Perhaps my favorite collection we’ve released for fall so far is Light & Shadow. It’s a collection of gorgeous, incredibly wearable patterns knit in anti-pilling Uptown DK.
A lot goes into planning our pattern collections, and it’s always so exciting to see designs develop. Amy and I begin with a mood board. Then we move on to creating rough sketches. You can see a few of mine from our recent collections below:
From left to right: Small Pleasures using Bella Cash, Vibrance in Lace using Finn, and Light and Shadow using Uptown DK.
Naturally not every sketch makes the final collection. Amy and I work on numerous ideas separately, then we meet to share our ideas, select the designs that will be a part of the collection, and choose colors. Then we get hard to work on making these ideas a reality.
So, which designs made the final cut for Light & Shadow?
I have three designs in the collection. First up: Crossroads.
If I had to choose a favorite, this might be it. This design started with a bold cable from Norah Gaughan’s Knitted Cable Sourcebook. I didn’t want to just slap the pattern onto a sweater. I opted for a relaxed, cozy fit with drop shoulders, garter ridges, a split hem, and understated bishop sleeves.
The sleeves sit at bracelet length on our fantastic model, Jarin, however; it’s super simple to lengthen them as the shaping occurs just before the cuff.
I wanted to create the perfect, infinitely wearable turtleneck. I know not everyone loves turtlenecks, but I sure do! Northbound was initially imagined as a proposal for a print magazine before I started working at Universal. I loved it, so I held onto the idea – the Light and Shadow collection seemed to be a perfect match.
Northbound has some of my favorite design elements: set-in sleeves, saddle shoulders, seed stitch, and cables. If you love a simple design with thoughtful details, this pattern is for you.
My final design is perhaps the most unique: Topography.
Topography features sculptural welts that move diagonally across the sleeves. The effect is simpler to construct than you might expect.
The sleeves feature traveling twisted stitches that are used as a guide to creating the welts. After you’ve knit the sleeves, stitches are picked up stitches along the legs of the twisted stitches. Then you simply knit and graft. Easy-peasy. Not a fan of the welts? Just stick with the twisted stitches and you have a simple wardrobe staple.
These are sweet little knitting confections. Made in organic Cottonwood, they’re small projects that are satisfying on-the-go knitting, or great quick gifts.
It’s warm here today, so it seems like a good day to highlight the most popular design from our summer collection Desert Dreams.
As the cover says, this is a collection of six knit and crochet projects in wool/linen/cotton/bamboo blend Unity and its self-shading sister Unity Beyond.
Today, the Double Square Pillow in Uptown DK Magix (pattern link here).
Many of our LYSes feature an extended family of crafts. We love seeing the embroidery, weaving, and quilting that’s going on out there. And it was with quilting in mind that we created the mitered square Double Square Pillow.
Self-patterning Uptown DK Magix adds a modern look with the splash of color changes, while the strong diagonal line of the centered double decreases look like crosshatch quilted lines. You can try planning the color changes specifically to correspond with each mitered square, but we think it’s more fun to just let the colors land where they will. In the sample shown, no care was given to color placement of the Magix color changes.
Solid Uptown DK in stockinette backs the pillow, fastened with buttons for easy removal. A lovely, easy-care home decor project.
We hope you have an excellent and relaxing weekend.
We came in to the office today feeling patriotic and decided to share the love! From now until the end of July 5th, get a free Little Patriot top from Ravelry with code HAPPY4TH with no spaces. (Pattern link here)
Enter the code where you see the “use a coupon code” links that appear during purchase.
This is such a cute Bamboo Pop pattern, isn’t it? Sized 1-12 years, it works for both the little and not-so-little patriot in your life.
Cool and light, 100% linen Flax is a great choice for summer projects.
Red, White, and Blue for Independence Day.
Knit front and back pieces from side to side, then join.
Add a few stockinette rows for a rolled edge. Presto, a lightweight top perfect for a day out, or a night watching fireworks. This would look awfully cute any other day of the year, too, in whatever colors you like.
We hope you have a fantastic Independence Day. And if you’re going to spend it outdoors, don’t forget your sunscreen – and a hat!
We hate to give up an entire category of projects, just because the temperature’s risen a little. That’s what makes Little Bird and Little Bird Colors great for this project. They’re 100% microfiber acrylic, so you won’t overheat with the project in your lap while knitting.
The Tidal Shawl uses one solid color and one self-striping, for a nicely coordinated feel. A textured stitch is combined with little eyelets for a texture that lets individual stitches of the solids and stripes show through each other – a nice blending of colors.
Work it top-down, and finish with a neat i-cord bind-off. Presto. A gorgeous shawl you can wear year-round.
I love the blues that give the Tidal Shawl its name, but you might like something different. Maybe a Sunshine Shawl?
If you’re looking for a last-minute but thoughtful Father’s Day gift, you’re in luck. Today we’re sharing the Father’s Day Tie. This necktie takes just 36 grams of Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash!
I talk to my dad at least two or three times a week. He’s one of my best friends, and I feel so lucky for that. On top of that, my husband (and hesitant but equally gracious model for these photos) is a pretty fantastic dad to our dogs and cats. Yep – I am totally the kind of person who sees their pets as a ridiculously special part of my family.
Anyway, as we well know, Father’s Day celebrates all the great father figures out there. Yep, father figures – because it’s so important to recognize those that have played that role in our lives, regardless of a biological relationship. Whether that’s a spouse, friend, dad (or dog dad!), it’s important to take a moment to say thank you.
The Father’s Day Tie is knit flat primarily in linen stitch and features a spine of slipped stitches down the center. Paired with Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash, this accessory elevates an otherwise casual look. So what are you waiting for? Grab your needles and yarn and get started! You can find the pattern here (link).
“use a coupon code” links that appear during purchase.
