Pattern – Page 40 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

September 26, 2014September 26, 2014

Free Pattern Friday – Goldfish School Cowl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, a “pay” pattern set free! Michael del Vecchio’s Goldfish School Cowl appears in Bamboo Bloom Book 1: Backyard Blooms. When we brought it to a knitting retreat the participants were so taken with it that we decided it should be released into the wild.

Michael has wisely used a simple pattern to let the yarn shine. A basic 1×1 rib looks very striking in the thick/thin matte/shiny Bamboo Bloom Handpaints.

We’re glad that last weekend’s knitters were so enthusiastic. They were right. This pattern needs to be shared!

Thanks for your hospitality, Baskets of Yarn. And keep knitting!

September 25, 2014

Throwback Thursday – Turtle Neck Cape

It’s Throwback Thursday!

Today, we feature Thanh Nguyen’s Turtle Neck Cape. This was originally knit in Contessa, a bulky-weight acrylic/mohair/nylon/polyester (whew!) blend. We’re simplifying it a little by suggesting Uptown Bulky, our 100% anti-pilling acrylic as a good substitute. Uptown Bulky has greater yardage than the original yarn, making it a better knit in terms of your budget, too.

Front and back are knit separately, then the collar is made and the whole shebang is stitched together. From a color standpoint, I like this as a solid, but I can also see it with perhaps a few wide stripes for a dramatic, modern look. Maybe something with a great deal of contrast? I say, knit big or go home!

Happy crafting!

September 19, 2014

Free Pattern Friday – Wall Candy

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Understated and elegant! Wall Candy is a straightforward knit packaged in a unique way.

Four strands of Deluxe Worsted 100% wool are knitted into a 10×10 stockinette square. Thick wire is run around the edges, then the square is framed. Don’t worry, the pattern contains directions and pictures showing how to attach the frame. If you’ve ever run blocking wire through the edge of a shawl, you can do this. If you haven’t… it’s time to learn!

Although this pattern is written for Deluxe Worsted, I’m looking back over some of my Sunday Swatches to see what else I might have suitable for framing. Maybe some Nettle Lana? Hmmm…

Universal Yarn offers many thanks to Suzy, the Sweetest Dog in the World for her kind hospitality on this photo shoot. Who’s a good dog, Suzy? You are!

Happy knitting, friends!

September 18, 2014

Throwback Thursday – Stuffed Hound

It’s Throwback Thursday!

Awww! Such a cute little puppy! The Stuffed Hound was originally made in Classic Chunky with a print for the belly and feet. We’re recommending Deluxe Chunky as the new choice. I love this selection not just because it’s a sturdy but soft wool, but because there are 120+ colors. You could make your little wiener dog in any color of the rainbow. Match a real life pooch or create a whimsical little buddy that’s one of a kind!

The Stuffed Hound is knitted sideways. Knit a front and back leg, then proceed around the body to knit the other legs. Make the underside similarly, then knit the ears, tail, and other bits and pieces. Knitting those parts separately gives you many opportunities to switch up colors. How about a patchwork pup? Or one different ear?

We hope you have a great time knitting a new four-legged friend!

September 12, 2014

Free Pattern Friday – Heavenly Henley

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

We’ve got a treat today! The Heavenly Henley by Emma Welford.

This is a great combination of solid Merino XF, a soft extra-fine merino, and Jubilation Kettle-Dye, also extra-fine merino but single-ply in a riot of bright colors. It’s a great way to use variegated yarn as a bold accent.

And speaking of accents, check out the back! I love this little detail. You could choose to include or omit it, depending on your taste.

Emma is a thoughtful designer, in that she considers the impact of the final piece as well as the process of knitting. If you haven’t seen her Convertible Cowl from our Poetry at Home e-book, take a gander.

This has been a popular garment because it’s so versatile. Like the Heavenly Henley, it’s a great use of multicolor yarn, in this case Poems 100% wool. We’re so happy to have the chance to work with Emma again.

Happy knitting, everyone!

September 11, 2014

Throwback Thursday – Ruffles and Ribbons

It’s Throwback Thursday!

Awww! Today’s Ruffles and Ribbons blanket was originally designed for Bella 4-ply, an acrylic/nylon blend. It’s a good choice since it’s machine washable, but we have a couple of even better yarns that fit the bill now.

We’re recommending either Little Bird (344yds/100g) or Uptown Baby Sport (361yds/100g) instead. Personally, I think I’d go with Uptown Baby Sport. Both are soft and would work nicely, but Baby Sport has just a little bit more loft, which I think would fit well for this project.

The yarn is held doubled for the body, which is knitted on 5mm/US8 needles. Then use just one strand of yarn and a US Size 4 circular needle for the ruffled edging. It’s a good means of getting different effects from the same yarn. Pretty adorable!

Happy knitting. We’ll see you tomorrow for Free Pattern Friday!

September 5, 2014

Free Pattern Friday – Superwash hats!

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, a little love for both the knitters and the crocheters! Both use Deluxe Worsted Superwash (220yds/100g), the popular machine washable version of our Deluxe line of wools.

First, the knitted Here and There Hat. Amy Gunderson uses right and left twists to create colorful slanting columns up the length of this cap. A Luxury Fur Pom-Pom tops it off with an extra pop of color. I love these pom-poms. They’re pre-made with an attached thread that you can just tie onto your work.

Next, the crocheted Parfait Hat. Two colors of Deluxe Worsted Superwash topped off with a Luxury Fur Pom-Pom. Adorable! I tried this one on, and it looked really cute. Sometimes it’s hard not to steal the garments for myself!

On the other hand, making my own would be another excuse to crochet, and that’s always a good thing.

Happy crafting!

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!

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!