Universal Yarn Creative Network
Inspiration By Design
Have you seen it? Amy Gunderson and Tori Gurbisz have released an e-book of seven colorful patterns designed for Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash.
Color Fusion is available on Ravelry as an e-book or individual patterns.
Take a look!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Blissful Tee in Cotton True Sport.
Just looking at this top makes me happy. Â It’s a charming design in our Fibra Natura Cotton True Sport, a 100% Pima cotton that’s quite pleasant to work with. Â It’s the kind of basic top that would look great with jeans or a skirt, plus maybe a little silver jewelry. Â The lace detail at the top, which is charted and written, keeps it from being too plain.
Work it from the hem up in two pieces, then join together. Â We call for a US Size 4 (3.5mm) needle for the body, but of course use whatever will get you gauge – 6 stitches per inch in this case. Â It makes a lightweight cotton fabric that’s perfect for summer.
We hope you enjoy this bit of knitted bliss.
Happy crafting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Zephyr Tank in Flax and Flax Lace.
I. Â Love. Â This. Â Because I don’t know what it’s like where you are, but here, it’s starting to get hot. Â All I’m saying is, this cat has the right idea.
But I still want to knit!  Enter Flax and Flax Lace.
100% linen in DK and laceweight. Â I feel cooler just looking at it.
The Zephyr Tank has a body knit in Flax. Â It flares out at the hips for a nice silhouette. Â The Flax Lace edging at the hem is knitted on the same size needle as the body, giving it a nice drape.
Knit it in pieces, then whipstitch the contrasting edging to the wrong side of the hem afterward. Â Lovely.
The pattern runs from bust size 35¼ to 51¼.  It’s written, and contains a schematic for assembly.
We hope you have a fantastic weekend, and that you enjoy this free pattern.
Happy knitting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Kaye Pullover in Cotton True Sport.
You may remember last Friday’s free pattern, the Kaye Cardigan. Â It took its inspiration from the mother of one of our LYS owners here in town. Â Well, we loved the way her cardigan turned out, and we thought it would make a great pullover. Â So, voila!
The Kaye Pullover is a nice warm-weather piece, with its openwork in Cotton True Sport (197yds/50g).  Unlike the cardigan, the pullover has a picot neckline for an extra decorative touch.  It keeps the same diamond patterning just above the cuffs and hem.
It’s such a great feeling to be able to customize a beloved design to make it work perfectly for you. Â We’re glad we were able to take inspiration from Kaye’s closet, and we’re delighted to be able to share it with you.
Happy knitting!
Yes! Â Our new Major yarn (no pun intended) is here, and we’re shipping it off to LYSes as we speak! Â We love this yarn. Â It comes in a big, beautiful, squeezable skein. Â How big?
Big. Â 200g/328yds of bulky self-striping goodness.
We love this yarn.  We’ve already had a great time designing with it, as with the Pineapple Peacock Shawl at right.  Two balls of Major on aUS Size K-10½ (6.5 mm) hook makes a really dramatic and satisfying piece.
But to really celebrate, we’re sharing a new free pattern in Major every day this week! Â Today: the Blue Heartstrings Pullover.
Knitted in pieces and seamed, this sweater features crossed cables are repeated on the front and back (back view shown at right).
The yarn quantity given is enough to complete the project for that particular size.  However, if you want to be doubly sure to match the striping on the front/back and sleeves, you may wish to purchase an extra ball in order to start at the same place in the color patterning in the yarn ball.
Tune in tomorrow to see what’s next!
Happy crafting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Interlacement Sweater in Deluxe Worsted.
The weather’s cooling down, and you know what that means.
https://vine.co/v/eQTpUzPxedi
At last! Â Sweater weather! Who doesn’t love sweater weather?
Well, we have something pretty and polished for you.  The Interlacement Sweater is designed for our Deluxe Worsted 100% wool (220yds/100g), which means it would work equally well in Deluxe Worsted Superwash or Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash if you’re looking for something you can toss in the washing machine.
Knitted flat and seamed, this pattern is written and charted and contains a schematic. Â The lace inserts are right and left twists – no cable needle required.
We hope you enjoy this lovely project, and that you get to enjoy the Autumn breeze at least once this weekend.
Happy crafting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Just Breathe in Flax.
Having a hard time with these hectic days? Â Facebook feed full of politics? Â Us too. Â But you know what? It’s going to be okay. Â Here’s what we’re going to do.
Take a deep breath, from all the way down in your belly….  then let it out.  Feel the tension drain away.  Repeat as necessary.  If you need a little technical help, close your door and take two minutes at calm.com to relax.
Here’s what else we’re going to do.  We’re going to push aside the needs of others, just for a while, and we’re going to hit the LYS.  We’re going to chat with the staff, walk the aisles and touch the yarn, and walk out with enough yarn to make something beautiful.
And that’s where this top comes in.
Just Breathe is made in 100% linen Fibra Natura Flax (137yds/50g) in color 105 Natural. Â Flax softens with each wash, making this a top that will get more and more comfortable with time. Â The six-row horseshoe lace pattern will require some mindful attention, but not so much that you frown in frustration. Â Just enough to keep you focused on the moment.
Make a little time away from the worries of the world to knit.  Your rewards will be a feeling of refreshment, and a beautiful, versatile lace pullover that will be a favorite for a long time to come.
Happy knitting.
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Spring Pullover in Bamboo Bloom Handpaints.
What a great look for Spring, eh? Â Cap sleeves, open neckline, and some lovely waist shaping for a more polished look.
You can juuust see the double eyelets accenting the neckline.
This pattern is knitted flat. Â Turn the hem up and stitch it to the inside for a nice non-rolly stockinette edge. Â This is a great piece for warm weather, and the bright colors of Bamboo Bloom Handpaints really help set a bright mood.
We hope you find something colorful and fun to do this weekend.
Happy knitting!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Eyelet and Rib Pullover in Amphora.
Mmm… Amphora.  This mohair/acrylic/alpaca blend has been gaining in popularity with the release of Amy Gunderson’s Turtleneck Pullover in Vogue Knitting Winter 2015-16.  So it’s a delight to see another design from Amy in this yarn – this time, free!
Continue reading “Free Pattern Friday – Eyelet and Rib Pullover”
More snow’s in the forecast – could you use a little knitspiration?
Our snow is over (for now) on the Eastern Seaboard, but there’s a blizzard forecast for the Midwest.  I love snow, but I’m sure most folks have had enough of it.
We feature Red Birds in Snow because it’s a nice nod to our state bird here in North Carolina, the cardinal, which gives a lovely burst of color to the monochrome landscape.  I also love it because it’s a good reminder that noticing the things around us is a good antidote to the winter doldrums. Seeing something so bright in an otherwise gray day can snap the world back into focus.
When we’re feeling trapped behind closed doors, it’s important to notice the things around us to bring texture and color back into our lives. These designs are perfect examples. Continue reading “Knitspiration – Red Birds in Snow”