cowl – Page 4 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

November 26, 2019November 21, 2019

Day 7 of Winter – Series 3 Edition

This is part 7 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.

We’re a week into the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection for 2019, and we hope you’re enjoying everything we’ve shared so far. Today we’re introducing an earthy green cowl that’s sure to hold your interest. Say Hello to the Mountain Pines Cowl, designed by Jennifer Sadler. This deliciously squishy cowl features twisted stitches that form the shapes of evergreen trees. Knit in soft, plump Deluxe Chunky, this is a fairly quick project that will keep you warm all winter long.

A green, twisted stitch cowl knit in Universal Yarn Deluxe Chunky.

Jennifer, who is based in Asheville , North Carolina, got her inspiration from pine trees. Here is what she had to say:

“Here in the North Carolina mountains, pine trees are easily found – there are actually six different kinds of pine trees native to the state. I love how in the winter they stay green, adding a touch of color to an otherwise brown landscape, and when it snows, the branches let the snow pile up, creating a pillow of white on top of the green needles. The Mountain Pines Cowl pays homage to those green monster trees.

Detail of a green, twisted stitch cowl knit in Universal Yarn Deluxe Chunky.

The pine tree motif is much simpler than it looks to knit. It uses twisted stitches, and no cable needle! Once you’ve experienced the ease of twisted stitches, you’ll want to incorporate them into your knitting as much as possible – they create a wonderful visual texture, with hardly any extra work.” -Jennifer

I couldn’t agree more with Jennifer – twisted stitches are a joy to work, especially when you get the hang of them. It eventually feels intuitive and you’ll be glad to have this skill in your toolbox. The Mountain Pines Cowl uses purl twists, so that’s what we’ll focus on in this tutorial. You’ll learn the Left Purl Twist (LPT) and the Right Purl Twist (RPT). The Left Purl Twist (LPT) leans to the left, and the Right Purl Twist (RPT) leans to the right. We’ll cover the LPT first, followed by the RPT.

Left Purl Twist

Small swatch on double-pointed needles and a small ball of yarn. — Start by making a swatch. Swatches are not only crucial for getting the finished item you want but are also great for practicing new stitches.

Work in your pattern until you’ve reached the two stitches you need to twist. I’ve highlighted these stitches in purple so it’s easier to see. As you can see we have a knit stitch and a purl stitch on the left-hand needle. We want to change their positioning by moving the knit stitch over the top of the purl stitch.

Admittedly, the LPT is just a bit more complex than the RPT. It might feel a little fiddly until you get the hang of it. Remember the order of the stitches from the previous photo? The order of the stitches from right to left was Knit, Purl. For the LPT, the first step is to purl the second stitch on the left needle through the back loop. This stitch is highlighted in blue. As you can see, the first (knit) stitch on the left needle remains in place.

After you purl the second stitch through the back loop, do not drop the first and second stitches off the left needle.

Next, move your yarn to the back of the work and knit the first stitch on the left needle.

Now you can drop both the first and second stitches on the left needle. These stitches are highlighted in purple. After you drop them, you’ve completed the LPT.

Notice how the stitches have changed position, and the knit stitch now leans to the left, over top of the purl stitch. Well done, now on to the RPT!

Right Purl Twist

*Work in your pattern until you’ve reached the two stitches you need to twist. I’ve highlighted these stitches in purple so it’s easier to see.* Here we have a purl stitch that precedes a knit stitch. We want to change the position of these stitches, so that the knit stitch leans to the left, over the purl stitch.

*Begin by knitting two stitches together, but do not drop the stitches from your needle.*

As you can see, the two stitches remain on the left needle, but there is now a new stitch on the right needle.

Bring your yarn to the front, then purl the first stitch on the left needle.

Now you can drop the two stitches on the left needle – I’ve highlighted them in purple so it’s easier for you to see.

And that’s it – you’ve completed your RPT. Notice how the knit stitch now precedes the purl stitch.

I hope you find this tutorial helpful, and I hope that it drums up excitement for you to start knitting this lovely cowl. Like Jennifer, I’m a big fan of coniferous trees, so this design sings to me!

Remember, you can find the 12 Days of Winter Kits at your local yarn shop. Happy crafting!

October 4, 2019October 4, 2019

Free Pattern Friday – Splatter Lace Cowl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Splatter Lace Cowl in Fibra Natura Dona (pattern link here). This beauty comes in two sizes, with the long calling for four balls and the short needing just two.

Perfect for a little pop of color.

Dona’s extra fine superwash merino gives excellent stitch definition to this pattern. It’s a simple repeat to memorize, with the star-shaped “splatter” given form by 5-in-1 decreases and 1-in-5 increases!

It may sound daunting, but you’ll pick it up faster than you think. And it’s worth it for the beautiful texture that shines through in a saturated solid color yarn. Have a fantastic weekend, friends! Happy crafting!

July 5, 2019July 31, 2019

Free Pattern Friday – Slate Shawl and Twisted Dee Cowl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

image of gray lace shawl knit in Cashmere Lusso

Today, the Slate Shawl in Cashmere Lusso (pattern link here). First things first: we have a new yarn.

This is FibraNatura Cashmere Lusso. What’s in Cashmere Lusso? Cashmere – and more cashmere! It’s a special blend of 50% virgin cashmere and 50% recycled cashmere, culled from cashmere sweaters. We worked with a mill in Italy to bring this environmentally responsible cashmere to the U.S.

What’s it good for? Wrapping yourself in luxury. Above, it’s pictured with the OTHER free pattern Cashmere Lusso pattern this week, the Twisted Dee Cowl (pattern link here ). Yes, this week we are very lucky to have not one but TWO beautiful designs from The Yarnslayer herself, Adrienne Larsen.

Adrienne used twisted stitches combined with cables in this gorgeous accessory. Wear it wrapped, as shown, or long and flowing…

…or pinned, as you wish.

Shown with the Regulus Celtic Lion Shawl Stick from JUL Designs (link)

An intricate, but rewarding design with a modern “twist” (no pun intended).

The Slate Shawl, on the other hand, is a classic triangular lace piece.

The blending of cashmere sources in Cashmere Lusso gives a rich, textured effect to plain stockinette…

…while not obscuring the beautiful (and beautifully blocked!) lace. The lace is both written and charted – take your pick.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend, and that you treat yourself to the finer things in life – both material and otherwise. Happy crafting!

March 8, 2019January 14, 2020

Free Pattern Friday – Cell Block Cowl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Image of dark red and striped knitted cowl on dressform

Today, the Cell Block Cowl in Adore and Adore Colors (pattern link here). Where does it get its name? From Chicago’s Cell Block Tango?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkODKl7jOrE

He had it comin’.

From Elvis?

Everybody in the whole cell block Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock

No, it’s from the way the solid Adore surrounds striped Adore Colors to create cells of color.

Although what you sing while you knit it is your business.

Slipped stitches create the pattern here – no need to work more than color at a time. Using a striped yarn as the background gives it that extra burst – Uptown DK Colors would be a good choice to use, as well.

Looks complex, but in reality, it’s very easy. Knit a tube in the round, slipping stitches where appropriate, then seam up the ends. Voila!

We hope you have a wonderful weekend. Savor your freedom before Monday rolls back around! Happy crafting!

January 4, 2019April 6, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Willowwork Cowl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

A tan and gray Fair Isle knitted cowl against a brown background.

Today, the Willowwork Cowl in Deluxe Worsted Superwash (pattern link here).

The inspiration for this piece was the living willow fences, or hedges, or “fedges” that are woven from supple saplings into elegant shapes in the garden.

Photo of diamond lattice bent willow hedge

Photo of bentwood willow fence hiding clothesline.

Mind you, it’s still winter, so the Deluxe Worsted Superwash colors we chose reflect a dormant living fence, while still keeping a warm wood feel.

Tan and gray stranded fabric knit in Deluxe Worsted Superwash — Oh, the magic of Fair Isle.

If you were one of those admiring Amy Gunderson’s Twisted Yoke Pullover from the Fall ’18 Vogue Knitting…

…you’ll be pleased to find this uses the same technique. Twisted stitches create a depth that (pardon the expression) raises the design to the next level.

Amy has written this pattern in two sizes – the small size shown here…

…and a larger size suitable for wrapping.

We hope this graceful design hits its mark.

Read more about willow artist “Anna and the Willow” here.

Happy crafting!

December 20, 2018April 6, 2021

Holiday Crafting – Don’t Panic!

How’s everybody doing? All caught up on your handmade gifts?

If you are, then good for you! If you’re not… join the club! Fortunately, there are still some quick, good-looking projects that you (and I) can make at the last minute. And if you still can’t quite finish, well… we have some options at the end of this post.

When I’m in a pinch, I go big! Take a look at the Coffee Beans and Sugar Cubes hats.

Coffee Beans and Sugarcubes hats in Uptown Super Bulky

What I like about them:

Knit in Uptown Super Bulky on size 11 needles, they go really fast.
They’re designed to take one ball each of two colors – and you can get two hats out of those two skeins!
Did I mention they were really fast?

I’ve made more than a few of these, and they’ve always been popular. My most recent set were super bright for two friends, who loved them.

These are also available as a kit from your LYS.

Are you a crocheter? How about the Racing Cowl?

This takes just one skein of self-striping Uptown Super Bulky Amplify on a size N-15 (10mm) hook.

striped crochet cowl in Uptown Super Bulky Amplify yarn — Just half double crochet all the way around. Easy peasy.

If you want to knit something bulky but not super-bulky, try the Latta Park Hat and Mittens from e-book Colorful Commute.

I made one of these myself, and it was fun and easy. The Classic Shades Frenzy is a smart choice because it lends visual interest without extra work – always a consideration when you’re on a deadline.

As a little holiday gift, we’re running a giveaway of the Latta Park Hat and Mittens. (Also, consider signing up for our newsletter. Subscribers already heard about this!)

You can enter this coupon code by going to the Latta Park Hat and Mittens page on Ravelry, and entering FRENZY at the “use a coupon code” link that appears during purchase. Use it by 12/23.

Finally, if you’re just not gonna make it, we still have some options. How about a card to let your giftee know that their gift is on the way? We made a few printable options for you.

Regardless of how your holiday gifting turns out, we hope you’ll be able to make time to slow down and enjoy the season as best you can.

Happy crafting!

December 7, 2018April 6, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Beyond the Sea Cowl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Beyond the Sea Cowl in Revolutions and Cotton Gold (pattern link here).

This cowl is named for the Bobby Darin song, that talks about how the singer’s true love is waiting across the waves. But it also hearkens to song’s original French inspiration, La Mer, with its visions of the sea dancing along the shore, shimmering under the rain.

Mixing the warmth of Revolutions‘ alpaca and mohair halo with the glitter in sequined Cotton Gold captures the feel of the light sparkling on the waves.

The main pattern is a three row repeat using very basic crochet stitches, making this a suitable project for an adventurous beginner.

The finished product has a warm and relaxed fabric, both dressy and practical. It’s easy enough to widen this cowl, if desired. It uses an 8 stitch repeat, so just start with more stitches in that 8 stitch increment and you’re set.

We wish you a warm and bright weekend.

Happy crafting!

November 23, 2018June 23, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Contours Cowl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Contours Cowl in Alaska (pattern link here).

The Contours Cowl features lofty, all-over cables. If you thought cables make for a dense fabric, think again – Alaska is featherweight and soft as down, countering the density you might expect from the usual cabled cowl. It’s perfect to loop around your neck once or twice – and each styling option will keep you warm and cozy.

Knit seamlessly from the bottom-up, this cowl features an easily memorizable cable and slip stitch pattern on a background of reverse stockinette.

We hope you enjoy this week’s free pattern! Have a wonderful, craft-filled weekend!

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 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!