Bella Cash Worsted Spotlight Plus Giveaway

October 24, 2018October 24, 2018

Bella Cash Worsted Spotlight Plus Giveaway

I’m delighted to officially introduce one of our newest yarns, Bella Cash Worsted!

That’s right – “cash” is short for cashmere. Mmmm

Bella Cash Worsted is the big sister to sport weight Bella Cash which was introduced last year.

Both yarns are a blend of fine merino superwash, cashmere, and nylon for strength. Bella Cash & Bella Cash Worsted are machine washable, so they’re perfect for gift and baby items. They’re soft with excellent stitch definition and are so pleasant to knit and crochet with. I am in love with both of these yarns and want all the sweaters knit out of them!

Bella Cash (sport weight) already has two great pattern collections out.

We blogged about kids collection Writing on the Wall here. It’s a collection of whimsical knits for little people.

Small Pleasures is an ebook with small accessory projects perfect for such a soft yarn that begs to be worn against the skin.

I sent crochet maven Ellen Gormley some Bella Cash Worsted to play with and she made this wonderful video. She has some really nice insights about the yarn and lots of interesting things to say. Check it out!

We are busy working on patterns for Bella Cash Worsted which will be released in the coming weeks. Right now, we have the Cayuga Cowl, made with just two skeins. And it’s a free pattern on our website!

Knit from the top down, this cowl can be worn and styled in a variety of ways. It’s a quick knit for yourself or as a gift. Cue giveaway time!

Here are the details:

This is a contest for two lucky winners that will each receive 2 skeins of Bella Cash Worsted
To enter, leave a comment on this blog post letting us know what you think you’d make with your winnings
Entries will close in one week, Wednesday, October 31 at 12 pm (noon) EST, so you must leave your comment by that time
Winners will be announced on Thursday, November 1
This contest is only open to US residents

Good luck!

October 23, 2018

Mole Day

We’re big fans of science holidays here at Universal Yarn (see Pi Day). After all, next to pure creativity, math is the foundation for knitwear design. Stitch counts, gauge, garment grading, angles, shaping: all of these things and more rely on basic and advanced calculations in order to achieve desired results in knitting.

I have loved math for as long as I can remember, decades before I learned to knit. It was such a comfort with its logical wizardry. I learned that there may be more than one way to tackle any given problem. But in the end, whatever the road taken to get there, math problems have solutions and formulas and satisfying conclusions.

Enter: Mole Day. In addition to being a cute/ugly insectivore, a mole refers to a unit of measurement, Avogadro’s number which is 6.02 x 10^23. (Read more about the history of this here) While I have never applied this to a knitting pattern, this number is forever seared into my memory thanks to a very catchy jingle I learned in my high school chemistry class. It goes a little something like:

“Let’s roll out the barrels in 1993
To celebrate a very special part of chemistry
Avogadro would be proud if he had only heard
Six point oh two times ten! To the twenty third”

Yes, I have just dated myself. But anyway, back in 1993 at 6:02 am on October 23rd, those of us who were total geeks (and looking for extra credit, I’m sure) showed up for some mole day festivities in our chem lab. The song is much more fun with the jingle that goes along with it, but I’d like to spare you from my singing voice.

There are many other songs out there devoted to mole day. I should know – I just spent 15 minutes out of my work day listening to them! Here’s one of my favorites:

I’d also like to turn our attention back to the fuzzy variety of mole which has been the inspiration for a whole slew of adorable knit and crochet creatures. My favorite is Eugene Mole designed by Paola Navarro (pattern link):

Molly Mole designed by Debi Birkin is cute as can be (pattern link):

Uptown DK would be perfect for this project!

Happy mole day!

October 19, 2018March 5, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Mod Tiles Cardi

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Mod Tiles Cardi in Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash (pattern link here).

This one’s a bit of an ugly duckling story, although of course the duckling was never ugly at all.

We had this garment in our studio for a long time, and kept looking askance at it. Squares on a jacket? We just weren’t sure about it, so it stayed on the shelf.

Then one day we were discussing upcoming Free Pattern Fridays, and someone picked up this cardi and put it on. Wow! It looked great! The ugly duckling had been a swan all along – we just couldn’t see it until it spread its wings!

We love how the tweedy gray grounds the piece, but the colorful flowery motifs work with most anything. This was a lucky discovery, with sweater weather finally here!

The Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash motifs are made separately, then seamed together. The pattern is written and charted, and contains a schematic for piecing it together.

There’s a lesson here about looking past first impressions. We’re certainly glad we gave this beauty a second chance.

Happy crafting!

October 15, 2018October 3, 2019

Halloween Projects

It’s that time of year! Little ghouls and ghosties run amok in the neighborhood, and we love crafting fun things for them – and for us! Let’s take a look at a few free patterns.

We want candy. More candy. And not the cheap stuff.

First, Clarice, Chunk, and Clyde in Uptown Worsted (pattern link here).

There is so much personality in these three crocheted monsters! Sized for children through adults, these friends are free patterns in machine washable Uptown Worsted. We decided to make ours in the adult size, so we could have some fun here in the office!

selfie of three women wearing colorful crocheted hats with monster faces on them — (L-R: Amy, Rachel, and Heather, always up for some wholesome fun)

Photo of two knitted Halloween bowls filled with candy — I *guess* you can have some.

Next, Neon pumpkin and Skull Baskets in Uptown Worsted (pattern link here).

These Fair Isle knits have a piece plastic needlepoint canvas inside to help them hold their shape. It’s optional, but we go through a lot of candy here, so we thought it was a good idea to help them stand up to the frequent “walk-by grabbing.”

Image of woman in knitted black cape looking over her shoulder — I don’t sparkle, but I’m still fierce!

Also, Batcape! in Uptown DK (pattern link here).

We released the Batcape last week and blogged about it. Maybe you saw it, but if you didn’t, we don’t want you to miss it. 🙂

Moving to printed patterns, there are some real gems in the book 50 Knitted Gifts for Year-Round Giving, from Sixth and Spring. The book features great projects suitable for any occasion. The Halloween selections do not disappoint!

Spiderweb Boot Toppers (Ravelry link)

Felted Trick-or-Treat Bag (Ravelry link)

Ghoulish Ghost Hat (Ravelry link)

and Black Cat Brooch (Ravelry link).

The book has some great patterns for Thanksgiving, too, but one holiday at a time.

The last thing we’re going to throw out there, for ultimate ease, is a crocheted color pooling scarf in Uptown Worsted Spirit Stripes color 509 MVP.

Hands off the candy corn, though.

We hope you have an appropriately spooky Halloween.

Happy crafting!

October 12, 2018June 23, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Clematis Cowl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Clematis Cowl in Classic Shades Sequins Lite (pattern link here).

Rachel Brockman has created a simple pattern that makes a lovely twisted eyelet fabric.

It’s just a three stitch, four row repeat that’s easy to find the rhythm of, providing just enough texture to the self-shading, sparkling Classic Shades Sequins Lite.

There are several different ways to go on color here. I love the flowery look of 405 Primrose shown here…

…or go full Autumn with color 403 Volcano…

…or try something less variegated, or even solid, for a more formal and wintry look.

This versatile piece looks great draped long, or wrapped to put more color and warmth in one spot.

We hope you have a great weekend, and that you find time to make something beautiful.

Happy crafting!

October 10, 2018October 16, 2019

Halloween Projects – Batcape!

Halloween is almost here – but there’s still time to make yourself something spooky!

Here’s a brand new pattern – the BATCAPE in Uptown DK (pattern link here)!

(I looked for a dramatic sound effect that could be played for maximum suspense. This was the first hit, so here you go.)

The pattern is written for one size, but it can be easily scaled up or down by adding or subtracting multiples of 6 from the cast-on.

We’d also like to give credit to our model Lilly, because it was super hard to keep a straight face goofing around with this cape and wearing plastic fangs.

The chevron pattern is knit in one piece from the top down. A contrasting i-cord is added at the end.

The perfect accessory for handing out treats. Or for trick-or-treating in. We’re not going to judge.

Happy holidays!

October 8, 2018March 22, 2020

Chunky Cables – Four Fabulous Knits in Deluxe Chunky

I love cables. More than lace, more than mosaic, more than a dozen other techniques, cables just embody knitting for me. When you pair them with a good quality wool, even better. And when you make it a chunky wool so you can see your progress grow quickly, that’s a home run. So with no further ado, four popular cabled projects in our Deluxe Chunky 100% wool!

First Valentina (pattern link here).

Honestly, I am forever astonished that this is a free pattern. It’s just gorgeous, and filled with the excellent attention to detail that Amy Gunderson brings to all her designs.

Take a look at those saddle shoulders. They let the cables run unbroken from cuff to collar.

The moss stitch underside is where alterations for size are made, to avoid disturbing the bold and beautiful Dueling Cables design.

This one was made in Deluxe Chunky 91904 Pomegranate Heather, but I keep thinking of going green, maybe with 61635 Deep Jungle which has a bit of blue as well.

Next: the Catawba River Poncho (pattern link here).

This isn’t a free pattern, but it has remained a top 5 bestseller since its release. Take a closer look and see why!

Sized Small to 2X/3X, the poncho is fastened with two buttons on each side. You get good range of motion without looking like you’re swallowed up.

Lace is married to cables for the main body design – the best of two techniques joined together!

This is a pattern from Amy Gunderson. Here she is posing in the Catawba River Poncho she knitted for herself, so you can see how it falls. Really lovely!

Next, another bestseller: the Pine View Scarf (pattern link here).

We offered this scarf as a kit at the holidays last year, then as a paid pattern after the first of this year.

If you like cabling, but maybe not all over, or if you want to try it out in small doses, this is a great project. The pines at both ends that give the scarf its name are cabled, but the background and borders are seed stitch and reverse stockinette. Deluxe Chunky on US size 10 (6mm) needles goes fairly quickly in this simple, pretty scarf.

Finally, the Rutherford Beret (pattern link here).

I made my own Rutherford Beret in Deluxe Chunky color 91467 Tulipwood, and I can tell you it’s an easy one-hank pattern. The cables are all single twists. And how cute is that little i-cord loop at the top? Easy to pull it off and hang it up by the door.

We had someone here in the office do a two-color version. Neat idea!

We hope these designs provide a little knitspiration.

Keep on cabling!

October 5, 2018June 23, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Magic Mitts

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Magic Mitts in Uptown DK and Uptown DK Magix (pattern link here).

These mitts are magical in more than one way! First, the patterning in the main color, Uptown DK Magix works up effortlessly to add interest to an otherwise simple project. And second, it’s magic just how quickly these can be crocheted! One ball of solid Uptown DK and of coordinating Uptown DK Magix will make at least two pairs.

This pattern is worked entirely in the round beginning at the lower edge of the cuff. The cuff is worked in back loop single crochet to give the appearance of ribbing, while the main mitt is worked in straight single crochet to keep the focus on the pretty yarn.

We hope you enjoy this quick and fun project.

Have a great weekend – and happy crafting!

October 4, 2018September 16, 2019

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a topic near and dear to us. So many of our friends and relatives have been touched by this awful disease. As crafters, our natural impulse is to reach out and comfort those we love with a gift from the heart. Here are a few options.

This is the Cancer Comfort Cap in Cotton Supreme DK (pattern link here).

We designed this cap at the request of Yonca, our sales director. When she requested this cap, it was for a friend who was about to undergo chemotherapy. We wish we could say this was the last time a friend would need this kind of help. According to breastcancer.org, 1 in 8 American women will develop invasive breast cancer in the course of her lifetime (as well as 1 in 1000 men).

It’s knitted in the round in our Cotton Supreme DK, which we picked because it’s very soft, and chemo scalps can be quite sensitive – something to keep in mind when choosing yarn.

Next, Healing Vibes in Cotton Supreme DK (pattern link here).

Amy Gunderson designed this one. She says she thinks of this as a knitted representation of rays of radiation zapping cancer away. We hope someone wearing this will feel the strength and energy Amy has put into this design.

This hat was originally designed for Halos of Hope, a non-profit organization that provided hats to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Just published today, this is the Overcast Cap in Cotton Supreme DK (pattern link here).

This pattern is named for the shadow of cancer that affects the lives of so many. Cancer patients and their loved ones alike can feel like they are helpless and hopeless in their situations. We offer this hat pattern as a small token of comfort and a concrete action that can be taken – perhaps a knitting project will take your mind off of unpleasantries in your life, whether that means cancer or any other type of illness or grief. We hope the sun will shine again for you soon.

If you have questions about breast cancer detection and treatment, the American Cancer Society has a helpful page. Mammogram guidelines can also be found at CancerCare.org.

To all of our generous-hearted crafting friends, we wish you peace and good health.

October 3, 2018

Kids e-book – Writing on the Wall

Looking for some cute kid gifts? You’ll want to check out this new e-book!

Writing on the Wall (Ravelry link here) is a brand new collection of kid projects to knit and crochet in Bella Cash. We’re big fans of Bella Cash around here. It’s soft, versatile, and (important for children’s projects) machine washable. Let’s take a look-see at the patterns!

First, Dino! (Ravelry pattern link here). Sized 2-14 years, for your budding paleontologist. This one’s by Rachel Brockman, who also drew the dinosaurs. Here’s what she has to say about her inspiration:

“As a kid, inspired by Dr. Alan Grant (ed note: Rachel’s first crush!) and Dr. Ellie Sattler, I was POSITIVE that I discovered a piece of a velociraptor in my backyard. I spent loads of time trying to dig around it and eventually discovered it wasn’t a fossil at all. A girl can dream, right?

Anyway, I’ve adored dinosaurs for as long as I can remember, so when Amy and I started putting together a kid’s collection, I knew a dinosaur was essential. Not only that, but even shopping for my niece it was hard to come by dinosaur-themed things that weren’t intended for girls, but for little boys. I wanted to make a dinosaur top in colors I loved growing up.”

We love the matching “Tricera-topper” that she added. Rawr!

Next, Firefly (Ravelry link here).

Rachel designed this one thinking of warm carefree evenings spent catching fireflies as a child. Nonetheless, I’m making this one for myself. It makes me think both of pleasant nights running in the back yard with cupped hands… and of the late great sci-fi TV show Firefly, of which I am a fan.

I’ve already knitted projects with Bella Cash (I love this yarn for socks) so I know making this cowl will be a treat.

Here’s Frilling! (Ravelry link here). We went through a few names on this – it was almost “The Frill of Victory.” The focus, obviously, is the frills at the raglan seams.

Knit the sweater top down, then pick up stitches and knit the ruffles outward. Awfully adorable!

Meet your Imaginary Friend! (Ravelry link here)

This one might be my favorite – it’s so inventive and offbeat! The mis-matched eyes, the pocket in the front… everything about this is fun. Work this colorblocked pullover flat from the top down, then add the pocket. Teeth are duplicate-stitched on. So cute!

Here’s Kindersweater. (Ravelry link here)

Amy Gunderson’s tunic-length yoke sweater nods to traditional Norwegian colorwork sweaters. The colorwork yoke is comprised of a small pattern repeats, easy to memorize and to knit.

After finishing the yoke, keep knitting downward into the textured diamonds. For those wanting a project to keep their attention, it’s a nice alternative to plain stockinette. A beautiful piece that will make a splash.

It’s Pipsqueak! (Ravelry link here)

This crochet pattern is actually a two-fer: it comes with both the cardigan and the Pipsqueak pal!

Both use spike stitch. The mouse is worked in the round in joined rows…

…and the cardi is worked flat. What child wouldn’t love their own matching little friend?

We hope this collection will jump start your imagination for gift crafting this season. We’ve got more collections in the works that we can’t wait to share.

Happy crafting!

Universal Yarn Creative Network

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