Have you ever crocheted an amigurumi before? Well, the wait is over! Free Pattern Friday presents… the Bamboo Pop Dolls! This new crochet pattern features six individual amigurumis that make the perfect gift for a loved one in your life. Plus, each one of these dolls uses one of our six new colors of Bamboo Pop. Let’s learn more!
The Bamboo Pop Dolls, designed by Jacki Donhou, contain an exciting collection of seven individual patterns. One pattern gives instructions to make the doll’s body, which is the same for each doll, except for the colors of yarn used. Each one features a different shade of our six new neutrals released in Bamboo Pop. The remaining six patterns give instructions for each of the hairstyles, clothing, and accessories seen on each doll. All of the clothing and accessories are both removable and interchangeable, so you can create a doll as unique and special as you!
We loved these dolls as soon as we saw them and wanted to hear about what inspired the designer. Here is what Jacki had to say: “When I designed this Bamboo Pop doll collection, I wanted to incorporate a rainbow-like theme. Thinking about children and how unique each one is on the inside and the outside, I wanted to try and express that with color. From skin tones to clothing to each of their vibrant hairstyles, I wanted to show how different and beautiful children are.”
Bamboo Pop is a stash staple here at Universal Yarn, and now there are six more reasons for you to shop this favorite! Our design team recently released colors 143 Rosy, 145 Seashell, 148 Almond, 150 Penny, 151 Hickory, and 152 Chocolate to give more neutral options in this bamboo/cotton blend. We think these colors would look exceptional in any garment or accessory pattern. Check out the Espresso Bandana for a single skein project in color 152 Chocolate.
Now through Sunday, June 18th, you can save 20% off Bamboo Pop!
To stay connected, you can follow Jacki on Instagram and shop her adorable patterns on Etsy!
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, designed by Patty OlsonFloat, designed by Patty Olson
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!
Summer is swiftly approaching, and as the weather warms to peak sunny season we are sure projects like tank tops, hats and lacework are on your mind. If you haven’t had a chance to find patterns for your queue, then fear not! We have some gorgeous summer yarns and projects for you to try out today.
MagnoliaSailfin in Magnolia
Magnolia is a luscious blend of 95% modal and 5% cashmere. Modal is a bio-based material made from beech tree cellulose. It’s typically considered a more eco-friendly alternative to cotton because the amount of water these trees require is 10-20 times less than cotton. You can read more about the process of creating modal here. We love this yarn for more than its environmentally conscious origins though – it has excellent drape and feels silky soft with the kiss of cashmere blended in.
One of my favorite projects using Magnolia is the Sailfin wrap, designed by Rachel Brockman. This standout pattern is one of five from our Sunkissed Summer collection from Spring 2022. It’s my favorite because it features so many buoyant, joyful colors of magnolia and shows off the radiance of the yarn so well. Simply put, it just makes me happy every time I see it!
Seastar in Cotton SupremeCotton Supreme
Summer crafting would feel lacking if you didn’t have cotton in the mix. Cotton Supreme is our buttery soft, 100% cotton yarn available in a wide array of colors. This worsted weight yarn is wonderful for any project ranging from garments and accessories to blankets and homewares. In fact, this yarn is so popular that we offer it in a variety of options. Our fun, multi-colored Cotton Supreme Speckles is a complimentary worsted weight yarn with dashes of fun colors throughout. Or, if you’re looking for a lighter weight version, our Cotton Supreme Waves is a beautifully blended self-striping dk weight option. While supply lasts, we also have Cotton Supreme DK in solid options, but act now! This yarn is being discontinued and won’t be around much longer.
The Cotton Supreme Family, as we like to call this offering of yarns, gives so many fabulous options between weight and colors. So, of course we have created many beautiful designs to uplift them throughout the years. For any yarn above, you can scroll down below the color listings to view all of the patterns available. Take some time to browse around, then try to choose a favorite – it’s hard! I finally landed on featuring the Seastar sweater by Aubrey Busek. It combines many of my favorite attributes in a project. It’s made in panels then seamed, so it’s simple and easy to carry around without getting too heavy. It has lovely lace all the way up the sleeves, which remind me of ocean waves. Lastly, it uses intarsia colorwork to create the cutest starfish, ever!
FillyStormy Shores Shawl
Up next is Filly, one of our new yarns launched for spring of 2023. This super fine yarn is a special blend of 46% cotton, 33% super wash merino, 12% polyamide, and 9% pbt. It’s unique fiber content, eye-catching colors, and amazing yardage (492 yards per ball), make it your go-to summer grab.
Whip up a quick one-skein project like the crocheted Stormy Shores Shawl to start showing off this favorite, new yarn today. Not a crocheter? Check out the full pattern selection here, with knit options to try out too!
Lastly, I wanted to highlight a beautiful yarn from Rico Design, the Creative Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton. This blend of 46% acrylic, 49% cotton, and 5% polyester is irresistible! It washes and wears well over time, it’s basic color is spun with a print ply for a bright variegated look, and it’s offered in everything from pastels to rich earthy tones. What more could you want!?
Rico patterns, which they call Compacts, are all paid-for, but each typically come with at least two designs! Creative Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton has 6 Compacts to choose from, so you have a myriad of choices. My favorite Compact is number 1106, including a Sweater, a Top, and a Shawl. Each one is simple and lets the yarn shine!
I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring some of these summer yarn highlights! Check our Summer Yarns Collection to view even more options! Don’t forget to share all your beautiful creations with us on social media!
That’s all for now! Happy Stitching, Ashley Jane McIntyre
There’s nothing our pets love more than a treat, and this Free Pattern Friday, we have one just for your furry friend(s). The Best Bandana, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, features our staple Uptown Worsted yarn crocheted in two bright neon color options. Let’s take a closer look at this week’s free pattern!
The Best Bandana comes in sizes small and large, so you can make this for any pup in your life. This accessory is worked flat from the top down, starting with a magic circle. Once you have crocheted your magic circle, you will begin working row by row until you have a bandana you feel will fit your dog perfectly. To finish this piece, you will create a strap along with a 5-chain loop that will allow you to securely tie the bandana to your dog’s neck, just like a collar.
There are many reasons to love this project, including the fact that you will need just one skein of Uptown Worsted! This weekend, you can save 20% off with your purchase of this yarn, so if you have multiple dogs at home, you can make several for an affordable price. Uptown Worsted has a vast color palette and features machine-washable 100% anti-pilling acrylic, making it an excellent option for a pet project.
We hope you will enjoy this wonderful crochet project, and don’t forget to share all your finished creations with us on social media!
If you’ve never heard of muud, let us be the first to inform you! Located in Denmark, muud sells premium leather accessories specifically designed for the crafting community. Their brand features an extensive selection of bags, cases, clutches, and more for your crafting supplies. Let’s look at two unique products they offer that will add a touch of luxury to your next project!
The Danish company recently released a selection of bag bottoms for crocheters, and we’re excited to share them with you! The Duff and Dee make it easy for any fiber artist to craft a bag without worrying about the wear and tear your fibers would face from years of holding your belongings. The sturdy leather means you will have a durable, long-lasting bag with a luxurious look and feel. Both of these bag bottoms come in a regular (Dee approx. 4″ x 11″ | Duff approx. 8″ diameter) and XL ( Dee XL approx. 5″ x 14″ | Duff XL approx. 12″ diameter) version, as well as color options for black and whiskey.
Whether you use the Duff or Dee bag bottoms or not, you can top your bag with the Hudson and Hudson XL strap for a complete and polished look. We used the Hudson strap in black as a finishing touch to the free Kite Handbag crochet pattern, pictured below!
The Hudson straps are an incredibly convenient option for any maker. This product will allow you to pay full attention to the body of the bag you plan to knit, crochet, or weave without having to worry about a strap. Not only does that save you time, but it would bring a stylish look to your finished accessory! The Hudson strap is approximately 19 inches long, while the Hudson XL is about 25 inches. Depending on the size of your bag, you can choose accordingly, and as a bonus, these handles are completely removable, so you won’t be stuck with either one if it doesn’t work out with your accessory!
We hope you enjoyed learning more about muud and a glimpse of their products available on our website! There are so many gorgeous leather bags, cases, and more to explore through our muud Spotlight series. Check out our on-sale muud items for sensational savings, and please comment below if you have any questions about their offerings!
Whether you’re a mother of two, a dog mom, a caregiver, the ‘mom’ of your friend group, or just a mother-at-heart, we want to celebrate all the mother figures in our lives this week. Your support and love is deeply valued, and you enrich the lives of those around you.
Mother’s Day is coming up this weekend, and we wanted to create a special ‘gift guide’ with the idea of treating yourself in mind – so keep on reading below to get inspired!
Try Out A New Yarn
Our collection of yarns is extensive. From cotton to cashmere, we have a yarn designed with every crafter in mind. For Mother’s Day, why not try out a yarn you’ve never used before? You never know, it could be your next favorite. Always tend to knit with cotton? Try out Truva. This blend of 50% cotton and 50% cashmere is sinfully soft, and is a great introduction to a different fiber blend. Love working with wool? Explore our offerings from Yarn Vibes. This boutique line of 100% Irish wool yarns is rustic and elegant, perfect for a cabled sweater.
Yarn Vibes 100% wool yarns are spun in IrelandTruva is a blend of 50% cotton and 50% cashmere
2. Queue Up A Pattern, Just For You
We know many of you are constantly creating projects for the people in your lives, and although that is INCREDIBLE, you deserve to make something special for yourself too! New patterns like Snapdragon and Foxglove in our Offbeat yarn are versatile accessories for both knitters and crocheters. These wraps offer rhythmic stitch patterns that are easy to work on while you binge your favorite show, and as a one-skein project, you can complete it in no time! If you’re looking for something other than a wrap accessory, just check out the ‘Patterns’ section of our website. With inclusively-sized garments and new patterns added nearly every week, we know you will find exactly what you’re looking for.
The Foxglove wrap crocheted in OffbeatThe Snapdragon wrap knit in Offbeat
3. Grab A Kit For Convenience And Ease
Don’t want to worry about choosing colors? Our ‘Kits’ section has already done it for you! Simply pick your favorite kit, add it to your cart, and you will receive a color printed copy of the pattern, plus the yarn required to complete the project. The Onyx Mitts kit are a wonderfully relaxing project for any knitter. Made in 100% cashmere, you’ll definitely want to wear them every time the weather is chilly!
Onyx Mitts kit in Cashmere Lusso
4. Level Up Your Tools and Accessories Game
As fiber artists, we all have many tools and supplies needed to create the projects we love. Having storage solutions that are not only practical, but also stylish makes crafting on the go and at home easier and more fun! Muud is an accessories brand from Denmark that designs modern and functional genuine leather bags and cases for crafting and daily life. From notions cases like Malmo (perfect for your tape measure), to large daily use bags like the Sara tote, they have something for everyone’s needs. Among our best sellers is the Saturn XL project bag, perfect for storing your yarn, needles, notions, and WIP.
For those reading this blog that love to knit, ChiaoGoo offers high quality stainless steel knitting needles in both fixed circular, interchangeable circular, and shortie sizes. These needles are an investment that will last you many years of beautiful projects to come.
ChiaoGoo Interchangeable NeedlesSaturn XL project Bag
I hope this post has given you some great inspiration for your next project, and that you are eager to treat yourself to something special – you absolutely deserve it. Again, to all of the mother figures in our lives, thank you for being you. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day and year to come.
Browsing the shelves of your local yarn store to find the perfect yarn for your next project is a favorite pastime of many fiber artists. On the week of National Yarn Store Day (Saturday, April 29th), we are thrilled to share a gem found in Cody, Wyoming. We got the opportunity to interview Karista Low, owner of Wyoming Yarn, and learn more about her exciting new store!
Let’s head inside to see all that Wyoming Yarn has!
An auto shop turned yarn store may not be the most common history behind your local yarn shop, but for Wyoming Yarn and Karista Low, that’s how it all started. Starting as an independent dyer, Karista had a wealth of experience in the fiber arts industry. When she heard that her local yarn shop of choice was closing, she got the offer to take over the inventory and open what is now Wyoming Yarn!
Known for its proximity to the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Cody, Wyoming, sees an influx of visitors in the summer months. Travelers from all around the world get their yarn fix inside the doors of Karista’s local shop. However, Wyoming Yarn has plenty of loyal customers that stick around during the frigid winter months, and their shop has plenty of events for them to pass the time.
A weekly knit group is available for customers looking to grow their skills and socialize, and the calendar of events is growing. Crochet classes are new to the offerings, as many people are learning. Karista and her staff also offer knitting technique classes, such as mosaic knitting and much more.
A weekly knit group is one of the ways Wyoming Yarn engages with the community
Inside the walls of Wyoming Yarn, you will find a host of Universal Yarn favorites. Woolly favorites like Colorburst and Cobblestone can be found on the shelves of this shop, as well as plant-based yarns perfect for summer, like Bamboo Pop and Bamboo Pop Sock, and you should too! And with blankets being a popular project at Wyoming Yarn, yarns like Major and Uptown Worsted will surely make their way into the hands of the crafters who shop there.
Nothing makes a store owner smile more than when a skein of yarn returns as a finished object. Many stores have shared with us the joy of watching the skills of their community grow, and we know that is such an exciting thing about the job. At Wyoming Yarn, you will find plenty of baby blankets, shawls, and socks, and we love to see every one of them!
Blankets are a popular project of choice at Wyoming Yarn
We are so excited to feature Karista and her store, Wyoming Yarn. With Local Yarn Store Day coming up, make sure to head to their website and support her business, which keeps our industry thriving. If you are interested in having your store featured, please email rferrel@universalyarn.com to learn more!
Spring has truly sprung here in North Carolina. If you sit outside, you hear birds chirping and see squirrels bickering and chasing each other. The trees are a lush, vibrant green, and the temperature is a balmy, low 70-something. It’s downright dreamy! While everyone is itching to get outside and experience the weather, they are also showing off new trends of the season. It has us thinking about our own accessory choices, and what we want to make next. Our team has taken some time to curate a selection of their top picks for spring shawls just for you!
Painted Sunset, designed by Lana Jois.
Our first pick comes from our Creative Lead, Rachel Brockman. “Knit in soft, summery Magnolia and designed by Lana Jois, Painted Sunset blends everything I love about a shawl. Featuring vibrant orange and red hues with geometric lace, slipped stitches, and soothing stripes, there is so much to love about this crescent shawl! Magnolia is a fingering weight blend of modal and cashmere that offers incredible drape that lends itself so well to projects like Painted Sunset.” This yarn is available in a dazzling 15 colors – which ones will you try out when making this shawl?
Aard, designed by Rachel Brockman.
Next up is a pick from our newest designer, Afifa Sayeed. She selected Aard, designed by Rachel Brockman, saying how “I love the airiness in this stole created by the dropped stitches, perfect for just a touch of warmth and definitely a statement piece to elevate any outfit! Added bonus – it’s reversible!” The dramatic cabling of this shawl is shown off quite well thanks to the magnificent stitch definition of the yarn, Vireo. Available in 16 vibrant colors, this blend of Tencel and wool was designed with transitional weather in mind, making it a great choice for accessories and garments alike.
Gradiate Shawl, designed by Amy Gunderson.
Our Managing Director, Yonca Ozbelli, shares her number one pick next. “Mine is the Gradiate Shawl by Amy Gunderson. Timeless Flax makes this shawl crisp yet cozy, and it gets softer and more cozy over time. I loved this shawl so much that we had to turn it into a tank top! – Gradiate Tank.” Flaxes palette of 34 colors ranges from earthy neutrals to brilliant brights, and it’s made from 100% linen, which blooms and softens after each wash.
Rosewood Shawl with color 107 Cotton Candy facing out. Rosewood Shawl with color 109 Dried Flowers facing out.
Robert shared his pick, a reversible shawl designed by me, Ashley Jane McIntyre, saying “I would have to say my favorite spring shawl is the Rosewood Shawl. This piece features incredible texture and has a soft, and squishy feel to it, which makes it very comfortable. Using Cobblestone, this shawl isn’t going to be overwhelmingly warm either, and it’s always a plus when you have a reversible accessory.” This yarn is a lovely sport weight featuring 2-plys of yarn, one which is solid and one which is variegated, to create an interesting handspun appearance. There are 16 colors to mix and match with. Which two will you try for this crocheted creation?
Eden, designed by Rachel Brockman.
Aubrey, our Marketing Lead and Designer, shares her favorite pick, Eden. “This oversized shawl has various textured stitch patterns worked throughout, which I think stand out in our Truva yarn. Because the yarn has both marled and heathered qualities to each of the colors, it can be difficult to get stitch patterns to stand out. Eden reminds me of bas-relief art, with the shadows from the stitches creating the geometric patterns that ‘pop’ away from the base. The elongated triangle shape lends to a variety of styling options, and the cashmere/cotton blend of Truva exudes timeless elegance.” This yarn is available in a bespoke palette of 8 sophisticated colors.
Foxglove, crocheted wrap.Snapdragon, knit wrap.
Last, but not least, is my own pick for spring! I adore our recently released Foxglove and Snapdragon wraps. This set of free patterns are meant to be sisters, not twins, which both offer similar zig-zagging patterns across the long color changes of Offbeat. This yarn is a dk weight blend of 90% acrylic and 10% alpaca. It’s cozy enough for the days that still carry some crisp chill in the air, but light-weight enough in the featured lace stitches to be worn on a warmer day too. Offbeat comes in 8 self-striping colors, each designed to let your personality shine.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this review of spring shawls, and that you feel inspired to add some of these to your queue! Which one do you like the most? Share which one is your favorite with us here in the comments, or on social media! That’s all for now, happy stitching! Ashley Jane McIntyre
Friday is here, and it’s time to celebrate with a free pattern just for you! This Free Pattern Friday, we are happy to share the Tea Leaf Scarf, crocheted in our beautiful Wool Pop yarn. The designer, Ashley Jane McIntyre, wanted to create an accessory that evokes the oncoming warmth and bloom of the spring season. Let’s find out more about this gorgeous pattern!
The Tea Leaf Scarf can be styled in many different ways.A beautiful lace pattern is seen at both ends of this piece.
The construction of this scarf is perfect for any crocheter looking to grow their skillset. This accessory is made by crocheting two pieces individually, starting at each edge and working towards the center, then seaming them together in the middle. You will get the chance to put your skills to the test with a beautiful lace pattern at the beginning of each of the two separate pieces, but we know you can do it!
The Teal Leaf Scarf is free to download on our website!
Wool Pop is an all-around beauty. This DK weight yarn is perfect for all types of garments and accessories. Due to its lightweight and breathable wool fibers, you can sport this yarn throughout spring and early summer. The hallmark slight sheen of Wool Pop appears when worked up, thanks to its blend of bamboo, superwash wool, and polyamide.
Save 20% off our Wool Pop yarn this weekend only! With 30 different colors to choose from, the options are endless with this delightful yarn. No code is needed for this sale. Make sure to share all your Wool Pop creations with us on social media!
It’s the first Friday of April, and we have some excitement we want to pass along to you. Not only is this week’s Free Pattern Friday for knitters and crocheters alike, but we are also having a sitewide sale! So let’s jump right in and learn more about today’s treat to you, and when you’re all wrapped up here (pun intended), head over to our site for some spring savings!
Foxglove wrap crocheted with OffbeatSnapdragon wrap knit with Offbeat
Since we have two patterns to cover this Friday, let’s start by looking at the crochet version, Foxglove. This free pattern designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre shows off a beautifully textured Herringbone Lace Pattern featured throughout with our Offbeat yarn. You will crochet from the bottom up along the widest edge of the wrap to create a beautiful sequence of defined stripes. Just one cake of the Offbeat is required, as each skein contains a generous 586 yards of yarn!
Close up of Foxglove with its gorgeous texture from the Herrington lace patternClose up of Snapdragon and the beautiful cable and lace repeats
Now let’s take a look at the knitted Snapdragon wrap designed by Aubrey Busek, also featuring Offbeat. This wrap features an enticing cable and lace pattern that repeats throughout to give this accessory a beautiful design. This piece is knit flat from the bottom up, with gorgeous self-striping occurring from top to bottom. While both samples use Offbeat color 104 Vibes, this self-striping yarn includes eight total color choices that would look just as good!
101 – Peace109 – Dream On110 – Far Out
The color palette of Offbeat has some options that are perfect for spring projects. Try out 101 Peace for an array of colors similar to cotton candy at a spring ball game. Or try out 109 Dream On for a pastel look that matches the season flawlessly. If you’re looking for bolder colors that match springtime, you might like 110 Far Out, with its more defined colors. Whichever color you choose, we know that you will create something unique to you. Make sure to share all your finished projects with us on social media!
Don’t miss out on our Easter Sale through Sunday, April 9th. Save 20% off sitewide – no code needed!
