knit – Page 52 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

February 9, 2015February 9, 2015

Knitspiration – Happy Birthday Miss Jones

How about a special birthday Knitspiration?

Rockwell Happy Birthday Miss Jones colors — Happy Birthday Miss Jones – Norman Rockwell 1956 – with Deluxe Worsted Superwash

What I love about this picture – and about all of Norman Rockwell’s work – is that it tells a story. The eraser on the floor shows that her students wrote on her board in a rush and then had to scramble back to their seats. The eraser on the student’s head shows that maybe they’re not always little angels. And the fact that Miss Jones isn’t bothered that they’ve ruined all her multiplication problems shows that she’s the kind of teacher who values her children’s high spirits and appreciates their thoughtful intent.

Heather birthday tiara — You may address me as “Your Majesty.”

Today is my birthday, and like Miss Jones, I recognize this as an opportunity to reflect on generosity and intention. I am truly fortunate to have the kind of co-workers here at Universal who will bomb my office with streamers and present me with the traditional Universal Yarn Birthday Tiara.

This is a time to be thoughtful and ask: what opportunities can I seize in my life to show un-asked for care to others? Am I showing generosity to myself as well as to others?

Twist Collective – Aphelion in Good Earth

Today I will practice gratitude for the abilities that I have – to think, to craft, and to love. And I will be grateful, too, for those who appreciate those gifts.

knitwear Fall Winter 2013 kite-cardigan Deluxe Chunky — Interweave Knits – Kite Cardigan in Deluxe Chunky

What will you do today to bring joy to yourself or someone else? Whether you create a garment or a moment, know that what you do has value.

Twist Collective - Scribe Mittens in Deluxe Worsted — Twist Collective – Scribe Mittens in Deluxe Worsted

Happy knitting.

February 5, 2015February 6, 2015

Bamboo Pop Adult

It’s here! Our new e-book Bamboo Pop Adult is finally available for download from Ravelry and Craftsy. Patterns are also available individually.

Bamboo Pop is one of our most popular yarns. Our e-books Bamboo Pop Kids and Bamboo Pop Dolls were well-received, but we had a lot of people requesting grownup designs. Here they are!

The Boho Tank is an A-line top worked from the bottom up. Sandi Rosner provided the embroidery detail, showing once again that what designer Charles Eames said is true – “The details are not the details. They make the design.”

Craftsy Dewdrops1

The crochet Dewdrops Tank is worked in two pieces and seamed. While I love the bright contrasting colors Amy Gunderson chose for the “dewdrops,” this would be a great piece to customize. Just use your favorite colors as accents!

The Drape-Front Cardi above may be a candidate for “most wearable design.” The flow of the fabric flatters a range of frames.

Here’s my favorite – the Hospitality Tee! Down South, the pineapple is the symbol of hospitality, so as a native Southerner this feels like a very welcoming design to me. As a knitter, I appreciate details like the corrugated ribbing at the sleeves and hem and the pink applied crochet chain stripe that gives it an extra pop of color.

Love love love. The dramatic Staggered Shawl has the graphic styling that is so popular, and it’s so easy to knit. No purling – just garter stitch!

The Steeple Pullover has been an early favorite on Ravelry. Work it bottom-up in the round, then separate for the armholes. The pattern is written and charted, like all patterns in Bamboo Pop Adults (except the super-simple Staggered Shawl). Sized from extra small to 3X, this is a great breezy design to dress up or down when the weather has just a hint of chill.

Craftsy Surf1

Surf ‘n Stripe is a simple eyelet design accented with bands of color. Knit in two pieces and seamed, this slouchy and comfortable dolman-sleeved top strikes me as great vacation knitting!

Craftsy Tennis1

The Tennis Vest is a classic design. The twist cable and rib pattern is quite stretchy, making it a perfect layering piece. I hate feeling like a stuffed sausage when a sweater over a shirt doesn’t breathe with me – this is a great vest for looking as cool as you feel.

Craftsy ColorworkCardiHat2

From the cover, the Colorwork Cardi and Colorwork Hat featured on the cover are two super-cute coordinating patterns. The cardi is a top-down seamless sweater (with pockets!) and the hat can be customized to be taller or shorter as you wish by adding or subtracting pattern repeats.

I’m not sure what I’m going to knit first. I’m thinking maybe the Staggered Shawl. I’ve been wanting a very modern accessory, and that looks fabulous. We’d love to see what you make!

Happy knitting!

February 2, 2015

Knitspiration – Frozen Waterfall

If the groundhog is right, we’re in for six more weeks of winter. As lovers of yarn, we are undaunted!

We’re going to embrace our inner Elsa and love those cool tones.

We’re going to pull out the needles and hooks and savor every moment!

Skyscraper Shawl in Classic Shades Big Time

How about you? What will you make with your six weeks?

January 30, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Raglan Tee

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Raglan Tee in Ariana.

As I was writing this post, our sales manager Yonca came in and saw the tee and smiled. I wanted to share what she said.

“This is the design that made me want to have this yarn. I saw a tee knit up and fell in love with the look and feel. It’s just perfect.”

So there you have it: this is the tee that inspired the yarn. The yarn in question is Ariana (100g/91yds), a smooth, sleek knitted tube that looks quite polished, especially in this ribbed tee.

The Raglan Tee is knit from the bottom upon circular needles. Separate at the armholes for the raglan shaping, then add the sleeves (knit separately). K1 p1 ribbing is very stretchy, and on US size 10 1/2 (6.5mm) needles this will go quickly.

It’s a great example of a simple design that doesn’t go out of style.

Happy knitting!

January 26, 2015

Knitspiration – Comestibles

Blizzard coming your way? Let’s warm up.

Comestibles Dorothy Dell Dennison 1952 with swatches_blog — Comestibles by Dorothy Dell Dennison (1952)

Not scorching, perhaps, but warm enough to want to stay in the shade. The open, inviting doorway is a connection rather than a divider between the two women. Although both are occupied with the tasks of day-to-day life, you can almost hear the conversation. Is the seated woman knitting? I’d like to think so.

Llamalini Comestibles — Fibra Natura Llamalini

This reminds me of the warm tones in Llamalini, a blend of royal alpaca, linen, and silk bourette spun in Argentina. There are some additional jeweltones rounding out the palette that you can see on our website.

What do these colors inspire you to make?

If you’re in the storm’s path, stay in. Pick up a project. Think thoughts of sunnier days.

Happy knitting.

January 23, 2015January 23, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Loft Jacket

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Loft Jacket in Allore.

Allore 101 Nero hi-res — Allore Color 101 Nero

Allore (109yds/50g) is new for Rozetti Yarns this season, and we love it. It’s light and lofty, with a brushed, slightly fuzzy appearance. But what takes it to the next level is a) it’s got lovely gradations in shade, and b) glitter! A metallic strand running through it makes it easy to make instant “dress up” pieces. Working on a US 9-11 needle means knits go fast.

This jacket is worked flat from the bottom up and then seamed. Regularly spaced twists give it just the right amount of texture. Add buttonholes at the collar or secure it with a pin, as we’ve done here.

I love this jacket. What a great mix of cozy and elegant.

Happy knitting!

January 19, 2015January 19, 2015

Knitspiration – Novella d’Andrea

Shall we have a little Monday knitspiration? Will you indulge me for a brief history lesson?

marie-eleonore-godefroid1778-1849 with palette_B — Novella d’Andrea by Marie-Éléonore Godefroid

I love those rich tones, warm and deep.

Deluxe Chunky Novella 96 — Deluxe Chunky

What would you make?

Shaves of Wheat Reversible Scarf in Deluxe Chunky

Inspired Dolman in Cotton Gold and Garden 5

Our inspirational painting speaks to me because it’s something rarely acknowledged in history: a portrait of a woman whose story was told by a woman and who was painted by a woman. All were notable figures in their day, but all have been largely ignored by history. It’s vital to remember the forgotten past.

The subject of the painting is Novella d’Andrea, a legal scholar in the early 1300s. She was educated by her father, a professor of law. When he fell ill, she is said to have taken over his lectures, teaching from behind a curtain lest her beauty distract the students.

Her story is known because of Christine de Pisan, a medieval author who lived around 1400. The portrait was painted by Marie-Éléonore Godefroid, a French artist active in the early 1800s. All three of these ladies did not fit the traditional mold of an artist. All three still gained success during their lifetimes. All three were left by the wayside after their deaths. In the last few decades, they’ve been discovered again.

The Seventh Book of Hows — The Seventh Book of “Hows” – 1911

As a crafter, it is satisfying to see the contributions of artists, authors, and teachers outside the mainstream recognized. Many of us do not fit the stereotypical picture of needlecrafters or perhaps have come to our craft through non-traditional means. Most of us do not have the recognition of the industry. However, we all have an important part to play in keeping the art and story of our craft alive. Each new pattern or technique you share, no matter how complex or simple, enriches us all.

Let’s all welcome others into the craft. Spread the word. Keep our art and history alive.

Craft on, friends.

January 16, 2015January 16, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Sheldon Sheep & Friends

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Sheldon Sheep & Friends in Deluxe Chunky Naturals.

First things first: I am going to try to restrain myself from making sheep puns. But no promises. These little friends inspire a certain playfulness.

Our wooly friends made their debut at the Winter TNNA Trade Show, where we asked local yarn store owners as well as our Facebook family to help us name them. And you delivered. Meet Sheldon, Sheila, Sherry, Shirley, and Woolma!

Each is made in a shade of our Deluxe Chunky Naturals. It’s particularly fitting, because those shades are completely undyed. They come from different flocks, so each color of yarn is the color of the sheep that it came from. In this case, the wool is literally going from one sheep to another!

The construction on these is a blend of knit and crochet. The limbs and face are knit in color 1900 Ebony, with the body and wool cap being crocheted in just one skein of the main color. There are some nice details, like short row shaping on the heels for a more foot-like shape.

When crocheting the body and wooly cap, the wrong side faces you as you work. The textured alternating triple crochet/single crochet naturally falls to the opposite side. Simply turn the pieces inside out before completing.

The crochet cap surrounds the knitted face like a snug hood. The ears are attached to the cap, but if you are a proficient crocheter you could surely leave openings for a completely removable cap. We didn’t, though – we don’t want anyone’s head to get cold!

These guys and gals are adorable in the Naturals, but I’m also thinking about a technicolor toy in a non-natural shade of Deluxe Chunky. Chartreuse sheep, anyone?

We hope you enjoy these adorable little friends. Happy crafting! Wool see you next time!

(Darn. So close without a pun.)

Sheep two shot 1_blog — That was baaaaad.

January 9, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Stairstep Tunic

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Oh, look! Another warm garment for me to steal! The Stairstep Tunic in Classic Shades Frenzy is a cozy treat for this time of year.

The hem, cuffs, and collar all feature twists resembling tiny faux-cables. Knit the front, back, and cap sleeves flat, then assemble. The overlapping collar is knitted separately and attached last. On US size 10 1/2 (6.5mm) needles, this isn’t a project that will drag on forever.

This is a good match of yarn and project – variegated Classic Shades Frenzy provides visual interest but doesn’t obscure the details.

I love this piece. Instead of stealing it, I think I’ll make my own.

Happy knitting!

January 8, 2015January 9, 2015

Warm It Up!

Confession time! When it’s cold outside, sometimes we break into the trunk show garments.

But come on! How could we resist? We are so fortunate to be surrounded by so many beautiful yarns and garments, and as knitters and crocheters we truly appreciate them. The happy knitter above is me, Heather. I’m wearing my own hat in Poems (1 ball of color 590 Sakura, US size 8/5mm needles, 84 stitch caston).

The cowl and mittens are part of Sandi Rosner’s Rose Quartz Set in Deluxe Worsted 100% wool. There’s a hat, too, but mine matches so well I stuck with it.

Sandi’s Rose Quartz set is available as a single pattern or part of the Walk in the Woods e-book, full of gorgeous colorwork and felted designs in Deluxe Worsted and Deluxe Chunky. It’s perfect for this time of year.

Also in Deluxe, I spotted our Design Lead in this stunning sweater the other day. Valentina is one of my favorites. It uses Deluxe Chunky 100% wool. The pattern is written and charted with design features like lovely saddle shoulders to show off the cables. It comes in sizes from 34″ to 54″ bust, and – believe it or not – is a free pattern. Home run!

Our Sales Manager can frequently be found in designs by Yumiko Alexander like Braided Fog, recently made available online as a download or as part of Yumiko Warm Earth Book 3. It also uses Deluxe Worsted. Are we wearing a lot of Deluxe? That’s not surprising – it’s great for cold weather. I suspect, however, that our sales manager wears this not because it’s warm but because it looks fabulous.

The best thing about being surrounded by these designs is that it’s inspirational. We find that seeing beautiful things awakens a desire to create something beautiful ourselves. We hope you find inspiration and happiness in your crafts throughout this new year.

Happy knitting!