Flash Pattern Friday – Wanderer Pullover and Cardigan

Two free patterns are better than one, and that’s what we have for you this Friday! It’s time to get your autumn knitting underway with Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash and the Wanderer Pullover and Cardigan. Grab yourself a pair of knitting needles, a pumpkin spice latte, and that creative mind of yours, and let’s learn more!

Designed by Rachel Brockman, the Wanderer Pullover and Cardigan are the perfect set for fall. You can make one for yourself and one for a loved one! The classic look of our Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash yarn matched with colorwork makes this cardigan a wardrobe staple for autumn.

The cardigan version presents exciting details like set-in pockets, a double-layered collar, and a zippered front. The Wanderer Cardigan features sizes XS to 4X, so grab your three favorite colors of Deluxe DK Tweed and get started today!

The Wanderer Pullover includes the same, stunning colorwork as the Wanderer Cardigan, but is worked fully across the chest, as there is no zipper or sleeve placement. This unisex piece shows off cuffs and a collar with corrugated two-color ribbing and rolled stockinette edging. This sweater includes sizes Small through 4X.

To get the Wanderer Pullover and Cardigan for free, use the “buy it now” or “add to cart” links on the Ravelry pattern page. Place one or both patterns in your cart and enter the coupon code “FLASH” where you see the “use coupon code” link that appears during purchase. This offer runs through Sunday, October 1st.

Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash is 20% off this weekend, so stock up today! This yarn features a base of superwash wool with tweedy nubs made of viscose, and acrylic that we love for wearable creations. Knit yourself a beautiful sweater in your favorite hues, or crochet a baby blanket you can gift to a loved one! With 20 color options, Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash will inspire your next project!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

Meet A Local Yarn Shop – Charlotte Yarn

Our featured yarn shop of September is close to home, just over twenty miles from our headquarters! Nestled in the Dilworth neighborhood close to the big city lights of uptown, you will find Charlotte Yarn. This beautiful shop, owned and operated by Remi Haygood, is the city’s longest-tenured yarn store. Let’s learn more about Charlotte Yarn and all they have to offer!

Photo of the front of Charlotte Yarn

Charlotte Yarn opened in 2005 when Remi, determined to start her own business, finally got the opportunity to. Through her hard work and dedication, she is proud to own the oldest yarn shop in Charlotte, NC.

Photo of the inside of Charlotte Yarn

As we’ve heard since starting our “Meet a Local Yarn Shop” series, owning a yarn store is anything but easy. Remi said her biggest challenge was “being a single mom and balancing work with raising her daughter.” But plenty of joys come along the way, too. With a community of fiber artists in the Charlotte area looking for a yarn shop to call home, Remi has been able to provide that, which is truly incredible. Seeing a group of crafters show off their finished objects and become such a close-knit family (pun intended) makes it all worthwhile.

Let’s get to the fibers! Remi carries many of our yarns in her store but names Cotton Supreme and Uptown Worsted as the favorites. These yarns are perfect for baby projects, sweaters, and blankets, making them popular choices for projects at many local yarn shops. Remi also noted that her customers love working with fingering-weight merino wool yarns for cold-weather-creations.

Photo of hanks of Cotton Supreme with a baby project being displayed

We have loved working with Remi and her store throughout the years and are pleased to hear her feedback for our team. “Everyone that works there is a great representation of the company. They truly care about their customers and supporting their quality yarn.” We appreciate Remi and her kind words!

Photo of the inside of Charlotte Yarn

Charlotte Yarn has many classes to support the fiber artists in their community. We love to see beginner crocheting and knitting classes available, as well as more targeted lessons like “Cable Fingerless Gloves” and “Christmas Tree Washcloth” on their website. Additionally, there are some more advanced options like “Fern and Feather Sweater” and a “Tunisian Crochet Washcloth” class. If this is the first you are hearing about Charlotte Yarn, we encourage you to follow them on Instagram today!

We are so honored to learn more about Remi and her store, Charlotte Yarn! Join us in October for our next local yarn shop feature.

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

Free Pattern Friday – Kerid

The first day of autumn is tomorrow, and we couldn’t be more excited! Today’s new free pattern is perfect for those looking to get their fall knitting on. Kerid, designed by Aubrey Busek, is a stunning accessory that uses simple stitches to allow our Bamboo Bloom Handpaints yarn to shine! Let’s read more about this gorgeous project you’ll soon add to your queue.

Kerid is a beautiful shawl with delightful qualities that will have others complimenting you left and right. Garter stitch throughout this project allows Bamboo Bloom Handpaints to be the focal point, and why not? With many color options in Bamboo Bloom Handpaints, you can knit the accessory of your dreams. 

This one-of-a-kind yarn features captivating color shifts and unique thick and thin texture in each hank. Kerid is knit flat from the top down, but since the stitch pattern isn’t overwhelming, you’ll be able to focus on the increases! This crescent-shaped shawl also features drop stitches, but this pattern is perfect for beginners as they serve as a bordering accent and will give you the perfect introduction to the technique. This pattern is free to download on our website and is featured in one size only.

Photo of Bamboo Bloom Handpaints in three different colors with a marble background

If we haven’t convinced you yet to try Bamboo Bloom Handpaints, let our 20% off weekend sale be the difference! This yarn is an exciting blend of wool, rayon from bamboo, and acrylic. It works perfectly for many projects, including cowls, shawls, scarves, and more. Show off Bamboo Bloom Handpaints in a beautiful sweater with some of our other favorites, like in the Hanasaku Yoke!

Our 20% savings for Bamboo Bloom Handpaints are through Sunday, September 24th.

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

Collection Spotlight: Lakeside Bundle

Happy Wednesday, Fiber Friends!

Today, we’re introducing our latest pattern collection: the Lakeside Bundle! The two featured patterns, the Cattail Cardigan and Subtle Shell Ruana, make the most of the beautiful palette, subtle sheen, and smooth stitches of our new Uptown Bamboo DK yarn.

Three skeins of Universal Yarn Uptown Bamboo DK.
Uptown Bamboo DK: a beautiful blend of our beloved anti-pilling acrylic with a touch of bamboo for drape.

Uptown Bamboo DK is perfect for the early days of autumn. It is lightweight and features the cool touch of bamboo, but at the same time, is warm and insulating. It’s one of those beautifully versatile yarns that work amazingly well in any project. I attribute that to it’s plump, multi-thread construction featuring plies of thread that are then again plied together to create a bouncy, round yarn. The results are perfectly crisp stitches, demonstrated so well in both of the projects in the Lakeside Bundle. Let’s take a closer look.

The first piece in the collection is the Cattail Cardigan, designed by Rachel Brockman. It is named for its vertical lines, reminiscent of cattail plants stretching tall above the water, and for the zig-zap motif that reminds us of a breeze gently lapping the lakeshore. In this primarily knitted cardigan, an airy lace motif is interrupted with crisp rows of garter stitch, constructed sideways to create the vertical stripes. Each side is the mirror image of the other because it is knit in two pieces, beginning at the sleeve cuffs and meeting at the center back. Those who dabble in both knit and crochet, or who want to, will love the retro granny stripe collar. This cardigan is graded for sizes XXS/XS to 5X/6X.

A young woman sitting by a lake brushes her hair to the side, showing the details of the Cattail Cardigan, a pattern hand knit and crocheted in Universal Yarn Uptown Bamboo DK.

As I mentioned earlier, the impeccable stitch definition of Uptown Bamboo DK is on full display here, giving the twisted ribbing and contrast between lace and garter a sculptural feel. This yarn’s soft color palette also contributes to the beauty of the Cattail Cardigan. For this pattern, we opted for #508 Coral as the main color, with #534 Chinchilla and #527 Seaglass as the contrast colors. This color scheme reminds us of early mornings by the lakeside – watching the sunrise and mist float above the open water.

The second pattern offered in Lakeside Bundle is the crocheted Subtle Shell Ruana, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre. Named after the tiny freshwater shells found along the waterfront, this drapey design is excellent for warding off the breeze on a windy day. Like the Cattail Cardigan, this accessory is constructed sideways and meets at the center back, creating a beautiful focal point.

A close-up detail of the back of the crocheted Subtle Shell Ruana, made in Universal Yarn Uptown Bamboo DK.

Graded for sizes Small/Medium through 4X/5X, this pattern is easy and beginner-friendly. It features a rhythmic stitch motif comprised of double V-stitches, no shaping, and simple color changes. The results are indeed sensational! The Subtle Shell Ruana uses Uptown Bamboo DK in three colors: #502 Lily, #527 Sea Glass, and #531 Savanna. I love how these colors work together – subtly echoing the intersection of cool water and a sandy bank.

The cover of the ebook, Lakeside Bundle. It features text that reads: "Lakeside Bundle: A Breezy Due of Knit and Crochet Patterns in Uptown Bamboo DK". The Universal Yarn logo is in the lower left corner, and in the lower right corner text reads "Uptown Bamboo DK, Fall 2023". A woman stands on the right side/center of the photo and wears the crocheted Subtle Shell Ruana.

We know these patterns will have you dreaming of a day stitching by the docks. Each pattern is available individually, or save $5.00 when you purchase the bundle on our website (link) for just $8.00!

Which pattern do you plan to start first? Let us know in the comments!

Happy stitching,
Rachel

Free Pattern Friday – Cabled Cushion Cover

Are you excited that Friday is finally here? We are, too! Today, we have a cozy surprise for you. The Cabled Cushion Cover, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, is our featured free pattern this Friday, and we know you’ll love it. From classy cables to velvety soft yarn, let’s learn more!

Using Bella Chenille, the Cabled Cushion Cover is even softer than it looks! This single-ply yarn is 100% polyester in a super bulky weight, which means it’s perfect for homeware projects like this one. In order to make this cushion cover, you will crochet three pieces and then seam them together. The front piece is square-shaped, while the two back pieces are rectangles.

The two rectangular pieces overlap so that you can have an insert for a cushion. The front piece is where you get to show off your crochet skills! With cables worked down the center, this cushion cover provides a beautiful look you can show off in your home. This project calls for four skeins of Bella Chenille, so this weekend’s savings are right on time!

Bella Chenille is Buy THREE, Get ONE FREE! That means 25% off! This 100% polyester yarn is perfect for many projects, including stuffed animals, amigurumi, blankets, and more! With a wide selection of hues, you can pick your favorite and get started on your next project. Check out all of our free patterns for Bella Chenille at this link. Our Buy THREE, Get ONE FREE offer for Bella Chenille is available through Sunday, September 17th!

This offer is only available when you buy FOUR skeins or more. You must add a quantity of four or more skeins of Bella Chenille to your cart. The discount for one skein will be automatically deducted at checkout for each quantity of four skeins.

Thanks for stopping by! Robert

Collection Spotlight: Fall Florals

Autumn is knocking at the door, and today, we’re letting it in! Our Fall Florals collection is here! With six patterns that capture the essence of nature’s blooming wonders, we know you’ll fall in love. So what are we waiting for? Let our journey begin as we discover each of these stunning creations!

Cardigans are often associated with autumn, so you know we had to include one in this collection! Celosia, designed by Rachel Brockman, is full of vibrant fall colors using our Deluxe DK Superwash yarn. The beautiful Daises pattern adds texture to this piece as you change between three alternating colors. This cardigan has retro features, like the polo collar and bell-shaped sleeves. A touch of crochet finishes off the edges along the hem and sleeve cuffs, giving you a staple top for the crisp fall air! This cardigan uses colors 807 Ginseng as the main color (50% off color – available in bag quantities), 851 Rhapsody, and 803 Terra Cotta. Celosia includes sizes XS through 5X, as do all the garments featured in this collection.

While Cirsium is a prickly plant in nature, in the form of a knitted accessory, it’s as soft as can be! Let the soothing stockinette stitch take you on an exciting adventure as you knit this tubular cowl. This cowl is worked in the round, using a stranded color motif, which brings to life the flowers seen throughout. Cirsium uses three heathered shades of Deluxe DK Superwash, adding even more beauty to this accessory. With the soft and plush texture of the wool fibers featured in this cowl, you’ll stay cozy all autumn! Cirsium includes a small and large size, with the sample pictured above shown in large. The colors used for this cowl are 842 Oatmeal Heather and 845 Shamrock Heather. Color 848 Coral Heather is also used, however, since this color is sold out, we suggest using 841 Pomegranate Heather.

Grow your knitting skills with the stranded colorwork of Festoon, designed by Aubrey Busek. This marvelous shawl features botanical silhouettes that adorn the entirety of this piece. The Intarsia method is used along the border, beginning, and end of the motifs within the charts, providing gorgeous color changes throughout. More stranded colorwork will be used for the motifs, but don’t fret; this is an excellent opportunity to grow your skills! Grab two of your favorite hues of Deluxe DK Superwash and get going on this shawl! The colors used in the sample above are 815 Teal Viper and 852 Bashful.

Sweater weather is almost here! That means it’s the perfect time to get started on projects like Picotee, designed by Rachel Brockman. Using Intarsia, a beautiful flower is incorporated to be the centerpiece of this garment. However, there’s so much more to love about this sweater! The set-in sleeves, A-line waistband, and folded neckband will keep you bundled up for the coldest fall mornings! Picotee is knit flat, then seamed, and it features stockinette stitch throughout. This pullover uses colors 846 Mulberry Heather, 801 Rosy Mauve (50% off and available in bag quantities), 824 Starfish, and 810 Greenery (50% off and available in bag quantities). Color 811 Jadestone is also used, but since this color is sold out, we suggest 836 Christmas Green.

Don’t think we forgot about our crochet friends! Superbloom, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, uses five colors of Deluxe DK Superwash to create a stole dressed with beautiful flowers. With exhilarating features like Granny Squares, a Tulip Motif, Flowers, and Leaves, this accessory will inspire you to travel to your favorite park. Superbloom shows off solid and heathered shades of Deluxe DK Superwash, but the freedom is all yours! Grab this pattern and get stitching today! This stole uses colors 841 Pomegranate Heather, 846 Mulberry Heather, 850 Heather (50% off and available in bag quantities), and 845 Shamrock Heather. Color 848 Coral Heather is also used, but since this color is sold out, we suggest using 824 Starfish.

Last but not least, we have Verbena, designed by Aubrey Busek. This stunning pullover features cables down the middle on the front and back. However, your eyes may take you to the flowers embroidered on the front and sleeves. With show-stopping qualities throughout, this garment will be a wardrobe staple! Verbena is knit flat in pieces and seamed; instructions for the embroidery sections are in the pattern notes as an illustrative schematic and stitch guide. Wear Verbena to your next dinner party and watch the compliments roll in! This pullover uses colors 834 Cream, 815 Teal Viper, and 852 Bashful.

This weekend, we can’t help but celebrate the release of our Fall Florals collection with 20% off savings! This offer includes Deluxe DK Superwash, Individual Fall Florals patterns (Ravelry), and the Fall Florals E-Book (Ravelry and Universal Yarn website). So whether you’re eyeing just one of these gorgeous projects or the whole collection, you can indulge in this sweet deal!

Thanks for stopping by!
Robert