Free Pattern Friday – Blooming Chorus

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Blooming Chorus in Uptown Super Bulky (pattern link here). Blooming Chorus was originally part of the popular collection, Uptown Favorite Afghans 2.
There are some real beauties in here, both knit and crochet, all using the Uptown family of 100% anti-pilling acrylic yarns.
Personally, I love Uptown Super Bulky. I’ve made several Coffee Beans and Sugar Cubes hats in this, and the yarn is so thick that they fly by. And since this blanket is crocheted on a US Size K-10 ½ (6.5 mm) hook, it ought to go pretty quickly too.
There are two sizes included here, the smaller on the child’s bed, and the bigger one in red/grey/navy/white above.
What a fun bit of texture! And if you’re thinking of trying your own color combo, the pattern comes with its own coloring page to let you try it out before putting your hook into motion.
If this blanket is a blooming chorus, what song do you think it sings? Personally, I think it might be this one. (Hey, if I can’t have fun on the Friday before a 3-day weekend, then when can I have fun?)
Have a safe and happy Labor Day. Happy crafting!

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!

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.
Serving size: one sleeve
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!

Holiday Crafting – Don’t Panic!

How’s everybody doing? All caught up on your handmade gifts?

There are two kinds of crafters.

If you are, then good for you! If you’re not… join the club! Fortunately, there are still some quick, good-looking projects that you (and I) can make at the last minute. And if you still can’t quite finish, well… we have some options at the end of this post.

When I’m in a pinch, I go big! Take a look at the Coffee Beans and Sugar Cubes hats.

Coffee Beans and Sugarcubes hats in Uptown Super Bulky

What I like about them:

  1. Knit in Uptown Super Bulky on size 11 needles, they go really fast.
  2. They’re designed to take one ball each of two colors – and you can get two hats out of those two skeins!
  3. Did I mention they were really fast?

I’ve made more than a few of these, and they’ve always been popular. My most recent set were super bright for two friends, who loved them.

lime and aqua knitted caps
Two hats with the leftovers from two skeins.

These are also available as a kit from your LYS.

Are you a crocheter? How about the Racing Cowl?

This takes just one skein of self-striping Uptown Super Bulky Amplify on a size N-15 (10mm) hook.

striped crochet cowl in Uptown Super Bulky Amplify yarn
Just half double crochet all the way around. Easy peasy.

If you want to knit something bulky but not super-bulky, try the Latta Park Hat and Mittens from e-book Colorful Commute.

I made one of these myself, and it was fun and easy. The Classic Shades Frenzy is a smart choice because it lends visual interest without extra work – always a consideration when you’re on a deadline.

I actually wound up keeping this one.

As a little holiday gift, we’re running a giveaway of the Latta Park Hat and Mittens. (Also, consider signing up for our newsletter. Subscribers already heard about this!)

You can enter this coupon code by going to the Latta Park Hat and Mittens page on Ravelry, and entering FRENZY at the “use a coupon code” link that appears during purchase. Use it by 12/23.

Finally, if you’re just not gonna make it, we still have some options. How about a card to let your giftee know that their gift is on the way? We made a few printable options for you.

Regardless of how your holiday gifting turns out, we hope you’ll be able to make time to slow down and enjoy the season as best you can.

Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Megascarf

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Uptown Bulky

Today, the Megascarf in Uptown Super Bulky Amplify and it’s solid-color companion, Uptown Bulky (pattern link here).

Uptown Super Bulky Amplify

The scarf gets its name from the plump yarn and extra-long length. Despite the length, this scarf knits up so quickly! Can you believe you only need to cast on 20 stitches?

Uptown Super Bulky Amplify

This scarf mixes intarsia and self-striping Uptown Super Bulky Amplify for exciting results. We think this pattern is great for beginners looking to learn a new skill. Intarsia is easy, we promise!

Universal Yarn Uptown Bulky
Complimentary colors forever!

Be careful – if your outfit matches a free pattern too closely, your colleagues may insist that you model it!

It’s okay, though! I’m totally up for wrapping myself in knitwear all day, every day! Plus, I’m almost always cold! We wrapped this scarf around my neck many times. Perfect for the snowy weather the north has been experiencing this week!

We hope you enjoy this week’s free pattern! Have a fabulous weekend!