Free Pattern Friday – Knit and Crochet Market Bags

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Good Adorn Both Market Bags blogToday, the Knit and Crochet Market Bags in Good Earth Adorn.

Good Earth Adorn Red Market Bag blogSomething for all of our needlecrafting friends today!  We chose Good Earth Adorn (204yds/100g) because the cotton/linen blend holds up well and isn’t going to felt with repeated rubbing as you carry it around. Each pattern takes just two hanks.

First up, the knitted bag, in 302 Adobe.  It’s a simple four-row repeat for the eyelet mesh, then basic knitting with some k2tog shaping for the edges and handle.

Good Earth Adorn Green Market Bag blogThe crochet bag in color 303 Lettuce uses a very basic double crochet mesh.  You’ll make both sides, sew them together, then add the straps.

There’s actually a little sneak peek hiding in the green bag photographed – two new colors of Good Earth Adorn on the far right, never before seen, that we’ll be adding to the line next season.  We’re very excited at all the new samples coming in and we can’t wait to share them with you.

Happy crafting!

Good Adorn Market Bag with new colors blog

 

 

Free Pattern Friday – Ladders Tank

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Ladders Tee front_blogToday, the Ladders Tank in Flax.

Two crochet Free Pattern Fridays in a row?  Well, we’re cheating just a little bit with this one – the edging at the neck, arm, and hem are knit.  Crocheting purists are of course free to work their magic with an alternate trim.  Those of us (like me) who are still polishing their crochet skills may stick with the edging as written.  Someday I’ll be able to wing it, though!

The top is made in Flax (50g/137yds) which, as the name implies, is 100% linen.  The ladder pattern combined with the flax fiber makes this a perfect tank for summer.  Things I love about this piece: the Flax (which I’ll take any excuse to work with), the fact that it’s sized from Small to 3X, and the shaping, which of course you can customize to your own tastes.

We hope you’re having a great summer, and that you’re beating the heat.  As for me, I’m going to make some fruit and yogurt ice pops and then cast on for a cool project.

Happy crafting!

 

Ladders Tee back_blog

 

 

Free Pattern Friday – Refracted Lace Shawl

It’s Free Pattern Friday… again!

RefractedLaceShawl_Back_WhisperLace_blog

This afternoon, the Refracted Lace Shawl in Whisper Lace.

We once had a popular pattern called the Refracted Light Shawl in a discontinued yarn called Swiss Mohair.  Alas, when Swiss Mohair went away, so did the pattern.  But it was one of those patterns that kept being passed around from crocheter to crocheter, in a “have you seen this?  It sounds like just what you’re looking for” kind of way.

RefractedLaceShawl_Front_WhisperLace_blogWell, you can’t keep a good pattern down, so here it is, back again.  This time, it’s in Whisper Lace (440yds/50g), our wool/silk blend from the Fibra Natura line.

Front and back post crochet create an open, airy fabric that can fan out across your back or twist artfully at the shoulder or front.

We hope you enjoy this classic, available once more for you to enjoy.

Happy crafting!

RefractedLaceShawl_Back_WhisperLace_detail_blog

Free Pattern Friday – Summer Poncho

It’s Free Pattern Friday!Flax_SummerPoncho_alt_blogToday, the Summer Poncho in Flax.

We’re on the road to Columbus, OH right now for the annual summer National Needlearts Association trade show, but we still had to share this absolute beauty.

Susan at TNNAThe Summer Poncho is designed by Susan Whitmore, the owner of Rainy Day Creations yarn shop in Pineville, NC.  To the right you can see Susan snuggling with Suzy the Cuddlebunny at a previous year’s show in the Universal Yarn booth.

She has just closed her shop and is enjoying a richly deserved retirement.  We miss her welcoming shop, but we’re so glad that she’s taking time to enjoy herself.  And we’re doubly glad that she shared this lovely design with us before hopping on her motorcycle and vrooming off into the sunset!

Flax_SummerPoncho_blogKnit in FibraNatura Flax linen yarn in two pieces and seamed, this oversized poncho will fit a variety of sizes and is easy to adjust simply by seaming more or less of the sizes and neck.  It’s a simple written pattern and contains a schematic for assembly.  Such a great piece for summer!

We hope you enjoy this piece, and that you pull a page from Susan’s book and take time to enjoy life.

Happy knitting!

Free Pattern Friday – Acid Wash Pullover

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

denims Acid Wash Pullover blogToday, the Acid Wash Pullover in denims.

If there’s a yarn that has captured the imagination of our customers this season, it’s denims.  A bulky cotton/wool tape with hues ranging from sky blue to indigo, it’s perfectly on-trend for the current year.  Looking at this pullover, you can see why it’s so popular.

This bulky-weight pullover knits up on 6.5mm needles, but the cotton content means you won’t swelter.  Right twists and cables run the length of the body to a 1×1 ribbing at the hem and collar.  The contrasting sleeves are a nice touch, as is the lowered back edge.

Worked in pieces and seamed, this pattern is both written and charted and contains a schematic.  The right twists are easy as pie to do.

Having just finished a quick one ball project in this yarn, I’m eager for more.  This would fit the bill nicely.

Happy knitting!

denims Acid Wash Pullover cable closeup_blog

 

Cotton True Collection 1

Ready for Spring?

Cotton True Sport Cover blog

So are we!  We’re proud to present Cotton True Collection 1, our first collection of patterns for Fibra Natura Cotton True Sport.

Cotton True Sport 3 balls blog

Cotton True Sport (50g/197yds) is a new 100% pima cotton in our luxury Fibra Natura line.  It’s light, smooth, and pleasant to work with.  This is one we’ve been dying to knit with, so we were delighted when Amy Gunderson dreamed up these five beautiful designs!

Craftsy Chase 1 Craftsy Chase2_cu

The Chase is a classic vest, worked in pieces and seamed.  The right and left twists require no cable needle and are charted.  In addition to the lovely chase of designs along the front, there’s a twisted cable ribbing at the edges that provides a lovely finishing touch.

 

Craftsy KeyToMyHeart1B Craftsy KeyToMyHeart3

Key To My Heart is worked in pieces from the bottom up, with a sweet edging of lace leaves that’s written and charted.  The lovely keyhole in the back is an eye-catcher.

 

Craftsy Parting1B Craftsy Parting3

Parting is aptly named for the back pleat that sets this top apart.  The pleat in this A-line tee will naturally fold inward on its own thanks to strategically placed slipped stitches and a little reverse stockinette.

 

Craftsy Rocked1B Craftsy Rocked3

Rocked adds a little wow to your wardrobe.   The mesh pattern is surprisingly easy, and front and back are identical.  If you want a fantastic piece that you can knit with ease, this is the one. The button tab  on the sleeve is a great touch.  Very on point.

 

Craftsy Stinger 1 Craftsy Stinger 2

Stinger is very swingy and versatile in fit.  Worked in pieces and seamed, the cardigan is has a great shape that looks stylish but still feels “at home.”

Download the designs via Craftsy or Ravelry, either as an e-book or as individual patterns.

And hey, you know what?  We’re feeling so good about Cotton True Sport that we have a freebie for you.

Lace Scarf in Cotton True Sport

The Lace Scarf is a free pattern, written and charted, taking just two balls of Cotton True Sport.  That twisted ribbing border is a lovely accent to the columns of lace.

We hope you find something that sparks your imagination.

Happy knitting!

Holiday Helper – Light and Breezy

Halloween’s behind us, which means it’s time to kick our holiday knitting into high gear.  Or, if you’re me, it’s time to actually *start* your holiday knitting.  I’m sure all of you are busy weaving in ends on that heirloom blanket that you started back in January, but maybe – just maybe – you are in the same boat as I am and are suddenly remembering that one person you wanted to make something special for who slipped your mind.

Worry no more!  From now through the end of the year we’ll be highlighting some relatively quick designs that will still satisfy your recipient without driving you crazy.  This week, let’s look at a couple of light and easy projects in warm-weather yarns.

Blue Seaspray Shawlette final back_blog

The free High Tide Shawlette is made in Cotton Supreme DK Seaspray.  This took just one hank, albeit with only a few yards left over.  There’s still enough time to make this lovely triangular shawl on US Size 8 (5mm) needles before the holidays roll around.  Denim print is going to be big next season, so it’ll be very on trend for your giftee.

Good Earth Adorn Scarf 1_blog

The free Botanical Scarf takes just one skein of Good Earth Adorn cotton/linen blend.  This is a luxury yarn that feels great but won’t break the bank.  This is another one on US Size 8 (5mm) needles.  With an easy-to-memorize pattern, this would be great to take along in the plane or car home for the holidays.  And again, Good Earth Adorn has that subtle earthy look that’s going to stay in fashion for a long time to come.

My main problem with starting holiday gifts early is that they stay around my house and I think, “You know, this would look great on me.”  And then I wind up having to knit another gift.

We wish you great willpower and happy knitting!

Sunday Swatch – Llamalini

Today’s Sunday Swatch is in Llamalini color 106 Lotus.

SS Llamalini blogYes, it looked like a smiley face, so I had to take a picture of it like that because I am a big old dork.  But I can’t help it, I’m smiling too.  I got to knit with Llamalini!   This particular swatch is the stitch pattern from this week’s Throwback Thursday, the Zig Zag Lace Scarf.  It worked up nicely on US Size 7 (4.5mm) needles and was quite an easy pattern to keep track of.

Llamalini (50g/109yds) is a blend of linen, royal llama, and silk bourette that’s just as decadent as it sounds.  The linen gives it a little drape, and the silk bourette provides a tweedy texture for added visual interest.  The royal llama is there for extra fabulousness.

Crooked Dolphin Tee by NytateLlamalini is featured prominently in our Contrarian Shawls e-book, but I also want to show off a free pattern designed for it.  The Diagonals Tee is a popular design with an interesting yoke.  The only sewing is stitching up the underarms, which you can see are quite short.  Raveler Nytate (real name, Latisha) did a great version of this top (pictured right), and in fact is doing a KAL/class on it at her local shop, Sheep’s Clothing in Kennewick, WA.  Nice work!

Have a great weekend, and happy knitting!

 

Throwback Thursday – Zig Zag Lace Scarf

It’s Throwback Thursday!

Throwback Thursday Zig Zag Lace Scarf

Today, we feature the Zig Zag Lace Scarf.  Originally in Fibra Natura Seasong, we’re recommending a couple of medium weight alternatives here.

First, Llamalini (50g/109yds), another member of the Fibra Natura family.  It’s a decadent blend of royal llama, silk bourette, and linen.  In fact I’ve picked Llamalini for an upcoming Sunday Swatch, mainly so I have another excuse to knit with it!

Next, Deluxe Worsted Superwash (100g/220yds), our very popular superwash version of Deluxe Worsted.  There’s no plant content here, so the scarf will have a little more “spring” with this choice.  There’s a great range of colors here, so there are many opportunities to customize your scarf.

0118-Universal Yarn catchupThe pattern itself is very simple – just a series of yarn overs and decreases staggered to make a zig zag design.  This is an easy pattern to read in your stitches, meaning once you’ve done a repeat you can see how to continue without too much referring back to the pattern page.  This is a classic pattern that we’re glad to share again!

Happy knitting!

Sunday Swatch – Whisper Lace

Today’s Sunday Swatch is in Whisper Lace colors 110 Lemongrass (solid) and 206 Amber Trinket (variegated).

SS Whisper Lace_blog

This is one of my favorite yarns in the Fibra Natura family.  Whisper Lace is 70% wool/30% silk and soft as a cloud.  And at 440 yards per 50 gram ball, it goes a long way.

One thing that I like about Whisper Lace is how well the solid and the variegated tones match.  They look great paired as in the lace sample above, or in Adrienne Ku’s Pescadito shawl shown at right.  Colors 104 Fog and 208 Orchid Dream make a great barely-there contrast that doesn’t obscure the lace pattern – light and breezy and gorgeous.

What’s to become of today’s Sunday Swatch?  It’s already been claimed by a young person in my house – apparently it will look just fabulous on some lucky doll.

Happy knitting!

SS Whisper Lace Zoe