Universal Yarn Creative Network
Inspiration By Design
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!
How about you? What will you make with your six weeks?
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!
Blizzard coming your way? Let’s warm up.
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.
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.
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Loft Jacket in Allore.
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!
Shall we have a little Monday knitspiration? Will you indulge me for a brief history lesson?
I love those rich tones, warm and deep.
What would you make?
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.
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.
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.)
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!
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).
T
he 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!
It’s all coming together – literally! Time to seam up your squares into a glorious and unique creation. Lay ’em out, decide where you want them to go, and then turn your 20 little learning blocks into one beautiful whole. We’ve got a .pdf file with tips, and videos on not one but two methods of linking everything together.
First, Amy Gunderson demonstrates the mattress stitch, and how to use it when you have different numbers of stitches from square to square. Grab your tapestry needle and some yarn and get to it!
Next, she shows how to use a crochet hook to slip stitch your squares together. Slightly less invisible, but very easy to work.
I’m a big fan of mattress stitch, but I may give crochet slip stitch a try this time. I like the idea of working straight from the ball without cutting a length of yarn. Seems like fewer ends to weave in.
We’ll be back in just one week with details on adding a border and fringe (if you wish), and the big reveal of the finished sampler! Can’t wait!
Looking for a new project? How about a little knitspiration?
What would you make in these colors?
Happy crafting!