Universal Yarn Creative Network
Inspiration By Design
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, we share the Rambling Crochet Cowl. Just two balls of bulky Classic Shades Frenzy on a 6.5mm hook means that this works up in a flash. We love the texture that the double crochet clusters provide, and the way the cowl looks wrapped up snug or hanging freely.
We’re really feeling the crochet love today, so let’s make it a two-fer. Check back in later today for another free pattern!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, something soft and sweet for baby. The Lil’ Lightning Baby Blanket is a simple two-row pattern repeat in plush Bella Chenille and Bella Chenille Multi (131yds/100g). Knit on size 11 needles, this is a project that goes fast – perfect for those times you need a baby shower gift in a hurry!
We’re snowed in here at Universal Yarn.
Well – we’re not snowed in at Universal Yarn. Once the statewide winter storm warning was issued, we were all sensibly sent home. It’s been a day of playing in the snow, then coming inside to warm up under a cozy blanket with crafty projects.
Watching my teenager play in the snow has been a treat. Today, all the cares of school have been stripped away. Worries about grades, about not measuring up to her peers, about whether she’s meeting the expectations that are placed on young women, they all vanish into the basic joy of dodging snowballs.
I wish that this wild child could find her way to the surface more often and remind herself that she is beautiful and strong and smart.
We all have someone in our lives whom we love. Someone who makes us laugh. Someone who makes us shake our head with how wonderful they are. Someone who sometimes doesn’t see in themselves the wonderful things that we see. They might be a child or a relative or a trusted friend. But they make our lives better.
Today I am making a little gift for my daughter. A small Valentine’s Day pouch in Uptown DK, sized just right for a compact mirror. And with it, I’ll include a rhyme:
If I had one wish
Just for you
You’d see yourself
The way I do.
We’re making the pattern and chart available for free (click here) in case you want to try something similar on this snowy day – or any day.
It’s Free Pattern Friday, and we have a new design in Poems!
The Cross the Night Sky Vest by Sandy Huff is worked in one piece from side to side, with stitches picked up for the arms, hem, and neck. The garter stitch tie that threads neatly through the crossed stitches is a nice accent.
Side to side construction creates flattering vertical stripes in self-shading Poems 100% wool – a great use of variegated yarn.
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, a fabulous piece in Deluxe DK Superwash 100% wool.
The In Flight Pullover is knit in the round from the bottom up. The Flight Lace pattern resembles little wings, hence the name. This is a classic and versatile piece that works beautifully in a solid color yarn like Deluxe DK Superwash. The lace really has a chance to shine.
It’s a Free Pattern Friday two-fer!
First, there’s the Painted Wings Shawlette. It takes less than one skein of Infusion Handpaints (291yds/100g), our sport weight variegated yarn that’s proving popular for socks and accessories. The dropped stitches really let you make the most of your yarn. At the end, work the edging at the same time you cast off!
Next, the Flowering Herb Scarf in Fibra Natura Llamalini (109yds/50g). Llamalini is a yarn that has made its way into the stashes of quite a few Universal Yarn employees! The heathering gives a great deal of depth to a wide variety of designs. This lacy crochet scarf is just the thing to show it off.
Happy crafting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, we have a charming set in Saki Bamboo (462yds/100g), a newer member of the Wisdom Yarns family. Saki Bamboo is a blend of superwash merino, nylon, and bamboo. We predicted it would be popular for socks, but it’s become a yarn of choice for shawls and accessories, too. And no wonder, with colors this pleasing!
The Brambleberry Hat and Mitts each can be completed with one ball, two for the set. Both are worked in the round with a honeycomb pattern for an added dimension of texture.
Wouldn’t these be perfect to wear on a drab day to add a pop of color? What a rewarding project.
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, we want to give you a knitted hug. The Comfort Bargello Shawl wraps you up warm and cozy in soft Classic Shades (100g/197yds).
The design is from Patty Nance, the author of Bargello Knits, a book of designs incorporating self-striping and solid yarn to beautiful effect. This design is no exception. It’s knit from one side of the triangle to the opposite point, with the added fringe as a crowning touch.
Classic Shades is a great choice for this design. The coordinating Classic Shades Solids make this an easy pattern to customize in terms of color, so you can design your own knitted hug.
Many thanks to Patty Nance for such a gorgeous design!