Free Pattern Friday – Dragonfly Pullover

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Image of woman wearing blue pullover knit in Angora Lace yarn
Today, the Dragonfly Pullover in Angora Lace (pattern link here).
I was delighted when Pantone made Basic Blue their color of the year for 2020. I’m all about blue in all its shades. So this lace-hemmed pullover in Angora Lace color 212 Denim is a dream come true.
Lovely details like drop shoulders and 3/4 length sleeves give this a simple and calm, but engaging, feel.
And that body! A surprising and fun hemline, leading to islands of interlocking lace, rising to a sea of fine stockinette. It’s a great way to show off your knitting while still letting the piece do what every sweater should do – show YOU off to your best advantage.
Angora Lace 211 Peacoat
Angora Lace 210 Cerulean
If you really want to lean into the blue, Angora Lace has several tones, including these two solids which echo 2020’s Basic Blue beautifully.
Angora Lace 111 Calm
Or go with a multi for all or part of it. There are so many options.
We hope you have a fantastic, stress-free weekend, and find time to embrace some peace and joy for yourself.
Happy crafting!

quote from Pearl S. Buck on happiness

Day 12 of Winter – Series 3 Edition

This is part 12 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.

We can hardly believe it, but it’s the final day of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. For Day 12, we’re wrapping things up with the Twinkle Cover, knit using ever-popular Uptown Worsted.
A grey lace blanket draped over a wood palette, knit using Universal Yarn Uptown Worsted.
The Twinkle cover features a lovely all-over lace pattern. This circular blanket is created using pi-shawl construction, made popular by the queen of knitting, Elizabeth Zimmermann. Pi-construction begins at the center, then, at regular distances, you simply double the stitch count. The best part? There are just a couple of increase rounds in this whole blanket. The most concentration is required at the beginning of the pattern. After the central increases are complete, the outer rings both feature easy-to-memorize lace motifs.
Detail of a lace blanket knit using Universal Yarn Uptown Worsted.
We have to admit – blocking this blanket will take some effort, but the pattern guides you through the process with some tips and tricks. Steam-blocking is suggested, which might sound risky considering this is an acrylic blanket, but it ensures that you’ll never need to block again. In this case, “killing” the acrylic is a good thing.
Detail of a lace blanket knit using Universal Yarn Uptown Worsted.
Ultimately, this is a project that’s sure to get compliments when you have visitors. It would make a stunning gift, too. We hope you love it.
Thank you so much for joining us for the third 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. This year we’ve curated a collection of everything from accessories for your head, hands, and heart to beautiful home decor items. There is a mix of projects from beginner to advanced. We so enjoy bringing this collection to life each year and hope you enjoy the kits just as much. Remember, you can find all of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection at your local yarn store. Here’s to a crafty, fun-filled winter spent with your loved ones!

Day 3 of Winter – Series 3 Edition

This is part 3 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.

It’s already Day 3 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this lovely shawl with you. Say hello to December in the City – a luxe shawl in dreamy Cashmere Lusso, designed by Adrienne Larsen. We love the lace columns and geometry of this shawl, and we wanted to pick Adrienne’s brain. We asked her to share a bit about her inspiration for this design, so she kindly obliged. Here is what she had to say:
A red, lace shawl knit in Fibra Natura Cashmere Lusso.
“This design has been a long time in the making. It all starts in May of 2017 when I went on an EPIC road trip with my sister. We covered 25 states in 14 days! We saw so much, and I visited a lot of states Iโ€™d never been on before. I ate so much ice cream in so many places (surprisingly, the best was vegan ice cream in Austin)!
A map of the eastern half of the United States with an outline of a road trip.
It was such a whirlwind that I donโ€™t even remember what state I was in when this chair at a museum struck my fancy. (Itโ€™s very Adrienne to remember the ice cream flavors in Austin โ€“ Cinnamon Toast Crunch & Horchata โ€“ but not this). I loved the combination of the vertical lines and interrupted diagonals.
Image of a gold chair from a museum.
I wrote a lace pattern with it in mind in my hotel room that night. Since that time, that lace pattern has tried to be both a tank top and a pullover, but it didn’t work out. It wasnโ€™t until two years later that I realized that it was a shawl.
Detail of a red, lace shawl knit in Fibra Natura Cashmere Lusso.
You never know when inspiration will strike, so never give up on a good idea!” -Adrienne
A red, lace shawl knit in Fibra Natura Cashmere Lusso.
We loved hearing about Adrienne’s inspiration for this shawl and can absolutely see the resemblance. This shawl is a magical addition to the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. As a reminder, you can find the 12 Days of Winter Kits at your local yarn shop.

Free Pattern Friday – Glider Shawl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Woman wearing purple shawl knit in Universal Yarn Finn.
Today, the Glider Shawl in Finn (pattern link here). Perfect for a breezy day or a night out, this shawl adds warmth without the bulk. Originally part of the Vibrance in Lace collection from last Fall, we’ve decided to set this lovely pattern free.
Woman wearing a purple shawl knit in Universal Yarn Finn.
Finn, a yarn featuring a blend of superwash merino, alpaca, and acrylic, is the perfect match for this pattern. It is soft to touch, with a subtle halo thanks to the alpaca. I don’t know about you, but something about halo-y yarn and lace makes my heart sing.
Woman wearing a purple shawl knit in Universal Yarn Finn.
Knit from the bottom up, beginning with the tip, the shawlโ€™s original shape adds decorative interest to any outfit. The lace panel in the back adds a delicate and feminine touch, while the rest of the shawl is worked in simple, soothing garter stitch. Draped around your shoulders or worn bandana-style, the Glider Shawl is sure to become a multi-season favorite.
A woman wearing a purple shawl knit in Universal Yarn Finn, shown from the front.
We hope you have a relaxing weekend filled yarn-y goodness. Happy Crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Lace Tipped Cardigan

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Lace Tipped Cardigan in Odette (pattern link here). Down here in the South, it’s tempting to say, “finally, some sweater weather!” But yesterday, a friend in Chicago sent me a picture of themselves outdoors. This isn’t them, but it certainly gives the feel.
I can’t put my arms down!
Fortunately, this week’s free pattern is warmer than you might think!
The Lace Tipped Cardigan is worked in Odette. Although it’s a light-feeling yarn, the merino and alpaca held in its chainette construction give it enough loft to trap the warmth.
It also gives a beautiful textured feel, and subtle variations in color.
Because it’s so light, it still has a delicate look. The lace border helps with that as well.
The other thing to love? You can still have a lightweight, airy look while working on a US Size 7 (4.5mm) needle.
Like most of our designs, the Lace Tipped Cardigan has sizing from XS to 5X. Toss it over a top and jeans, and you’re ready for anything! We hope you have a toasty and wonderful weekend. Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Splatter Lace Cowl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Splatter Lace Cowl in Fibra Natura Dona (pattern link here). This beauty comes in two sizes, with the long calling for four balls and the short needing just two.
Perfect for a little pop of color.
Dona’s extra fine superwash merino gives excellent stitch definition to this pattern. It’s a simple repeat to memorize, with the star-shaped “splatter” given form by 5-in-1 decreases and 1-in-5 increases!
It may sound daunting, but you’ll pick it up faster than you think. And it’s worth it for the beautiful texture that shines through in a saturated solid color yarn. Have a fantastic weekend, friends! Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Beechnut Pullover

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Beechnut Pullover in Fibra Natura Papyrus (pattern link here). This week, we’re thrilled to have a new design from Amy Gunderson. The Beechnut Pullover is an elegant square-necked pullover with a unique construction.
The sleeve panels are knit first, then the body stitches and sleeve stitches are picked up along the panel edge and worked from the top-down.
With the challenge of the lace sleeves out of the way, it’s stockinette down to the hem. This will obviously be an easy one to lengthen, if you wish. Our model is wearing the Small size, with 4 1/2 inches of positive ease.
Let’s take a closer look at those sleeves. The depth of color in Fibra Natura cotton/silk Papyrus adds a touch of shimmer to the fabric, without obscuring the design. It’s one of the things that makes the yarn a designer favorite. We love that Amy decided to do a double column of the leafy lace, to help make this piece a three-season standout.
We hope you enjoy this sophisticated piece. Have a wonderful weekend. Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Phantom Shawlette

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Phantom Shawlette in Cotton Gold (pattern link here). What a treat! Kristin Hansen is a wonderful designer who does magical things with lace. This beautifully shaped shawl is no exception.
It wraps around your shoulders like you were born wearing it.
This design was formerly for sale as part of e-book Sparkle Fine 2, a collection of three exquisite knitted shawls designed by Kristin Hansen. Today, we’re setting it free! This shawl takes three balls of Rozetti Yarns Cotton Gold, a thin cotton securely strung with sequins. Shown: color 1100, blue yarn with blue sequins.
It adds an otherworldly sparkle to an ethereal design. The shawl is worked top down, with some decrease magic to give it its swooping shape. The border is knitted on after finishing the body.
This light cotton shawl is the perfect thing for some summertime glamour.
We hope you have a cool, relaxing weekend. Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Slate Shawl and Twisted Dee Cowl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
image of gray lace shawl knit in Cashmere Lusso
Today, the Slate Shawl in Cashmere Lusso (pattern link here). First things first: we have a new yarn.
This is FibraNatura Cashmere Lusso. What’s in Cashmere Lusso? Cashmere – and more cashmere! It’s a special blend of 50% virgin cashmere and 50% recycled cashmere,ย culled from cashmere sweaters. We worked with a mill in Italy to bring this environmentally responsible cashmere to the U.S.
What’s it good for? Wrapping yourself in luxury. Above, it’s pictured with the OTHER free pattern Cashmere Lusso pattern this week, the Twisted Dee Cowl (pattern link here). Yes, this week we are very lucky to have not one but TWO beautiful designs from The Yarnslayer herself, Adrienne Larsen.
Adrienne used twisted stitches combined with cables in this gorgeous accessory. Wear it wrapped, as shown, or long and flowing…
…or pinned, as you wish.
Shown with the Regulus Celtic Lion Shawl Stick from JUL Designs (link)
An intricate, but rewarding design with a modern “twist” (no pun intended).
The Slate Shawl, on the other hand, is a classic triangular lace piece.
The blending of cashmere sources in Cashmere Lusso gives a rich, textured effect to plain stockinette…
…while not obscuring the beautiful (and beautifully blocked!) lace. The lace is both written and charted – take your pick.
Magnifica.
We hope you have a wonderful weekend, and that you treat yourself to the finer things in life – both material and otherwise. Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Sparkler Shawl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Sparkler Shawl in Fibra Natura Unity (pattern link here). We like going red, white, and blue around the 4th of July. Remember last year’s Independence Tank in Flax? This year, we’re sharing a burst of color in linen blend Unity.
This four-pointed shawl has a shape thatโ€™s incredibly easy to wear. It begins at the center, increasing to create three triangles that sit easily on your shoulders.
Summery blend Unity is paired with an open stitch pattern, making this the perfect shawl for warmer days.
One word of caution: the sample shown here weighs exactly 200g, meaning exactly two skeins of Unity. If your gauge is a little off, or you’re not a fan of “yarn chicken,” you may wish to purchase an additional skein to ensure you have enough yarn. Alternatively, you could work fewer garter rows along the border, though it will naturally result in a slightly smaller shawl.
We hope you have a wonderful weekend, full of light and joy. Happy crafting!