knit – Page 64 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

August 7, 2014August 7, 2014

Throwback Thursday – Bohemian Hat and Scarf

It’s Throwback Thursday!

Today, the Bohemian Hat and Scarf set in Poems!

This is a pattern near and dear to my heart. When a friend overseas (hi, Cheryl!) wanted to learn to knit, I made her a care package of this pattern, US size 8 (5mm) circular needles, and enough Poems 100% wool to make the set. I wanted her to learn on a good quality yarn, and in my experience, self-shading yarn is a special treat for a beginning knitter. It’s something about the anticipation of seeing what color is going to come next that motivates a newer knitter to keep going, even through any frustration or mistakes.

The scarf is an incredibly easy starting point into the world of knitting. Cast on 220 stitches, knit every row, then cast off. Boom, you’ve made a beautiful striped scarf. From there, it’s not a great leap in skills to be able to make the hat and you’re ready to step out in style.

This would be a great set for Classic Shades wool/acrylic blend, as well. The yardage on Classic Shades is excellent, making it another great choice for the beginning knitter who wants to dive in to a colorful project.

Cheryl’s still knitting, having moved on to shawls and other more advanced projects. Next I need to send this pattern and some Poems to another friend in New England. I’m converting all my friends into knitters, one ball of yarn at a time!

August 4, 2014

Afghan Knitalong – Block Eleven

Block Eleven is live!

Nifty! This month we’re exploring relief stitches, using twists that travel across the fabric, starting with Block Eleven, “Every Which Way.”

I’m particularly glad to see this technique come up – I still recall doing a hat pattern with all over right twists and left twists. The right twists, I could figure out, but I never got the hang of left twists and had to use a cable needle every time my stitches travelled in that direction. So tedious!

Amy shows us how to work these twists, which I think of as tiny one-stitch cables.

After doing this block, I may take another crack at that hat pattern. Let’s hear it for learning new things!

As always we love seeing your blocks. You can share with us on Facebook, or in our Ravelry group. We’ll see you in two weeks with a new block and a new take on this design element!

Happy knitting!

August 1, 2014

Free Pattern Friday – Bamboo Pop Dolls

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Did we say “free pattern?” Try five free patterns, part of Bamboo Pop Dolls!

Bamboo Pop Kids is such a popular E-Book for us, and no wonder – Bamboo Pop is a versatile yarn for kids and adults. One of the things we heard from stores was, “wouldn’t it be great if there were matching outfits for the kids’ dolls?” Once we were done squealing over the adorableness of that idea, we got to work!

The T-Ball Tee keeps the sweet little ties at the arms and shortens the body, making this a very quick lace knit. I can absolutely see the two little ladies above palling around town together! Matches the T-Ball Tee from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

The Pixie Skirt removes one tie from the shortened waist of the 18″ doll at left. It’s a shortened length of i-cord that can be made with either a crank machine or by hand. This is a great skirt to spin in. Matches the Pixie Skirt from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

The Little Patriot is all decked out and ready to go! For me, what really makes this top pop is the red edging around the star and the edges. Being a Southerner, I think this is a great top for a summer day of watermelon and fresh-churned ice cream. Matches the Little Patriot from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

The Fading Stripe Hoodie uses a slipped “pebble stitch” to give texture. Something just a touch warmer for the girl on the left as she wait for her friend to come home from school. Matches the Fading Stripe Hoodie from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

The Berry Blossom Pullover lends itself well to “dollification!” This is one of our most popular designs for girls, and it looks great on an 18″ doll, too. Matches the Berry Blossom Pullover from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

Many thanks to our store owners who brought us this great idea. We always love to hear what you have to say.

Happy knitting!

July 31, 2014

Throwback Thursday – Bethany

It’s Throwback Thursday!

Today, we have Bethany! Originally this was a “pay” pattern, but we’ve released it into the wild as a free pattern and bring it to you today to enjoy.

First stitched in Fibra Natura Cottonwood, this would make a great cover-up in either Bamboo Pop or Little Bird, which would provide great drape for this piece. You might also try Uptown Baby Sport anti-pilling acrylic. Uptown Baby Sport’s palette features some very sweet pastels, and at 361 yards per ball you’d only need three balls to make the smallest size.

In this traditional knit-flat cardi, the easy lace pattern is featured on both front and back. A great lacy sweater to start now and have ready when the first chill creeps back into the air.

Happy knitting!

July 25, 2014July 25, 2014

Free Pattern Friday – Swoop Tee

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, we feature the Swoop Tee in Bamboo Glam.

Bamboo Glam 3-shot hi-res_cutout_Rav Bamboo Glam is brand new for us, although as you can tell from the model we’ve already gotten some advance samples and have had a blast working with it. It’s 96% bamboo with 4% glitter for just the right amount of glam. Our full stock is due to arrive any time now and we can’t wait!

This top is constructed in a bit of an unusual way. First the mesh sleeve saddles are knit sideways. Then stitches are picked up off the sides of the saddles and the back and front are worked down. They’re joined after a couple of inches and the body is worked in the round down to the hem.

The “Swoop” lace is on both the front and the back of the tee.

What a great warm-weather project!

Happy knitting!

July 24, 2014July 23, 2014

Throwback Thursday – Set Sail Top

It’s Throwback Thursday!

Today, a perfect fit for summer – the Set Sail Top. Originally knit in our Links cotton, we’re recommending Cotton Supreme DK (100g/230yds). This is a particularly economical substitution – while it would have taken 20 balls of Links to make the largest size of this top, you could knit it with just 4 balls each of two colors in Cotton Supreme DK. Score!

This top is knit flat and stitched up, then the neck trim is crocheted and whipstitched to the neckline. Presto – a cool and breezy cotton top perfect for warmer weather.

We hope you enjoy this light and fun multi-craft project.

Happy knitting!

July 18, 2014July 18, 2014

Free Pattern Friday – Pathways Vest in Cotton Supreme

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, we share the Pathways Vest by Amy Gunderson.

I love this vest. It combines so many different elements. The scarf-like front can be worn straight or draped. The ribbed back with its open expanse at the shoulders is dramatic and airy. And Cotton Supreme 100% cotton gives the whole piece a lovely drape.

The piece is knitted flat. The pattern includes a schematic and a picture of the vest laid out to make it easier to visualize exactly what’s going on with this piece. It seems complex, but it’s simple once you see it all put together.

We hope you take the time to knit something stylish for yourself. You deserve it!

Happy knitting!

Pathways Vest Cotton Supreme front view wrapped blog

July 13, 2014

Sunday Swatch – Cirrus Cotton

Today’s Sunday Swatch is in Cirrus Cotton.

I know, we just did Free Pattern Friday in Cirrus Cotton (50g/109yds), but I found it inspirational! The multis and the solids in this light and fuzzy yarn coordinate so well that it got me thinking about color work. A baby blanket in a bulky and soft yarn seems like a good combo.

Based on this color selection, I’m thinking about a landscape – a variegated green grass with a blue sky and creamy clouds. Maybe add a yellow sun with an embroidered face for extra charm. Something bright and sunny for the nursery!

Happy crafting!

July 11, 2014

Free Pattern Friday – Ladder Scarf in Cirrus Cotton

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

When is it okay to drop a stitch? When you’re making today’s free pattern, the one ball Ladder Scarf in Cirrus Cotton!

Cirrus Cotton (50g/109yds) is a soft, fuzzy cotton with a unique construction that makes it downy soft. Its extreme “touchability” makes it a favorite for baby projects, but we love it for grownup crochet and knit garments, too.

In this pattern, working some stitches through the back loop locks them into place, so that when the stitches are dropped to create the horizontal ladders, the scarf keeps its structure. Drop those stitches without fear!

Happy knitting!

July 10, 2014July 10, 2014

Throwback Thursday – Spring Snowflake Cardi

It’s Throwback Thursday!

This little cutie is wearing the Spring Snowflake Cardi.

Originally, this took about 300 yards of Morning Glory Cotton (a cotton/acrylic blend) on a size 6 needle. We’re recommending several other machine washable options for this charming baby and toddler cardi.

Lightweight Little Bird, Bamboo Pop, and Uptown Baby Sport would all be good matches. These yarns also have greater yardage per ball than the original yarn, making this sweater potentially a great one ball project!

Uptown Baby Sport has some really great pastels and kid-friendly color options. You might even try doubling up Little Bird or Bamboo Pop solid and multi for an interesting color color combo. Hmm… I feel a Sunday Swatch idea coming on.

Happy knitting!