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!
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!
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