crochet – Page 14 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

November 2, 2018June 23, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Duck Huntin’ Sue

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Duck Huntin’ Sue in Uptown Worsted and Uptown Worsted Tapestry (pattern link here).

This here’s the story of a girl named Sue. No, the lady in the glasses isn’t Sue…

Sue is the fuzzy yeller dawg. (I’m a native Southerner. I can – and do – talk this way sometimes). The Southern belle in the vest is Krista. She’s a talented crafter, and was kind enough to model this camo crochet vest in Uptown Worsted Tapestry, with a knit border in solid Uptown Worsted.

This vest was first worn by Lily Chin as a presenter at Stitches, and now we’re releasing it as a free pattern to you!

But wait, there’s more!

A crocheted quacker to match!

Sue says the duck should be hers, but we think that’s just a mallard of opinion.

Well, if she wants it that bad, it won’t ruffle our feathers. Better to play with the duck than our stash.

Have a great weekend, and happy crafting!

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 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 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!

October 1, 2018October 1, 2018

Quick Lace – Fast & Free Projects in Chunky Yarn

Are you ever in the mood for some instant gratification, but with a little extra interest? Two words: chunky lace. We’ve got four projects here – two knit and two crochet – that you can finish in a flash.

Let’s start with the very quickest – the Chunky Lace Beanie in Deluxe Chunky (pattern link here). This was originally designed for a quick little free e-book of hats with pom-poms called Hot Hats. However, the detailing on the crown is awfully nice, so after its release, the original knitter reclaimed it, cut off the pompom, and now wears it every winter.

This quick lace topper takes just one ball of Deluxe Chunky 100% wool. 120 yards + US size 10 needles and you’re done. There are 122 (and counting) shades of Deluxe Chunky. Your LYS can help you find a color that’s perfect for you.

Next, the Waving Lace Stole in Deluxe Chunky (pattern link here).

We mentioned Deluxe Chunky’s array of colors for the last pattern, but this one goes in the opposite direction.

It uses color 50004, Pewter Undyed Natural. The color here is the color of the sheep it came from. It’s a charming, rustic look that would work well with dresses or blue jeans.

The lace works up quickly on US size 11 (8mm) needles. Fringe finishes it off.

Wear it wide, or fold it in half for a scarf with a lot of depth. Fabulous.

On to crochet! Here’s the Ambrosia Scarf in Deluxe Bulky Superwash (pattern link here).

This puff-stitch scarf is worked end to end. Shorten or lengthen it by changing the number in the beginning chain. Three colors of Deluxe Bulky Superwash play together – three balls of main color 932 Icy Gray, and one each of 913 Honeydew and 933 Sweatshirt Gray.

Such a sculptural, wrappable, wearable piece. Very impressive.

Finally, the Racing Cowl in Uptown Bulky Amplify (pattern link here).

We’re pushing the boundaries of “lace” here, but this one is so quick and easy. Just one skein of self-striping Uptown Bulky Amplify and a N-15 (10mm) hook make this strikingly colorful piece.

We pulled the cowl down over the shoulders here so you could see how it’s constructed a little better. Really, it’s back bar half double crochet all the way around, row after row until you feel done. Super quick, but it gives the finished piece an almost knitted look. Neat!

In a couple of weeks, we’ll be looking at some fabulous cabled projects in bulky yarn. They rank among our most popular projects!

Until then, happy crafting!

August 31, 2018June 23, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Citron Scarf

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Citron Scarf crocheted in Cottonwood (pattern link here).

This is a charming pattern in 100% organic Fibra Natura Cottonwood.

The diagonal bars rise in opposing directions from the center of the scarf like an arrow pointing toward that bright fringe.

You can wear it long, but the cotton fiber makes it cool enough to wear wrapped if you wish. And that fringe!

What a great example of how a contrasting detail can really make a design pop! We digitally colored a couple just to see some different looks.

I’m torn! It might be time to enjoy a Citron Pressé and mull the options.

We hope you have a refreshing weekend.

Happy crafting!

August 17, 2018June 23, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Incarnadine Shawl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Incarnadine Shawl crocheted in Alpaculence (pattern link).

Combine a top-down triangular shell stitch pattern with self-striping yarn, and what do you get?

Gradually widening color repeats in a beautiful shawl.

The border is added afterwards, for narrow bands of color in glittering superfine Alpaculence.

You can easily adjust the size of this shawl, taking care to ensure you’re starting from a multiple of 8 plus 2 chain stitches. The pattern is both written and charted, for your convenience.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend full of beauty.

Happy crafting!

July 6, 2018November 25, 2019

Free Pattern Friday – Oasis Blanket

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Oasis Blanket crocheted in Adore (pattern link here).

The Oasis Blanket gets its name from the bursts of color set into the gray background.

Each one is an oasis.

Worked in Adore (273yds/100g), a soft blend of superwash merino and anti-pilling acrylic, it’s a great piece that’s soft enough for babies but sturdy enough to stand up to the washing machine.

Each motif is worked separately, making this a very portable project. It also makes it easy to adjust the size on this 31″ x 31″ blanket as you wish – add another row of squares or take one away as needed.

We hope you have a pleasant weekend.

Happy crafting!

June 22, 2018June 23, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Mars Tee

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Mars Top crocheted in Cotton Supreme DK Seaspray (pattern link).

How’s your summer going? Are you still looking for that perfect project that will be satisfying to make but not stifle you in the heat?

Voila! Amy Gunderson’s Mars Tee! Crocheted in the round from the bottom up, this beauty is sized from XS to 4X, with shaping that starts out a little bigger at the base, for those of us with a bigger… um… base. The point is, this is comfortable and cool.

Double-crocheting three together makes cute little eyelets without making the fabric too lacey-loose.

From personal experience, I can tell you that the Cotton Supreme family is easy on the hands to use. Go with either the called-for Cotton Supreme DK Seaspray, or try solid Cotton Supreme DK. How cute would this look striped?

We hope you have a great weekend, with lots of time for you to take care of yourself.

Happy crafting!