It’s time to get your Y2K fashion dreams started today with an exciting Free Pattern Friday! The Stray Heart Shrug, designed by Afifa Sayeed, is a fun knitting pattern that makes for an excellent outfit topper, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it. So buckle up as we take a look at this beautiful pattern!
In case you’re not familiar, a shrug is a top cut short so it covers your shoulders and arms, as seen above. This type of project has seen a rise in popularity, and why not? Using Flax, the Stray Heart Shrug is a breathable piece you can layer over any dress or shirt to add extra comfort.
One of the many reasons to love the Stray Heart Shrug is the bishop sleeves. These sleeves, intentionally designed to give you extra room, make this piece extremely cozy for the evening chill. With Flax softening after each wash, this shrug will become even more comfortable with time!
Our 20% off Flax sale continues, and if you haven’t stocked up yet, don’t wait any longer! This 100% linen yarn is perfect for garments, accessories, and homewares. It works well in many different stitch patterns and has an exciting collection of hues to choose from. Grab Flax and get started today!
From a sandwich board full of inspirational quotes to a shop full of friendly fibers, say hello to Darn Knit Anyway! We are very excited about this month’s local yarn shop feature, and you should be too! Located in Stillwater, MN, this incredible shop is just minutes from the Wisconsin border and Minnesota’s largest city, Minneapolis. Let’s learn more about Aimee and her sensational store!
Beautiful entrance to Darn Knit Anyway
Aimee Pelletier owns Darn Knit Anyway, but that wasn’t always the case. Commercial interior design was her previous occupation, but all it took was a drive by a storefront available for leasing, and everything changed. Four months later, her yarn shop opened up and has been operating for fourteen years!
Below you will see the Maker’s Lounge, a space that Aimee created in 2022 just for her customers. This space is open whenever the shop is open and is a great way that Darn Knit Anyway is fostering a community around their shop.
The Maker’s Lounge, created in 2022
We all know Minnesota is known for very cold winters, so it came as no surprise to us to hear that some of the most popular yarns at Darn Knit Anyway are our warm and cozy offerings! As seen below, shop owner Aimee is holding a woolly gnome created with super bulky Be Wool. Plus, who can forget Uptown Worsted! This versatile yarn is on the shelves of many of our shops across the country, including Darn Knit Anyway!
Gnome being held by Aimee, using Be WoolUptown Worsted is on the shelves of Darn Knit Anyway
Kits are another hot commodity at Darn Knit Anyway, especially the Easy Does It Winter, featuring Creative Melange Chunky from Rico Design. This soft yarn is self-shading, so the beautiful colors will come to life as you knit!
We are so happy to see Aimee’s shop stocked with our yarns, and we love to see their exciting content on their Instagram!
Easy Does It Winter Kit in Creative Melange ChunkyBeautiful hat knit in Be Wool Multis
If you’re looking for a shop full of fun activities, Darn Knit Anyway is definitely for you! From monthly stitch socials to weekend retreats, you can find all types of fiber art happenings at her store.
Additionally, this shop offers classes for beginner knitters and crocheters, allowing anyone to grow their skillset. Last but not least, Darn Knit Anyway offers an Epic Sweater Camp!! It is three days of fun that is in person and virtual. Join them in 2024 for their 4th year of camp.
We are so grateful for the opportunity to learn about Aimee’s incredible store. To find out more about Darn Knit Anyway or shop online, please visit their website!
Stay tuned for more local yarn shop features each month!
Free Pattern Friday is here with another majestic crochet pattern for you! Keyleth, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, is a stunning dress using our 100% linen Flax yarn. Perhaps the best part of this project is the handy dandy pockets. However, there’s so much more to love about this piece, so let’s learn more!
Keyleth is crocheted sideways in three panels, using a stitch pattern that has the appearance of vertical ribbing. The panels will then be seamed together and the pockets are added afterwards. Other details include hip shaping, giving this dress a fabulous fit.
Now through Sunday, August 27th, save 20% off Flax. With 100% linen fibers, this yarn’s versatility allows it to shine in wearable pieces and homewares. Whether you want to knit a handbag or crochet a beautiful top, Flax can get the job done. The color palette includes 34 solid hues with many neutrals, brights, and more. Stock up today and save!
Make sure to share all your creations with us on social media. We love to see fiber artists everywhere using our yarns!
Happy Wednesday, fiber friends! Have you ever wanted to customize your yarn for the next project on your hook or needles? If the answer is yes, this post is for you! Today we’re spotlighting some of our favorite carry-along yarns.
First things first – what exactly makes a yarn a carry-along yarn? Well, the truth is any yarn can be one if you’re holding at least two strands together at once. But more precisely, I would consider a carry-along to be a thread to laceweight yarn with an interesting characteristic that transforms a “base” yarn into something totally new. It could be that the yarn adds a lofty halo, touch of texture, pop of color, or glitz and glam. A “base” yarn is often a stash staple, such as a smooth, solid 4-ply yarn. But that’s not a rule! You can use ANY yarn as a base, and the more playful you get, the more exciting the results.
Today we’re going to talk about some brand new options, as well as some old favorites. From neon and glittery threads to classic silk-mohair, let’s take a look at some of our favorite carry-along yarns based on the characteristic you want to add.
Yarn for a Lofty Halo
Loves Silk PrintLoves SilkPenna
One of the most commonly seen carry-along yarns are mohair/silk blends. They’ve been incredibly trendy over the past few years, and we don’t see their popularity slowing down. This blend adds a fluffy halo and the subtlest ethereal sheen. We offer two options: Rico Design Essentials Loves Silk and Essentials Love Silk Print. Loves Silk is great for pairing solids in coordinating colors. Choosing Loves Silk Print will yield interesting results thanks to the slow fade from one color to another. Both of these yarns are a combination of 70% mohair and 30% silk. These luxury yarns are warm and insulating, take dye beautifully, and are durable and hard-wearing.
Ola, knit in Deluxe Worsted held together with Penna
Although mohair/silk blends are the perfect choice for many fiber artists, there are some who may find their skin is a bit sensitive to the high proportion of mohair. If you love the look and feel of those yarns, but are looking for a mohair-free alternative, we can’t recommend Penna enough! Penna is a blend of 50% baby suri alpaca, 28% extra-fine merino, and 22% nylon that offers a light, fluffy texture, but unlike the Loves Silk line, it has more of a matte finish. When held with other yarns, such as Deluxe Worsted (pictured in the classic Ola sweater, designed by Adrienne Larsen, above), it contributes a feathery halo that’s kitten soft.
Yarn for Glimmer and Glamour
Rico Design Metallic No. 40Cotton Gold
Whether you’re knitting for a wedding, evening out, or just to enjoy a bit of sparkle, we’ve made it easy to make your favorite projects twinkle like stars in the night sky. Let’s take a closer look at a brand new yarn and an irresistible fan favorite.
Midnight TopGlisten Cowl
First, a longtime favorite for jaw-dropping impact: Cotton Gold. Cotton Gold is a laceweight yarn comprised of 65% cotton, 27% payette (sequins), and 8% metallic. If dramatic sparkle is what you’re aiming for, you cannot go wrong with this yarn. We’ve been using this yarn as a carry-along for a long time, and customers are always drawn to it when we attend festivals and shows. It’s softer than you might imagine for a sequinned yarn, and it’s especially pleasant to work with when held together with another yarn. The free Midnight Top, designed by Aubrey Busek, is an outstanding example of the level of glamour this yarn provides. Knit with Cotton Supreme DK (on sale!), it’s a fast and easy top to get you through the end of summer. Preparing for autumn and winter? Try the Glisten Cowl, designed by yours truly. Here, it’s paired with glittering Noelle (also on sale!) for maximum impact. As you can see in both projects, this yarn doesn’t impede the stitch patterns – in fact, we think it enhances them!
Next, a brand new addition: Rico Design Metallic No. 40! This embroidery thread is a blend of 70% polyamide, and 30% polyester available in nine colors. I wouldn’t necessarily suggest knitting or crocheting with this yarn by itself (it’s great for embroidery and hand sewing), but the results are impressive when used as a carry-along. This yarn is excellent for understated shimmer. In the swatch pictured above, I’ve held Uni Merino together with Metallic No. 40 to show how it appears in a superfine yarn with light and dark coordinating colors. I love the subtle marl in the lighter stripes (#107 Conch) and the subdued sparkle in the darker stripes (#138 Black Cherry). Although we don’t have any patterns for this yarn just yet, I can assure you this little swatch will grow up into something beautiful. The best thing about this yarn? The impact on gauge is minimal. I suggest trying it out in your winter sweater pattern!
Yarn for a Pop of Color
To put the icing on the cake, we’ve also introduced a soft, smooth thread in brilliant neon shades to add a zing of vibrant color to your next project. Say hello to Rico Design Creative Make it Neon! This thread is comprised of several loosely spun plies, so it’s soft to the touch and pleasant to work with. Its construction also gives it a touch of bounce that more closely matches yarns such as the new Essentials Merino Plus DK. It is 100% polyester and comes in three lively neon shades: Orange, Pink, and Green. Unlike the carry-alongs where you have the option to coordinate similar shades for new textures or sparkle, Creative Make it Neon is designed to introduce a marled fabric. Keep in mind that the neon could easily be lost if you choose a similar color to your base yarn. Contrast is key for working with this one.
I was so smitten with this yarn that I immediately cast on a new design. In the coming weeks, you’ll get to combine Essentials Merino Plus DK with Creative Make it Neon for a squishy cabled hat. Perfect for welcoming autumn, so stay tuned!
A new free pattern is coming your way soon!
There you have it: five of our favorite carry-along yarns! Remember, any yarn can be a carry-along: just take a look at Pattern 1020 by Rico Design for another example. Get creative and go crazy with color and texture. Consider mixing several of these carry-alongs together in the same project. The options are truly limitless and inspiring. Let us know what you would create with these yarns in the comment section below!
The dog days of summer may be upon us, but we have a brand new project that will easily get you through the remainder of the season with a smile! Aubrey’s Summer Set, designed by Afifa Sayeed, is now available for free download on our website. Using Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton from Rico Design, you’re going to love knitting this colorful and cute set.
Aubrey’s Summer Set includes a top written for sizes Extra Small through 5X, and a matching hat written for One Size that will fit most adults. These pieces are knit in the round, with the tee worked bottom up and the hat worked from the top down. The sugary hues of Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton bring joy to every stitch, leading to a final set you’ll wear summer after summer!
One glimpse at Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton, and we know you’ll be planning your next project! With its blend of 46% acrylic, 49% cotton, and 5% polyester, this yarn is perfect for summertime t-shirts, shawls, and more! Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton is a DK weight yarn that is 2-ply, and the beautiful hues in each skein bring joy to every project you decide to use it for!
In case you didn’t know, we have plenty of exciting patterns from Rico Design that feature Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton. Click your favorite one below to learn more!
We hope you indulge in this weekend’s offer and you add Aubrey’s Summer Set to your queue. In the meantime, stay cool, and we’ll see you next week with another free surprise!
Now that we are in the midst of our summer plans and festivities, many of us are starting to look forward to fall. With colder weather on the horizon and fiber festivals to attend, this is a great time to start planning and making the perfect sweaters for the season. We have compiled a few favorites to help get you started with your selections!
Up first, Designer and Marketing Lead, Aubrey Busek is highlighting the brilliant cardigan, Virtuoso, designed by herself! Here is what she has to say about why she loves this piece so much for fall.
“Virtuoso is my favorite fall sweater because of the vibrant colors that I associate with autumn. Juicy yellows, dark pinks, and oranges reflect the changing colors of the foliage throughout the season. The way that our Colorburst yarn shifts in the stripes reminds me of a sunset and reflects the earlier darkening of the sky during the autumn season. Also, the practicality of the garment itself makes it my favorite. In the autumn season, you often deal with warm days and chilling mornings and nights. A long cardigan is perfect for layering and easy to change in and out to suit the quickly shifting temperatures.” – Aubrey.
This sweater calls for the solid yarn Deluxe DK Superwash combined with our self-shading Colorburst for this stunning striping effect. Deluxe DK Superwash is made of 100% superwash wool and is available in 50 colors, all of which have the potential to pair up with Colorburst for a unique and special garment. Some of these colors are currently on sale, so be sure to stash up before they are gone! Colorburst is made of 65% superwash fine merino wool and 35% acrylic and is available in 16 different shades to suit any maker.
Next up is a pick from Robert, our Social Media Marketing Assistant, who is currently learning to knit! He selected Lumber, designed by Amy Gunderson, and shares why, below.
“My favorite sweater would have to be Lumber. Using just one color of Deluxe Worsted (non-superwash), Lumber highlights reliability over flash. As a guy who wears jeans often, I need a sweater that will help me sport a well-rounded outfit. And since I am always cold, the yarn choice of Deluxe Worsted is bound to keep me warm.” – Robert.
As he shares, this sweater uses Deluxe Worsted, which is 100% non-superwash wool, and it’s springy fibers do keep makers warm and cozy! There is an astonishing 90 colors to select from, so you are sure to find a favorite hue to make this sweater the one for you.
Rachel Brockman, our Creative Lead, shares Peri, which she designed and plans to make for herself for autumn!
“This year, the autumn sweater I’m itching to cast on is Peri. The knit-purl centric design of this sweater is simple, which is perfect because lately, I’ve been craving soothing, rhythmic knits. The striped seed stitch texture looks phenomenal in two beautifully heathered shades of our cotton/cashmere blend, Truva. This blend is ideal for southern autumns because it stays pretty warm here year-round. As a perpetually chilly person, though, the roll neck and cozy sleeves of Peri are just what I need! Even though this is my design, I will probably modify the body length a bit because I’m a fan of a slight crop paired with high-waisted skirts or pants. Because this sweater is knit seamlessly from the top down, achieving the perfect body and sleeve length will be a breeze. Although I usually like to shake up colors from the original design, I don’t think I’m switching it up this time! The shades used in the sample, 108 Crocus and 107 Mandarin, are my favorites in the palette. Fans of blues might love pairing 102 Stormcloud with 104 Harbor, and I think 103 Chambray and 105 Aegean look lovely together, too (check out the Spearmint Tee to see for yourself!).” – Rachel.
Peri is made with Truva, a luxurious blend of 50% cashmere and 50% cotton that is perfect for every season. It comes in a bespoke offering of eight heathered and marled shades which are all as refined as the yarn itself.
Lastly, I’ll be sharing my pick! I’m Ashley Jane, a Design Associate here at Unversal Yarn. Below is a bit about why I love this sweater, the Hanasaku Yoke, designed by the UY Design Team.
“The Hanasaku Yoke is my pick for fall because of the combination of rich textures and colors that interplay throughout the sweater creating lots of room for fun and intrigue. The Bamboo Bloom varies in thickness throughout, making even simple stitches look deceptively intricate, while the color shifts of Colorburst offer potential for tonal or contrasting enhancement. All of this is set on a complimenting solid backdrop of Deluxe Worsted Superwash letting each of these yarns shine in their own way. I love how much potential there is to make this sweater over again in varying colors for this season and beyond!” – Ashley Jane
This sweater callsfor three different yarns. Deluxe Worsted Superwash is the slightly thicker version of the above mentioned Deluxe DK Superwash (used in Virtuoso). It also contains 100% superwash wool, but this yarn is available in 57 dazzling colors, giving you slightly more to choose from! Bamboo Bloom Handpaints is arguably one of our most unique yarns with its thick and thin, matte and shiny qualities throughout. It’s made of 44% wool, 48 rayon from bamboo, and 8% acrylic available in 15 soothing shades to choose from. Lastly, these yarns combine with Colorburst (also used in Virtuoso) to create the show-stopping combination seen in the Hansaku Yoke.
I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring some of these Fall Favorites! Will you try out any of these sweaters for yourself or someone you love? Don’t forget to share all your beautiful creations with us on social media!
That’s all for now! Happy Stitching, Ashley Jane McIntyre
It’s the first Friday of August, and you know what that means! The Cloudborn Cardigan is our free pattern for today, designed by Rachel Brockman. This exciting children’s pattern uses our stunning Wool Pop yarn to create a piece you can hand down from generation to generation. Let’s learn more!
The Cloudborn Cardigan is sized from 6 months to 6 years old, so whether you have a toddler roaming around or an older child, this pattern is for you! This garment uses an exciting garter stitch throughout, including the ruffle sleeves, providing a fun challenge for any knitter. The ruffle sleeves are created by picking up stitches around the armholes as you work in the round, incorporating increases to make the ruffles.
Perhaps the most exciting part of this project is that you get to tailor it to your liking with the expressive color palette! Our Wool Pop color palette includes 30 hues that look stunning in many different stitches, like the garter stitches used in this pattern. Pick your favorite color, and add the button of your choosing today. We know your little one will love their finished cardigan!
If you’re still questioning whether you should stash Wool Pop, our 20% off weekend savings make it the perfect time to splurge! This beautiful yarn is a blend of 50% bamboo, 35% superwash wool, and 15% polyamide in a DK weight. Wool Pop looks incredible in many stitch patterns, and the sheen of this yarn is sure to make your next piece stand out!
