major – Page 2 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

September 29, 2017

Free Pattern Friday – Shaded Stripes

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Shaded Stripes in Major (pattern link here).

There’s a lot to love about this easy pullover. The way the stripes look in reverse stockinette, the comfy fit, the interest provided by two colors of self-shading yarn… we could go on.

This is a good, basic sweater pattern that goes fairly quickly on US size 10 (6mm) needles. Knit it in pieces, then seam. If you’ve been a little leery of trying a sweater, this would be a good one to start on.

The sweater uses Major in two colors – 126 Honeydew and 117 Graphite (shown). You could go wild with color combinations, or keep it grounded by sticking with monochrome 117 Graphite for one of your shades. There are a lot of possibilities here.

We hope you have a stellar weekend.

Happy crafting!

September 15, 2017September 15, 2017

Free Pattern Friday – Collar Cowl in Major

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Collar Cowl in Major (pattern link).

Don’t you love it when a yarn does half the work for you? Self-striping Major makes this knitting project super colorful.

This collar cowl is perfect as an extra layer just beneath your coat during blustery winter days. The cowl is worked in the round from the bottom-up with shaping intended to perfectly hug the neck and shoulders. The result is an especially warm accessory.

Worked in bulky-weight Major, this cowl is also a quick knit. Since one skein is enough for two cowls, why not make one for yourself and another as a gift for someone special?

We hope you have a fantastic weekend. Happy knitting!

August 18, 2017

Free Pattern Friday – Hidden Treasure Poncho

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Hidden Treasure Poncho in Major (link here).

There’s actually not much hidden about today’s pattern. There is, however, a lot to treasure. This poncho uses self-striping Major, which comes in ginormous 200g balls. Here’s a picture – Amy Gunderson for scale.

This yarn is a favorite because it’s easy to get a substantial project out of very few balls. Today’s design, for instance, calls for just three.

On size 10½ (6.5mm) needles, make two rectangles, then seam at the shoulders. Pick up and knit around for the ribbed collar, and you’re done. The stitch pattern is both written and charted, and doesn’t require a cable needle.

Last step: wear and treasure your work.

We hope you enjoy this gem of a poncho.

Happy knitting!

June 9, 2017June 9, 2017

Free Pattern Friday – Cardinal Jacket

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Cardinal Jacket in Major.

We love this versatile piece not just for its great use of self-shading bulky Major (328yds/200g) but also for its easy construction.

This cozy open front cardigan is knit sideways. Essentially, you’ll be knitting a big rectangle, binding off on one row and casting back on on the next to make holes for the arms. Sleeves are knit flat, joined to the armhole openings, and then seamed.

The stitch pattern is a twelve-row repeat called Shifting Horseshoes. It’s both written and charted. The fabric has a subtle wave, and it’s not too hard to read your stitches once you’re in the groove of knitting it.

Add a closure if you wish, or wear it open, or gather it with a shawl pin. It’s a versatile piece.

We hope you enjoy this loose and lovely cardi!

Happy knitting!

March 31, 2017April 26, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Box of Blocks

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Box of Blocks in Major.

Log cabin designs are classic for good reason. They’re simple but visually interesting, and they look great in self-shading yarns like Major.

For this little baby blanket, start at the middle, then pick up along the edge and work the next strip. Then pick up along the edge of what you’ve already made and knit the next strip. Keep going until… well, until you’re done!

We hope you enjoy this sweet and simple classic design.

Happy knitting!

March 3, 2017

Free Pattern Friday – Rising Tide Scarf

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Rising Tide Scarf in Major.

You’ve got to love the ones that are easier than they look.

This slip-stitch knit pattern is worked in two colors of our bulky Major acrylic. Because this yarn comes in big 200g/328yd skeins, you only need one skein of each color. Even though it’s a wide scarf, it’s made on a size 10 1/2 (6.5mm) needle so it goes pretty quickly.

It’s always gratifying to see the next color come up in a pattern with self-shading yarn, isn’t it? The travelling slipped stitches mean the color carries up into the next row, even though each section only uses one color of yarn at a time. Knit it lengthwise, add the fringe, and voila! A lovely accessory.

We hope you enjoy this project and your weekend.

Happy knitting!

February 17, 2017February 17, 2017

Free Pattern Friday – Whirlpool Throw

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Whirlpool Throw in Major.

There are little whirlpools…

There are big whirlpools…

And then there is this.

The 52″ Whirlpool Throw is crocheted with two balls each of two shades of Major (328yds/200g), colors 115 Stonewall and 114 Coastal. Start at the center with an adjustable ring and work out, alternating colors every row.

This is not a difficult pattern, being primarily double crochet, but the results are dramatic. There are quite a few color combos you could choose. I like 101 Verdant and 102 Underwater for a green “fairy ring” kind of feel. It’s hard to go wrong.

We hope you enjoy this beautiful crochet pattern.

Happy crafting!

February 3, 2017

Free Pattern Friday – Pomtastic Hat and Scarf

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Pomtastic Hat and Scarf in Major.

We like this combo for two reasons.

First, it’s a neat example of how to work the same stitch pattern flat or in the round. Row one is the same on both, but of course when you’re working in the round things are a bit different because you’re never reversing directions. In row 2, stitches are knitted for the flat back-and-forth of the scarf, but purled in the round for the hat.

The second reason to like this set:

It’s pretty cool what you can do with a pom-pom maker and a self-striping yarn like Major. You can plan out the colors, or just go with the flow. This little half-and-half topper happened organically.

Plus, let’s face it, what isn’t improved by the addition of pompoms?

We rest our case.

Happy knitting!

November 25, 2016

Free Pattern Friday – Lilypad Afghan

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Lilypad Afghan in Major.

Did you enjoy Thanksgiving? Ready to snuggle up under a warm blanket? We’ve got you covered (no pun intended).

The Lilypad Afghan is composed of strips of join-as-you-go hexagons in four colors of big, beautiful Major (328yds/200g). On a US Size J/10 (6 mm) hook, it zips along fairly quickly.

The pattern is written, charted, and contains a schematic showing just how it all comes together. A satisfying and cozy project!

We hope you’re having a great holiday, and that you remember to show your LYS some love on Small Business Saturday.

Have a great weekend!

November 11, 2016

Free Pattern Friday – Double Cable Poncho

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Double Cable Poncho in Major.

How Autumn-y are these colors? We’ve featured a lot of designs for our popular bulky yarn Major (328yds/200g) using pastels and bluish tones (the Pineapple Peacock Shawl is a favorite) but these more southwestern, earthy tones of color 113 Santa Fe fit the Double Cable Poncho well.