. Here is what she had to say:
“This design has been a long time in the making. It all starts in May of 2017 when I went on an EPIC road trip with my sister. We covered 25 states in 14 days! We saw so much, and I visited a lot of states I’d never been on before. I ate so much ice cream in so many places (surprisingly, the best was vegan ice cream in Austin)!
It was such a whirlwind that I don’t even remember what state I was in when this chair at a museum struck my fancy. (It’s very Adrienne to remember the ice cream flavors in Austin – Cinnamon Toast Crunch & Horchata – but not this). I loved the combination of the vertical lines and interrupted diagonals.
I wrote a lace pattern with it in mind in my hotel room that night. Since that time, that lace pattern has tried to be both a tank top and a pullover, but it didn’t work out. It wasn’t until two years later that I realized that it was a shawl.
You never know when inspiration will strike, so never give up on a good idea!”
-Adrienne
We loved hearing about Adrienne’s inspiration for this shawl and can absolutely see the resemblance. This shawl is a magical addition to the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. As a reminder, you can find the 12 Days of Winter Kits at your local yarn shop.
This is part 1 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.
It’s that time again – the holidays are just around the corner. Unbelievably, we’re just over halfway through November. For most of us, that means we’re knee-deep in crafty gift-making for loved ones. Here at Universal Yarn headquarters, we’ve been working hard to keep the 12 Days of Winter tradition alive with a beautiful third installment. We’re so excited to share these projects with you. Whether you are looking for a gift for a special yarn-loving person in your life, or for the perfect gift to make, we’ve got you covered.
This year we’re kicking off the collection with a scarf designed by the talented Adrienne Larsen. Aspen is one of those perfect, squishy scarves that’s just the right length. It’s beautiful – any worthy recipient would be thrilled to wrap this around their neck.
The elaborate cable motif is simpler to work than one might expect, and by the time the scarf is complete, you’ll likely have it memorized. Inspired by quaking aspen trees, each cable in this scarf grows out of another. The result is an interlocking pattern that is sure to turn heads.
Knit up in Deluxe Worsted, a 100% wool yarn, we’ve selected a neutral color that allows the stitchwork to shine. It’s perfect for men and women alike and is sure to work well with any item in your winter-weather wardrobe. Surprisingly, this pattern takes just two skeins, which are included in the kit along with the pattern. Surely you can finish this one in time for the holidays.
We hope you’ll love the Aspen scarf as much as we do, and that you’re equally excited for the other patterns we have coming. Remember, you can find the 12 Days of Winter Kits at your local yarn shop.
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Glider Shawl in Finn (pattern link here). Perfect for a breezy day or a night out, this shawl adds warmth without the bulk. Originally part of the Vibrance in Lace collection from last Fall, we’ve decided to set this lovely pattern free.
Finn, a yarn featuring a blend of superwash merino, alpaca, and acrylic, is the perfect match for this pattern. It is soft to touch, with a subtle halo thanks to the alpaca. I don’t know about you, but something about halo-y yarn and lace makes my heart sing.
Knit from the bottom up, beginning with the tip, the shawl’s original shape adds decorative interest to any outfit. The lace panel in the back adds a delicate and feminine touch, while the rest of the shawl is worked in simple, soothing garter stitch. Draped around your shoulders or worn bandana-style, the Glider Shawl is sure to become a multi-season favorite.
We hope you have a relaxing weekend filled yarn-y goodness. Happy Crafting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Purls & Triangles Blanket in Universal Yarn Adore(pattern link here). Looking for a simple project with visual impact? This blanket is for you!
Adore is a super soft blend of machine-washable merino and anti-pilling acrylic – making this a seriously baby friendly project. Bonus: this yarn has great stitch definition, so it is ideal for designs with texture. In this blanket, knit and purl stitches join forces to create an all-over triangle pattern with just a touch of seed stitch along the border. The stitch pattern is easily memorized and it’s great for new and seasoned knitters alike.
We’ve chosen 120 Jade for this blanket, but I think it would look equally spectacular in 113 Apricot or 117 Hazel. What can I say, I love warm colors! With 32 colors to choose from, you have plenty of options. Which will you choose?
Happy crafting, friends!
