Free Pattern Friday – Holiday Cheer Throw

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Holiday Cheer Throw in Bella Chenille Big Glimmer (pattern link here).

This is a special design for several reasons! First, it’s just so festive! Who wouldn’t want a big, beautiful crocheted throw to snuggle up with on a frosty night?

Second, this is the inaugural free pattern in a brand new yarn, Bella Chenille Big Glimmer!

Original Bella Chenille Big is loved for home decor, accessories, and more. We heard from more than one person saying, “you know the only thing that could make this better is… bling!”

What a great idea! So here it is, in all its glittery glory. But the Holiday Cheer Throw isn’t the only free pattern in this yarn released today. There’s also…

The knitted Gemstones Scarf (pattern link here), aka the softest scarf you’ll ever wear.

The Snowy Night Pillow Cover (pattern link here), which I really want to make with red ‘snowflakes’ to create poinsettias.

Snug as a Bug (pattern link here), the perfect robe to wrap up in on the weekend.

If you’re a fan of the annual 12 Days of Winter kit sets, you’ll love Marshmallow, shown here knitted up in Bella Chenille Big Glimmer, sporting a stylish Bella Chenille pullover. He’s one of this year’s kits, available only through your LYS. His designer, Aubrey Busek, will be posting more about him on Monday.

We are so excited by this fun yarn, and by all the possibilities it reveals. We hope you enjoy today’s free pattern(s)! Have a wonderful weekend, full of sparkle and joy!

Free Pattern Friday – Simple Scrubbies

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

image of two light pink bath scrubbies, one knitted and one crocheted

Today, Simple Scrubbies in Rico Design Creative Bubble (pattern link here).

If you’ve ever needed a quick housewarming gift, this is for you. We’ve created two little scrubbies that are easy, practical, and look cute!

Knitted in Creative Bubble 003 Pink

One scrubbie is knitted (shown above), and the other is crocheted (shown below).

Crocheted in Creative Bubble 003 Pink

We made both of these from a single ball of Creative Bubble, a super-fun yarn from Rico Designs that’s perfect for bath and clean-up projects.

So many colors…

If you’re going to make both of these from a single ball, be sure you get gauge. It wasn’t quite “yarn chicken” getting both from one ball, but there wasn’t a ton left over, either!

We love the cute little double-crochet loop for easy hanging!

Personally, we’d make a couple in different colors and include a bar of handcrafted soap. Such a thoughtful gift!

Three skeins of Creative Bubble yarn with a crochet hook

And of course, there’s no reason you have to wait to give it as a gift. You deserve some fun too, don’t you? Make a couple of Simple Scrubbies for yourself as a treat!

Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Big Hug Throw

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Plush red crocheted throw draped over white chair

Today, the Big Hug Throw in Bella Chenille Big (pattern link here).

Earlier this week, we shared a pretty pink pullover for Galentine’s Day. Now we’re sharing a big warm hug for Valentine’s Day!

Plush crocheted red blanket folded on upholstered white chair

Don’t you just want to dive right in? Fortunately, it’s very easy to do just that! This beginner-friendly crochet pattern is all all single crochet, with a single crochet border around the edge for a tidy finish.

skein of merlot Bella Chenille Big yarn

Worked in touchable Bella Chenille Big on a US Size P/Q (10mm) hook, this pattern goes fast.

Plus, you have the joy of relaxing under it while you’re making it!

We hope you have a Valentine’s Day filled with laughter and love. Be sure to show yourself some love, too!

Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Blooming Chorus

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Blooming Chorus in Uptown Super Bulky (pattern link here). Blooming Chorus was originally part of the popular collection, Uptown Favorite Afghans 2.
There are some real beauties in here, both knit and crochet, all using the Uptown family of 100% anti-pilling acrylic yarns.
Personally, I love Uptown Super Bulky. I’ve made several Coffee Beans and Sugar Cubes hats in this, and the yarn is so thick that they fly by. And since this blanket is crocheted on a US Size K-10 ½ (6.5 mm) hook, it ought to go pretty quickly too.
There are two sizes included here, the smaller on the child’s bed, and the bigger one in red/grey/navy/white above.
What a fun bit of texture! And if you’re thinking of trying your own color combo, the pattern comes with its own coloring page to let you try it out before putting your hook into motion.
If this blanket is a blooming chorus, what song do you think it sings? Personally, I think it might be this one. (Hey, if I can’t have fun on the Friday before a 3-day weekend, then when can I have fun?)
Have a safe and happy Labor Day. Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Wakame Placemats

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Two placemats knit in raffia Yashi yarn.
Today, the Wakame Placemats in Yashi and Yashi Iro (pattern link here). The Wakame placemats take their name from a kind of edible seaweed, a nod to both the blue green color Ocean Dreams, and to the 100% raffia plant fiber of solid Yashi and multi Yashi Iro.
Closeup of knitted raffia fabric
We love Yashi and Yashi Iro for home decor projects, both knitted like the free Garter Baskets, and crocheted like Rick Mondragon’s clever Japanese Knot Bag.
Image of placemat underside
These are a very simple stitch. They’re worked flat, with just knits, purls, and slips to create a tweedy effect. You’re only using one color at a time.
Corner of Yashi placemat showing aqua fringe
When you’re done, give it a light spritz with water and pin it flat to block. Then, add the fringe for the perfect summery touch. Such a fun and simple pattern!
We hope you have a safe, fun, and festive weekend.
Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Mosaic Dish Towels

Happy Free Pattern Friday!
Spot of tea with your towel knitting?
The Mosaic Dish Towels are our free pattern release this week. Knit in Clean Cotton, 2 balls of 2 different colors will work up a pretty pair of kitchen towels.
Mosaic knitting is a fun way to add visual interest to a project. The technique uses slipped stitches in different colors to create a pattern that goes up the rows. If you’ve never tried mosaic knitting before, this could be a great introduction.
Though these dish towels may seem humble, few things bring as much joy as making something you can use day-to-day in your house. The I-cord hanger means that these towels can be proudly displayed in your kitchen.
I-cord hanger makes your life easy!
Did I mention that the Mosaic Dish Towels are also eco-friendly? Clean Cotton is made using 100% reclaimed fibers, and comes in 21 colors. You can pick a combination that totally speaks to you!
We hope you have fun knitting these towels!

Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Storytime Blankies

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Storytime Blankies in Bella Chenille Big (pattern link here).
Even though this is one pattern, we’re going with Blankie(s), plural, because we couldn’t resist making this up in two color choices.
Whether you choose the cream and pink, the blue and white, or your own choice (indigo and daffodil?), the texture on this blanket in Bella Chenille Big will still be divine.
Couldn’t you just sink into it like a big fluffy cloud?
The twisted stockinette body and the garter column stripe are each a two-row repeat. Easy to memorize, and quick to work up on US size 15 (10mm) needles. If you want instant gratification, or need a quick baby gift, this is your pattern.
Please do squeeze the blanket.
Plus, who doesn’t like tassels? 🙂 We hope you have a fantastic weekend, full of softness and warmth. Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Purls & Triangles Blanket

A blanket knit in Adore draped over a chair.
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
A blue blanket knit using Universal Yarn Adore.
Today, the Purls & Triangles Blanket in Universal Yarn Adore (pattern link here). Looking for a simple project with visual impact? This blanket is for you!
A blue blanket knit in Adore folded on a chair.
Adore is a super soft blend of machine-washable merino and anti-pilling acrylic – making this a seriously baby friendly project. Bonus: this yarn has great stitch definition, so it is ideal for designs with texture. In this blanket, knit and purl stitches join forces to create an all-over triangle pattern with just a touch of seed stitch along the border. The stitch pattern is easily memorized and it’s great for new and seasoned knitters alike.
A detail shot of a blanket knit in Adore draped over a chair.
We’ve chosen 120 Jade for this blanket, but I think it would look equally spectacular in 113 Apricot or 117 Hazel. What can I say, I love warm colors! With 32 colors to choose from, you have plenty of options. Which will you choose? Happy crafting, friends!

Day 10 of Winter – Series 2 Edition

Deluxe Worsted Superwash

This is part 10 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 2 Edition.

Today I’m happy to introduce the Cardamom and Clove Cover – an ultra-cozy wool blanket that’s perfect to wrap around your shoulders while drinking a warm and wintry beverage!

I grew up in a place where it actually snows (when I say “actually” I mean unlike the meager, quick-to-melt amounts that we receive here in Charlotte, NC). To this day I find there is a lot of magic to snow days, and that was especially true when I was a child.

Living in a rural area, just by the border of a state park, snow days first meant shoveling the driveway followed by playing in the snow-covered woods for hours and hours. I rarely came inside until the tips of my hair were completely frozen and my feet couldn’t hand the cold anymore. Then, I’d make my way back home. While my siblings and I pulled off the six million layers we wore to stay warm, my mom prepared hot cocoa.

Deluxe Worsted Superwash

What’s nicer than enjoying a warm beverage with a cozy blanket on your lap after spending hours in the cold? So, to accompany this design reveal I thought it would be fitting to share a perfectly spiced hot cocoa with a touch of cardamom and clove. This recipe isn’t overly sweet, but it is very rich. 

Ingredients – serves four 

12 Days of Winter Kit Collection – Cardamom and Clove Cover Kit

6 oz very dark chocolate (I used 90% cocao)

4 cups of coconut milk (or your milk of choice)

1 pinch cayenne

1 pinch ground cloves

1/4 tsp cardamom

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp freshly ground sea salt

1 Tbsp maple syrup

First – knit, knit, knit! How are you going to cuddle up and drink hot chocolate under your blanket if you haven’t knit it?! Okay – I admit, hot chocolate is just as good for knitting this kit, so you don’t need to complete this step first!

Pour the milk into a saucepan. Set the stove to low heat. Add the chopped chocolate and stir, slowly bringing the temperature to medium. When the chocolate is melted add the cayenne, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, sea salt, and maple syrup. Stir, sip, and adjust spices and sweetener to taste.

Add marshmallows – or don’t, it’s up to you! It’s a pretty basic recipe that can be adapted however you’d like. I encourage you to have fun. Heck – add some nutmeg in there if you’re feeling really crazy!

Universal Yarn 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection
Never enough knits – the Mistletoes and Cardamom and Clove Cover are perfect companions for hot chocolate.

Worried about spilling your cocoa on your beautiful blanket? Don’t! The Cardamom and Clove Cover Kit uses Deluxe Worsted Superwash, so it’s incredibly easy to care for.

Remember, you can find the 12 Days of Winter Series 2 patterns on Ravelry.

Knitflix – The Great British Bake Off

We were talking in the office the other day about the shows we love to sit and binge while we craft.  We have such a diverse range!  I’d like to share one that I fell in love with at first sight, the Great British Bake-Off

You might not think a baking show would have drama and suspense, but it does.  It’s a wonderful reality show to watch with kids because there’s no backstabbing chicanery.

There is, however, alcohol.

If you’re like me, you like to have the right project on hand when binge-watching shows.  With this in mind, we present a pairing of projects perfect for puff pastry preparation.

#1: Macaron Cloths in Cottonwood (free pattern link here).

Why: Handy for cleaning up messes, of which there are plenty in this show.

We’re gonna need more cloths.

Made in organic Fibra Natura Cottonwood, these are excellent little projects to knock out quickly.  The i-cord edging and loop for hanging are decorative and practical.  And best of all (to me), you can finish a set before the series is over.

I feel personally attacked.

#2: The Sweet Little Cowl in Cottonwood (free pattern link here).

Why: Who wouldn’t want to knit brioche during bread week?

This chocolate cherry combo makes my mouth water.

I’m actually knitting this now, in two shades of blue Cottonwood (41104 & 41128), and the pattern is a good match for watching TV.

Do a provisional cast-on, then start in with the brioche.  Once you’re in the groove, it’s easy to divide your attention without losing your place.  Come back around at the end to add that i-cord finish, and voila.  A lovely knitted confection, and you haven’t missed the on-screen action.

We’ve got other shows we’d like to pair. Several have new seasons coming up and we want to be ready to settle in.  If there’s one you’d like to see featured, let us know!

In the meantime, we’ll have a cup of tea ready and a project at hand as we enjoy the show, and appreciate the parallels between baking and crafting.

Happy crafting!