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October 30, 2014

Throwback Thursday – Sparkling Snowman

It’s Throwback Thursday!

Last week’s Happy Little Elf proved so popular that we thought we’d keep the (snow)ball rolling. Here’s the Sparkling Snowman!

Another absolutely adorable design by Michele Wilcox, we’re again recommending Uptown Worsted 100% anti-pilling acrylic. It’s soft, long-lasting, and machine washable.

I’ve got this little guy beside me right now. For those wondering, the mittens are part of the arms, but the sweater and hat can be removed. The original snowman’s hat is lightly sewn down to keep it on for photography and trunk show visits, but that’s not mandatory. If he gets too warm, we can take it off.

The little broom is optional, but should be easy to find in a craft store. The more I look at this little fella, the more I think maybe he needs a candy cane. Or how about a tiny hockey stick, and embroider your favorite player’s number on the sweater? He’s got kind of a Wayne Gretzky nose going on.

However you dress your snowman up or down, we wish you happy knitting!

October 23, 2014October 23, 2014

Throwback Thursday – Happy Little Elf

It’s Throwback Thursday!We had someone on Facebook ask about this pattern a couple of days ago, and it reminded us of how close the holidays are. So today, we offer this formerly paid pattern, now set free!

The Happy Little Elf is an adorable Michele Wilcox design (we love Michele!) that was originally only available as part of a kit featuring Classic Worsted Holiday. We’re recommending Uptown Worsted as a substitute.

Uptown Worsted is 100% anti-pilling acrylic. As a former yarn snob, I was skeptical of acrylics until I squeezed my first skein of Uptown. This would definitely be soft enough for a beloved little friend who is also machine washable.

What I like about Uptown for this pattern is that it has a broad color palette. Our recommendations to match the original Happy Little Elf are pictured here, but there are a good variety of skin tones and jacket and shoe options if you want to personalize your elf.

Looking at elf pictures online (I love my job) made me realize just how standard this elf costume is in popular culture, and how versatile this little elf could be. You could make a little buddy, so to speak…

Buddy the Elf

…or you could make your own little offbeat elf to take on adventures.

We just got that 356 Bright Blue in stock. It’s like it was meant to be.

We hope you’ll enjoy making a little pal for yourself, or for someone in your life who could use some magic.

Happy knitting!

October 16, 2014October 16, 2014

Throwback Thursday – Celebrate Autumn Flora with Deluxe

It’s Throwback Thursday!

We’re not throwing back that far today, just a couple of years. But it’s the perfect time of year to highlight the free e-book Autumn Flora with Deluxe.

This e-book features eight patterns perfect for staying toasty, all using the Deluxe family of 100% wool.

All the patterns below are part of this cozy collection of colorwork and cables. Enjoy!

Pattern: Wraparound Leaves Beret and Mitts

Yarn: Deluxe Worsted

• 12176 Teal Viper – 1 ball (MC)

• 41138 Brown Sugar – 1 ball (CC)

Pattern: Sheaves of Wheat Reversible Scarf

Yarn: Deluxe Chunky

• 3704 Gold Spice – 2 balls

Pattern: Poplar Beret

Yarn: Deluxe Worsted

• 12182 Gold Spice – 1 ball (A)

Universal Yarn Deluxe Worsted LP

• 06 Harvest – 1 ball (B)

Pattern: Felted Leaf

Yarn: Deluxe Worsted

• 1 ball will make multiple felted leaves

Pattern: Big Leaf Mittens

Yarn: Renew Wool (Substitute Deluxe DK Superwash)

• 101 Sand – 1 ball (MC)
• 107 Cedar – 1 ball (CC1)
• 113 Garnet – 1 ball (CC2)

Pattern: Stranded Seed Pillow

Yarn: Deluxe Chunky

• 91901 Oatmeal Heather – 2 balls (MC)
• 3749 Forest – 1 ball (CC)

(There’s a gorgeous cabled edge on this one!)

Pattern: Autumn Leaves Cap

Yarn: Deluxe Worsted

• 71601 Blue Ombre – 1 ball (A)
• 12501 Oatmeal Heather – 1 ball (B)

• 3649 Forest Green – 1 ball (C)
• 41138 Brown Sugar – 1 ball (D)
• 91477 Red Oak – 1 ball (E)
• 12188 Heather – 1 ball (F)
• 12180 Eggplant – 1 ball (G)
• 12282 Hunter Green – 1 ball (H)
• 12181 Bronze Brown – 1 ball (I)

October 7, 2014October 15, 2014

Free Pattern – Wee Pumpkins

Okay, it’s not Free Pattern Friday yet, but we just couldn’t resist sharing this free pattern.

These are the Wee Pumpkins. We’re sharing them now so you have plenty of time to work one up by Halloween! Or what about Thanksgiving ? Wouldn’t these look great on a dining room table?

They’re made in self-shading Poems 100% wool, which has some great fall colors. The purple/green one on the left is 577 Bramble and the orange-toned one is 585 Autumn.

The pumpkins are knit sideways, with short rows making up the wedge sections. Take a look at the bottom and you can see how it all comes together.

Never done short rows before? This is a great project to get your feet wet. Amy Gunderson shares a video in how to do the wrap and turn.

Also of interest in there is the SSP (slip, slip, purl). I’ve made things with short rows before, and inevitably had one side look seamless and one side marred with a big bump. I’m delighted to learn a technique to make both ends of my short row look smooth.

Often, we’ll loan our knits to local yarn stores for them to share in trunk shows, but it’s going to be hard to part with these. They’re just so pretty!

Happy knitting!

September 19, 2014

Free Pattern Friday – Wall Candy

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Understated and elegant! Wall Candy is a straightforward knit packaged in a unique way.

Four strands of Deluxe Worsted 100% wool are knitted into a 10×10 stockinette square. Thick wire is run around the edges, then the square is framed. Don’t worry, the pattern contains directions and pictures showing how to attach the frame. If you’ve ever run blocking wire through the edge of a shawl, you can do this. If you haven’t… it’s time to learn!

Although this pattern is written for Deluxe Worsted, I’m looking back over some of my Sunday Swatches to see what else I might have suitable for framing. Maybe some Nettle Lana? Hmmm…

Universal Yarn offers many thanks to Suzy, the Sweetest Dog in the World for her kind hospitality on this photo shoot. Who’s a good dog, Suzy? You are!

Happy knitting, friends!

June 27, 2014June 27, 2014

Free Pattern Friday – Four Leaves Pillow

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, it’s the Four Leaves Pillow in Uptown Bulky.

Thick and quick are the words of the day! Machine washable Uptown Bulky (100g/87yds) is a great choice for this home decor project. Its 100% anti-pilling acrylic is the perfect pick for a piece that’s going to be on display. Just two balls on size 13 needles and boom, you’re done!

The pillow is worked in one piece. It starts in the front, is worked from the center out to the edges, then decreases around the back. Start with DPNs (double pointed needles), then switch to a circular needle, then when the project is too small for circulars again go back to your DPNs.When you’re about 3/4 of the way done, you’ll slip a 12″ pillow inside and work around it. Finish up seamlessly for a polished look.

We hope you enjoy this, the perfect project to curl up on the couch with.

Happy knitting!