DK – Page 2 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

September 9, 2016August 5, 2019

Free Pattern Friday – Storytime Cardi

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Storytime Cardi in Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash.

Is it storytime, then? I think it is!

Once upon a time, there was a yarn named Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash. It was just a bit smaller than its big sibling, Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash. DK wondered, “What can people make with me? I’m littler than you are!”

And DW answered, “Ah, but you’re just right for so many things! Lots of people want a littler yarn for littler people!” And DW was right! People did want DK for kid projects.

Continue reading “Free Pattern Friday – Storytime Cardi”

August 5, 2016

Free Pattern Friday – Sizzle Scarf

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Sizzle Scarf in Uptown DK.

We love this! So bright and summery. Two balls of Uptown DK (273yds/100g) in 139 Bright Salmon makes this long crescent-shaped scarf. As fun as this is in one color, can you imagine it in two? It’s knit from the bottom up, so how about switching to a second shade after working the leaf lace?

We hope you have a great weekend, and make every pattern you touch your own.

Happy knitting!

April 22, 2016

Free Pattern Friday – Paprika Seed Cowl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Paprika Seed Cowl in Uptown DK Colors.

This one is actually my design, and it started as an experiment. I was curious to see how the stripes in Uptown DK Colors (273yds/100g) would work in a really long row. The answer – great!

This could not be easier. There are actually two possible ways of knitting this one-skein cowl.

One is as written in the pattern: cast on an even number (192), place a marker, join for knitting in the round, and then alternate rounds of *k1, p1* and *p1, k1*. Bind off after 5″, or whatever width floats your boat.

The other, which you may find even simpler, is to cast on an odd number (191), join for knitting in the round, and then just *k1, p1* continuously around until the piece is as wide as you want it to be.

I had enough yarn left over to do a few more color repeats, had I chosen to keep going. This would be a great project for a beginner, or for anyone who wants something they can pick up and set down without worrying about where they are in the pattern.

We hope you have a relaxing weekend, with plenty of time to work on the project of your choice.

Happy knitting!

February 9, 2016July 29, 2019

Wash Day!

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!

Continue reading “Wash Day!”

September 18, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Dip-Dyed Cardigan

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Dip-Dyed Cardigan in Cotton Supreme DK Seaspray.

Love this breezy, casual short-sleeved cardi! And love the choice of Cotton Supreme DK Seaspray (100g/230yds) for it. It’s variegated but not wild, making it a perfect choice for those who want a balance of color and conservatism in their wardrobe.

Knit this cardi in pieces from the bottom up, starting with the contrasting band of reverse stockinette at the bottom. Work the raglan shaping, neck, and sleeves, then add the neck and sleeve edging and the button band. I like the way the color bands are staggered on the front – the asymmetry is interesting!

I’m not usually a pink person, but this might be nice with a band of 301 Carmine for the contrasting bit. There’s not really a wrong choice for this sweater.

Here’s hoping you cast on for something fun and exciting this weekend, just for you!

Happy knitting!

June 19, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Sprout Tank

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Sprout Tank in Cotton Supreme DK.

Hot enough for ya? It’s hot enough for most anyone, but that’s no reason to stop knitting. When little ones still want to get out and enjoy the day, we have the perfect match of pattern and temperature.

The Sprout Tank is knit in two pieces from the bottom up, then seamed. Pick up stitches around the armhole and knit the ruffled shoulder straps. The mock cable eyelets around the bottom are both written and charted. It’s a sweet detail that also gives a little more ventilation.

The suggested yarn is Cotton Supreme DK (100g/230yds), part of our popular Cotton Supreme family of yarns. It’s machine washable, soft, and long-lasting; a good choice for a kid on the go.

The whole tank takes just 2-3 hanks on US size 5 (3.75mm) needles. Knit it, pop it on your little one, then sit in the shade while they enjoy the sandbox. Don’t forget the hat and sunscreen for both of you – it’s a scorcher out there!

May 4, 2015May 4, 2015

Knitspiration – Bannai Taku

It’s a glorious Monday morning. How about a little knitspiration?

I have no idea what this piece by Bannai Taku is called. It’s difficult to find information about this Japanese illustrator’s work, since I don’t speak Japanese. But something about this speaks to me.

Some of it is the fresh colors…

And some of it is the spirit of freedom in the outdoors.

It brings a feeling of lightness and peace.

When’s the last time you climbed on a bike and just rode? Were you still a child? Did you feel like you were flying?

Can you still capture that sense of joy in the world around you?

I hope that sometime today, you’ll step outside and pause for a moment. Look up. Take a deep breath. Let your mind be still and be in the moment.

Then take another deep breath and move through your day with a smile.

Edited to add: A reader who cycles informs us that the Japanese text for our cycling illustration translates to… Cycling. Thank you for letting us know!

April 17, 2015April 17, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Color Block Scarves

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Three Color Scarves in Cotton Supreme DK Seaspray.

It’s hard to believe that something so simple can look so stunning. We use the phrase “let the yarn do the work” a lot, but it’s very applicable here.

This is a very basic four row pattern consisting solely of knits, purls, and slipped stitches. It creates a pebbled texture – not quite a stockinette, not quite a garter stitch. A subtle pattern to match a subtly variegated yarn, Cotton Supreme DK Seaspray (230yds/100g).

This 100% cotton drapes beautifully. The DK weight means it’s light enough to work for warmer weather, and to wrap around with adding a lot of bulk.

This scarf was a delight to style on our mannequin (we call her Molly), to the point that I had to stop myself from finding more ways to wear this. Three coordinating colors brighten up any outfit – mix and match to suit your style.

Happily, each scarf only takes about 40 grams of each color – less than half a hank. So you could easily get two scarves out of your color choice. Above, we use 306 Storm, 305 Ink Blue, and302 Sun Lime. Below we use, 301 Carmine, 304 Blue Skies, and 302 Sun Lime.

Not only is this going into my queue, I’ll also be recommending this to the newer knitters I know. There’s nothing like an easy project that looks smashing to build confidence.

Happy knitting!

February 16, 2015

Knitspiration – The Long Fence

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…

Northanger Abbey_blog — Northanger Abbey Shawl in Garden 10

Seashells Hoodie in Deluxe DK Superwash from Fall Classics

…with more natural tones.

Timbers Hat in Uptown DK from e-book Mountain Ridge Knits

Emerald Isle Lap Blanket in Deluxe Worsted from 50 Knitted Gifts

So many choices. So many directions to explore.

Happy knitting!

November 6, 2014

Throwback Thursday – Winter Afternoon Sweater Jacket

It’s Throwback Thursday!

Luxury! The Winter Afternoon Sweater Jacket was originally made in our Dolce Merino 50% fine merino/50% microfiber blend. Sadly, Dolce Merino is discontinued, but we have several DK weight yarns that this garment would look great in.

First, Uptown DK 100% anti-pilling acrylic. As you can see in the (free) Green Lace Scarf pattern at right, it holds cables well, making it a good choice. We frequently recommend this for baby knits since it’s machine washable and durable, but it’s also a smart pick for adult garments that you want to last a long time. Personally, if I’m going to invest time into knitting a jacket, I want to be able to show it off well into the future.

Next, Merino XF Superwash. This is another one that is machine washable and sturdy. As the XF in the name implies, it’s extrafine merino, so softness is not a problem.

Finally, Deluxe DK Superwash. As seen in the popular free Wishing Cowl pattern at right, it’s another great choice for cables. And again, it’s long-lasting and machine washable.

The Winter Afternoon Sweater Jacket is knit flat in the traditional style. This would be a cozy project to spread out and knit on your lap on a cool night. Lovely to make and to wear during brisk weather.

Happy knitting!