accessory – Page 24 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

December 14, 2015December 14, 2015

Deluxe Bulky Superwash – Two New Scarves

11 days until Christmas!

I always seem to start these posts with, “are you ready for the holidays?” There’s a reason: I am never ready for the holidays. If, like me, you’re searching for something fresh that will work up quickly, we’ve got you covered!

We introduced Deluxe Bulky Superwash 100% wool (100g/106yds) this Fall. It’s a little thicker than our favorite Deluxe Chunky, and, as the name implies, it’s machine washable. That’s two of my criteria for quick holiday projects met.

Best of all, we’ve already introduced a couple of free knit and crochet patterns for this yarn.

At right, the Nesting Diamonds Scarf. This one might seem a little ambitious for Christmas, but do what I do: “I’d love to do the dishes/vacuum/shop for your mother’s gift but I need to finish this scarf.” Boom. Extra knitting time and fewer chores.

On size 10 1/2(6.5mm) needles, this is a lovely tasseled scarf that won’t break the bank or take forever. The body simply knit and purl, with slipped stitches at the edges of the scarf to create a neater border. The pattern is written and charted – take your pick of what’s more comfortable for you.

Next, the Ambrosia Scarf. Long and luscious, the scarf loops around for a dramatic look. The puff stitch arcs make for a soft and inviting feel with a lot of visual interest. Crocheted on a US Size N-15 (10 mm) hook, this is another one that will go quickly but still be satisfying to make.

We hope you take some time to make something beautiful for yourself as well. You deserve a break to enjoy the holiday season!

Happy crafting!

December 4, 2015April 3, 2017

Free Pattern Friday – Lightning Strikes

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Lightning Strikes shawl in Bamboo Bloom Handpaints and Deluxe Worsted.

Is it corny to say that Lightning Strikes hit me like a bolt out of the blue? Too bad, because it did. Amy Gunderson created this luxurious shawl using variegated Bamboo Bloom Handpaints (154yds/100g) and Deluxe Worsted 100% wool (220yds/100g) It’s such a great combo. The Deluxe Worsted comes in a multitude of shades. It’s easy to find a color to bring out whatever tone in the Bamboo Bloom you wish.

Short rows are worked back and forth in the contrasting color to create widening and narrowing rows of solid color, bending to a V-shaped lightning fork across the shawl’s spine. The natural thick/thin quality of the Bamboo Bloom helps soften the edges of the short rows into more organic curves. I love the fringe – it reminds me of rain in a storm.

Calling for one hank of Deluxe Worsted and two of Bamboo Bloom Handpaints, worked on size US Size 10½ (6.5 mm) needles, this is not a particularly time or money-intensive project, although it is one with electrifying results (pardon the pun). It’s also available as a kit from your LYS in the blue above, or with Bamboo Bloom Handpaints color 302 Koi Pond.

I’m considering making in Bamboo Bloom Handpaints 319 Forest Light for a friend with a Spring birthday.

Like a new meadow. I’ll just sit here and sigh contentedly for a few minutes.

We hope you have a strikingly good weekend.

Happy knitting!

November 27, 2015November 27, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Winter Shades Hat and Scarf

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Winter Shades Hat and Scarf in Classic Shades Metallic and Uptown Worsted.

How’re we doing? Still working through Thanksgiving leftovers? I ask because right beside me, I have a slice of the pumpkin apple bread that has become traditional in our family. Here’s the recipe.

It makes two loaves, so you can keep one for yourself and bring one in to the office to be a hero. However, I’m writing this from home – Universal offices are closed today – and I can tell you there’s no way this bread will last until Monday. Sorry, co-workers.

Just because the offices are closed doesn’t mean we didn’t prepare a beautiful pattern for you!

The Winter Shades Hat and Scarf combine two lovely yarns: solid Uptown Worsted (180yds/100g) and self-shading Classic Shades Metallic (175yds/100g). Both hat and scarf are knitted flat in a surprisingly easy slip stitch pattern. Knit the edging on US size 6 / 4mm needles, then switch to US size 10/6mm for the patterning on the body of the hat and scarf. In the picture above, the brim of the hat is turned up. In the picture below, it’s turned down for a slightly different look.

That charming model, by the way, is Jordan, the newest member of our customer service team. We thought this ensemble would look great on her, and she graciously agreed to be our ~~guinea pig~~ model. Thanks, Jordan!

We hope you enjoy the afterglow of Thanksgiving. We’re so grateful for your enthusiasm, talent, and willingness to share your voices so we can become better crafting partners to you.

Happy knitting!

November 16, 2015July 18, 2022

It’s the Neck’s Big Thing!

From time to time, I see a pattern that makes me think, “Man, I wish I’d thought of that!” The Neck’s Big Thing is just such a project. Developed a few years ago by Shelley Brander of Loops Knitting in Tulsa, OK, this scarf transforms just one skein of special yarn into a wearable art piece.

Our dear friend Susan Whitmore who used to own Rainy Day Yarns in Pineville, just a hop-skip-and jump from our office here in Harrisburg, NC, introduced us all to the Neck’s Big Thing a couple of years ago at TNNA. Then, recently I saw someone making one of these fabulous designs again it was reminded of how great a gift-project this is. It’s got everything going for it:

quick to make
easy to knit (or crochet!)
requires just 1 skein of yarn
attractive

What is there not to love?

I whipped up a couple of NBTs the other day using two of our yarns that are just perfect for it: Classic Shades Big Time and Bamboo Bloom Handpaints.

The one on the left is Bamboo Bloom Handpaints in color 317 Sensei. I held the yarn double throughout and followed the pattern exactly, except I cast on 11 stitches instead of 5. I also cut the fringe longer, at about 80″.

The version on the right uses Classic Shades Big Time color 817 Natural Glow. As you can see, I was going for an autumn theme! I love how Heather styled these. This project looks cool with the fringe hanging free, braided, wrapped, and no doubt many other ways!

Though I later found out Shelley created a crochet version for the Neck’s Big Thing, I just kind of winged mine. For anyone interested, here is the pattern I came up with:

US Size N/15 (10 mm) hook

Ch 10. Sc in second ch from hook and each ch across, turn.

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [tr in next sc, sc in next sc] across, turn.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.

Rep Rows 1-2, 9 more times. Fasten off. Attach fringe as for knit version.

I could see this project in many other stitch variations as well, both knit and crochet. Other yarns that would make great Neck’s Big Things are denims, Poems Chunky, and Poems Puzzle. It takes around 30 minutes to complete one of these – holiday gift-giving score!

November 13, 2015July 29, 2019

Free Pattern Friday – Whimsical Wrap

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Whimsical Wrap in Universe (pattern link here).

Can you tell we love Universe (50g/246yds)? It’s our tenth anniversary offering, and we’ve been having great fun with it. In addition to today’s offering, we’ve recently released a collection of ornaments. If you haven’t seen our Universe of Snowflakes e-book yet, you owe it to yourself to check it out – the collection is available as an e-book or as individual patterns.

Universe excels at lace, and the Whimsical Wrap is proof. This center of this rectangular wrap is knit sideways from one end to the other. Then stitches are picked up from the perimeter of the center. The edging is worked as a knit-on edging. The last edging stitch is knit together with a stitch from the shawl body to attach.

The pattern is both written and charted.

We hope you’re able to bring something delicate and sparkling in your life this weekend, whether it’s glittering lace or a sky full of stars.

Happy knitting!

November 6, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Yiasou! Hat

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Yiasou! Hat in Dona.

I designed this hat because I’ve been thinking about my father a lot lately. He has a milestone birthday coming up soon. I’d tell you what it is, but the running joke is that every birthday for the past mumble mumble years he has turned 39. Since I myself have passed that age, this is quite the feat.

When I was a kid, I loved going with my father to the many Greek restaurants here in Charlotte, NC. My father is an outgoing and friendly person, so he learned enough Greek to be able to greet the proprietors and to say “thank you.” I can still his his hearty “Tikanis!” (How are you?) as we would come through the doors. Dad makes friends wherever he goes.

This hat is named after his friendliness, and also our city’s huge annual Greek festival called Yiasou! (Hello!). It’s a fun event with friendly people.

For this hat, I worked 64 stitches on a size 7 needle. You could increase or decrease by 8 and have the Greek Key chart and the top decreases work out. (Picture of crown at right. Hey, you try to take a selfie of the top of your head.)

Dona (126yds/50g) was a good choice for this. It’s exceptionally soft and springy, machine washable, and the colors are vibrant and bold. I had enough Dona left over that I’m considering making another hat, but with the colors reversed.

Here’s hoping you connect with someone this weekend, whether an old friend or a new one, who puts a smile on your face.

Happy knitting!

October 27, 2015

Hello, Autumn.

And now it’s official. A gray, rainy day with a dropping temperature – even here in the South we can’t deny it anymore. Cold weather has settled in. It seems like a good time to share some of our favorite Fall patterns, especially ones that we think deserve more attention. Pull up something pumpkiny and spicy and let’s dive in.

Sandi Rosner’s Pacific Heights Pullover is a fave. Originally made with the now-discontinued Classic Shades Solids for the gray portion, This would work beautifully with Deluxe Worsted Superwash (220yds/100g). Keep the Classic Shades (197yds/100g) for the front and back panels, though.

Pick a bright color as Sandi has or something more subtle, depending on how much of a lift your mood needs to get you through these shortening days. I’m thinking maybe something dark for the main color, but then with my favorite 719 Midnight Ride (right) for the slip stitch panels.

The crocheted Hearth Rug in Deluxe Chunky (120yds/100g) is another unsung hero. I like how easy this is to customize. Add more motifs, change the color to match your decor – this is one that you could really make your own.

The motifs are made separately and then sewn together, making it a great large-scale project that can still fit in your project bag.

And speaking of project bags, Drew Emborsky designed the practical and beautiful Felted Flat Bottom Tote in Deluxe Worsted (220yds/100g). As the name implies, the bag sits flat, making it great not just as a take-along but as a bag to sit beside you as you knit on the couch on those cool nights.

Also from Drew Emborsky, the Felted Faux Entrelac Crochet Tote was originally done in discontinued Deluxe Worsted Long Print, but would look fabulous in any of the gazillion* colors of Deluxe Worsted that are available. (*note: it’s actually 138 colors. Gazillion is just how it looks all in one place.)

Formerly only available as part of a printed leaflet, we’ve made both of Drew’s felted patterns available for free exclusively for our local yarn store partners. Ask your LYS to download a copy for you.

We hope you find some inspiration to tide you through these gray days. Snuggle up with some good yarn and enjoy!

Happy crafting!

October 16, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Be Knotty!

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the one ball Be Knotty Scarf in Poems Uno.

We’re not kidding when we say it’s the easiest scarf ever. It’s a one row repeat, and on US Size 35/19mm needles, it goes in a flash.

Poems Uno Be Knotty Scarf detail_blog We call it the Be Knotty scarf for the obvious reason – it has a nice open lacy knotted look. We also call it that because you can “be naughty” and pretend that you slaved over it when in fact, you worked it up in an evening. That’s the nice thing about Poems Uno Superwash (90yds/150g) – it’s big, the colors are bold, and it works up fast. Instant results.

Please enjoy this easy and gratifying scarf.

Happy knitting!

September 25, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Crochet Coin Scarf

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Crochet Coin Scarf in Classic Shades Metallic.

Something for crocheters in a yarn that we love. Classic Shades Metallic (175yds/100g) is the same great base as our Classic Shades, but with a metallic thread wrapped around it for even more bling. Here’s the colorway used in the scarf, 604 Tahitian. It’s a magical shade.

Classic Shades Metallic works up at exactly the same gauge as our regular Classic Shades, so if bling’s not your thing, it’s a snap to swap.

The scarf is worked lengthwise, then the coin fringe is added after the main body is complete. We call for an adjustable ring for the center of the coin. If you haven’t tried an adjustable ring for making center-out circles, you owe it to yourself to give it a shot. CraftyDeb has a good photo tutorial, although nothing beats your local yarn shop for showing you how it’s done.

We hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend of yarn and relaxation.

Happy crafting!

July 17, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Knit and Crochet Market Bags

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Knit and Crochet Market Bags in Good Earth Adorn.

Good Earth Adorn Red Market Bag blog Something for all of our needlecrafting friends today! We chose Good Earth Adorn (204yds/100g) because the cotton/linen blend holds up well and isn’t going to felt with repeated rubbing as you carry it around. Each pattern takes just two hanks.

First up, the knitted bag, in 302 Adobe. It’s a simple four-row repeat for the eyelet mesh, then basic knitting with some k2tog shaping for the edges and handle.

The crochet bag in color 303 Lettuce uses a very basic double crochet mesh. You’ll make both sides, sew them together, then add the straps.

There’s actually a little sneak peek hiding in the green bag photographed – two new colors of Good Earth Adorn on the far right, never before seen, that we’ll be adding to the line next season. We’re very excited at all the new samples coming in and we can’t wait to share them with you.

Happy crafting!