Free Pattern Friday – Maya Scarf

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Maya Scarf in Bamboo Pop (pattern link here). This is a long but light beauty.
It’s easy too – I’ve made this one myself, in Bamboo Pop with color 121 Lilypad as the main hue.
It was a fun, simple knit, and I do love the blue tones.
It’s an easy knit – garter stitch stripes along the edges, and slip-stitch speckles just above. A bit of texture in the body keeps this interesting!
The Maya Scarf makes a great companion piece to the Maya Tank, a darling warm-weather top from e-book Bamboo Pop Adult 2.
We hope you enjoy this little taste of summer.

Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Blue Star Cardigan

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Blue Star Cardigan in Luxor (pattern link here). We have designer Edie Eckman to thank for today’s crocheted beauty! Edie’s responsible for some truly stunning knit and crochet designs for us, like Branscombe from our newest Kingston Tweed collection.
Sized from XS to 4X, her Blue Star Cardigan is a classic crocheted piece in mercerized Fibra Natura Luxor Egyptian cotton.
This sweater body is crocheted flat in one piece from the bottom up. The front and back are separated at the underarms. Sleeves are worked flat and sewn in.
The pattern is intended for intermediate crocheters with the ability to work shaping while maintaining a color stitch pattern.
There’s no need to cut the color after each row – just carry it up. Edie Eckman has a great video on how to work this technique:
We hope you enjoy this lovely crocheted cardigan. Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Ebony Pullover

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Ebony Pullover in Bella Cash (pattern link here). Meet Yonca! She’s our sales director at Universal Yarn, and she designed this sweater!
Work it, Yonca!
Made in luxurious Bella Cash, this piece features a ribbed hem in classic black and white.
Drop sleeves, a generous amount of positive ease, and a turtleneck make this a comfy piece to pull out every day.
Great work, Yonca! Thanks for sharing your pattern!

Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Goldleaf Tank

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Goldleaf Tank in Cotton Supreme DK (pattern link here). Moira Engel’s lovely lace top is worked in the round from the bottom up in Cotton Supreme DK, the lighter-weight version of our popular Cotton Supreme.
The lovely leaf lace pattern has a delightful accent in the extra set of leaves on the upper back and front. This is a beautiful botanical project for Spring. Formerly pay-only as part of Cotton Supreme Book 5, we’re happy to offer it now for free!

Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Riviette

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Riviette in Ravello (pattern link here).
There is so much to love about this design. It has a little bit of everything.
The center features a split cable that flows upward around the neck, bordered by a rivulet of lace and twisted stitches.
The design is repeated on the identical back. With two matching halves, it’s easy to simply throw this on and start your day.
The lace is repeated at the sides, with a bit of a split at the side hem for a great silhouette.
The great depth of color comes from the fiber blend in Ravello. The cotton keeps it light, while the extrafine merino and recycled cashmere give it extra softness and color saturation.
If you are a “process knitter” and want a design with a multitude of techniques, this is for you. If you are a “product knitter” and want something dynamite when you’re done with your knitting, this is also for you.
We hope you stay safe and healthy, and can take comfort in the work of your hands.
Until next time, happy crafting!

Needles Out! Knits for Guys with Sweater Envy

Have we all seen Knives Out? Or at least seen photos of Chris Evans wearing The Sweater?

Mend those holes!!

This pullover became such a rage on the internet that Evans wound up getting one for his dog for Christmas.

Chris Evans and his dog wearing cream sweaters
Who wore it better?

Fortunately, as crafters, we can create this look on our own, no costume department needed. If you or someone you know has sweater envy, we’ve got five sweaters (and one vest) for the knitter who wants to cast on some fashionable cables!

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1. Infinite Diamonds

Image of man in black and blue cabled sweater knit in Dona yarn

We’re starting with the one that requires the least cabling, to ease into things. Infinite Diamonds (pattern link here) is knit in Fibra Natura Dona, a 100% superwash extrafine merino with a tight twist that really makes stitches pop.

No cables on the back, just plain stockinette. Infinite Diamonds is knit flat in pieces and seamed.

We love the windowpane effect given by the cables inside cables on the front panel. This is part of e-book The Dona Collection, featuring bold use of color blocking to create dramatic modern pieces. For a standalone design, though, let’s move to the world of magazines.

2. Anchorage Cardigan

© Interweave / Harper Point

Published in Interweave Knits Winter 2018 issue, the Anchorage Cardigan (Ravelry link) shares a few features with Infinite Diamonds. Both are designed by the amazing Amy Gunderson, and both feature Dona yarn.

© Interweave / Harper Point

The differences, though, are obvious. The Anchorage Cardigan features a textured back (in fact, a textured everything).

© Interweave / Harper Point

Saddle Shoulders create a lovely line. As you might guess from the shoulders, this sweater is worked in pieces and seamed.

© Interweave / Harper Point

Carrying the pattern onto the pockets is a thoughtful design detail. If you’re confident working twisted stitches without a cable needle, you need never have to use one at all. Let’s move on to another cabled cardi, from an entire collection full of cabled designs.

3. Greensboro Cardigan

Unlike the previous sweaters, the Greensboro Cardigan (pattern link here) is worked in Deluxe Worsted wool, on US size 7 (4.5mm) needles as opposed to size 6 (4mm).

This stitch pattern is very stretchy – something to keep in mind when picking your size.

As with the Anchorage Cardigan, if you’re proficient with crossing stitches, you can do this without using a cable needle. Amy Gunderson even has a blog tutorial for this design (and others from the Deluxe Cable Collection) on creating the set-in pockets and installing a zipper. She even made a special chart for the sleeve increases to help a new knitter here in the office.

4. Wesley Heights

For my money, this pullover is the most “Knives Out” one we’ve seen so far. Wesley Heights (pattern link here) is part of the same Deluxe Cable Collection that the Greensboro Cardigan above is in. (And friends, there are 17 designs in that e-book for $20, so if you love cables… I’m just saying.)

Like the Greensboro Cardi, this is a very stretchy stitch pattern knit in Deluxe Worsted wool. This one has a greater variety of stitch patterns, though, to satisfy your knitting itch.

Amy Gunderson knitted this one for herself, and shares little tips (do you know how to spit-splice?) on our blog.

5. Kerf

Image of man wearing green cable knit pullover

Kerf (pattern link here) is knit in Deluxe Worsted Superwash, the machine washable sibling to the Deluxe Worsted used in Wesley Heights, above.

Columns of classic cables are split by welting for a well-defined look.

LOVE the detailing where the shoulders meet the collar.

This was one of our most popular sweaters of the year, and it’s not hard to see why. Kerf is available on its own or as part of the Deluxe Men’s Collection.

…and one more for luck.

The Chapel Hill Vest (pattern link here) is a free pattern on our site!

Knit in Deluxe Worsted, the vest is worked in two pieces and seamed. Stitch patterns are written and charted.

The center cable is a fantastic focal point, surrounded by smaller cables and twisted stitches. Fabulous.

We hope you’re inspired to get your needles out, and cast on something warm and wonderful.

Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Dragonfly Pullover

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Image of woman wearing blue pullover knit in Angora Lace yarn
Today, the Dragonfly Pullover in Angora Lace (pattern link here).
I was delighted when Pantone made Basic Blue their color of the year for 2020. I’m all about blue in all its shades. So this lace-hemmed pullover in Angora Lace color 212 Denim is a dream come true.
Lovely details like drop shoulders and 3/4 length sleeves give this a simple and calm, but engaging, feel.
And that body! A surprising and fun hemline, leading to islands of interlocking lace, rising to a sea of fine stockinette. It’s a great way to show off your knitting while still letting the piece do what every sweater should do – show YOU off to your best advantage.
Angora Lace 211 Peacoat
Angora Lace 210 Cerulean
If you really want to lean into the blue, Angora Lace has several tones, including these two solids which echo 2020’s Basic Blue beautifully.
Angora Lace 111 Calm
Or go with a multi for all or part of it. There are so many options.
We hope you have a fantastic, stress-free weekend, and find time to embrace some peace and joy for yourself.
Happy crafting!

quote from Pearl S. Buck on happiness

Free Pattern Friday – Beechnut Pullover

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Beechnut Pullover in Fibra Natura Papyrus (pattern link here). This week, we’re thrilled to have a new design from Amy Gunderson. The Beechnut Pullover is an elegant square-necked pullover with a unique construction.
The sleeve panels are knit first, then the body stitches and sleeve stitches are picked up along the panel edge and worked from the top-down.
With the challenge of the lace sleeves out of the way, it’s stockinette down to the hem. This will obviously be an easy one to lengthen, if you wish. Our model is wearing the Small size, with 4 1/2 inches of positive ease.
Let’s take a closer look at those sleeves. The depth of color in Fibra Natura cotton/silk Papyrus adds a touch of shimmer to the fabric, without obscuring the design. It’s one of the things that makes the yarn a designer favorite. We love that Amy decided to do a double column of the leafy lace, to help make this piece a three-season standout.
We hope you enjoy this sophisticated piece. Have a wonderful weekend. Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Pebbled Path Pullover

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Pebbled Path Pullover in Deluxe DK Superwash (pattern link here). Next up in our “best of” August re-releases, this great autumn sweater! Originally part of e-book Deluxe Superwash: Fall Classics, this pattern is now free.
This relaxed pullover is just the layering piece you’ll want for an autumn walk in the park. A beautiful openwork panel decorates the front, with the back left plain. Deluxe DK Superwash wool keeps you cozy and comfy!
Throw this on top of your favorite button-down, jeans, and a pair of boots and you’re all set! We hope you’re able to get out and enjoy nature this weekend. Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Ravine

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Ravine in Fibra Natura Lina (pattern link here). We’re very aware that some parts of the continent are still blessed with cold weather. But here in North Carolina, we’re moving into the holiday weekend with what meteorologists are calling a “death ridge.”
Picture ants under a magnifying glass.
Are we going to let that stop us from knitting? Heck no! We just have to adjust our projects, that’s all.
A little overripe works best.
Step one: prepare for the heat. Toss some grapes in the freezer before you hit your LYS. Also, be sure your ice cube trays are full. You’ll be glad you did later.
Step two: choose a short-sleeved, breezy project. Ravine fits the bill. Cool and comfy, this classic wide-necked tee is perfect for summer.
Fibra Natura Lina
Step three: pick a heat-friendly yarn. Lina is a linen/cotton blend that’s perfect for summer, and it’s going to feel great in a top like Ravine. Other possibilities: Cotton True Sport or Little Bird.
Step four: Cast on and chill out. The grapes are a fitting snack for this, because your hands won’t get grimy and you can keep knitting as you nosh. The ice cubes? If you’ve got a blender, try Kool-Aid slushies – super cheap and refreshing.
We hope you have a safe and relaxing weekend and Memorial Day. Happy crafting!