Collection Spotlight: Form and Function

November 8, 2024November 8, 2024

Collection Spotlight: Form and Function

As the leaves are changing and a crispness fills the air, we begin to think about cozy sweaters, warm accessories, and soft scarves. Fall not only brings a beautiful transformation to our surroundings but also offers a wonderful opportunity to update our wardrobes with rich textures, colors and an AWESOME time to introduce our Uptown Family Collection! The Form and Function Collection has six patterns to knit and crochet across the Uptown line.

Arcade designed by Andi Javori

Perfect pairing to a night out, the Arcade wrap is a must have for a boat ride or a date night. Whether draped casually over a outfit or elegantly layered over a dress for an evening out, it can enhance your look while keeping you cozy. The versatility of this accessory allows it to be styled in various ways, making it a must-have in any wardrobe for that extra flair.

The combination of a reversible knit-purl texture paired with columns of pretty little cables makes this piece aesthetically interesting and entertaining to knit.

Experience the versatility of Arcade, shown in the stunning Uptown Bamboo DK, in color 536 Mist. With 38 vibrant colors to choose from, it’s the perfect opportunity to unleash your imagination and bring your projects to life!

Blueprint designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre

Picture yourself nestled by the crackling fireplace, the soft glow of the flames dancing in the room, wearing a cardigan as serene as the scene. All of that is possible with the adored Blueprint . The gradient blues of this cardigan beautifully evoke the tranquility of a serene winter sky, making it not only visually appealing but also an ideal choice for the colder seasons. Wrap yourself in this cozy piece that combines style and warmth effortlessly.

The standout feature of this cardigan is the intricate flower-inspired motif gracefully adorning the back. Skillfully crafted crocheted colorwork with this striking design element in contrasting silver adds a stunning visual impact that enhances the overall allure of the piece.

Stay cozy and stylish this cold season with the Blueprint cardigan. This colorwork crochet cardigan features a structured fit that ensures comfort, while ribbed detailing along the hem and cuffs adds a touch of casual elegance. Shown the beautiful Uptown DK Multi color 206 Mist and Uptown DK colors 118 Lolite and 125 Silver, this cardigan is designed to enhance any winter wardrobe.

Galleria designed by Rachel Brockman

The Galleria poncho is a contemporary staple, ideal for elevating your winter wardrobe. With its chic design and versatile silhouette, it effortlessly combines warmth and style, making it the perfect addition to any outfit. Whether layered over a cozy sweater or dressed up for a night out, the Galleria poncho offers a fashionable solution to keep you snug and sophisticated during the colder months.

The design incorporates large cables and intricate textures, creating an enjoyable knitting experience. It promotes a rewarding creative journey, enhances visual appeal, and offers a stimulating challenge for knitters of all skill levels.

The Galleria poncho is a statement piece that enhances your wardrobe, featuring a reversible funnel neck that can be styled cuffed or uncuffed. Made from soft, drapey anti-pilling Uptown Worsted yarn shown in color 375 Antique Rose, it showcases a subtle sheen that brings out the textures beautifully.

Juxtaposition designed by Universal Yarn Design Team

This is the statement throw your sofa needs! Juxtaposition is a gorgeous color-blocked throw suitable for knitters of all skill levels. It is worked by creating two panels. Each panel features a streamlined stockinette stitch section and a textured checkers pattern that adds depth to the finished piece. After knitting the two panels, you’ll seam them together and then work the garter stitch edging. This would be a great project to work on over the holiday season and have ready in time for snuggly winter evenings!

Four carefully selected colors smoothly transition across the blanket, resulting in a unique, handcrafted charm. Shown in Uptown Worsted in colors 373 River, 335 Acorn, 303 Cream, 351 Latte.

Promenade designed by Afifa Sayeed

If you want to knit a statement outfit topper, Promenade is just the piece for you. This ruana features a stand-out cable that dresses the center back of the piece, and a clever tab for styling the front. The self-shading colors in our Uptown Worsted Hues yarn add depth to the overall piece, with soft colors transitioning from one to the next as you knit. The reverse stockinette stitch texture provides a classic feel for the body of the ruana and allows the cable to pop in the center.

Promenade is the perfect accessory for transitional weather. It will keep you warm in the chilly morning and evening air while allowing for multiple ways to wear as the day warms up. Whether you’re headed to work in the office, or on a night out with friends, this ruana will keep you cozy and feeling fabulous.

Promenade enhances any wardrobe with its unique charm and refined quality. Meticulously crafted from Uptown Worsted Hues, and shown in color 3305 Pink Sand, this piece showcases the stunning variety and richness of color that this premium yarn offers.

Vista designed by Andi Javori

Do you love knitting pullovers? We have your next favorite pattern! Vista is a sophisticated sweater knit using super soft Uptown DK. Raglan sleeve shaping provides an excellent fit and polished feel while the directional mock cable pattern on the body offers plenty of visual interest for the finished piece.

Vista is knit from the bottom up in pieces and seamed. If you’re hesitant about knitting a seamed sweater, we encourage you to try! Seams provide structure and strength to the finished piece, ensuring you will love wearing your handmade sweater for years to come.

Vista is an essential addition to your wardrobe, expertly crafted with our luxurious Uptown DK yarn shown in the color 135 Desert Rose. With over 50 colors to choose from, you’ll find the perfect one for your wardrobe!

Limited Time Offer: Save 20% on the Uptown Line!

Now through Sunday, November 10th, enjoy 20% off the entire Uptown Line, including Uptown Bamboo DK, Uptown DK , Uptown DK Multi , Uptown Worsted, and Uptown Worsted Hues! This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on your favorite yarn and discover modern designs for every skill level. Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your crafting projects and unleash your imagination! Uptown

Until Then,

Keep Calm and Knit On

MsGinB.

October 7, 2022October 7, 2022

Free Pattern Friday – Hazy Pullover

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Hazy Pullover knitted in Uptown Worsted (pattern link here).

Just in time for fall! The Hazy Pullover is sophisticated and beautiful, with its cables against a background of reverse stockintte. I particularly love the way they separate at the neck and reach toward the shoulders. So graceful!

rear view of Hazy Pullover sweater knitted in Uptown Worsted

This design is worked in Uptown Worsted, our 100% anti-pilling acrylic yarn that has remained a bestseller since its introduction.

I will confess, I used to be a yarn snob when it came to acrylic. I think it’s because when I first picked up needles. oh so many years ago, I used a very “squeaky” acrylic that was downright unpleasant to knit with. But Uptown Worsted turned my attitude around!

It’s pleasant to work with, glides along your needles, and holds up beautifully over time. I have no qualms about using it in projects for knitworthy people – and that includes myself! I’m all about blue tones, and the 368 Midnight Heather that Rachel Brockman used for this pullover calls to me. Add gorgeous cables and sizes from XS-4X, and it’s a winner of a design in a beautiful yarn.

We hope you enjoy this beautiful design, and that you have an amazing weekend.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

August 19, 2022August 19, 2022

Free Pattern Friday – Paper Flowers

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Woman wearing lace pullover knitted in Uptown Baby Sport

Today, Paper Flowers knitted in Uptown Baby Sport (pattern link here).

Do you love lace? Then today is for you! Rachel Brockman uses allover lace stitches on the body of this pullover to add extra elegance.

A lace body is offset by bracelet-length stockinette sleeves, and a boat neck enhances the piece’s overall vintage vibes. But this is a luxurious sweater with a secret!

This lacy delight is actually an affordable, easy care project, thanks to Uptown Baby Sport 100% anti-pilling acrylic! I have to tell you, I used to be a yarn snob, but the Uptown yarns converted me. They’re so soft! When I compare Uptown to the acrylics I used as a young crafter just starting out, it’s like night and day. And it’s hard to argue with results like this gorgeous project!

Absolutely beautiful. I think my queue just got longer again.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend, full of inexpensive treats and priceless joy.

Happy crafting!
-Heather Hill

May 20, 2022May 20, 2022

Free Pattern Friday – Daffodil Vest

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Woman facing away from camera. She is wearing a white blouse and a pale yellow knitted vest.

Today, the Daffodil Vest in Uptown Baby Sport (pattern link here).

Designer Aubrey Busek took her inspiration from a field of blooming spring flowers, creating a lovely lacy repeat in this spring popover.

Closeup of daffodil field — Daffodil fields at Parson’s Reserve

Uptown Baby Sport was the perfect yarn choice for Aubrey’s design. This 100% anti-pilling acrylic is machine washable, wears well, and is very soft. I’ll admit, I used to turn up my nose at acrylic, but the Uptown family of yarns has turned that attitude around. I’ve been delighted with the quality of everything I’ve made in Uptown yarns.

Woman in white blouse with rolled up sleeves, and pale yellow knitted vest.

Looking at the sunny, pale yellow field of flowers that roam across this vest, you can’t help but have your spirits lifted. It reminds me of the last stanza of a favorite poem by Wordsworth, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, in which the writer unexpectedly encounters a beautiful field of daffodils, and holds the memory of that sudden riot of color as a balm against dark days.

“For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.”

Smiling woman wearing white button-down top and pale yellow vest knitted in Uptown Baby Sport.

We hope you enjoy this sunny, uplifting pattern. Have a wonderful weekend.

Happy crafting,

Heather Hill

April 20, 2022April 20, 2022

Tiny Textures: Knit Projects For Littles Ones

This week we released our newest collection, Tiny Textures, which is truly the cutest little gathering of knitwear items I’ve seen all spring! There are five easy projects to knit up and give to a baby or toddler in your life – whether for your own munchkins, or as a gift for others in your life, each design is sure to be a cherished keepsake for years to come.

All of the projects are made with our Uptown Worsted Hues yarn. It’s the newest addition to the Uptown line of yarns, featuring beautifully blended pastel colors that look great in any piece! From baby items, to adult garments, accessories, and homewares, this yarn is a wonderful way to bring a burst of color into the mix. Uptown Worsted Hues anti-pilling, 100% acrylic composition and Standard 100 certification by Oeko-Tex made this yarn an easy choice for a kids collection though. It can handle the rough-and-tumble nature of kiddos well, as it is fully machine washable and easy to care for.

One of my favorite pieces to come out of this collection is the Peyton cardigan. It has such a playful take on a sophisticated “grown up cardigan” by featuring squiggly lines, made of cable cross stitches, where one may expect to see more typical cables. Plus there’s room for more unexpected fun by incorporating buttons! You may choose to go with a clean look by using cohesive, round wooden buttons from Katrinkles, like we did. Or you could get quirky by browsing some of her more eccentric options, or by sourcing some from wherever you’d like! No matter where they are from, buttons are always a great way to make a piece feel truly unique and special.

The other teeny temptation creeping onto my make-list is the Elouise set. The hat and cowl have sweet little details that make them look quite polished for being so small. The hat features a little cinched gathering at the brim that hints at old-glam style, while the cowl sports a button closure, leaving room for more of that individual refinement we talked about above. The slip stitch pattern worked on both the hat and cowl has just the right amount of texture to give this set a certain je ne sais quoi that would simply lack if it were done in a smooth stockinette. Wouldn’t you agree?

Be sure to check out all 5 of the tiny textured pieces, and start plotting which ones you’ll make today! Which one do you think you’ll make first?
That’s all for now, Happy Stitching y’all,
Ashley Jane

January 3, 2020January 3, 2020

Free Pattern Friday – Flourish Scarf

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Flourish Scarf in Uptown Super Bulky (pattern link here). This pattern is proof that you can have both lace and instant gratification.

Knit on US size 13 (9mm) needles, this beautiful scarf is only 21 stitches across.

Make it as long or as short as you like – it’ll go quick in Uptown Super Bulky.

There are plenty of color options – you can stick with the 423 Mint Green in the model or branch out!

We hope you have a great new year, and continue to flourish and grow. Happy crafting!

February 15, 2019January 14, 2020

Free Pattern Friday – Cable Cross Cap

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Cable Cross Cap in Uptown Super Bulky (pattern link here). Hello, Valentine! We’re going to keep today’s post short and sweet, because we’re still stuffed full of chocolates. Yes, Thin Mints count as chocolates. And yes, if you buy them for yourselves, it still counts as Valentine’s Day candy, and therefore there are no calories. It’s science.

Following up on Rachel’s Valentine’s Day Post yesterday, we’re offering something pink and perfect.

Closeup view of fuchsia cabled hat knit in Uptown Super Bulky

The Cable Cross Cap works up fast on size 13 needles and takes just two skeins of Uptown Super Bulky, our thickest anti-pilling acrylic. It’s smooth and squeezable – a delight to work with.

Picture of Thin Mint cookies with sprig of spearmint — Also, Thin Mints are vegan, so they’re health food.

What were we talking about again? Right! Knitting! The pattern is written and charted – really, a lovely quick cabled knit for when the mood strikes. Speaking of the mood striking, did you know that you can locate Girl Scout cookie booths near you online? Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need more yarn. And cookies. Happy crafting!

October 15, 2018October 3, 2019

Halloween Projects

It’s that time of year! Little ghouls and ghosties run amok in the neighborhood, and we love crafting fun things for them – and for us! Let’s take a look at a few free patterns.

We want candy. More candy. And not the cheap stuff.

First, Clarice, Chunk, and Clyde in Uptown Worsted (pattern link here).

There is so much personality in these three crocheted monsters! Sized for children through adults, these friends are free patterns in machine washable Uptown Worsted. We decided to make ours in the adult size, so we could have some fun here in the office!

selfie of three women wearing colorful crocheted hats with monster faces on them — (L-R: Amy, Rachel, and Heather, always up for some wholesome fun)

Photo of two knitted Halloween bowls filled with candy — I *guess* you can have some.

Next, Neon pumpkin and Skull Baskets in Uptown Worsted (pattern link here).

These Fair Isle knits have a piece plastic needlepoint canvas inside to help them hold their shape. It’s optional, but we go through a lot of candy here, so we thought it was a good idea to help them stand up to the frequent “walk-by grabbing.”

Image of woman in knitted black cape looking over her shoulder — I don’t sparkle, but I’m still fierce!

Also, Batcape! in Uptown DK (pattern link here).

We released the Batcape last week and blogged about it. Maybe you saw it, but if you didn’t, we don’t want you to miss it. 🙂

Moving to printed patterns, there are some real gems in the book 50 Knitted Gifts for Year-Round Giving, from Sixth and Spring. The book features great projects suitable for any occasion. The Halloween selections do not disappoint!

Spiderweb Boot Toppers (Ravelry link)

Felted Trick-or-Treat Bag (Ravelry link)

Ghoulish Ghost Hat (Ravelry link)

and Black Cat Brooch (Ravelry link).

The book has some great patterns for Thanksgiving, too, but one holiday at a time.

The last thing we’re going to throw out there, for ultimate ease, is a crocheted color pooling scarf in Uptown Worsted Spirit Stripes color 509 MVP.

Hands off the candy corn, though.

We hope you have an appropriately spooky Halloween.

Happy crafting!

October 10, 2018October 16, 2019

Halloween Projects – Batcape!

Halloween is almost here – but there’s still time to make yourself something spooky!

Here’s a brand new pattern – the BATCAPE in Uptown DK (pattern link here)!

(I looked for a dramatic sound effect that could be played for maximum suspense. This was the first hit, so here you go.)

The pattern is written for one size, but it can be easily scaled up or down by adding or subtracting multiples of 6 from the cast-on.

We’d also like to give credit to our model Lilly, because it was super hard to keep a straight face goofing around with this cape and wearing plastic fangs.

The chevron pattern is knit in one piece from the top down. A contrasting i-cord is added at the end.

The perfect accessory for handing out treats. Or for trick-or-treating in. We’re not going to judge.

Happy holidays!

October 5, 2018June 23, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Magic Mitts

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Magic Mitts in Uptown DK and Uptown DK Magix (pattern link here).

These mitts are magical in more than one way! First, the patterning in the main color, Uptown DK Magix works up effortlessly to add interest to an otherwise simple project. And second, it’s magic just how quickly these can be crocheted! One ball of solid Uptown DK and of coordinating Uptown DK Magix will make at least two pairs.

This pattern is worked entirely in the round beginning at the lower edge of the cuff. The cuff is worked in back loop single crochet to give the appearance of ribbing, while the main mitt is worked in straight single crochet to keep the focus on the pretty yarn.

We hope you enjoy this quick and fun project.

Have a great weekend – and happy crafting!