knit – Page 14 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

June 17, 2022June 17, 2022

Free Pattern Friday – Delilah

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Delilah knitted in Flax (pattern link here).

Lightweight, lacy, and perfect for summer, Delilah is a linen luxury that’s tailor-made for warm weather.

This design comes to us from Aubrey Busek. If you know her work, it’s easy to see her creative touches: she always brings a certain flair to her designs, as with the bohemian tassels adorning this asymmetrical triangular shawl.

Aubrey chose Flax 100% linen yarn for this design, and no wonder: when it comes to summer fashion and comfort, you really can’t go wrong with linen.

Closeup of hanks of Flax linen yarn in shades of blue

Delilah is a perfect topper to any outfit you choose. We’ve paired it with a long summer dress here, but it’s simple to style any number of ways. Its 50″ length looks great wrapped over the bodice, draped loosely at your neck, or artfully thrown over one shoulder.

Delilah’s lace repeat is easy to memorize, and a great match for its soothing stockinette center. This shawl is just as fun to work up as it is to wear.

This is definitely a design to bump to the top of the queue.

We hope you have a cool and relaxing weekend.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

June 10, 2022June 10, 2022

Free Pattern Friday – Exhilarate Revisited

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Exhilarate Revisited, in Bamboo Pop Sock and Bamboo Pop Sock Solids (pattern link here).

The “Revisited” in this pattern’s name is because it is a re-imagining of an existing sock yarn shawl, Exhilarate. We loved the way it used panels of varying widths in self-striping yarn to create different lengths of stripes. It led us to think, “hmmm… this would look great in Bamboo Pop Sock!”

(L-R) Bamboo Pop Sock colors 506 Rip Tide and 503 Jetties

Bamboo Pop Sock has plenty of options for stripe combinations. We went with 506 Rip Tide and 503 Jetties for the color band sections, bordered with bluish-gray Bamboo Pop Sock Solids 620 Moondust for the borders. It’s a cool, beachy combo with bright pops of purple!

Perfect for a confident beginner, Exhilarate Revisited uses garter stitch and lets the color do the work. Looking to build your skills? We’ve implemented a touch of intarsia for a colorful effect sure to turn heads. The tidy edge is created by an i-cord bind-off. It’s a handy tool to have in your knitter’s bag of tricks!

This shawl is worked modularly in 4 sections. A diagram is included to help you visualize the construction. You’ll create the stripes, then pick up stitches to add the solid border along the two shorter sides.

This accessory is so lightweight and drapey in wool-free Bamboo Pop Sock – it’s perfect for summer.

We hope you have an exhilarating weekend!

Happy Crafting!

-Heather Hill

June 3, 2022June 3, 2022

Free Pattern Friday – Leaf Lace Dress

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Light green sleeveless children's dress with lace skirt

Today, the Leaf Lace Dress knitted in Magnolia (pattern link here).

First, though, here is actual footage of me seeing this dress for the first time:

Teenage girl Anna from the movie Frozen squealing in excitement — Squeeeee!

So adorable. And such fun to knit! This raglan-sleeved project is worked largely in the round, beginning at the hem with gorgeous lace.

Look at this beautiful skirt! Designer Rachel Brockman has both written and charted this section to make it easy to follow. Rachel’s choice of Magnolia yarn for this design provides excellent drape and definition!

Three skeins of Magnolia yarn in shades of blue and green — Colors Left to right: 109 Brunch, 114 Citrus Leaf, and 110 Frayed Denim

Magnolia‘s blend of 95% plant-based modal with 5% cashmere makes it cool in warm weather, but also gives it an extra touch of luxury! The stitch definition is divine, for maximum impact in that leaf lace skirt. It’s a soft, smooth yarn with a beautiful sheen – one of our favorites for summer. And since Magnolia is machine washable, it will be fine for the baby or toddler who makes the inevitable mess!

Light green sleeveless children's dress with lace skirt paired with white top

Sized from newborn through 18-24 months, this charming short frock would be perfect for so many occasions – I’m thinking specifically of a summer wedding I’m going to this month, where this would not be out of place at all. I’m also imagining the look on a prospective mom’s face getting this at a baby shower:

We hope you have a fantastic weekend, full of fun projects!

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

May 20, 2022May 20, 2022

Free Pattern Friday – Daffodil Vest

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Woman facing away from camera. She is wearing a white blouse and a pale yellow knitted vest.

Today, the Daffodil Vest in Uptown Baby Sport (pattern link here).

Designer Aubrey Busek took her inspiration from a field of blooming spring flowers, creating a lovely lacy repeat in this spring popover.

Closeup of daffodil field — Daffodil fields at Parson’s Reserve

Uptown Baby Sport was the perfect yarn choice for Aubrey’s design. This 100% anti-pilling acrylic is machine washable, wears well, and is very soft. I’ll admit, I used to turn up my nose at acrylic, but the Uptown family of yarns has turned that attitude around. I’ve been delighted with the quality of everything I’ve made in Uptown yarns.

Woman in white blouse with rolled up sleeves, and pale yellow knitted vest.

Looking at the sunny, pale yellow field of flowers that roam across this vest, you can’t help but have your spirits lifted. It reminds me of the last stanza of a favorite poem by Wordsworth, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, in which the writer unexpectedly encounters a beautiful field of daffodils, and holds the memory of that sudden riot of color as a balm against dark days.

“For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.”

Smiling woman wearing white button-down top and pale yellow vest knitted in Uptown Baby Sport.

We hope you enjoy this sunny, uplifting pattern. Have a wonderful weekend.

Happy crafting,

Heather Hill

May 13, 2022May 13, 2022

Free Pattern Friday – Triangles Throw

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Knitted chenille throw in aqua with triangles motif, draped over a white chair.

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

So super snuggly! This sweet knitted throw uses fuzzy Bella Chenille to create a texture it’s impossible to stop stroking.

Skeins of aqua-toned Bella Chenille yarn stacked on top of one another. — Colors 126 Lapis (darker) and 128 Coastal (lighter)

Soft and plush, Bella Chenille is perfect not just for home decor and kid projects (hello, Peanut Butter and Jelly bears!), but for adult garments like the Roseate Cardigan, free on our site.

Closeup of knitted chenille throw in aqua with triangles motif.

The throw uses intarsia for the color changes at the border. While you could use intarsia for the triangles, we’d recommend doing them in stranded knitting instead, to decrease the number of ends you’ll need to weave in.

One light gray and one darker gray skein of Bella Chenille yarn. — Colors 119 Misty (lighter) and 118 Elephant (darker)

Now, as to colors. I absolutely love the original 126 Lapis and 128 Coastal that designer Rachel Brockman chose, because I’m all about cool tones. But you could also go monochrome, with 119 Misty and 118 Elephant shown above, for a low contrast palette. Make it more dramatic by swapping the darker gray for 112 Black, if that’s your vibe.

Stack of fuchsia and purple-toned Bella Chenille yarn with flowers. — Colors 122 Amethyst (darker) and 124 Boysenberry (lighter)

Or embrace the rich, saturated nature of this yarn, and try the darker 122 Amethyst and lighter 124 Boysenberry. There are just so many beautiful options in Bella Chenille!

We hope you have a fantastic weekend, and that you find time to snuggle up – maybe with someone special!

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

May 12, 2022May 12, 2022

Sunkissed Summer Collection Review

This week we released the bright and flirty Sunkissed Summer collection! It features five summery projects to knit and crochet, and trust me – you’ll want to make all five.

*Sunkissed Summer: the Magnolia spring collection*

This collection highlights our light and luxurious Magnolia yarn. Its modal and cashmere blend makes for projects that are silky, smooth, and perfect for the warm weather of the season. Some fiber friends have shared that it’s hard to stay motivated to work on projects when it’s warm, but it’s actually the perfect time to set aside wool and welcome in this lighter alternative. It is a delight to work with, and finished projects boast a beautiful sheen and incredible drape. Plus the colors are all so juicy and fun. With names like Dreamsicle, Brunch, and Key Lime, you feel like you’re indulging in all the best parts of summer while you work!

The first project I’d like to feature is the crocheted Paradise Pouch – my own design! This was a joy to create and I’m thrilled to have the chance to share a bit about it. The bag features two identical panels with a vibrant central mandala that is rhythmic to create. You’ll explore post-stitch work along with texture-rich rounds to make this mesmerizing accessory. For added intrigue there are colorful tassels that frame your work with fun!

*Paradise Pouch designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre*

Next up, lets take a look at Sunburst by Aubrey Busek. Its design captures the radiance of a rising sun with curved sections reaching like rays towards the burst of fringy tassels along the edge. The lace and bold colors create dynamic lines and shapes that can spice up any outfit you choose. When you drape this piece around you, you’ll feel transported to a breezy beach which you can carry with you wherever you go.

Lastly, lets check out Sailfin, a striped stunner by Rachel Brockman. This colorful scarf is inspired by the glorious stripes of the saltwater sailfin fish. The scarf’s eye-catching colors and pattern are just as captivating as its underwater muse. The smooth texture allows for the colors and drape of Magnolia to stand out and shine. Pair this accessory with your favorite summer outfit and be ready to receive joyful compliments all day!

There are still two other projects, the Painted Sunset shawl and the Seagrass top, yet to explore in this collection. Which one is your favorite? If you’re like me and you are having a hard time choosing, then get them all! The collection bundle is just $20 compared to $6 for each accessory pattern, and $7 for the Seagrass top. Until Friday 5/13 there is even more savings on our Ravelry page. To celebrate this collection release, you can snag an extra 15% off – no code needed!

That’s all for now, friends. Happy Stitching!
Ashley Jane

May 6, 2022May 6, 2022

Free Pattern Friday – Rippled Waters

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Woman facing away from viewer, holding a light blue knitted wrap outstretched.

Today, Rippled Waters knitted in Fibra Natura Papyrus (pattern link here).

Designer Aubrey Busek took her inspiration for this design from still waters, kissed by a breeze that ripples the surface. It’s apparent in the lace elements…

Closeup of knitted twisted rib wrap pulled over a woman's shoulder to show the fabric.

…and in the choice of twisted rib, a stitch which gives a dimensional element to the body of the piece.

Also adding to the texture, the choice of yarn. Fibra Natura Papyrus is composed of a light and luxurious cotton/silk blend with a fascinating feel. Easy on the hands to work with, Papyrus is a great yarn for warmer weather. It adds a certain 3D quality to your fabric.

Smiling woman in green dress facing camera. A blue wrap knitted in Papyrus is draped over her shoulders.

I’ve got some stashed away, waiting for me to cast on for my Beechnut Pullover. But looking at this wrap, maybe I should go ahead and make this instead. Or both. Yep, that’s it, both.

We hope you have a fantastic weekend, full of love and joy.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

May 4, 2022May 4, 2022

Muud Limited Edition

The latest releases from Muud are some of your tried and true favorites – only better. The Denmark based company creates products with crafters in mind, blending functionality with beautiful designs. Traditionally all of their pieces come in classic black and whiskey colors with understated and practical hardware, but this release offers a chic makeover.

One of the standout elements is the gold zipper and hardware, adding a luxe feel to the attention and detailing of each piece. Right away, these bags and accessories project “designer” vibes but don’t actually come at the cost. The largest price difference comes with the coveted Saturn XL, normally $165, you can snag (or should we say steal!) the limited release for just $30 more at $195. With all of the pieces barely bumping above the norm, we won’t be surprised to see the full collection shipping out!

Another thoughtful touch is the addition of a printed liner sporting the brand name in an adorable blush pink. I’m so thrilled about this because it truly sets this limited collection apart from the standard Muud line. It’s one of those details that is eye-catching in a fun peekaboo way that will delight you every time you unzip your bag to reach for your project!

If you’re starting to feel in the mood for Muud (see what I did there?) but want to start small, look no further than the Hee needle/hook case! One of the wonderful final features of this gorgeous collection is that the selection of pieces is offered in a range of sizes and price-points to fit the needs of all crafters!

There is something available for everyone – for now. Hurry and grab your Limited Edition Muud piece today before it’s gone!
That’s all for now – Happy Stitching, y’all!
Ashley Jane McIntyre

April 29, 2022

Flash Pattern Friday – Staggered Shawl

It’s Flash Pattern Friday!

Woman wearing green, purple, and black striped knitted shawl

On the last Friday of the month, we take a beautiful paid pattern and set it free for a limited time through Ravelry. Today it’s the Staggered Shawl knitted in Bamboo Pop (Ravelry link here).

Woman facing away from camera holding knitted shawl behind her.

This is a really exciting design to share, because it’s so striking, yet so simple to knit! Amy Gunderson did a great job combining easy intarsia color changes with bold shades to create a popular and fun pattern!

With such a wealth of color choices in Bamboo Pop, it’s a snap to customize your shawl. This 50/50 cotton/bamboo blend yarn is perfect for bright and beautiful warm weather pieces! Just one ball of each of your three colors will make this gorgeous accessory.

Amy chose colors 209 Jungle Life, 210 Orchid Smash, and 112 Black for her original, but here in the office we couldn’t resist whipping up a few color combos of our own.

For instance, just swapping purple 210 for the bright pink variegated 208 Pink Joy makes a huge difference! Now I’m craving watermelon at a springtime picnic!

Me, though, I’m all about the blue tones. Here, 205 Brilliant Blues fills in for the green, for a confection that reminds me of raspberry gelato! Design note: you’ll get the most striking results if you keep the narrow stripe color either significantly darker or lighter than your main two colors. Of course, that’s only a guideline – you should create your shawl however you are moved to!

Am I going to make myself another shawl? I might have to make myself another shawl. Well, this is definitely the right time!

Image of model wearing Staggered Shawl knitted in Bamboo Pop. Includes instructions to use code FLASH on Ravelry to get a free copy by May 1, 2022.

To get the Staggered Shawl free, use the buy it now or add to cart links on the Ravelry pattern page. Then enter coupon code FLASH where you see the “use a coupon code” links that appear during purchase. Not a Ravelry user? Drop us a line by the end of Sunday5/1 and we’ll get you taken care of.

We hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

April 20, 2022April 20, 2022

Tiny Textures: Knit Projects For Littles Ones

This week we released our newest collection, Tiny Textures, which is truly the cutest little gathering of knitwear items I’ve seen all spring! There are five easy projects to knit up and give to a baby or toddler in your life – whether for your own munchkins, or as a gift for others in your life, each design is sure to be a cherished keepsake for years to come.

All of the projects are made with our Uptown Worsted Hues yarn. It’s the newest addition to the Uptown line of yarns, featuring beautifully blended pastel colors that look great in any piece! From baby items, to adult garments, accessories, and homewares, this yarn is a wonderful way to bring a burst of color into the mix. Uptown Worsted Hues anti-pilling, 100% acrylic composition and Standard 100 certification by Oeko-Tex made this yarn an easy choice for a kids collection though. It can handle the rough-and-tumble nature of kiddos well, as it is fully machine washable and easy to care for.

One of my favorite pieces to come out of this collection is the Peyton cardigan. It has such a playful take on a sophisticated “grown up cardigan” by featuring squiggly lines, made of cable cross stitches, where one may expect to see more typical cables. Plus there’s room for more unexpected fun by incorporating buttons! You may choose to go with a clean look by using cohesive, round wooden buttons from Katrinkles, like we did. Or you could get quirky by browsing some of her more eccentric options, or by sourcing some from wherever you’d like! No matter where they are from, buttons are always a great way to make a piece feel truly unique and special.

The other teeny temptation creeping onto my make-list is the Elouise set. The hat and cowl have sweet little details that make them look quite polished for being so small. The hat features a little cinched gathering at the brim that hints at old-glam style, while the cowl sports a button closure, leaving room for more of that individual refinement we talked about above. The slip stitch pattern worked on both the hat and cowl has just the right amount of texture to give this set a certain je ne sais quoi that would simply lack if it were done in a smooth stockinette. Wouldn’t you agree?

Be sure to check out all 5 of the tiny textured pieces, and start plotting which ones you’ll make today! Which one do you think you’ll make first?
That’s all for now, Happy Stitching y’all,
Ashley Jane