Pattern – Page 41 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

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 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 8, 2014August 8, 2014

Free Pattern Friday – Little Boy’s Bomber Cap

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Little Boy’s Bomber Cap in Classic Shades.

Yesterday’s self-shading scarf and hat in Poems got us thinking of other self-shading projects! This adorable kid’s hat is worked flat on straight needles using Classic Shades, a self-shading wool/acrylic blend. With 197 yards to a skein of Classic Shades, this is easily a one-ball project with plenty left over.

The bomber cap is also part of Classic Shades Kids, a book of toddler and kid projects featuring Classic Shades. We just had to set this project free for everybody to try. Isn’t it fascinating how a colorful yarn selection can change the entire look of a project?

I’m already thinking about how this hat would look in different colors. Jeweltones? Neons? Hmmm…

August 1, 2014

Free Pattern Friday – Bamboo Pop Dolls

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Did we say “free pattern?” Try five free patterns, part of Bamboo Pop Dolls!

Bamboo Pop Kids is such a popular E-Book for us, and no wonder – Bamboo Pop is a versatile yarn for kids and adults. One of the things we heard from stores was, “wouldn’t it be great if there were matching outfits for the kids’ dolls?” Once we were done squealing over the adorableness of that idea, we got to work!

The T-Ball Tee keeps the sweet little ties at the arms and shortens the body, making this a very quick lace knit. I can absolutely see the two little ladies above palling around town together! Matches the T-Ball Tee from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

The Pixie Skirt removes one tie from the shortened waist of the 18″ doll at left. It’s a shortened length of i-cord that can be made with either a crank machine or by hand. This is a great skirt to spin in. Matches the Pixie Skirt from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

The Little Patriot is all decked out and ready to go! For me, what really makes this top pop is the red edging around the star and the edges. Being a Southerner, I think this is a great top for a summer day of watermelon and fresh-churned ice cream. Matches the Little Patriot from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

The Fading Stripe Hoodie uses a slipped “pebble stitch” to give texture. Something just a touch warmer for the girl on the left as she wait for her friend to come home from school. Matches the Fading Stripe Hoodie from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

The Berry Blossom Pullover lends itself well to “dollification!” This is one of our most popular designs for girls, and it looks great on an 18″ doll, too. Matches the Berry Blossom Pullover from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

Many thanks to our store owners who brought us this great idea. We always love to hear what you have to say.

Happy knitting!

July 31, 2014

Throwback Thursday – Bethany

It’s Throwback Thursday!

Today, we have Bethany! Originally this was a “pay” pattern, but we’ve released it into the wild as a free pattern and bring it to you today to enjoy.

First stitched in Fibra Natura Cottonwood, this would make a great cover-up in either Bamboo Pop or Little Bird, which would provide great drape for this piece. You might also try Uptown Baby Sport anti-pilling acrylic. Uptown Baby Sport’s palette features some very sweet pastels, and at 361 yards per ball you’d only need three balls to make the smallest size.

In this traditional knit-flat cardi, the easy lace pattern is featured on both front and back. A great lacy sweater to start now and have ready when the first chill creeps back into the air.

Happy knitting!

July 3, 2014July 31, 2014

Throwback Thursday – Zig Zag Lace Scarf

It’s Throwback Thursday!

Today, we feature the Zig Zag Lace Scarf. Originally in Fibra Natura Seasong, we’re recommending a couple of medium weight alternatives here.

First, Llamalini (50g/109yds), another member of the Fibra Natura family. It’s a decadent blend of royal llama, silk bourette, and linen. In fact I’ve picked Llamalini for an upcoming Sunday Swatch, mainly so I have another excuse to knit with it!

Next, Deluxe Worsted Superwash (100g/220yds), our very popular superwash version of Deluxe Worsted. There’s no plant content here, so the scarf will have a little more “spring” with this choice. There’s a great range of colors here, so there are many opportunities to customize your scarf.

The pattern itself is very simple – just a series of yarn overs and decreases staggered to make a zig zag design. This is an easy pattern to read in your stitches, meaning once you’ve done a repeat you can see how to continue without too much referring back to the pattern page. This is a classic pattern that we’re glad to share again!

Happy knitting!

February 13, 2014February 13, 2014

Free Pattern – Heart Pouch

We’re snowed in here at Universal Yarn.

Well – we’re not snowed in at Universal Yarn. Once the statewide winter storm warning was issued, we were all sensibly sent home. It’s been a day of playing in the snow, then coming inside to warm up under a cozy blanket with crafty projects.

Watching my teenager play in the snow has been a treat. Today, all the cares of school have been stripped away. Worries about grades, about not measuring up to her peers, about whether she’s meeting the expectations that are placed on young women, they all vanish into the basic joy of dodging snowballs.

I wish that this wild child could find her way to the surface more often and remind herself that she is beautiful and strong and smart.

We all have someone in our lives whom we love. Someone who makes us laugh. Someone who makes us shake our head with how wonderful they are. Someone who sometimes doesn’t see in themselves the wonderful things that we see. They might be a child or a relative or a trusted friend. But they make our lives better.

Today I am making a little gift for my daughter. A small Valentine’s Day pouch in Uptown DK, sized just right for a compact mirror. And with it, I’ll include a rhyme:

If I had one wish

Just for you

You’d see yourself

The way I do.

We’re making the pattern and chart available for free (click here) in case you want to try something similar on this snowy day – or any day.

February 11, 2014February 13, 2014

My Felted Valentine

Sometimes the simplest project can make you the happiest. These basic hearts make us grin. They’re made as a rectangular swatch (ours are in Poems 100% wool), then felted, cut into a heart shape, and blanket stitched around the edge make a cute home decor project. Glue or needle-felt on whatever phrase moves you.

So, crafty valentine, what’s your needleart of choice?