Free Pattern Friday – Firework Blankie

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Blanket 1 blog

Today, the Firework Blankie crocheted in Little Bird and Little Bird Colors.

Blanket 2 blogThe 4th of July is almost upon us, making this a particularly appropriate free pattern.  The Firework Blankie is crocheted in Little Bird Multi with rows of contrasting solid Little Bird (344yds/100g) every few rows for a bigger burst of color.  And check out those adorable pom-poms on the points – like an extra little kapow!

We put together another couple of combinations of colors that could work, depending on whether you wanted to go bold or… slightly less bold.

LBird Colors 201 Stroll Combo_blog

Two different directions with the same multi colorway (201 Stroll), The one on the left is paired with 106 Go-Go Coral – the picture does not do justice to how almost neon-bright it is.  The one on the right is paired with 111 Chinos, to tone it down a little but still be a contrast.  Normally I’m in favor of subtlety, but with the Firework Blankie, I might go with the one on the left.  This blanket says “playtime.”

LBird Colors Other combos_blogTwo more combos, both appealing to me since I favor cool tones.  On the left is 204 Summer Story paired with 105 Wee Violet.  I can easily see that thrown over a chair in a kid’s room.  At right, 203 Grass Stain paired with 110 New Leaf.  I’m imagining sitting out on the lawn with that green baby blanket spread out, toddler in a sunhat happily playing.  No worries about the blanket on the grass – Little Bird is machine washable!

With gray as an increasingly popular color for baby projects, we also  think 112 Ghostie Gray would be a good combination with pretty much any of the multis.

…You know, I thought I could make it through the whole post without saying it, but I just can’t.

baby you're a firework

Happy crocheting!

Blanket 3 blog

 

Free Pattern Friday – Crosshatch Baby Blanket

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Bella Blanket with bear blog

Today, the Crosshatch Baby Blanket in Bella Chenille.

Bella Chenille (131yds/100g) is a favorite for baby and kid knits because it is soft and fuzzy, and because it is machine washable.  I myself have knitted a sample, washed it, and laid it flat to dry.  It looked just as good as when it was first knitted.

Bella Blanket with bear detail blogThis pattern itself is a twelve row repeat that’s charted, along with a basic garter stitch border, giving you a sweet 40″ x 40″ square.

This blanket is soft and huggable.  It’s resting beside my desk right now as I write this, and I keep reaching out to touch it.  This would be a good one to make and have on hand for the inescapable surprise baby shower we’re all occasionally hit with.  It would be nice to have a little security blanket nearby until it needs to be given away.

Happy knitting!

 

Free Pattern Friday – Picket Cardigan

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Little Bird Picket Cardigan 1 blogToday, the Picket Cardigan in Little Bird.

More than one person walked by my desk this week and picked this up to fondle it.  Little Bird (100g/344 yds) gives it a lovely sheen, and the smoothness of the fiber really makes those cables and ribs stand out.  It’s not stiff or bulky at all, but very soft and comfy.  The machine washability makes it a home run for baby knits.

This cardigan is knit in pieces and seamed. The back and sleeves are worked in plain stockinette stitch, while the fronts are cabled.  The pattern is written and charted and contains a schematic.

This would look great on a little girl or a little boy. The buttonholes can be placed on either side – although truthfully I always forget which is which.  Eh, the baby won’t care.

Happy knitting!

 

 

Free Pattern Friday – Frog Hoodie

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Bella Chenille Frog Hoodie wide blog

Today, a great project to leap into the new year with.  The Frog Hoodie in Bella Chenille!

Bella Chenille (131yds/100g) is a fuzzy polyester chenille that’s very soft and easy to work with.  I used this for a Sunday Swatch a while back, and I can tell you from firsthand experience that it machine washes well.  This is a great yarn choice for a kid project.

Knit the sleeves in the round and put them aside, then work the body and attach the sleeves.  Work upward to the neck and hood, then add the frog eyes.  The coordinating buttons are nice and big for little hands to fasten.

Happy knitting!

 

Throwback Thursday – Felted Polar Bear

It’s Throwback Thursday!

TT_Felted Polar Bear_Deluxe Worsted_blogToday, the Felted Polar Bear by Michele Wilcox.

We were inspired to release today’s pattern by a note in Vogue Knitting’s latest KnitNews e-mail.  They polled the staff to see what they were gift knitting, and one responded, “I’m hurriedly knitting a toy with Universal Yarn’s Deluxe Worsted wool, for a new baby in my family—he was adopted, so I didn’t have much notice!”

That combined with the adorable knitted cat in Cotton Supreme Batik that a customer sent to us via Facebook got us thinking about stuffed animals.  And as usual, Michele Wilcox comes through!

The Felted Polar Bear was originally part of a pattern collection for Shepherd’s Own, which is now discontinued.  However, it looks perfect in Deluxe Worsted color 40001, Cream Undyed Natural.  There are a number of undyed Deluxe Worsted Natural colors that would work if you wanted a traditional teddy rather than a polar bear.

This bear is made in pieces and stitched together, then lightly felted to make it a little more fuzzy and snuggly.  Sew on an appropriately adorable expression and stuff it, and you have a squeezable friend to cozy up to.  Too cute.

We wish you beary happy knitting!

 

Free Pattern Friday – Bella Chenille Two-fer

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Bella Chenille Little Cub Hoodie 1_blog

Today, we have not one, but two new patterns!  First, in honor of Halloween, the Little Cub Hoodie in Bella Chenille.  I’m a sucker for baby clothes that look like little animals.  This one is sized from six months up to four years, so it’ll fit a variety of little cubs.

Bella Chenille is a great choice for this – I did a Sunday Swatch in Bella Chenille back in June and put my piece through the washing machine and laid it flat to dry.  It came out just as soft as it was when it was first knit.  I’d have no hesitation making a baby garment in Bella Chenille.

Bella Chenille ItsAPartyOnesie _blogNext, the It’s A Party! Onesie in Bella Chenille Multi.  The Multi coordinates with the solid very well, as you can see in the detail on the cuffs and neckline.  Front and back are knit flat separately, then the sleeves are added.  Adorable, and a quick knit on US size 10 1/2 needles.

We hope you enjoy these two soft projects.  Happy knitting!

 

Free Pattern Friday – Dive Into Fall Jacket

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Dive Into Fall Jacket_UptownBulky_wood_blog

Today, something for the wee ones!  The Dive Into Fall Jacket is sized for kids 12-18 months.   This garment has a lot of stretch, so parents of fast-growing toddlers should be able to get a fair amount of use out of it.

Kat Koeller and Linda Ridder designed this jacket in our Uptown Bulky 100% anti-pilling acrylic.  In addition to being exceptionally soft, it’s machine washable.  Anyone who has ever had to wipe down a toddler after a trip to Ben & Jerry’s will appreciate the practicality of this choice.

The jacket is knit in one piece from the top down – first the collar, then the raglan sleeves go on holders while you make the body, then you come back and add ribbing to the ends of the sleeves.  Interestingly, the fabric is fully reversible!

We hope you enjoy this beautiful weather.  Knit something for a little one in your life – but be sure to make something for yourself, too!

 

Throwback Thursday – Ruffles and Ribbons

It’s Throwback Thursday!

TT Ruffles and Ribbons

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!

Sunday Swatch – Cirrus Cotton

Today’s Sunday Swatch is in Cirrus Cotton.

SS Cirrus Cotton_blog

I know, we just did Free Pattern Friday in Cirrus Cotton (50g/109yds), but I found it inspirational!  The multis and the solids in this light and fuzzy yarn coordinate so well that it got me thinking about color work.  A baby blanket in a bulky and soft yarn seems like a good combo.

Based on this color selection, I’m thinking about a landscape – a variegated green grass with a blue sky and creamy clouds.  Maybe add a yellow sun with an embroidered face for extra charm.  Something bright and sunny for the nursery!

Happy crafting!

Throwback Thursday – Spring Snowflake Cardi

It’s Throwback Thursday!

TT Snowflake Cardi

This little cutie is wearing the Spring Snowflake Cardi.

Originally, this took about 300 yards of Morning Glory Cotton (a cotton/acrylic blend) on a size 6 needle.  We’re recommending several other machine washable options for this charming baby and toddler cardi.

DM_Morning_Glory Sparkling Snowflake Sweater_cu300Lightweight Little Bird, Bamboo Pop, and Uptown Baby Sport would all be good matches.  These yarns also have greater yardage per ball than the original yarn, making this sweater potentially a great one ball project!

Uptown Baby Sport has some really great pastels and kid-friendly color options.  You might even try doubling up Little Bird or Bamboo Pop solid and multi for an interesting color color combo.  Hmm… I feel a Sunday Swatch idea coming on.

Happy knitting!