toy – Page 2 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

It’s Throwback Thursday!We had someone on Facebook ask about this pattern a couple of days ago, and it reminded us of how close the holidays are. So today, we offer this formerly paid pattern, now set free!

The Happy Little Elf is an adorable Michele Wilcox design (we love Michele!) that was originally only available as part of a kit featuring Classic Worsted Holiday. We’re recommending Uptown Worsted as a substitute.

Uptown Worsted is 100% anti-pilling acrylic. As a former yarn snob, I was skeptical of acrylics until I squeezed my first skein of Uptown. This would definitely be soft enough for a beloved little friend who is also machine washable.

What I like about Uptown for this pattern is that it has a broad color palette. Our recommendations to match the original Happy Little Elf are pictured here, but there are a good variety of skin tones and jacket and shoe options if you want to personalize your elf.

Looking at elf pictures online (I love my job) made me realize just how standard this elf costume is in popular culture, and how versatile this little elf could be. You could make a little buddy, so to speak…

Buddy the Elf

…or you could make your own little offbeat elf to take on adventures.

We just got that 356 Bright Blue in stock. It’s like it was meant to be.

We hope you’ll enjoy making a little pal for yourself, or for someone in your life who could use some magic.

Happy knitting!

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Did we say “free pattern?” Try five free patterns, part of Bamboo Pop Dolls!

Bamboo Pop Kids is such a popular E-Book for us, and no wonder – Bamboo Pop is a versatile yarn for kids and adults. One of the things we heard from stores was, “wouldn’t it be great if there were matching outfits for the kids’ dolls?” Once we were done squealing over the adorableness of that idea, we got to work!

The T-Ball Tee keeps the sweet little ties at the arms and shortens the body, making this a very quick lace knit. I can absolutely see the two little ladies above palling around town together! Matches the T-Ball Tee from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

The Pixie Skirt removes one tie from the shortened waist of the 18″ doll at left. It’s a shortened length of i-cord that can be made with either a crank machine or by hand. This is a great skirt to spin in. Matches the Pixie Skirt from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

The Little Patriot is all decked out and ready to go! For me, what really makes this top pop is the red edging around the star and the edges. Being a Southerner, I think this is a great top for a summer day of watermelon and fresh-churned ice cream. Matches the Little Patriot from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

The Fading Stripe Hoodie uses a slipped “pebble stitch” to give texture. Something just a touch warmer for the girl on the left as she wait for her friend to come home from school. Matches the Fading Stripe Hoodie from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).

The Berry Blossom Pullover lends itself well to “dollification!” This is one of our most popular designs for girls, and it looks great on an 18″ doll, too. Matches the Berry Blossom Pullover from Bamboo Pop Kids (Ravelry link).