knit – Page 35 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

October 1, 2018October 1, 2018

Quick Lace – Fast & Free Projects in Chunky Yarn

Are you ever in the mood for some instant gratification, but with a little extra interest? Two words: chunky lace. We’ve got four projects here – two knit and two crochet – that you can finish in a flash.

Let’s start with the very quickest – the Chunky Lace Beanie in Deluxe Chunky (pattern link here). This was originally designed for a quick little free e-book of hats with pom-poms called Hot Hats. However, the detailing on the crown is awfully nice, so after its release, the original knitter reclaimed it, cut off the pompom, and now wears it every winter.

This quick lace topper takes just one ball of Deluxe Chunky 100% wool. 120 yards + US size 10 needles and you’re done. There are 122 (and counting) shades of Deluxe Chunky. Your LYS can help you find a color that’s perfect for you.

Next, the Waving Lace Stole in Deluxe Chunky (pattern link here).

We mentioned Deluxe Chunky’s array of colors for the last pattern, but this one goes in the opposite direction.

It uses color 50004, Pewter Undyed Natural. The color here is the color of the sheep it came from. It’s a charming, rustic look that would work well with dresses or blue jeans.

The lace works up quickly on US size 11 (8mm) needles. Fringe finishes it off.

Wear it wide, or fold it in half for a scarf with a lot of depth. Fabulous.

On to crochet! Here’s the Ambrosia Scarf in Deluxe Bulky Superwash (pattern link here).

This puff-stitch scarf is worked end to end. Shorten or lengthen it by changing the number in the beginning chain. Three colors of Deluxe Bulky Superwash play together – three balls of main color 932 Icy Gray, and one each of 913 Honeydew and 933 Sweatshirt Gray.

Such a sculptural, wrappable, wearable piece. Very impressive.

Finally, the Racing Cowl in Uptown Bulky Amplify (pattern link here).

We’re pushing the boundaries of “lace” here, but this one is so quick and easy. Just one skein of self-striping Uptown Bulky Amplify and a N-15 (10mm) hook make this strikingly colorful piece.

We pulled the cowl down over the shoulders here so you could see how it’s constructed a little better. Really, it’s back bar half double crochet all the way around, row after row until you feel done. Super quick, but it gives the finished piece an almost knitted look. Neat!

In a couple of weeks, we’ll be looking at some fabulous cabled projects in bulky yarn. They rank among our most popular projects!

Until then, happy crafting!

September 28, 2018June 23, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Stripe-o-saurus

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Stripe-o-saurus in Bamboo Pop (pattern link here).

This is a great example of how the right yarn can make a project really pop – no pun intended.

Striped green toddler pullover knitted in Bamboo Pop — “Rawr! I would knit this myself but my arms are too short.”

This Bamboo Pop pullover has two wide bands of color, broken by a single row knitted in the coordinating accent color used at the edges. Without that thin line, it’s just not quite the same.

Blue toy dinosaur standing next to shoulder of green children's knit pullover — “Rawr! I can’t pick up stitches. I can’t pick up anything!”

This sweater is worked flat from the bottom up and seamed. Neck edging stitches are picked up and worked in the round. A circular needle is used to work the body because there are times in which stitches will need to be slipped to the other end of the needle during the stripes (for that single line of color).

“Rawr! Maybe you could make me a tiny cape?”

Oh, good grief. Excuse me, I need to go knit something for a tiny blue dinosaur.

We hope you let your inner child out this weekend.

Happy crafting!

September 25, 2018September 9, 2019

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.

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.

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.

#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!

September 21, 2018June 23, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Cosign Cap

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Cosign Cap in Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash (pattern link).

Why cosign? Two reasons. 1, when I first saw this hat it was sideways, and the patterning looked like little cosine waves. 2, someone mentioned that they loved this pattern, and I immediately cosigned on that.

The pattern is written and charted, and contains a variation on cabling you might not have seen before – the right slipped cross and left slipped cross. You’re using a cable needle as with traditional cables, but instead of knitting both stitches, there’s a slip involved.

It creates an elongated stitch that slants left or right. Neat effect, and a useful tool to add to your cabling repertoire.

The crown keeps using slipped stitches without cabling, to continue the elongated stitches into the gathered top. A lovely finish to a charming topper, made even more charming by the little nubs in the Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash. Only one ball required.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend, full of beauty and warmth.

Happy crafting!

September 14, 2018June 23, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Taku Throw

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Taku Throw in the Uptown Worsted family (pattern link).

Is today a good day to huddle under a beautiful throw? Well, for those of us in the southeastern U.S., yes. Yes it is. Here’s Katie, our Customer Service Lead, testing the current wind speed with the Polygon Shawl in Whisper Lace.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bntiodjnqgq/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

A substantial, beautiful, not-too-complicated project seems like just the ticket. (Also, let me express my admiration for Katie, whose hair looked perfect again right after walking back inside).

Back to the throw! This pattern calls for three different members of the popular Uptown family – solid Uptown Worsted, variegated Uptown Worsted Mist, and self-patterning Uptown Worsted Tapestry (that’s the one you see at the ends of the throw). These three yarns are designed to work well together, providing excellent harmony and interesting color without having to do a lot of fiddly colorwork.

This is a fairly easy pattern. The design is a two-row repeat of mostly garter stitch with “make 1” increases and a center double decrease to create the chevron. You’ll want to use circular needles, but that’s just because it’s made in one piece so there are a lot of stitches to accommodate over its width. If you’re a beginner who feels comfortable trying a couple of new things, this is for you. If you’re experienced and want something comforting to make, this is for you, too!

We hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Happy crafting!

September 7, 2018June 23, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Fresco Cardigan

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Fresco Cardigan in Adore and Adore Colors (pattern link here).

Love colorwork but not Fair isle? This one’s for you!

Rachel Brockman used self-striping Adore Colors to do the heavy lifting in the body and sleeve stripes. Then she used mosaic knitting in solid Adore to create the design around the waist. Only one color is used per row. The design appears by slipping stitches in different colors, and voila!

close up of mosaic-knit slip stitch pattern in Adore and Adore Colors yarns — Beautiful.

We hope you enjoy this lovely bit of Fall-to-come.

Happy crafting!

August 27, 2018August 27, 2018

Back to School Knits – the Cotton True Kids Collection

It’s that time of year again! With very mixed feelings, we send our little ones off to school. We might be old hands at the transition, or it might be our very first time. It’s almost guaranteed, though, that they’ve grown since last year. Fortunately, we have a collection of kids’ tops to get you through the warm-to-cool transition, in a multitude of sizing!

The Cotton True Kids Collection, featuring 6 knitting projects for kids (Ravelry e-book link here).

All are sized 1-12, and are made in Fibra Natura Cotton True Sport, a smooth and soft 100% Pima cotton. (We know we have a lot of Bella Cash fans out there too, so we’ll mention that the gauge between the two yarns should match to a T.)

And speaking of tees (pardon my puns!)…

The Begonia Lace Tee (Ravelry link) is worked from the bottom up in pieces.

This sweet lace-shoulder tee would look pretty over a skirt, too. Not too frou-frou, but still a good way to dress up a plain outfit. A nice piece! (Note: autocorrect wanted to call this “a niece piece” and now I’m wondering if I have a niece who would like this. Hmm..)

Next up, Catkin (Ravelry link) is a pocketed smocked smock (say that five times fast).

Catkin is made in two pieces, tacked together under the arms and joined at the shoulder with buttons. Easy to get on and off without having to work a wiggling preschooler’s head through the neckhole. It has handy pockets: I am instantly reminded of Eeyore’s birthday gift of “a useful pot to put things in.” Even better from a parent’s point of view, Cotton True Sport is machine washable. Easy to clean after a grand adventure.

The Climbing Vine Cardigan (Ravelry link) is a classic with some inspired touches.

Number one: pockets. Yes. Thank you. As a parent, I have had to tuck away many a souvenir (four-leaf clover, beach shell, random rock) to carry myself. How much nicer for a child to carry their own tiny treasure.

Number two: The way the little vines grow out of the pockets, like they’re rising from a flowerpot. Adorable.

Number three: buttons! This is the piece that brought home to me how you can make a piece understated or bold, just by changing one detail. Cute with a capital C.

Lacy Leaves (Ravelry link) is a sophisticated lace-front vest (shown here in kid size 4). We do recommend that you be able to “read” your knitting and be familiar with charts to make this one.

The lace pattern is charted only, because each size (1-12) has its own chart encompassing the entire front. You’ll also want to be able to maintain stitches in pattern at the armholes and neck, hence the “read your knitting” recommendation. Hopefully, this didn’t scare anyone – once you get started in this pattern, it’s not hard to see what’s going on.

Whee! The Striped Lily Tee (Ravelry link) gets its fun texture from reverse stockinette.

The tee is worked from the bottom up and seamed, and features raglan shaping. This would be great for warm weather, or as an extra “peel off” layer over a thin long-sleeved top.

The Sweet Lilac Hoodie (Ravelry link) is awfully cute in the 4-year size shown, but it would also give plenty of room to a diaper-bottomed toddler.

The way the lace hem coordinates with the i-cord ties is darling. Is it too soon to be thinking about Easter? This could be a really cute holiday gift that will still be wearable in the Spring.

Hit your LYS, grab some yarn, and put all that extra time to good use. I can hear all the parents and caregivers yelling, “What extra time??” We feel you – but try to find time to knit!

August 24, 2018February 10, 2020

Free Pattern Friday – Tamara Triangle

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Tamara Triangle in Papyrus (pattern link here).

There’s a sweet story behind today’s sweet design, so I’m going to let designer Rachel Brockman tell it in her own words.

“The Tamara Triangle is named after a dear friend of mine – one who inspired me to learn to knit (and one who has been pining for an oversized shawl).

“As such, this pattern goes out to all of the people in our lives who have inspired and encouraged the craft of knitting – whether it’s a family member, a friend, a local yarn shop, or yourself – I think we can all agree that it’s great to reflect and feel grateful for those influences. ”

The shawl is worked from the top down in cotton/silk Papyrus, beginning with a garter tab cast-on. Most of the shawl is worked in stockinette stitch, making it excellent for a knit night with friends.

The edging requires a bit more concentration, as the lace is worked on the right and wrong sides of the work. Fear not, though, the pattern is a repeat of just six rows. As a bonus, the lace is aesthetically reversible. If you prefer the look of reverse stockinette, flip it around.

We hope you have an excellent weekend, and find time to connect with old friends.

Happy crafting!

August 22, 2018June 23, 2023

Free Pattern – Fleurette Lace Pullover

Summertime can be a tough time for a needlecrafter. It’s hot, and a big project can weigh heavy in your lap, but you don’t want to put down the yarn. Fortunately, there’s always cotton!

To beat the heat, try the Fleurette Lace Pullover in Cotton Supreme DK (pattern link here).

Sized Small to 3X, this raglan-sleeved pullover features waist shaping, and is knitted from the bottom up in pieces. It’s quite stylish with a contrasting tank underneath. This is a nice three season piece.

The lace pattern is both written and charted, and covers front and back. It calls for Cotton Supreme DK, the lighterweight version of our popular Cotton Supreme DK. It’s very pretty as shown in a natural 702 Ecru, but there are a lot of ways to go with this one. Maybe a pretty pastel?

Or go dark, with something light showing through beneath?

We hope you stay cool, and keep on crafting. Have a great day!

August 19, 2018

Small Pleasures – Blue Oak Shawl

A couple of weeks ago, I very briefly mentioned our new e-book, Small Pleasures. It’s a set of designs using what is fast becoming a favorite, Bella Cash.

This collection is perfect for me, because I am all about the accessories. I like instant gratification, and I’m always paranoid that I’m going to get to the end of a sweater and I will have miscalculated somewhere and it won’t fit. Not that this has ever happened to me. Ahem.

But let us not dwell on the failures of the past, let us move on to newer and more beautiful things – namely, my new shawl obsession, Blue Oak.

I asked designer Rachel Brockman about this, and she kindly shared her original swatch and concept.

“It all started with my playing with slip stitches and stripes, but wanting it to have a little something special. I’m a sucker for triangular shawls, too. They are easy to wear and soothing to knit. It was never my plan to make this in pink and white, as shown in my swatch – but I think it gets my design through quite well and I was thrilled about the final results.”

Rachel’s concept for the edge lace was inspired by the Blue Oak tree. The triangular shape of the shawl itself mirrors that.

Soothing indeed.

It sits nicely on the shoulders worn loose to the front…

…and is long enough to wrap for other styling options as well.

The grain pattern in this top-down piece is just a 4-row 2-stitch repeat. I cast on for this yesterday and knitted a bit, and it only took about five rows after the garter tab before I didn’t have to think about it any more.

Peach and dark purple balls of Bella Cash yarn and knitted slip stitch swatch — Colors: 122 Amethyst and 119 Apricot.

The pattern is broken up by a band of contrasting color in the middle and in the ending lace. Everything in the pattern is written and charted, except the grain pattern, which needs no chart.

Rachel offers some Bella Cash color suggestions:

“My choices for a personal project would have to be 126 Forest combined with 106 Oat or 116 Sage, as used in the sample. Of course, there is always 121 Cabernet and 124 Mustard (shown) if you’re feeling the Gryffindor love!”

Well, now I’m not sure whether to keep going with what I’ve got, or maybe go Ravenclaw blue. Decisions, decisions.

The Blue Oak Shawl is available on Ravelry as a single pattern, or as part of e-book Small Pleasures. This won’t be the last time we talk about this e-book. I’m a sock fiend, and there’s a pair in there I’m dying to cast on for.

Happy crafting!