Tag: Pattern

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Halloween Projects – Batcape!

Halloween is almost here – but there’s still time to make yourself something spooky!

Here’s a brand new pattern – the BATCAPE in Uptown DK (pattern link here)!

(I looked for a dramatic sound effect that could be played for maximum suspense.  This was the first hit, so here you go.)

The pattern is written for one size, but it can be easily scaled up or down by adding or subtracting multiples of 6 from the cast-on.

We’d also like to give credit to our model Lilly, because it was super hard to keep a straight face goofing around with this cape and wearing plastic fangs.

The chevron pattern is knit in one piece from the top down. A contrasting i-cord is added at the end.

Woman in knitted black Halloween cape.

The perfect accessory for handing out treats.  Or for trick-or-treating in.  We’re not going to judge.

Happy holidays!

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Chunky Cables – Four Fabulous Knits in Deluxe Chunky

I love cables.  More than lace, more than mosaic, more than a dozen other techniques, cables just embody knitting for me.  When you pair them with a good quality wool, even better.  And when you make it a chunky wool so you can see your progress grow quickly, that’s a home run.  So with no further ado, four popular cabled projects in our Deluxe Chunky 100% wool!

First Valentina (pattern link here).

Honestly, I am forever astonished that this is a free pattern.  It’s just gorgeous, and filled with the excellent attention to detail that Amy Gunderson brings to all her designs.

Take a look at those saddle shoulders. They let the cables run unbroken from cuff to collar.

The moss stitch underside is where alterations for size are made, to avoid disturbing the bold and beautiful Dueling Cables design.

This one was made in Deluxe Chunky 91904 Pomegranate Heather, but I keep thinking of going green, maybe with 61635 Deep Jungle which has a bit of blue as well.

Next: the Catawba River Poncho (pattern link here).

This isn’t a free pattern, but it has remained a top 5 bestseller since its release.  Take a closer look and see why!

Sized Small to 2X/3X, the poncho is fastened with two buttons on each side.  You get good range of motion without looking like you’re swallowed up.

Lace is married to cables for the main body design – the best of two techniques joined together!

This is a pattern from Amy Gunderson.  Here she is posing in the Catawba River Poncho she knitted for herself, so you can see how it falls.  Really lovely!

Next, another bestseller: the Pine View Scarf (pattern link here).

We offered this scarf as a kit at the holidays last year, then as a paid pattern after the first of this year.

If you like cabling, but maybe not all over, or if you want to try it out in small doses, this is a great project.  The pines at both ends that give the scarf its name are cabled, but the background and borders are seed stitch and reverse stockinette.  Deluxe Chunky on US size 10 (6mm) needles goes fairly quickly in this simple, pretty scarf.

Finally, the Rutherford Beret (pattern link here).

I made my own Rutherford Beret in Deluxe Chunky color 91467 Tulipwood, and I can tell you it’s an easy one-hank pattern.  The cables are all single twists. And how cute is that little i-cord loop at the top? Easy to pull it off and hang it up by the door.

We had someone here in the office do a two-color version.  Neat idea!

We hope these designs provide a little knitspiration.

Keep on cabling!

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Free Pattern Friday – Magic Mitts

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Magic Mitts in Uptown DK and Uptown DK Magix (pattern link here).

These mitts are magical in more than one way! First, the patterning in the main color, Uptown DK Magix works up effortlessly to add interest to an otherwise simple project. And second, it’s magic just how quickly these can be crocheted! One ball of solid Uptown DK and of coordinating Uptown DK Magix  will make at least two pairs.

This pattern is worked entirely in the round beginning at the lower edge of the cuff. The cuff is worked in back loop single crochet to give the appearance of ribbing, while the main mitt is worked in straight single crochet to keep the focus on the pretty yarn.

We hope you enjoy this quick and fun project.

Have a great weekend – and happy crafting!

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Kids e-book – Writing on the Wall

Looking for some cute kid gifts?  You’ll want to check out this new e-book!

cover of Writing on the Wall e-book showing knit and crochet kid projects

Writing on the Wall (Ravelry link here) is a brand new collection of kid projects to knit and crochet in Bella Cash.  We’re big fans of Bella Cash around here.  It’s soft, versatile, and (important for children’s projects) machine washable.  Let’s take a look-see at the patterns!

First, Dino! (Ravelry pattern link here).  Sized 2-14 years, for your budding paleontologist.  This one’s by Rachel Brockman, who also drew the dinosaurs.  Here’s what she has to say about her inspiration:

“As a kid, inspired by Dr. Alan Grant (ed note: Rachel’s first crush!) and Dr. Ellie Sattler, I was POSITIVE that I discovered a piece of a velociraptor in my backyard. I spent loads of time trying to dig around it and eventually discovered it wasn’t a fossil at all. A girl can dream, right?


Anyway, I’ve adored dinosaurs for as long as I can remember, so when Amy and I started putting together a kid’s collection, I knew a dinosaur was essential. Not only that, but even shopping for my niece it was hard to come by dinosaur-themed things that weren’t intended for girls, but for little boys.  I wanted to make a dinosaur top in colors I loved growing up.”

We love the matching “Tricera-topper” that she added.  Rawr!

 

Next, Firefly (Ravelry link here).

Rachel designed this one thinking of warm carefree evenings spent catching fireflies as a child.  Nonetheless, I’m making this one for myself.  It makes me think both of pleasant nights running in the back yard with cupped hands… and of the late great sci-fi TV show Firefly, of which I am a fan.

I’ve already knitted projects with Bella Cash (I love this yarn for socks) so I know making this cowl will be a treat.

 

Here’s Frilling! (Ravelry link here). We went through a few names on this – it was almost “The Frill of Victory.” The focus, obviously, is the frills at the raglan seams.

Knit the sweater top down, then pick up stitches and knit the ruffles outward.  Awfully adorable!

 

Meet your Imaginary Friend! (Ravelry link here)

This one might be my favorite – it’s so inventive and offbeat! The mis-matched eyes, the pocket in the front… everything about this is fun.  Work this colorblocked pullover flat from the top down, then add the pocket.  Teeth are duplicate-stitched on. So cute!

 

Here’s Kindersweater. (Ravelry link here)

Amy Gunderson’s tunic-length yoke sweater nods to traditional Norwegian colorwork sweaters. The colorwork yoke is comprised of a small pattern repeats, easy to memorize and to knit.

After finishing the yoke, keep knitting downward into the textured diamonds. For those wanting a project to keep their attention, it’s a nice alternative to plain stockinette.  A beautiful piece that will make a splash.

 

It’s Pipsqueak! (Ravelry link here)

This crochet pattern is actually a two-fer: it comes with both the cardigan and the Pipsqueak pal!

Both use spike stitch.  The mouse is worked in the round in joined rows…

…and the cardi is worked flat.  What child wouldn’t love their own matching little friend?

We hope this collection will jump start your imagination for gift crafting this season.  We’ve got more collections in the works that we can’t wait to share.

Happy crafting!

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Free Pattern Friday – Stripe-o-saurus

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Stripe-o-saurus in Bamboo Pop (pattern link here).

This is a great example of how the right yarn can make a project really pop – no pun intended.

Striped green toddler pullover knitted in Bamboo Pop
“Rawr! I would knit this myself but my arms are too short.”

This Bamboo Pop pullover has two wide bands of color, broken by a single row knitted in the coordinating accent color used at the edges.  Without that thin line, it’s just not quite the same.

Blue toy dinosaur standing next to shoulder of green children's knit pullover
“Rawr! I can’t pick up stitches.  I can’t pick up anything!”

This sweater is worked flat from the bottom up and seamed. Neck edging stitches are picked up and worked in the round. A circular needle is used to work the body because there are times in which stitches will need to be slipped to the other end of the needle during the stripes (for that single line of color).

“Rawr! Maybe you could make me a tiny cape?”

Oh, good grief. Excuse me, I need to go knit something for a tiny blue dinosaur.

We hope you let your inner child out this weekend.

Happy crafting!

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Knitflix – The Great British Bake Off

We were talking in the office the other day about the shows we love to sit and binge while we craft.  We have such a diverse range!  I’d like to share one that I fell in love with at first sight, the Great British Bake-Off

You might not think a baking show would have drama and suspense, but it does.  It’s a wonderful reality show to watch with kids because there’s no backstabbing chicanery.

There is, however, alcohol.

If you’re like me, you like to have the right project on hand when binge-watching shows.  With this in mind, we present a pairing of projects perfect for puff pastry preparation.

#1: Macaron Cloths in Cottonwood (free pattern link here).

Why: Handy for cleaning up messes, of which there are plenty in this show.

We’re gonna need more cloths.

Made in organic Fibra Natura Cottonwood, these are excellent little projects to knock out quickly.  The i-cord edging and loop for hanging are decorative and practical.  And best of all (to me), you can finish a set before the series is over.

I feel personally attacked.

#2: The Sweet Little Cowl in Cottonwood (free pattern link here).

Why: Who wouldn’t want to knit brioche during bread week?

This chocolate cherry combo makes my mouth water.

I’m actually knitting this now, in two shades of blue Cottonwood (41104 & 41128), and the pattern is a good match for watching TV.

Do a provisional cast-on, then start in with the brioche.  Once you’re in the groove, it’s easy to divide your attention without losing your place.  Come back around at the end to add that i-cord finish, and voila.  A lovely knitted confection, and you haven’t missed the on-screen action.

We’ve got other shows we’d like to pair. Several have new seasons coming up and we want to be ready to settle in.  If there’s one you’d like to see featured, let us know!

In the meantime, we’ll have a cup of tea ready and a project at hand as we enjoy the show, and appreciate the parallels between baking and crafting.

Happy crafting!

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Free Pattern Friday – Cosign Cap

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Cosign Cap in Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash (pattern link).

Why cosign? Two reasons.  1, when I first saw this hat it was sideways, and the patterning looked like little cosine waves.  2, someone mentioned that they loved this pattern, and I immediately cosigned on that.

The pattern is written and charted, and contains a variation on cabling you might not have seen before – the right slipped cross and left slipped cross.  You’re using a cable needle as with traditional cables, but instead of knitting both stitches, there’s a slip involved.

It creates an elongated stitch that slants left or right.  Neat effect, and a useful tool to add to your cabling repertoire.

The crown keeps using slipped stitches without cabling, to continue the elongated stitches into the gathered top.  A lovely finish to a charming topper, made even more charming by the little nubs in the Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash.  Only one ball required.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend, full of beauty and warmth.

Happy crafting!

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Free Pattern Friday – Taku Throw

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Taku Throw in the Uptown Worsted family (pattern link).

Is today a good day to huddle under a beautiful throw?  Well, for those of us in the southeastern U.S., yes.  Yes it is.  Here’s Katie, our Customer Service Lead, testing the current wind speed with the Polygon Shawl in Whisper Lace.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bntiodjnqgq/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

A substantial, beautiful, not-too-complicated project seems like just the ticket.  (Also, let me express my admiration for Katie, whose hair looked perfect again right after walking back inside).

Back to the throw! This pattern calls for three different members of the popular Uptown family – solid Uptown Worsted, variegated Uptown Worsted Mist, and self-patterning Uptown Worsted Tapestry (that’s the one you see at the ends of the throw).  These three yarns are designed to work well together, providing excellent harmony and interesting color without having to do a lot of fiddly colorwork.

This is a fairly easy pattern. The design is a two-row repeat of mostly garter stitch with “make 1” increases and a center double decrease to create the chevron.  You’ll want to use circular needles, but that’s just because it’s made in one piece so there are a lot of stitches to accommodate over its width. If you’re a beginner who feels comfortable trying a couple of new things, this is for you.  If you’re experienced and want something comforting to make, this is for you, too!

We hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Happy crafting!

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Free Pattern Friday – Fresco Cardigan

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Fresco Cardigan in Adore and Adore Colors (pattern link here).

Love colorwork but not Fair isle? This one’s for you!

Rachel Brockman used self-striping Adore Colors to do the heavy lifting in the body and sleeve stripes.  Then she used mosaic knitting in solid Adore to create the design around the waist.  Only one color is used per row.  The design appears by slipping stitches in different colors, and voila!

close up of mosaic-knit slip stitch pattern in Adore and Adore Colors yarns
Beautiful.

We hope you enjoy this lovely bit of Fall-to-come.

Happy crafting!

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Still Summer – Cotton Supreme

Look, I know it’s September, but here in the South we still have hot and humid days where the great outdoors looks like a melting Dali painting.  True story: I once saw my cousin get stuck in an overheated parking lot when her high heels sank into liquefying asphalt, like a very fashionable mastodon caught in a tar pit.  For this reason, I’m not giving up on summertime projects yet.  Luckily, we have a really great selection of cottons, and some fabulous free patterns!

First up: The Little Sailor Pullover (pattern link here).

This cute top is sized from 1-10 years, and features a solid Cotton Supreme body with Cotton Supreme Batik for the stripes and the anchors on the sleeves.

The original black and white Cotton Supreme Batik has been retired, but there are some nice options available.  What about this in a different shade of blue, with 41 Navy Salute (below) for the detailing?

Actually, since Cotton Supreme and Cotton Supreme Batik have exactly the same gauge, you could choose to go solid for both, or striped for both – there are a lot of options here!

Next, the All-Star Pullover (pattern link here).

This one’s quite similar to the Little Sailor – the differences are, a smaller needle for the ribbing (my edges tend to flare if I don’t do this!), and a different design on the sleeve.  I like these two interpretations of what is essentially the same pattern because it shows what a difference the details make!

Team Cap all the way.

You can see how this could also become a fantastic superhero costume if you shifted that star onto the chest and made the design in red, white, and blue.  Who wouldn’t want a tiny Captain America pullover?

Don’t get me wrong, we’re gearing up for Fall and winter.  There are some great designs in the works.  But as long as we’ve got some cute things to make, maybe it’s not so bad for summer to hang around a little longer.