Pattern – Page 39 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

March 6, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Varia Pullover

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Varia Pullover in Llamalini.

I may have mentioned this before, but Fibra Natura Llamalini (109yds/50g) is a favorite around here. A blend of royal llama, linen, and silk bourette, it has a rich, heathered depth of color. I’ve got a hank of Mulberry on my desk right now that I snuck out of our samples (don’t tell!) just so I can look at it and think about what it wants to be.

Our sales manager Yonca clearly had bigger plans than me when she came up with this design. She’s got a good eye – we note that the upcoming Vogue Knitting has several solid cable sweaters with stripe detailing. This design is very on trend.

The garment is knitted in pieces and seamed, and the pockets are added afterward, so it’s easy to leave them off if you prefer. For myself, I love the bursts of color that they lend, breaking up the line in a way that’s flattering for those of us who might be wearing something, let’s say, a little bigger than the extra-small size.

This is a great transitional piece – the Llamalini is warm but not stifling, and the half sleeves would work well in Spring or Fall.

Maybe I should grab a few more skeins from our samples and dream a little bigger…

Happy knitting!

March 3, 2015

Cotton True Collection 1

Ready for Spring?

So are we! We’re proud to present Cotton True Collection 1, our first collection of patterns for Fibra Natura Cotton True Sport.

Cotton True Sport 3 balls blog

Cotton True Sport (50g/197yds) is a new 100% pima cotton in our luxury Fibra Natura line. It’s light, smooth, and pleasant to work with. This is one we’ve been dying to knit with, so we were delighted when Amy Gunderson dreamed up these five beautiful designs!

The Chase is a classic vest, worked in pieces and seamed. The right and left twists require no cable needle and are charted. In addition to the lovely chase of designs along the front, there’s a twisted cable ribbing at the edges that provides a lovely finishing touch.

Key To My Heart is worked in pieces from the bottom up, with a sweet edging of lace leaves that’s written and charted. The lovely keyhole in the back is an eye-catcher.

Parting is aptly named for the back pleat that sets this top apart. The pleat in this A-line tee will naturally fold inward on its own thanks to strategically placed slipped stitches and a little reverse stockinette.

Rocked adds a little wow to your wardrobe. The mesh pattern is surprisingly easy, and front and back are identical. If you want a fantastic piece that you can knit with ease, this is the one. The button tab on the sleeve is a great touch. Very on point.

Stinger is very swingy and versatile in fit. Worked in pieces and seamed, the cardigan is has a great shape that looks stylish but still feels “at home.”

Download the designs via Craftsy or Ravelry, either as an e-book or as individual patterns.

And hey, you know what? We’re feeling so good about Cotton True Sport that we have a freebie for you.

The Lace Scarf is a free pattern, written and charted, taking just two balls of Cotton True Sport. That twisted ribbing border is a lovely accent to the columns of lace.

We hope you find something that sparks your imagination.

Happy knitting!

February 27, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Mermaid Tunic

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Mermaid Tunic in Lumen.

We were actually going to wait for warmer weather to release this, but it got so much love at Stitches West that we just had to set it free.

This tunic is worked in pieces from the bottom up and seamed. The lace pattern is a simple six-row repeat – no cable needle needed for those twists.

It’s designed for Rozetti Lumen (134yds/50g), a chained cotton ribbon with shiny viscose stretches. Its vivid color is delicious. There’s a multi version, too.

We hope you enjoy this little burst of Spring in the midst of winter.

Happy knitting!

February 20, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Sunblock Hat

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Sunblock Hat in Yashi.

We are looking forward to summer, partly because it gives us more excuses to use this great raffia yarn. Yashi (40g/99yds) has a papery texture, but is much softer and more pliable than others we’ve seen. It’s easy to work with and is proving a fast favorite around the office for crochet.

Because it’s so soft, with a project like this very wide hat, we’d suggest you crochet it tightly and maybe give it a little starching to stiffen the brim. You’ll start at the top and work your way out.

I can see myself lounging in a chair by the pool in this hat, reading a good book and sipping… uh… tea.

Happy crafting!

February 16, 2015

Knitspiration – The Long Fence

How about a little summer in the midst of winter?

Romare Bearden (1911-1988) has a special place in my heart. He hails from my hometown of Charlotte, NC, just down the road from Universal Yarn. He moved to New York and contributed to Harlem’s vibrant arts scene in the 30’s and 40’s, often using imagery from his home state. Romare Bearden was that fortunate artist who gained respect and recognition in his lifetime, with his works displayed in important collections around the globe. If you’re ever in Charlotte, take a pleasant stroll through Romare Bearden Park – then come up the road and see us.

His use of color is inspiring.

The bright colors…

Northanger Abbey_blog — Northanger Abbey Shawl in Garden 10

Seashells Hoodie in Deluxe DK Superwash from Fall Classics

…with more natural tones.

Timbers Hat in Uptown DK from e-book Mountain Ridge Knits

Emerald Isle Lap Blanket in Deluxe Worsted from 50 Knitted Gifts

So many choices. So many directions to explore.

Happy knitting!

February 13, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Seabird Shawl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Seabird Shawl in Good Earth and Good Earth Adorn.

This shawl is aptly named! The colors are reminscent of sea and sand, and the triangular shape makes you want to spread your wings.

It’s a warm-ish weather shawl, designed for our cotton/linen blends Good Earth (103 Desert) and Good Earth Adorn (304 Breeze). A look at the back shows how Adorn works up into subtle variegated bands. It’s a nice touch.

It goes without saying that this would be good beach knitting – light on your lap as you soak in the sun. I’m looking at this shawl and dreaming of warmer days.

Happy knitting!

February 6, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Mary Layering Tee

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Mary Layering Tee in Merino XF Superwash.

Mary Layering Tee_back_blog There’s an old song by George M. Cohan called “Mary.” It’s all about how these days, some girls named Mary might change their names to Marie to be cutting edge, but there’s something reassuring about sticking with Mary and having the confidence to know that you’re a classic.

That’s what we have in the Mary Layering Tee. It’s worked from the bottom up in pieces, with short row shaping at the hem. The front henley placket is decorative rather than functional. Overall, this design is sweet and simple, like the name Mary in the song.

Also sweet and simple is the called-for Merino XF Superwash. Very soft, but also practical in its ability to be machine washed. I did a swatch in this last February and can tell you that it is very pleasant to work with.

We hope you make time to appreciate the sweet and simple things in your life this weekend.

Happy knitting!

February 5, 2015February 6, 2015

Bamboo Pop Adult

It’s here! Our new e-book Bamboo Pop Adult is finally available for download from Ravelry and Craftsy. Patterns are also available individually.

Bamboo Pop is one of our most popular yarns. Our e-books Bamboo Pop Kids and Bamboo Pop Dolls were well-received, but we had a lot of people requesting grownup designs. Here they are!

The Boho Tank is an A-line top worked from the bottom up. Sandi Rosner provided the embroidery detail, showing once again that what designer Charles Eames said is true – “The details are not the details. They make the design.”

Craftsy Dewdrops1

The crochet Dewdrops Tank is worked in two pieces and seamed. While I love the bright contrasting colors Amy Gunderson chose for the “dewdrops,” this would be a great piece to customize. Just use your favorite colors as accents!

The Drape-Front Cardi above may be a candidate for “most wearable design.” The flow of the fabric flatters a range of frames.

Here’s my favorite – the Hospitality Tee! Down South, the pineapple is the symbol of hospitality, so as a native Southerner this feels like a very welcoming design to me. As a knitter, I appreciate details like the corrugated ribbing at the sleeves and hem and the pink applied crochet chain stripe that gives it an extra pop of color.

Love love love. The dramatic Staggered Shawl has the graphic styling that is so popular, and it’s so easy to knit. No purling – just garter stitch!

The Steeple Pullover has been an early favorite on Ravelry. Work it bottom-up in the round, then separate for the armholes. The pattern is written and charted, like all patterns in Bamboo Pop Adults (except the super-simple Staggered Shawl). Sized from extra small to 3X, this is a great breezy design to dress up or down when the weather has just a hint of chill.

Craftsy Surf1

Surf ‘n Stripe is a simple eyelet design accented with bands of color. Knit in two pieces and seamed, this slouchy and comfortable dolman-sleeved top strikes me as great vacation knitting!

Craftsy Tennis1

The Tennis Vest is a classic design. The twist cable and rib pattern is quite stretchy, making it a perfect layering piece. I hate feeling like a stuffed sausage when a sweater over a shirt doesn’t breathe with me – this is a great vest for looking as cool as you feel.

Craftsy ColorworkCardiHat2

From the cover, the Colorwork Cardi and Colorwork Hat featured on the cover are two super-cute coordinating patterns. The cardi is a top-down seamless sweater (with pockets!) and the hat can be customized to be taller or shorter as you wish by adding or subtracting pattern repeats.

I’m not sure what I’m going to knit first. I’m thinking maybe the Staggered Shawl. I’ve been wanting a very modern accessory, and that looks fabulous. We’d love to see what you make!

Happy knitting!

February 2, 2015

Knitspiration – Frozen Waterfall

If the groundhog is right, we’re in for six more weeks of winter. As lovers of yarn, we are undaunted!

We’re going to embrace our inner Elsa and love those cool tones.

We’re going to pull out the needles and hooks and savor every moment!

Skyscraper Shawl in Classic Shades Big Time

How about you? What will you make with your six weeks?

January 30, 2015

Free Pattern Friday – Raglan Tee

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Raglan Tee in Ariana.

As I was writing this post, our sales manager Yonca came in and saw the tee and smiled. I wanted to share what she said.

“This is the design that made me want to have this yarn. I saw a tee knit up and fell in love with the look and feel. It’s just perfect.”

So there you have it: this is the tee that inspired the yarn. The yarn in question is Ariana (100g/91yds), a smooth, sleek knitted tube that looks quite polished, especially in this ribbed tee.

The Raglan Tee is knit from the bottom upon circular needles. Separate at the armholes for the raglan shaping, then add the sleeves (knit separately). K1 p1 ribbing is very stretchy, and on US size 10 1/2 (6.5mm) needles this will go quickly.

It’s a great example of a simple design that doesn’t go out of style.

Happy knitting!

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