Universal Yarn Creative Network
Inspiration By Design
Here at Universal, we love our pets.
There’s Amy’s dog Suzy…
(That’s Suzy in front of Wall Candy in Deluxe Worsted)
my cat Calvin…
(That’s Calvin on Yumiko Alexander’s Poppies)
and various other animal friends that couldn’t be bothered to pose for us. That love of animals is why we want to draw attention to World Spay Day – and to share a free pattern.
Here at Universal Yarn, we woke up to this headline this morning:
Well. We had been looking forward to some of the great new Spring designs out now in magazines (more on those another time) but it looks like we still need to think warm. Fortunately, we have a free e-book that is perfect for the weather!
We had a question come in recently that we want to address:
Q: “I know your Deluxe Superwash says you can machine wash and dry it, but can you really?”
A: Yes!
We know because we’ve done it ourselves. Take a look!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Diamonds are High in Deluxe Bulky Superwash.
Earlier this week I posted two thick and quick scarf projects in our new yarn, Deluxe Bulky Superwash (100g/87yds). The more I handled this yarn, the more I wanted to make something with it myself. So here it is – Diamonds are High.
This Fair Isle hat is knit on size 11 needles at a little under 4 stitches per inch. To keep the ribbed brim from flaring, as can sometimes an issue, increase the number of stitches just after the k1p1 section. As long as your tension is good in the diamond sections, this is a nice, stretchy hat.
Credit where it’s due: I brought the hat to Amy Gunderson and said, “this needs something, but I don’t know what.” It was she who suggested “big pompom” and she was 100% right. It really takes it over the top, so to speak.
This might be someone’s gift, but then again, it might stay with me. Nothing brightens your day like a colorful hat with a giant puffball on the top. Although after making this hat, I’m pretty sure I have enough for a second one with the colors reversed. I could make a gift and keep one for me. It’s the best of all worlds!
Happy knitting!
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!
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!
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!
Labor Day weekend is the traditional start of Fall – a time when thoughts turn to warmer wools and holiday knitting. Fortunately, we’ve got just the thing to start you off with a bang!
We’re giving away a copy of the popular 50 Garter Stitch Gifts to Knit. All the patterns feature our Deluxe Worsted wool (220yds/100g), a favorite stash staple that comes in 120+ colors.
To fire your imagination, we’re including enough Deluxe Worsted to make the ZigZag Mosaic Scarf, a lengthwise-knit scarf that makes clever use of slipped stitches to create a mosaic effect.
To enter, just comment on this post and answer this question: what’s the longest a project has stayed unfinished in your WIP pile? I’ll start the ball rolling by saying that during a recent cleaning binge I conceded defeat and ripped out the baby blanket that I started… a couple of decades ago. That baby is long grown.
There are no wrong answers, and there’s no shame here. What there is, is a desire to jump start your holiday crafting, assuming you’re not already neck-deep in projects. Comment by Monday, Sept 21st for your chance to win. We’ll randomly select one entry to receive the prize.
Good luck – and happy knitting!
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
-Arthur Ashe
Today’s Weaving Wednesday was inspired on a walk down my street. I was having difficulty getting motivated, and paused at a fence by a stream to look at the water and be in the moment. Watching the stream wind along reminded me that oftentimes, we just need to overcome our own inertia, take that first step and move. We’ll figure out the direction along the way – starting is the important part.
With that thought in mind, I brought my tiny little 2″ square Weavette loom and a few colors of Garden 10 cotton thread with me to our local Worldwide Knit In Public day and started to weave with the thread held doubled. I had the idea that the squares would make good individual oversized embroidery backgrounds. Garden 10 is a lovely, fine mercerized Egyptian Giza cotton, and I knew it was hardy enough to stand up to the elements, an important consideration for this project.
Over the next week, in the lovely evenings of late Spring in the South, I sat on the front porch and embroidered a letter on each square with Deluxe Worsted. My embroidery skills are rough, but again, the point is to start now. If we wait to begin until conditions are perfect, we’ll never begin.
When they were ready, I began taking a square, a length of thread, some scissors, and a needle along with me on my walks. Each night, I paused at the fence by the stream and added a letter.
I can’t be sure what the neighbors thought, but by the time the end was near, I was getting smiles from others who were out for an evening stroll. I’d like to think they were curious to see the final message.
The holes in the chain link were larger than I realized, so a little creative stitching was necessary. I had to be careful not to pull too tightly when attaching the squares – the weaving pulled out of true on some letters. Nonetheless, at the end of nine days, it was done.
It’s stayed in good shape over several months now. I hope this little yarnbomb brings a smile and perhaps a moment of motivation to someone else as they walk by.
Mark Twain said that the secret of getting ahead is getting started. What have you been putting aside that you can start today?
How about a little summer in the midst of winter?
Romare Bearden (1911-1988) has a special place in my heart. He hails from my hometown of Charlotte, NC, just down the road from Universal Yarn. He moved to New York and contributed to Harlem’s vibrant arts scene in the 30’s and 40’s, often using imagery from his home state. Romare Bearden was that fortunate artist who gained respect and recognition in his lifetime, with his works displayed in important collections around the globe. If you’re ever in Charlotte, take a pleasant stroll through Romare Bearden Park – then come up the road and see us.
His use of color is inspiring.
The bright colors…
…with more natural tones.
So many choices. So many directions to explore.
Happy knitting!