Ready for the Big Time? In Transit is here!
Free Pattern Friday – Checked Hat and Scarf
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Checked Hat and Scarf in Uptown Worsted and Uptown Worsted Mist.
In Little Women, Meg called November “the most disagreeable month in the whole year.” I’m inclined to disagree, though I will grant that the invention of electric heat makes it a lot easier these days. In fact, let’s add modern appliances like the washer and dryer, which make it a lot easier to do laundry without risking frostbite.
All of which brings us to today’s pattern. The Checked Hat and Scarf are an easy four-row repeat, worked flat for the scarf and in the round for the hat. We used Uptown Worsted and Uptown Worsted Mist (180yds/100g), both of which are machine washable and stand up well to wear, as well as being the softest acrylic I personally have used.
On frosty mornings, it’s a pleasure to wrap up warm in a hand-knitted set. It’s a luxury to return home, red-nosed, and shed layers, tossing them to the side without worrying about having to handwash them later.
We hope you enjoy what November has to offer – and then warm up again with more crafting in a cozy room.
Happy knitting!
Free Pattern Friday – Swift Current Scarf
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Swift Current Scarf in Classic Shades Frenzy.
I’m a sucker for blues and greens. The beauty of multi-colored yarns is that I don’t have to pick between one or the other. They’re both there, as in color 911 Stranded of Classic Shades Frenzy. It reminds me of the rushing aquamarine waters of the Soča river that runs through Slovenia and Italy.
The Swift Current Scarf uses crochet shells and open spaces – along with some aggressive blocking – to create an airy texture. For symmetry, the scarf is worked from the middle out in two halves. It’s a two-ball project- make one half with one ball, then go back to the first row to start the second half in the other direction.
We hope you have a glorious weekend, dreaming of beautiful places and making beautiful things. As they say in Slovenian, se vidimo kasneje!
Free Pattern Friday – Sizzle Scarf
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Sizzle Scarf in Uptown DK.
We love this! So bright and summery. Two balls of Uptown DK (273yds/100g) in 139 Bright Salmon makes this long crescent-shaped scarf. As fun as this is in one color, can you imagine it in two? It’s knit from the bottom up, so how about switching to a second shade after working the leaf lace?
We hope you have a great weekend, and make every pattern you touch your own.
Happy knitting!
Free Pattern Friday – Florin Scarf
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Florin Scarf in Cotton Gold.
Crocheted in Rozetti Yarns sparkling sequined Cotton Gold (200yds/25g), this scarf is named Florin after the golden coins you might find in a dragon’s hoard.
Wait, wrong hoard. Although I do want that hoard.
There we go. The glittering gold sequins catch the light in dramatic fashion. Having worked with this yarn personally, I can tell you that those sequins are really on there – I’ve never had one come loose.
Cotton Gold works great paired with another yarn to add some bling (Crinkle Cowl, anyone?), or on its own as in this one-ball scarf.
The body of the Florin Scarf is worked in two directions. First, the main scarf body is worked to one end, and the End Section is crocheted. Then the other End Section is crocheted into the beginning chain of the other side of the scarf body. Finally, a border is worked around the entire outer edge of the scarf. Lastly, put on your glittering masterpiece and feel like the fabulous person you are.
We hope you have an amazing weekend of crocheting and enjoying your yarn hoard!
Free Pattern Friday – Reversa-Lace Scarf
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Reversa-Lace Scarf in Cotton Supreme Batik.
Self-striping yarn can be a blessing or a curse. It looks so pretty, but sometimes when you actually knit it up it does unexpected things… and not in a good way. That’s one reason Cotton Supreme Batik is a great choice for this pattern. The striping repeats are very predictable, and they don’t overpower the lace pattern.
This two-ball scarf in color 37 Mint Flower uses k2tog and yo to create its eyelets, making this a good basic lace pattern for beginners. It’s more sophisticated than a simple netting, but there’s nothing too fiddly to deal with.
I love the way the striping matches up on both sides, and the way the lace shows rather than the yarn. If you’re going to bother with a pattern, you want your work to show!
We hope you have a great weekend, with plenty of time to enjoy this beautiful May weather.
Happy knitting!
Free Pattern Friday – Starry Road Scarf
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Starry Road Scarf in Universe.
Breathtaking, isn’t it? Universe (246yds/50g) is the yarn we created specifically for our tenth anniversary, and it’s unlike anything else out there. A cotton/linen blend held with a metallic strand, wrapped in polyamide for greater strength, it’s perfect for lacy shawls and scarves like the Starry Road Scarf.
Free Pattern Friday – Warmth Wrap
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Warmth Wrap in Rozetti Yarns Allore.
Folks, I don’t think we could have planned this week’s free pattern better if we’d tried! As I write this, the weather here in North Carolina is doing some sort of sleeting-icing-freezing rain kind of thing. And baby, for the south, it’s cold! This is a perfect day for wrapping handknitting around ourselves, no?
The Warmth Wrap is a relatively simple knit and goes pretty darn quick in bulky weight Allore and size 10 1/2 needles. The Eyelets lace pattern is just a 4 row repeat and is easy to memorize and keep track of.
Allore is a yarn that is right on trend. It’s also brushed, which we’ve been seeing a lot of in the yarn world this past year. Plus, it incorporates a metallic strand for an understated sophistication. It’s a complex light and lofty yarn and very easy to work with.
As shown, the Warmth Wrap requires 6 balls of Allore for a large, snuggly, almost blanket-like wrap. If you prefer a narrower scarf, just cast on 35 stitches instead of 65, and you’ll only need 3 balls.
And look – if you can’t find a shawl pin to close your wrap, just skewer in your needles and call it done. Stay safe and warm this wintery weekend!
Deluxe Bulky Superwash – Two New Scarves
11 days until Christmas!
I always seem to start these posts with, “are you ready for the holidays?” There’s a reason: I am never ready for the holidays. If, like me, you’re searching for something fresh that will work up quickly, we’ve got you covered!
We introduced Deluxe Bulky Superwash 100% wool (100g/106yds) this Fall. It’s a little thicker than our favorite Deluxe Chunky, and, as the name implies, it’s machine washable. That’s two of my criteria for quick holiday projects met.
Best of all, we’ve already introduced a couple of free knit and crochet patterns for this yarn.
At right, the Nesting Diamonds Scarf. This one might seem a little ambitious for Christmas, but do what I do: “I’d love to do the dishes/vacuum/shop for your mother’s gift but I need to finish this scarf.” Boom. Extra knitting time and fewer chores.
On size 10 1/2(6.5mm) needles, this is a lovely tasseled scarf that won’t break the bank or take forever. The body simply knit and purl, with slipped stitches at the edges of the scarf to create a neater border. The pattern is written and charted – take your pick of what’s more comfortable for you.
Next, the Ambrosia Scarf. Long and luscious, the scarf loops around for a dramatic look. The puff stitch arcs make for a soft and inviting feel with a lot of visual interest. Crocheted on a US Size N-15 (10 mm) hook, this is another one that will go quickly but still be satisfying to make.
We hope you take some time to make something beautiful for yourself as well. You deserve a break to enjoy the holiday season!
Happy crafting!
Free Pattern Friday – Winter Shades Hat and Scarf
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Winter Shades Hat and Scarf in Classic Shades Metallic and Uptown Worsted.
How’re we doing? Still working through Thanksgiving leftovers? I ask because right beside me, I have a slice of the pumpkin apple bread that has become traditional in our family. Here’s the recipe.
It makes two loaves, so you can keep one for yourself and bring one in to the office to be a hero. However, I’m writing this from home – Universal offices are closed today – and I can tell you there’s no way this bread will last until Monday. Sorry, co-workers.
Just because the offices are closed doesn’t mean we didn’t prepare a beautiful pattern for you!
The Winter Shades Hat and Scarf combine two lovely yarns: solid Uptown Worsted (180yds/100g) and self-shading Classic Shades Metallic (175yds/100g). Both hat and scarf are knitted flat in a surprisingly easy slip stitch pattern. Knit the edging on US size 6 / 4mm needles, then switch to US size 10/6mm for the patterning on the body of the hat and scarf. In the picture above, the brim of the hat is turned up. In the picture below, it’s turned down for a slightly different look.
That charming model, by the way, is Jordan, the newest member of our customer service team. We thought this ensemble would look great on her, and she graciously agreed to be our guinea pig model. Thanks, Jordan!
We hope you enjoy the afterglow of Thanksgiving. We’re so grateful for your enthusiasm, talent, and willingness to share your voices so we can become better crafting partners to you.
Happy knitting!
