Dreamy Yarns for Midsummer

As knitters and crocheters, we sometimes overlook the summer stitching season or wish away the heat in favor of sweater weather. Of course, that’s understandable considering we all spend so much time lovingly making sweaters, hats, shawls, and other cozy projects. But we don’t need to wish away the long, sunny days. We can beat the sweltering heat by choosing yarns perfect for the height of summer. So, although back-to-school is around the corner and fall will come in the blink of an eye, I still want to celebrate our staff picks for our favorite summer yarns.

Aubrey

“My favorite summer yarn is going to be a classic: Cotton Supreme. 100% cotton that is buttery soft means that anything you make is going to be comfortable to wear when the days are hot. And we all know how hot it gets here in the south! The matte look of this yarn makes it perfect for any project, dress it up or dress it down, and the extensive color palette offers so many options. I’ve wanted to design a knit dress, and this could be the perfect summer option.

Ashley Jane (AJ)

“My favorite summer yarn is Truva. The marled and heathered look is so unique and its cotton/cashmere blend is soft and lightweight to work with.  I love the idea that even a simple summer garment, like a tank, will undoubtedly turn out looking and feeling luxurious. I also can’t get over the colors! There may only be eight to choose from, but I still can’t pin down a favorite. Each one has a little something special to it that keeps me falling in love over and over again.”

Heather

“This may be an obvious choice since *everybody* loves this yarn, but I think my favorite warm weather yarn is Bamboo Pop. It’s so cool and smooth! Of the projects that I’ve made in this yarn, my personal favorite is the Maya Scarf. I’m friends with designer Amy Gunderson, and she was kind enough to help me pick out some good cool tones. It was an easy pattern to get into the rhythm of, and the yarn was so refreshing to knit with. I love the drape of the plant fibers and the sheen that the bamboo gives my projects! It’s easy to see why Bamboo Pop is so popular.”

Yonca

“Mine is Flax. With the perfect color palette from brights to pastels – Flax gives me lots of color options. I love the crisp sense of it while  I am working with it and love the fact that it will get softer over time. It is perfect for keeping me cool during hot Carolina summers while still looking sharp. I am hoping to knit another summer top with it this summer. “

Rachel

One of my favorite things about Universal Yarn is the strong lineup of summer options. We honestly have such an amazing range of yarns perfect for warmer climates in a variety of fabulous fibers. It’s so challenging to choose a favorite – but since I asked everyone else to choose, I must also choose! My favorite summer yarn has to be Magnolia. This blend of modal and cashmere is one of the loveliest yarns I’ve had the pleasure of working with. It’s silky smooth, lightweight, and has perhaps the best drape of any yarn out there. I really mean that! The color palette is so juicy and fresh – with excellent options for neutrals. For a splash of color, don’t miss our gorgeous Sunkissed Summer collection!

And there you have it, folks, our favorite summer yarns! I hope you’ve enjoyed hearing a little bit about what makes each of these yarns special to us, and why we love working with them. What are your favorite summer yarns? Let us know in the comments!

Happy Crafting!

-Rachel

Flash Pattern Friday – Serafina

It’s Flash Pattern Friday!

On the last Friday of the month, we take a beautiful paid pattern and set it free for a limited time through Ravelry. Today it’s Serafina, knitted in Fibra Natura Ravello (Ravelry link here).

Serafina was designed by Rachel Brockman as part of the Perennial Knits collection, showcasing five timeless patterns in Ravello. We love this design so much we put it on the cover!

And what’s not to love? There’s a delicate, lacy hem with a touch of stranded colorwork…

…bordering a simple stockinette body, with raglan sleeves and constrating edging. All together, Serafina is graceful, polished, and beautiful.

Light green ball of Ravello yarn sitting on knitted lace

The gorgeous stitch definition and depth of color come from the yarn, Ravello. This 50% cotton/50% cashmere blend feels like a dream and works up smoothly and easily. This is one of my favorites from our Italian mill, because it is so versatile in warm weather, and because of the faint haze that the cashmere gives to the cotton. True luxury.

With its inclusive sizing and seamless construction, this pattern will appeal to a range of knitters. It certainly appeals to me. My queue continues to grow!

To get Serafina free, use the buy it now or add to cart links on the Ravelry pattern page linked here. Then enter coupon code FLASH where you see the “use a coupon code” links that appear during purchase. Not a Ravelry user? Drop us a line by the end of Sunday 6/26 and we’ll get you taken care of.

Have a safe and fun weekend.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

Free Pattern Friday – Delilah

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Delilah knitted in Flax (pattern link here).

Lightweight, lacy, and perfect for summer, Delilah is a linen luxury that’s tailor-made for warm weather.

This design comes to us from Aubrey Busek. If you know her work, it’s easy to see her creative touches: she always brings a certain flair to her designs, as with the bohemian tassels adorning this asymmetrical triangular shawl.

Aubrey chose Flax 100% linen yarn for this design, and no wonder: when it comes to summer fashion and comfort, you really can’t go wrong with linen.

Closeup of hanks of Flax linen yarn in shades of blue

Delilah is a perfect topper to any outfit you choose. We’ve paired it with a long summer dress here, but it’s simple to style any number of ways. Its 50″ length looks great wrapped over the bodice, draped loosely at your neck, or artfully thrown over one shoulder.

Delilah’s lace repeat is easy to memorize, and a great match for its soothing stockinette center. This shawl is just as fun to work up as it is to wear.

This is definitely a design to bump to the top of the queue.

We hope you have a cool and relaxing weekend.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

Flash Pattern Friday – Delphi Stole

It’s Flash Pattern Friday!

On the last Friday of the month, we take a beautiful paid pattern and set it free for a limited time through Ravelry. Today it’s the Delphi Stole crocheted in Cotton True Sport (Ravelry link here).

Woman with light green filet crochet shawl draped over her shoulders

Amy Gunderson designed this as part of Contrarian Shawls 2, a collection of charming knit and crochet shawls designed in our Fibra Natura line of yarns. It’s a lovely filet crochet pattern. If you’ve never tried filet crochet before, this is your lucky day! When this pattern was first released, Amy shared blog posts on how to work filet crochet, and on how to create edging for this shawl.

Thanks, Amy!

For this design, Amy chose Cotton True Sport, a smooth, fine 100% Pima cotton yarn which lends itself well to knitting, weaving, and crochet.

Shown: 106 Summer Green

The Delphi Stole is a great summertime accessory, and we’re delighted to make it free this weekend!

To get the Delphi Stole free, use the buy it now or add to cart links on the Ravelry pattern page linked here. Then enter coupon code FLASH where you see the “use a coupon code” links that appear during purchase. Not a Ravelry user? Drop us a line by the end of Sunday 5/29 and we’ll get you taken care of.

Have a safe and happy weekend.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

Free Pattern Friday – Rippled Waters

Closeup of woman holding a light blue knitted wrap. Text reads Free Pattern Friday, Rippled Waters in Papyrus.

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Woman facing away from viewer, holding a light blue knitted wrap outstretched.

Today, Rippled Waters knitted in Fibra Natura Papyrus (pattern link here).

Designer Aubrey Busek took her inspiration for this design from still waters, kissed by a breeze that ripples the surface. It’s apparent in the lace elements…

Closeup of knitted twisted rib wrap pulled over a woman's shoulder to show the fabric.

…and in the choice of twisted rib, a stitch which gives a dimensional element to the body of the piece.

Assortment of balls of Papyrus yarn.

Also adding to the texture, the choice of yarn. Fibra Natura Papyrus is composed of a light and luxurious cotton/silk blend with a fascinating feel. Easy on the hands to work with, Papyrus is a great yarn for warmer weather. It adds a certain 3D quality to your fabric.

Smiling woman in green dress facing camera. A blue wrap knitted in Papyrus is draped over her shoulders.

I’ve got some stashed away, waiting for me to cast on for my Beechnut Pullover. But looking at this wrap, maybe I should go ahead and make this instead. Or both. Yep, that’s it, both.

We hope you have a fantastic weekend, full of love and joy.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

Free Pattern Friday – Day Trip Tote

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Crocheted striped market bag

Today, the Day Trip Tote crocheted in Fibra Natura Java (pattern link here).

Happy Earth Day!

Carrying a reusable bag instead of a disposable one is a great way to improve your carbon footprint. And today, we’ve got a fun crochet pattern that makes going green easy – and in an eco-friendly yarn, to boot!

Two balls of Java hemp yarn

Fibra Natura Java is 100% hemp, a fast-growing renewable plant fiber that’s easy on the earth. Strong and durable, Java is great for home decor projects, as well as projects like today’s tote that need to stand up to a lot of use. Bonus – the colors are beautiful!

We chose 111 Fossil Gray and 108 Golden Sun, for a bright and sunny bag that will put a smile on your face.

Image of Freedom Park in Charlotte NC  showing grass, trees, pond, and people.
Freedom Park in Charlotte, NC
Photo by Cody Hughes

I can see myself putting books and sunglasses in my Day Tripe Tote and heading for the park to treat myself to a relaxing afternoon in the great outdoors. This would be after hitting my LYS to fill any empty space in my bag, of course. Now that’s the perfect day!

Have a happy Earth Day, and an amazing weekend!

-Heather Hill

Free Pattern Friday – Norwood

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Norwood knitted in Whisper Lace (pattern link here).

Rachel Brockman’s gorgeous Norwood was originally a pay-only pattern, but today we’re setting it forever free!

It was first published as part of the Lakeside Retreat collection of patterns designed in our Fibra Natura line of natural fiber yarns.

Rachel’s penchant for creating a simple, clean design and then adding a decorative twist is beautifully realized here. The majority of the body is a field of simple stockinette…

…with one side panel graced with decorative cables, lending a whole new dimension to the design.

The eight row cable repeat is both written and charted. Use what works best for you. You may notice something else about this pullover.

It’s very light! In luxurious laceweight wool/silk blend Whisper Lace, worked here on US3 / 3.25mm needles, Norwood is a perfect piece for those spring and fall days when the weather isn’t quite sure what it wants to do, or when you want to cut the chill of the breeze coming off the water. Rachel leans into that intention with graceful three-quarter length sleeves.

All together, Norwood is a beautiful, versatile design in a luxurious and surprisingly affordable yarn.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

Free Pattern Friday – Gravel

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Woman wearing black and white knitted sweater

Today, Gravel knitted in Cobblestone and Donnina (pattern link here).

Gravel is the perfect pullover for everyday wear. The simple, classic raglan silhouette is already a favorite among knitters, but add the marled, variegated fabric created by our Cobblestone yarn, and you really have something special!

closeup image of texture of Cobblestone yarn balls

Cobblestone is spun with two plies. One ply is variegated, with a variety of harmonious colors, and the second ply is a solid color. In the case of 108 Tuxedo, the black, gray, and white create monochromatic variations, for a fabric with plenty of depth and interest!

Designer Rachel Brockman smartly chose to create the coordinating solid cuffs, collar, and hem in 100% superwash fine merino Donnina. The saturated deep black is a great tonal compliment to the body of this pullover, and Donnina’s stitch definition really makes that twisted rib stand out!

The result is a comfortable, timeless top that works in any casual situation, no matter what colors you choose.

We hope you have a fantastic weekend.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

Free Pattern Friday – Buttercream Scarf

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Young woman wearing knitted striped scarf

Today, the Buttercream Scarf knitted in Donnina (pattern link here).

I love this scarf – it’s so bright and happy!

It’s long enough to wear loose, or to wrap, for extra versatility in styling.

It’s also worked in the round as a tube, for a double thickness of fabric. And there’s a secret weapon for the excellent texture and color on this scarf…

Group of balls of Donnina yarn

Fibra Natura Donnina! Those saturated colors are just to die for. And because this 100% extrafine superwash merino is so smooth, with such a high twist, stitches really pop. The very simple patterning in this easy-to-knit scarf really stands out!

So cozy!

Donnina is a delight to work with, making this scarf a treat to knit and to wear.

We hope you have a great weekend, full of fun and laughter.

Happy crafting!

Delightful Donnina

I’m downright tickled to be able to spotlight Donnina this week! When I first joined the Universal Yarn team, this yarn became one of my instant favorites. Made with 100% superwash extra fine merino, I have found it to be a great base for mixing and matching with other colorful yarns of the same composition, or similar weight.

A perfect example of pairing up Donnina with other yarn is the Fruit Stripe Pullover designed by Rachel Brockman, which features quirky, colorful stripes from our variegated Cobblestone. At just $9.75 a ball, you really can’t beat the price point for Donnina’s quality – making it all to easy too scoop up whole sweater quantities when the mood strikes! Be warned though, this is a popular design and we are running low on #201 Vanilla used as the solid base color below. Maybe pair up with a vibrant solid, like #206 Tomato Red, for some extra flavor though!

Another shining example (literally!) is the Polar Nights Cowl, designed by Rachel Brockman for our 12 Days of Winter Collection 2021. This Cowl uses Donnina as the primary background color, but cleverly uses Ricorumi Lamé DK for some twinkling colorwork, as well as Rico Design Essentials Superkid Mohair Loves Silk for a halo of softness around your neck. It’s truly a special project, and guess what!? You can snag it as a kit here, or just grab the pattern solo and make your own color combinations!

Polar Nights Cowl designed by Rachel Brockman

If mixing yarns isn’t your thing, then have no fear! There are a whopping 25 colors of Donnina for you to choose from. And of course, a standout palette deserves its own delectable pattern collection – Sweet Treats! There are six scrumptious designs to choose from. My favorite design is the Gumdrop Top designed by Aubrey Busek. Boasting some bold colorblock and a cold-shoulder silhouette, it’s my favorite flirty piece!

Gumdrop Top designed by Aubrey Busek

Another favorite from this collection is the Licorice Scarflette by Aubrey Busek. I’m not even sure where to start with describing why I love this, but I’ll try! For starters, I’m a sucker for colorwork, so I adore the fun polka dots paired with the contrasting stripes. The overall look is also such a fun, midcentury modern mix! The neutral palette, the bold colorblocking, and the classic neck scarf silhouette make me want to ride in a bright red convertible with the top down!

The possibilities with Donnina are truly endless! What sweet treat do you think you’ll make for yourself with it? I can’t wait to hear all about it!

That’s all for now – happy stitching!
Ashley Jane