Collection Spotlight: Ocean Wonder

A woman sits wearing a knit wrap from the Ocean Wonder Collection. A description saying there are seven designs in the Cotton Supreme Family is detailed on the right of the image.

Today, we released the Ocean Wonder collection, which captures the awe and majesty of the deep sea across seven knit and crochet patterns. Let’s take the plunge and explore the beautiful mysteries of the deep through these inspired designs!

Abyss designed by Aubrey Busek

Abyss, designed by Aubrey Busek, is a captivating shawl which twists and undulates like the tendrils of an ethereal deep-sea creature, but its colors are buoyant and bright like glimmers of light on the sea surface. When I first saw this piece, it immediately captured my interest and pulled me in to explore more. I love how the crescent shawl shape creates curls at its corners, and that the lace detailing enhances the rippling stitch pattern throughout. This shawl is knit flat from the top down and uses solid Cotton Supreme to frame the vibrant Cotton Supreme Waves.

Below, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre

Next up is Below, designed by me, Ashley Jane McIntyre. The collection inspiration was the deep sea, which feels both beautiful and a little scary. There’s no better way to ward off the fear of the unknown then by wrapping yourself up in a cozy, handmade blanket. This piece features a deep, rich background with swirling ribbons of colorwork in Cotton Supreme, each bordered by bold stripes of colorful Cotton Supreme Speckles. It’s worked flat from the bottom up and uses tapestry crochet in the colorwork sections. The effect mimics the continuous movement of seawater found below the ocean’s surface.

Current, designed by Yonca Ozbelli

Current captures the ebbs and flows found throughout the sea. Waves on the surface, kelp that winds and twists through habitats, and deeper currents of water below. The entire ocean is teeming with movement and life, all captured in this beautiful piece. It’s knit flat from side to side in two rectangles which are joined together using the three-needle bind-off to create the top. No seams required! Three colors of Cotton Supreme are worked in rhythmic, striping waves throughout bringing the life of the ocean rippling into your wardrobe.

Drift (left) and Float (right), both designed by Patty Olson are cowls filled with texture and movement. Side by side, these complimenting accessories capture the oceans shifting personality from soothing and calm, to intrepid and strong. Both cowls use Cotton Supreme and are knit flat from the bottom up, then seamed at the neck. However, they each have unique stitch patterns and details that set them apart from one another.

Fade, designed by Amy Gunderson

Fade, designed by Amy Gunderson, captures the unpredictability of the sea. Slants of eyelets lean and travel like a billowing haze on the water’s surface. Sections of stockinette interrupt the movement like choppy waves, or roiling waters that fade into a smooth calm below. This top is worked seamlessly in the round from the top down, with bands of lace and staggered sections of plain stockinette. A single color of Cotton Supreme is used, allowing the stitch definition and texture to tell this story on its own.

Surge, by Patty Olson

The power of the ocean is not always for the faint of heart. The ever-moving water erodes almost anything in its path over time, but strong networks of coral and underwater communities band together in breathtaking underwater worlds, creating a latticework of strength and endurance against the swelling currents below. Surge, designed by Patty Olson, paints a picture of this vigor through its interlocking mosaic pattern, texture, and vibrant colors. This wrap is knit flat from the bottom up, and uses just one color per row. Both Cotton Supreme and Cotton Supreme Waves work in harmony to capture the resilience, warmth, and magic of the ocean and its creatures.

I truly hope you’ve enjoyed reading through my review of each beautiful piece in the Ocean Wonder collection. I find them all captivating in their own ways, and kept finding myself in awe at each new detail I’ve noticed along the way. Was there a particular piece that captured your interest too? Tell us about it in the comments below!

One last note – to celebrate this release, we are offering a discount! The full ebook, individual patterns (on Ravelry), and the Cotton Supreme Family of yarns used are all 20% off, from today – Sunday 6/11. No discount codes are required!

Happy Stitching to you!
Ashley Jane McIntyre

Free Pattern Friday – Calm Waters Afghan

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Calm Waters Afghan in Bamboo Bloom Handpaints and Deluxe Worsted (pattern link here).

This design is a formerly-pay pattern, part of Bamboo Bloom 1: Backyard Blooms. The collection was such a fun group to design and photograph. We were lucky to be able to shoot in the whimsical back yard of local artist and photographer Deborah Triplett, the creative mind behind National Yard Art Day. (Thanks, Deborah!)

The square afghan starts in the center on DPNs in Bamboo Bloom Handpaints, then builds in outward-moving ripples, bordered by rows of a coordinating shade of Deluxe Worsted. Here, designer Lorna Miser opted for vibrant 3677 Cobalt, but there are plenty of shades to choose from to make this design your own.

As a bonus, the pattern includes the simple Goldfish School Cowl, a one skein pattern for Bamboo Bloom Handpaints. Cast on, work k1, p1 ribbing in the round, then cast off. Easy peasy!

Personally, I think pairing that Goldfish School Cowl color 307 Red Maple with 317 Sensei shown above, and a beautiful falling leaf color of Deluxe Worsted would make a fantastic autumnal-themed afghan. Looks like my queue is getting longer again.

Have a fantastic weekend, and enjoy the weather.

Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Aeolis Throw

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Aeolis Throw in Deluxe Worsted Superwash and Classic Shades (pattern link here). What a crocheted beauty!
This beautiful throw was originally part of e-book Classic Shades Book 5: The Plaza Collection. Today, we’re setting it free!
This is the only crochet design from that collection, and it takes full advantage of Classic Shades‘ self-shading quality.
Amy Gunderson used solid Deluxe Worsted Superwash for the main body and the ebony border, then chose Classic Shades color 734 Cool Blazes which had just enough of those tones to tie it together, but still be bold.
The result is a centerpiece of home decor, something to wrap around when you want to keep off the chill but still feel the vibrance of Spring.
We hope you have a warm and wonderful weekend. Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Flying V Afghan

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Flying V Afghan in Uptown Worsted (pattern link). This modern crochet pattern first appeared in e-book Uptown Favorite Afghans 2.
When we were looking for a colorful crochet pattern to share for Free Pattern Friday, we immediately thought of this collection. It’s easy to see that Flying V is a simple, gratifying pattern that deserves to be shared!
It comes in both large and small sizes, making it versatile for home decor or baby blankets.
Color changes use the intarsia method. Each full chevron requires approximately 35 yds/19 grams of a color. Helpful to know if you’re measuring out lengths ahead of time. And speaking of color changes, the pattern contains schematics for both versions, plus this completely unfilled diagram, so you can grab your colored pencils and try out your own color combos before casting on. Fun!
We hope you have a fantastic weekend. Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Magical Mystery Throw

Image of brightly colored throw knitted in Uptown DK Colors

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

colorful striped square knitted throw draped over chair

Today the Magical Mystery Throw in Uptown DK Colors (pattern link).

We designed this throw to show off one of our three new colors in Uptown DK Colors, a soft, cottony anti-pilling acrylic.

Uptown DK Colors #70322 Tropical

The stripes that work up so evenly in a fixed-width piece do some amazing things when the rows start to grow, as in this center-out throw.

The longer the row, the narrower the band of color.

Until by the end, you’ll end up with multiple colors per row.  Such a great effect!  Of course, you could go with a less varied palette…

Uptown DK Colors #70320 Sapphire Road

….or really pull out all the stops with a rainbow-themed throw to display with pride.

Uptown DK Colors #70321 Rainbowz

No matter what you choose, it’s great fun to see the design emerge as you knit this kaleidoscope of color.

Have a great weekend, and happy crafting!

Image of folded tropical-colored afghan knit in Uptown DK Colors.

Day 10 of Winter – Series 2 Edition

Deluxe Worsted Superwash

This is part 10 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 2 Edition.

Today I’m happy to introduce the Cardamom and Clove Cover – an ultra-cozy wool blanket that’s perfect to wrap around your shoulders while drinking a warm and wintry beverage!

I grew up in a place where it actually snows (when I say “actually” I mean unlike the meager, quick-to-melt amounts that we receive here in Charlotte, NC). To this day I find there is a lot of magic to snow days, and that was especially true when I was a child.

Living in a rural area, just by the border of a state park, snow days first meant shoveling the driveway followed by playing in the snow-covered woods for hours and hours. I rarely came inside until the tips of my hair were completely frozen and my feet couldn’t hand the cold anymore. Then, I’d make my way back home. While my siblings and I pulled off the six million layers we wore to stay warm, my mom prepared hot cocoa.

Deluxe Worsted Superwash

What’s nicer than enjoying a warm beverage with a cozy blanket on your lap after spending hours in the cold? So, to accompany this design reveal I thought it would be fitting to share a perfectly spiced hot cocoa with a touch of cardamom and clove. This recipe isn’t overly sweet, but it is very rich. 

Ingredients – serves four 

12 Days of Winter Kit Collection – Cardamom and Clove Cover Kit

6 oz very dark chocolate (I used 90% cocao)

4 cups of coconut milk (or your milk of choice)

1 pinch cayenne

1 pinch ground cloves

1/4 tsp cardamom

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp freshly ground sea salt

1 Tbsp maple syrup

First – knit, knit, knit! How are you going to cuddle up and drink hot chocolate under your blanket if you haven’t knit it?! Okay – I admit, hot chocolate is just as good for knitting this kit, so you don’t need to complete this step first!

Pour the milk into a saucepan. Set the stove to low heat. Add the chopped chocolate and stir, slowly bringing the temperature to medium. When the chocolate is melted add the cayenne, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, sea salt, and maple syrup. Stir, sip, and adjust spices and sweetener to taste.

Add marshmallows – or don’t, it’s up to you! It’s a pretty basic recipe that can be adapted however you’d like. I encourage you to have fun. Heck – add some nutmeg in there if you’re feeling really crazy!

Universal Yarn 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection
Never enough knits – the Mistletoes and Cardamom and Clove Cover are perfect companions for hot chocolate.

Worried about spilling your cocoa on your beautiful blanket? Don’t! The Cardamom and Clove Cover Kit uses Deluxe Worsted Superwash, so it’s incredibly easy to care for.

Remember, you can find the 12 Days of Winter Series 2 patterns on Ravelry.

Free Pattern Friday – Taku Throw

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Taku Throw in the Uptown Worsted family (pattern link).

Is today a good day to huddle under a beautiful throw?  Well, for those of us in the southeastern U.S., yes.  Yes it is.  Here’s Katie, our Customer Service Lead, testing the current wind speed with the Polygon Shawl in Whisper Lace.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bntiodjnqgq/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

A substantial, beautiful, not-too-complicated project seems like just the ticket.  (Also, let me express my admiration for Katie, whose hair looked perfect again right after walking back inside).

Back to the throw! This pattern calls for three different members of the popular Uptown family – solid Uptown Worsted, variegated Uptown Worsted Mist, and self-patterning Uptown Worsted Tapestry (that’s the one you see at the ends of the throw).  These three yarns are designed to work well together, providing excellent harmony and interesting color without having to do a lot of fiddly colorwork.

This is a fairly easy pattern. The design is a two-row repeat of mostly garter stitch with “make 1” increases and a center double decrease to create the chevron.  You’ll want to use circular needles, but that’s just because it’s made in one piece so there are a lot of stitches to accommodate over its width. If you’re a beginner who feels comfortable trying a couple of new things, this is for you.  If you’re experienced and want something comforting to make, this is for you, too!

We hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Wraparound Blankie

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Wraparound Blankie in Uptown DK Magix (pattern link).

You know those pretty balls of yarn that you look at and love, but you also think, “this looks neat, but what would I do with it?”

Voila.  The Wraparound Blankie answers this question by pairing self-patterning Uptown DK Magix with solid Uptown DK to create mitered angles and panels bordered by coordinating bands of vibrant color.

The nice thing about self-patterning yarn is that you really don’t have to do much work to make a complex design.  Pick two colors of the solid, two colors of the self-patterning, and go!  This pattern is worked in pieces and seamed together, making it a good travel project.  Sometimes it’s nice to be able to work on a blanket without actually having a full blanket on your lap.

We hope you enjoy this project, and have a great weekend.

Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Whirlpool Throw

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Whirlpool Throw in Major.

There are little whirlpools…

Who pulled out the stopper?

There are big whirlpools…

Maelstrom of Saltstraumen. Lifeguard not on duty.

And then there is this.

Dive right in.

The 52″ Whirlpool Throw is crocheted with two balls each of two shades of Major (328yds/200g), colors 115 Stonewall and 114 Coastal.   Start at the center with an adjustable ring and work out, alternating colors every row.

This is not a difficult pattern, being primarily double crochet, but the results are dramatic.   There are quite a few color combos you could choose. I like 101 Verdant and 102 Underwater for a green “fairy ring” kind of feel.  It’s hard to go wrong.

We hope you enjoy this beautiful crochet pattern.

Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Lilypad Afghan

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

lilypad-afghan-blog

Today, the Lilypad Afghan in Major.

Did you enjoy Thanksgiving?  Ready to snuggle up under a warm blanket?  We’ve got you covered (no pun intended).

lilypad-afghan-detail-blogThe Lilypad Afghan is composed of strips of join-as-you-go hexagons in four colors of big, beautiful Major (328yds/200g).  On a US Size J/10 (6 mm) hook, it zips along fairly quickly.

The pattern is written, charted, and contains a schematic showing just how it all comes together.  A satisfying and cozy project!

We hope you’re having a great holiday, and that you remember to show your LYS some love on Small Business Saturday.

Have a great weekend!

lilypad-afghan-detail-2-blog