Universal Yarn Creative Network
Inspiration By Design
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Eyelet and Rib Pullover in Amphora.
Mmm… Amphora. This mohair/acrylic/alpaca blend has been gaining in popularity with the release of Amy Gunderson’s Turtleneck Pullover in Vogue Knitting Winter 2015-16. So it’s a delight to see another design from Amy in this yarn – this time, free!
Continue reading “Free Pattern Friday – Eyelet and Rib Pullover”
Here at Universal, we love our pets.
There’s Amy’s dog Suzy…
(That’s Suzy in front of Wall Candy in Deluxe Worsted)
my cat Calvin…
(That’s Calvin on Yumiko Alexander’s Poppies)
and various other animal friends that couldn’t be bothered to pose for us. That love of animals is why we want to draw attention to World Spay Day – and to share a free pattern.
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Dreaming of Spring Hat in Classic Shades Frenzy.
Here at Universal Yarn, the plants are getting mixed signals. Is it time to bloom? We as crafters are getting mixed signals too – shall we turn to warm weather fibers, or bundle up just a little while longer?
We thought we’d split the difference – a warm hat, but a quick project, so we can enjoy it and then be done when more moderate weather rolls in. And because, like the flowers, we are ready to see the sun, we’re calling this one Dreaming of Spring.
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the I Heart You Shawl in Naked Sock.
Me? Oh I have big plans for Valentine’s Day. A horse drawn carriage, a bottle of champagne, and a candlelit dinner on top of the Empire State Building.
I kid. I’m staying home and knitting, spending a quiet evening with my significant other. If you’re keeping it low-key too, here’s a gift from us to you, a great pattern for crafting on what it seems will be a very chilly night.
Here at Universal Yarn, we woke up to this headline this morning:
Well. We had been looking forward to some of the great new Spring designs out now in magazines (more on those another time) but it looks like we still need to think warm. Fortunately, we have a free e-book that is perfect for the weather!
We had a question come in recently that we want to address:
Q: “I know your Deluxe Superwash says you can machine wash and dry it, but can you really?”
A: Yes!
We know because we’ve done it ourselves. Take a look!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Back to Basics Socks in Wisdom Yarns Stanza.
As a rule, I don’t make socks for other people. The exceptions: family, and people I know will truly appreciate them. My father is both, so when he had a birthday, the choice of gift was a no-brainer. Enter the Back to Basics Socks.
Continue reading “Free Pattern Friday – Back to Basics Socks”
More snow’s in the forecast – could you use a little knitspiration?
Our snow is over (for now) on the Eastern Seaboard, but there’s a blizzard forecast for the Midwest. I love snow, but I’m sure most folks have had enough of it.
We feature Red Birds in Snow because it’s a nice nod to our state bird here in North Carolina, the cardinal, which gives a lovely burst of color to the monochrome landscape. I also love it because it’s a good reminder that noticing the things around us is a good antidote to the winter doldrums. Seeing something so bright in an otherwise gray day can snap the world back into focus.
When we’re feeling trapped behind closed doors, it’s important to notice the things around us to bring texture and color back into our lives. These designs are perfect examples. Continue reading “Knitspiration – Red Birds in Snow”
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Quilt in Classic Shades Metallic.
Today, we have a great use of color in a very simple design. Two complementary colors of Classic Shades Metallic (100g/175yds) are used in this basic but colorful quilt.
Each square is knit individually, then stitched together in an eye-pleasing way. A diagram is provided in the pattern for easy assembly.
It’s unusual to find a four foot long blanket that’s such perfect on-the-go knitting, but the small size of the individual squares (4 1/2″ along each side) makes it easy to knock out a piece of the quilt wherever you are.
This could also be a fun group project that could include all levels of knitter – get together with your friends for a quilting bee to gab and knit individual squares, and sew them together. Begin at one corner of the square, increase to the middle, switch colors, then decrease and bind off in the opposite corner. Toss your square on the pile, take a sip of wine, and start up another one.
Other great choices of yarn for this would be self-shading Poems wool and regular Classic Shades. There are nearly limitless color combinations.
Happy knitting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Warmth Wrap in Rozetti Yarns Allore.
Folks, I don’t think we could have planned this week’s free pattern better if we’d tried! As I write this, the weather here in North Carolina is doing some sort of sleeting-icing-freezing rain kind of thing. And baby, for the south, it’s cold! This is a perfect day for wrapping handknitting around ourselves, no?
The Warmth Wrap is a relatively simple knit and goes pretty darn quick in bulky weight Allore and size 10 1/2 needles. The Eyelets lace pattern is just a 4 row repeat and is easy to memorize and keep track of.
Allore is a yarn that is right on trend. It’s also brushed, which we’ve been seeing a lot of in the yarn world this past year. Plus, it incorporates a metallic strand for an understated sophistication. It’s a complex light and lofty yarn and very easy to work with.
As shown, the Warmth Wrap requires 6 balls of Allore for a large, snuggly, almost blanket-like wrap. If you prefer a narrower scarf, just cast on 35 stitches instead of 65, and you’ll only need 3 balls.
And look – if you can’t find a shawl pin to close your wrap, just skewer in your needles and call it done. Stay safe and warm this wintery weekend!