Day 2 of Winter – Series 3 Edition

This is part 2 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.

Happy Day 2 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection! We know you are all eager to see what we’ve whipped up for the second day of the series, and we are thrilled to share with you – the Birch Gloves. Everyone needs a pair of elegant long gloves in their wardrobe, and hand-knitting them means these are perfect for yourself or made up as a gift for a loved one. Designed by Adrienne Larsen, the Birch Gloves are guaranteed to be cherished for seasons to come!
hand knit gauntlet style gloves featuring colorwork and cables
Knit in our Kingston Tweed yarn, this project features two different colors; 102 Calcite and 112 Basalt. These gloves are a gauntlet style with a flared cuff that gives a refined appearance to any outfit. Wool and alpaca fibers are blended into the yarn, meaning the Birch Gloves will also keep your fingers warm and toasty – maybe while out at a holiday market or off to see the Nutcracker ballet! The neutral colors of the yarn for this project are also certain to pair well with any sweater you choose.
Close up of hand- knit glove stitch patterns and yarn colors
The Birch Gloves feature cables and a slip stitch colorwork pattern for the cuffs, and the beautiful Kingston Tweed yarn is on serious display for the hands and fingers in stockinette stitch. Knitting the cuff and glove separately, you seam them together with an I-cord edge that adds a tidy finish. Both the cuffs and glove are knit in the round, working from the bottom up. Construction-wise, this is sure to be a fun project to take on and maybe a new method of knitting gloves to learn!
Hand-knit gauntlet style gloves featuring colorwork and cables
Whether you choose to knit the Birch Gloves for yourself or as a gift for someone special, these are guaranteed to be loved by everyone around. We hope you are inspired to kick back with a mug of warm Cider or Gløgg , turn on your favorite holiday film, and get to knitting these stunning gloves! You can pick up your 12 Days of Winter Kits including the Birch Gloves Kit at your local yarn shop.

Day 1 of Winter – Series 3 Edition

A cabled scarf knit in Universal Yarn Deluxe Worsted, featuring text that says 12 Days of Winter, Day 1, Aspen
This is part 1 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 3 Edition.

It’s that time again – the holidays are just around the corner. Unbelievably, we’re just over halfway through November. For most of us, that means we’re knee-deep in crafty gift-making for loved ones. Here at Universal Yarn headquarters, we’ve been working hard to keep the 12 Days of Winter tradition alive with a beautiful third installment. We’re so excited to share these projects with you. Whether you are looking for a gift for a special yarn-loving person in your life, or for the perfect gift to make, we’ve got you covered.
A cabled scarf knit in Universal Yarn Deluxe Worsted
This year we’re kicking off the collection with a scarf designed by the talented Adrienne Larsen. Aspen is one of those perfect, squishy scarves that’s just the right length. It’s beautiful – any worthy recipient would be thrilled to wrap this around their neck.
A cabled scarf knit in Universal Yarn Deluxe Worsted
The elaborate cable motif is simpler to work than one might expect, and by the time the scarf is complete, you’ll likely have it memorized. Inspired by quaking aspen trees, each cable in this scarf grows out of another. The result is an interlocking pattern that is sure to turn heads.
Detail of a cabled scarf knit in Deluxe Worsted.
Knit up in Deluxe Worsted, a 100% wool yarn, we’ve selected a neutral color that allows the stitchwork to shine. It’s perfect for men and women alike and is sure to work well with any item in your winter-weather wardrobe. Surprisingly, this pattern takes just two skeins, which are included in the kit along with the pattern. Surely you can finish this one in time for the holidays.
A cabled scarf knit in Universal Yarn Deluxe Worsted, rolled up.
We hope you’ll love the Aspen scarf as much as we do, and that you’re equally excited for the other patterns we have coming. Remember, you can find the 12 Days of Winter Kits at your local yarn shop.

Free Pattern Friday – Glider Shawl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Woman wearing purple shawl knit in Universal Yarn Finn.
Today, the Glider Shawl in Finn (pattern link here). Perfect for a breezy day or a night out, this shawl adds warmth without the bulk. Originally part of the Vibrance in Lace collection from last Fall, we’ve decided to set this lovely pattern free.
Woman wearing a purple shawl knit in Universal Yarn Finn.
Finn, a yarn featuring a blend of superwash merino, alpaca, and acrylic, is the perfect match for this pattern. It is soft to touch, with a subtle halo thanks to the alpaca. I don’t know about you, but something about halo-y yarn and lace makes my heart sing.
Woman wearing a purple shawl knit in Universal Yarn Finn.
Knit from the bottom up, beginning with the tip, the shawl’s original shape adds decorative interest to any outfit. The lace panel in the back adds a delicate and feminine touch, while the rest of the shawl is worked in simple, soothing garter stitch. Draped around your shoulders or worn bandana-style, the Glider Shawl is sure to become a multi-season favorite.
A woman wearing a purple shawl knit in Universal Yarn Finn, shown from the front.
We hope you have a relaxing weekend filled yarn-y goodness. Happy Crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Lace Tipped Cardigan

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, the Lace Tipped Cardigan in Odette (pattern link here). Down here in the South, it’s tempting to say, “finally, some sweater weather!” But yesterday, a friend in Chicago sent me a picture of themselves outdoors. This isn’t them, but it certainly gives the feel.
I can’t put my arms down!
Fortunately, this week’s free pattern is warmer than you might think!
The Lace Tipped Cardigan is worked in Odette. Although it’s a light-feeling yarn, the merino and alpaca held in its chainette construction give it enough loft to trap the warmth.
It also gives a beautiful textured feel, and subtle variations in color.
Because it’s so light, it still has a delicate look. The lace border helps with that as well.
The other thing to love? You can still have a lightweight, airy look while working on a US Size 7 (4.5mm) needle.
Like most of our designs, the Lace Tipped Cardigan has sizing from XS to 5X. Toss it over a top and jeans, and you’re ready for anything! We hope you have a toasty and wonderful weekend. Happy crafting!

Free Pattern Friday – Ribbon Mitts

It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Ribbon Mitts crocheted in Kingston Tweed (pattern link here).
This design comes to us from Arica, the creative mind behind Skeinsnsticks Designs.
These lightweight mitts are worked continuously in the round with no slip stitch.
The pattern calls for 2 skeins of Kingston Tweed. Its fiber blend features wool and alpaca, for a tweedy depth of color and a touch of fuzz for halo. The color palette is inspired by nature. Perfect for this time of year.
Skeinsnsticks Designs included a charming detail – this little window featuring a crocheted “bow” detail. It elevates an already lovely pattern.
We hope you have a delightful weekend, full of beauty and warmth. Happy crafting!