Free Pattern Friday – Whirligig Cardigan

A woman is posed on the left side, facing backwards showing the rear of a knit cardigan. the center of the image reads "Free Pattern Friday, Whirligig Cardigan knit in Cotton Supreme and Cotton Supreme Speckles." The left side of the image shows the woman facing forward and showing a different angle of the knit cardigan.

Happy Friday, Friends!

This week we are releasing the Whirligig Cardigan, designed by Afifa Sayeed, which captures all of the whimsy and colors of spring! Two bold shades of Cotton Supreme collide with two punchy colors of Cotton Supreme Speckles to create swirly pinwheels all over.

Cotton Supreme is a ridiculously soft, worsted-weight, 100% cotton yarn. It’s available in a whopping 45 colors and is a dream to work with and wear, but its versatility is the real kicker. It’s suitable for homewares like baby blankets, washcloths, stuffed toys, and more. However, Cotton Supreme truly is most popular for garments and accessories worn close to the skin. It’s an approved yarn for sensitive skin types, and is used by many for chemo caps, like the Hope Hat.

Cotton Supreme Speckles is the variegated counterpart to Cotton Supreme. It has the same 100% cotton base and weight, and comes in 6 zippy colors, which can pair with their solid sisters in fun and exciting ways. The Whirligig Cardigan, and the Below blanket show off these complimenting abilities beautifully. If you’re unsure of which colors to pair up, rest assured that Cotton Supreme Speckles looks fabulous as a stand-alone-stunner. Check out the free Wildflower Tee pattern for inspiration!

We love all of the ways you can pair these yarns, and are so excited to feature them in this week’s Free Pattern Friday. The Whirligig Cardigan is an Easy pattern, suitable for adventurous beginners. It’s constructed of 52 individual squares that are knit on the bias. Once completed, they are sewn together based on a schematic, and finished with picked up stitches for sleeve hems and edging. I personally love projects that assemble from smaller pieces – they are so transportable! This is a great cardigan to make on-the-go.

So, what do you think you’ll make with Cotton Supreme or Cotton Supreme Speckles? Get both for your stash with our weekend sale! Today through Sunday 4/21 both of these yarns are 20% off on our website. Share your projects with us here in the comments, or send photos on social media – we love to see what you’re working on!

That’s all for now, happy stitching!
Ashley Jane

Free Pattern Friday – Ravishing Set

Happy Free Pattern Friday everyone! Today we are very excited to release the Ravishing Set perfect for your next day out on the town.

Designed by Afifa Sayeed, the Ravishing Set is knit using Rico Design Fashion Alpaca Superfine Heavens. This bulky-weight blend of alpaca and polyamide has a brushed, fluffy texture that is light, airy, and soft as a cloud. The six colorways of this stunning yarn feature self-shading hues that gently change from one to the next. Yarns like this are some of my absolute favorites to work with, they are such a treat!

The Ravishing Set is an on-trend beret and shrug duo. You’ll love the effortlessly chic results this pattern produces; it’s so easy to throw on over any outfit!

The Ravishing Set would be a great choice for beginner knitters looking to advance skills! Although you’ll be primarily working in simple stockinette stitch, both the beret and shrug feature a crochet provisional cast-on, shaping to create the silhouettes, and I-Cord bind offs for a polished finish. These skills can be applied to SO many knitting patterns.

I love a matching accessory set, don’t you? The shrug can also be styled more like a cowl if that is your preferred way to wear it. I think I’d choose color 005 Sundown if I were to knit this set for myself. Let us know which color you’d choose in the comments!

Happy Crafting,

Aubrey

Free Pattern Friday – Hugs and Kisses Blanket

A crocheted blanket is draped on a chair with a stuffed unicorn sitting on top. Text reads "Free Pattern Friday. Hugs and Kisses Blanket, crocheted in Major."

Hi fiber friends, and happy Friday to you! It is officially spring and, we have a precious pastel blankie fit for the season. The Hugs and Kisses Blanket, designed by me, Ashley Jane McIntyre, is a crochet cutie that you can whip up in a flash.

This blanket uses simple double crochet and chain stitches to create an X’s and O’s stitch pattern throughout. It’s worked flat from the bottom up, then a double crochet border is added around the edge. If you are new to crochet, or just want a palette cleanser between projects, then this sweet blankie is for you! Give it as a gift, or keep it for your own little one. Wherever it lands, it’s sure to be a cherished keepsake for years.

This project features two skeins of Major in the color 124 Mermaid. This yarn is Oeko-Tex 100 Product Class 1 certified against harmful chemicals and substances, making it safe for your home and health. It’s a bulky weight yarn made of 100% acrylic, making it machine washable and easy to care for, and packs 328 yards per 200g skein. Major is available in 41 self-shading colors, each with depth and vibrancy suitable for any project!

I hope you enjoy this week’s Free Pattern Friday! Now through Sunday, March 24th at 11:59 PM EST, get 20% off Major. You can grab two skeins of any color for the Hugs and Kisses Blanket, or any other project you can dream up! Let us know in the comments what you’ll create with Major!

That’s all for now. Happy Stitching!
Ashley Jane McIntyre

FLASH Pattern Friday – Golden Fans and Gossamer Shawlette

Happy Free Pattern Friday! Today we are switching up the usual monthly schedule and offering a very special FLASH Friday to coincide with our sitewide St Patrick’s Day Sale. That’s right, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is here, and it’s actually a pot of Cotton Gold!

This weekend only, you can download the Golden Fans AND Gossamer Shawlette patterns for free on Ravelry using the code: FLASH. These popular accessory patterns show off our brilliantly sparkling Cotton Gold yarn. Let’s take a closer look!

Golden Fans features a stunning lace stitch pattern worked throughout. The written pattern includes instructions for both a scarf and shawl size of this accessory. Popular for weddings, Golden Fans is sure to stand out and get you tons of compliments on your knitting skills.

The Gossamer Shawlette is an ethereal accessory that will be the perfect topper to any outfit. This shawl has a triangular shape, and features a beautiful pointed edging. Wear this draped over your shoulders for a dressy night out, or style as a bandana for a sparkly addition to a casual look!

Cotton Gold is a lace weight yarn that is made with a cotton thread base that has metallic fibers and sequins strung throughout. Worked alone, it creates light and airy projects with a magical quality. Held as a carry along, it adds texture and dimension to any creation. Cotton Gold pairs extremely well with other cotton-based yarns like Cotton Supreme or Bamboo Pop, and yarns with a textured halo such as Penna or Rico Design Essentials Super Kid Mohair Loves Silk (pictured above).

Don’t forget to use the code: FLASH on Ravelry to get Golden Fans and the Gossamer Shawlette free this weekend only, and don’t miss out on our sitewide St Patrick’s Day Sale! You can get $25 off any order of $100 or more (before tax and shipping) through 11:59 PM EST on March 17th. Our sitewide sale doesn’t require a code, the discount will be automatically applied when your cart amount reaches the $100 before tax minimum. This is a great time to stock up on yarn for future projects!

Happy Crafting,

Aubrey

Free Pattern Friday – Heidi Hood

What’s the thing to knit during transitional weather? Why, an accessory, of course! Today’s Free Pattern Friday brings you the Heidi Hood designed by me!

I designed this whimsical accessory specifically to show off the fun pops of neon in Bella Pom Pom against the dark background of 954 Phantom Heather in Deluxe Bulky Superwash. The Heidi Hood is just the ticket to keep your neck toasty while giving you the option to wear the hood up or down. This accessory is knit from the bottom up, starting with the neck. Fluffy Fisherman’s Rib is worked in the round in Deluxe Bulky Superwash until the neck portion is completed. Bella Pom Pom is then carried along for the hood which is worked flat, with a built-in I-Cord along the edges. The top of the hood is formed by grafting each half together.

Why did I choose to highlight Bella Pom Pom in this pattern? Because it’s the perfect carry-along yarn to transform a simple accessory into a head-turner. Throw in Deluxe Bulky Superwash and you’ve got yourself a squishy, cozy, fun-to-knit piece! With so many colors available in this bulky weight yarn, you can choose to either accentuate the neon pops against a darker shade or use a complementary color for a more subtle nod to neon.

This weekend only, get 20% off your order of Bella Pom Pom and Deluxe Bulky Superwash, through Sunday, March 3rd. What are you waiting for?

Keep on crafting on,

Afifa

FLASH Pattern Friday – Serra

A woman poses in the Serra sweater. The text "Flash Pattern Friday, Serra knit in Wool Pop" appears to the right of her.

Hi friends, and Happy Friday. This is the last Friday of February, so it’s time for a FLASH pattern! That means we are giving a normally paid pattern to our audience for FREE! Today we bring you Serra, designed by Rachel Brockman.

This beautiful sweater features Wool Pop, a gorgeous blend of 50% bamboo, 35% superwash wool, and 15% polyamide. It has a subtle sheen and a lovely drape when stitched. This yarn is a favorite for trans-seasonal garments and accessories, as the bamboo offers a soft, supple feel to the warm, springy wool.

This sweater is knit in the round from the bottom up, then the front and back are separated at the underarms and worked flat to create sleeve openings. The shoulders are joined with a three-needle bind-off before the sleeves are worked flat and sewn to the body. Stitches for the neck edging are picked up and worked in the round to finish off this elegant piece. The all-over cables and texture make for a timeless, sophisticated pullover that will take you from winter into spring!

To get the Serra pattern for free, use the “buy it now” or “add to cart” links on the Ravelry pattern page. Once the pattern is in your cart, enter the coupon code “FLASH” where you see the “use coupon code” link that appears during purchase. This offer is valid through Sunday, 2/25.

Happy Stitching!
Ashley Jane McIntyre

Free Pattern Friday – Sprezzatura Set

Happy Free Pattern Friday everyone! Today, we are releasing a set that is perfect for knitters of all skill levels: the Sprezzatura Set. Personally, I am a huge fan of relaxing knitting patterns that feel fun, yet not so complex that I can’t simultaneously talk to a friend or watch my favorite late night show. The Sprezzatura Set is a relaxing, fun knit that anyone can tackle, and a one ball wonder (we ALL love those). Let’s get into it!

Sprezzatura is an Italian word that means to have an an air of nonchalance. It is a beautiful word, befitting for this shawl and headband set that, once knit up, have quite an effortless appearance. The shawl is knit flat from tip to tip with directional increases and decreases that create the elongated triangle shape. A slip stitch edge is worked on the shawl; keeping everything looking tidy. Garter stitch worked throughout lets you focus on the shaping, and is part of why this pattern is perfect for a knitter looking to grow new skills.

The matching headband uses a provisional cast-on that is later unpicked and bound off using the I-Cord method. If this sounds intimidating, don’t worry. You’ll get the hang of it in no time, and all of our patterns include stitch guides that thoroughly explain techniques used.

Designer Afifa Sayeed chose to use Rico Design Creative Melange Garzato Aran for the Sprezzatura Set. This aran weight wool and acrylic blend is perfect for simple stitch patterns like garter stitch, thanks to the self shading stripes that come to life as you knit or crochet. Creative Melange Garzato Aran comes in a 200g beehive style skein, and with over 700 yards, you can easily create this shawl and headband with just one ball! There are 12 stunning colors to choose from, tell us which one you would choose!

We hope you enjoy this week’s simple, yet stunning, free pattern release.

Happy Crafting,

Aubrey

Collection Spotlight: Precious Picnic

Spring is just around the corner and we are embracing it in a big way with our newest collection featuring eight adorable patterns for your little ones. Taking inspiration from nature’s sweet treats, the Precious Picnic collection utilizes the colors and imagery of fresh fruit in a variety of designs ranging from adorable stuffies, accessories, and garments to blankets in our easy-care Uptown Bamboo DK. Let’s jump right in and talk about each piece!

Dress your little one in an outfit as sweet as they are with the Bilberry Set, designed by me! The adorable romper is perfect for layering over long sleeves during a cool spring picnic and the bucket hat will protect their heads from the sun. We’ve chosen 522 Sailor and 525 Willow for our version, but let your favorite fruit serve as the foundation of this leaf-topped ensemble! The romper includes sizes for 0-18 months and the hat includes sizes for a newborn to a toddler. Both pieces are constructed from the top down with a simple stranded colorwork motif to create the leaf pattern.

My personal favorite – the Concord Wrap, also designed by me. A sweet little cardigan with adorable grape bunches adorning the front hem. The crossover design with buttons and I-cord ties makes it easy to dress a wiggly one. This layering piece is the perfect cocoon for any outfit, keeping your sweet babe cozy thanks to our soft, smooth Uptown Bamboo DK yarn. The sample shown uses 517 Lilac and includes sizes for 0-24 months. The Concord Wrap is constructed in pieces and seamed.

What’s more fun than a set of stuffed fruit? The Fresh and Fruity Set, designed by, you guessed it, ME, is just ripe for pretend play. This stuffed toy set includes varying colors and shapes, helping teach young ones about objects and colors in fun ways. The set features colorways 525 Willow, 505 Daisy, 514 Tomato, and 518 Mulberry. Each fruit is knit seamlessly from the top down and stuffed as you go.

What could be more fitting in a collection of fruit-inspired items for young ones than a gingham blanket? Rachel Brockman designed both a knit AND a crochet version of the quintessential picnic blanket. Both versions are constructed in a modular fashion, making them the perfect on-the-go project. The crochet version of the Gingham Blankie is shown in 502 Lily and 507 Peach and the knit version uses 502 Lily, 519 Bluebird, and 521 Chill

Keep the mess off those adorable outfits with the Juicy Bib Trio designed by Rachel Brockman – a collection of bibs decorated with apples, lemons, and pears bordered by an edging inspired by basketry, like a little picnic basket. Each bib is knit flat from the bottom up using a knit-purl texture to create the motifs. The bibs pictured above feature colors 514 Tomato, 505 Daisy, and 524 Lemongrass.

The Melon Seed Set, designed by Rachel Brockman, is refreshing and sweet. Its inspiration was the juicy summer treat. Vibrant 513 Flamingo and 526 Melon work playfully together in this easy stranded colorwork pattern, along with 538 Tuxedo. The sweater comes in a wide range of sizes starting from 0-6 months up to 6-8 years! The socks are available in sizes Baby through Youth.

The Strawberry Patch sweater, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, features a plump, juicy berry applique on the front with on-trend contrast color sleeves to keep this piece cool and casual for your little one. This sweater is crocheted seamlessly from the top down in turning rounds. The colorwork of the sleeves and body are created with intarsia in colors 502 Lily and 514 Tomato. The strawberry stem detail is worked with 524 Lemongrass. The pattern is available in a range of sizes from 3 months to 6 years.

Celebrate the release of this adorable collection with us this weekend with 20% off the Precious Picnic E-book through our website, that’s a value of $40 for just $20, PLUS 20% off Uptown Bamboo DK.

Keep on knitting on!

Afifa

Flash Pattern Friday – forest Slipper Socks

A pair of fuzzy looking slippers is shown with a cup of coffee and the title "Flash Pattern Friday. Forest Slipper Socks."

Hi friends, and happy Friday. This is the last Friday of January, so it’s time for a FLASH pattern! That means we are giving a normally paid pattern to our audience for FREE! Today we bring you the Forest Slipper Socks, designed by Rachel Brockman.

These slippers combine Bamboo Pop Sock Solids and Minou for a wonderfully warm combination for your tootsies. Bamboo Pop Sock Solids comes in 100g balls made of 37% cotton, 55% bamboo, and 8% pbt. It’s available in 22 shades, some of which match perfectly with the featured, fuzzy carry-along. Each 50g ball of Minou is made of 40% baby alpaca, 8% merino wool, 52% nylon and is available in eight bespoke colors. Both yarns called for are held together through the whole project to create the fur-like texture.

The Forest Socks Slippers are knit from the cuff-down, in the round, with a heel flap and gusset. The heel is shaped using short rows and stitches are grafted together for the toes to finish the project seamlessly.

To get the Forest Slipper Socks pattern for free, use the “buy it now” or “add to cart” links on the Ravelry pattern page. Once the pattern is in your cart, enter the coupon code “FLASH” where you see the “use coupon code” link that appears during purchase. This offer is valid through Sunday, 1/28.

Happy Stitching!
Ashley Jane McIntyre

Free Pattern Friday – Feather in My Cap

Kicking off 2024 right with a satisfyingly quick and cozy Free Pattern Friday. Designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, a Feather in My Cap is just the antidote for the post-holiday blues.

Ashley Jane designed this hat to show off the plump new Rico Design Essentials Soft Merino Aran. The hat is crocheted in turning rounds from the bottom up with a feather motif that brings the old idiom ‘a feather in your cap’, to life. Her version uses the color 001 Mustard for a much-needed pop of color during dreary weather. With over 30 colors to pick from in this deliciously soft yarn, you can make a version that is truly your own.

Let’s talk about the yarn – Rico Design Essentials Soft Merino Aran is a luxury merino yarn from Italy that is gorgeously round and bouncy giving it excellent stitch definition and a supple hand. It lends itself well to textured patterns allowing motifs to really pop. Not only is this yarn lovely and soft, it’s machine washable! What more could you ask for?

Get 20% off your order of Rico Design Essentials Soft Merino Aran this weekend, through Sunday, January 7th at 11:59 PM EST. A great yarn choice for everything from accessories to garments.

Keep on crafting on!

Afifa