Universal Yarn Presents Yarn Vibes!

February 2, 2023February 2, 2023

Universal Yarn Presents Yarn Vibes!

Whether you have visited in person, or only experienced it through photographs, no one can doubt the natural beauty of Ireland. Starting today, we’re bringing a touch of Ireland to your yarn stash – with Yarn Vibes.

Photo of the Cliffs of Moher in western Ireland — Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland

We are now offering three beautiful yarns from Yarn Vibes, and I can’t wait to tell you more about these exciting yarns!

Before I begin talking about the yarns, let’s take a closer look at the Yarn Vibes brand. Each hank of yarn starts in Kildare with ninth-generation farmers; after the shearing, the fleece begins processing at Donegal Yarn in Ireland. Donegal Yarn is an authentic mill that produces beautiful Tweed and Irish yarns, including Yarn Vibes’ 100% Irish yarns. All of their yarns feature a variety of dyed and un-dyed options.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the yarn from Yarn Vibes, starting with Cliffs of Moher. Tradition and the roots of Ireland can be seen in this beautiful, nature-inspired yarn, named after the iconic cliffs of western Ireland. This worsted weight yarn is a blend of 60% Irish wool and 40% virgin wool. Cliffs of Moher is soft to the touch, with stitch definition that makes it perfect for any knitting or crochet project, from garments to accessories. With 16 color options, you can add a touch of your personality to your next project!

Organic Worsted yarn from Yarn Vibes — Organic – Worsted from Yarn Vibes

Next up is the Organic Yarn from Yarn Vibes. As we know, wool is lovable for so many reasons: insulating fibers, natural water resistance, breathability. With Yarn Vibes 100% Irish organic wool yarns, it is now environmentally conscious as well! Just another reason to fall in love with wool. These fibers have been thoughtfully handled to ensure you have the best knitting experience possible. Make a sweater for a loved one with peace of mind knowing you and your family will be safe from any harmful chemicals since their yarn uses GOTS-certified dyes (Global Organic Textile Standard). This organic yarn is found in both worsted and sport weight and features 19 different color options, including four undyed choices.

Pattern inspiration is something we all need, and Yarn Vibes has more than enough to spare. Let’s take a look at some projects you can start with!

Collage featuring patterns from Yarn Vibes and Universal Yarn

Whether you’re looking to knit a winter garment or accessory, here you’ll find the perfect pattern to add to your queue. The Orla Lattice Hat Knitting Pattern (top left) features a gorgeous textured design and includes multiple different sizing options in the Organic Worsted yarn. If you are more interested in knitting a garment, you might want to start with the Fia Cabled Cardigan (bottom left). Buttons and cables give this cardigan a classic look, and the 100% Irish organic wool will keep you warm on the coldest days of winter and spring. This project uses the Organic Worsted and allows you room to pick the color you prefer.

Our in-house design team was also inspired to create a pattern for Yarn Vibes! The Freya Scarf (bottom right) combines two different colors of Cliffs of Moher to create a classic Irish look with a soft and woolly texture. You can download it for free today!

Thank you for reading, and we can’t wait for you to try Yarn Vibes. Make sure to share all your Yarn Vibes projects with us on Instagram by using #universalyarn.

If you would like to learn even more about Yarn Vibes, please watch this YouTube video about their brand, which can be found at this link.

Thanks for stopping by! – Robert

January 27, 2023January 26, 2023

Flash Pattern Friday – Middlefield

Our first Flash Pattern Friday of 2023 is finally here! This weekend only, grab a free copy of this gorgeous knitting pattern!

*Middlefield is the perfect layering piece for the coldest days of winter*

On the last Friday of every month, we take a beautiful paid pattern and make it free for the weekend! Today, we’re making the Middlefield (Ravelry link) free to you, a timeless cabled design in our Deluxe Bulky Superwash yarn.

*This piece can be worn with the cabel panels horizontal or vertical, whichever you prefer!*

Middlefield was first published in 2017 as part of the Ethereal Knits ebook. This collection features seven garments and accessories that are perfect multi-season options for your wardrobe. However, Middlefield is a great challenge for those looking to grow their knitting skillset. This knitted poncho has cabled panels that can be worn horizontally or vertically, depending on your preference. The two sides are identical rectangles, knit sideways and then seamed together to complete this garment. While this outwear piece uses the color 930 Steel Cut Oats, there are plenty of options for those looking to go a different direction.

Here are some alternative color options that I would like to suggest. Jadestone brings a beautiful earthy tone that would be perfect for springtime (warm weather, we miss you). Pantone just released their 2023 Color Of The Year, Viva Magenta, and Rosy Mauve would make a great choice if you want to go that route. While winter is still here, Ice Rustic and Summer Sky present two frosty colors that would match the season perfectly. No matter what shade sparks your creativity, I know you will find inspiration from our 50+ color options in Deluxe Bulky Superwash.

*This poncho will keep you warm year-round thanks to the 100% superwash wool and bulky yarn weight of Deluxe Bulky Superwash!*

To get Middlefield for free, head to Ravelry and click “buy it now” or “add to cart” after searching for this pattern. When you reach the checkout, enter the code “FLASH” to get this pattern for free. Not a Ravelry user? Email us at pattern@universalyarn.com by Sunday, January 29th, and we will take care of you when we return to the office next week.

We hope that you enjoy this limited-time free pattern, and make sure to shop Deluxe Bulky Superwash this weekend to save 20% off, no code necessary (1/27 – 1/29).

Thanks for stopping by! -Robert

December 20, 2022December 20, 2022

Meet a Local Yarn Shop – Grandma’s Spinning Wheel

We love every opportunity to highlight the local yarn stores because they are the backbone of our business. This month for our “Meet a Local Yarn Shop” initiative; we went (virtually) to Tucson, Arizona to meet the wonderful people at Grandma’s Spinning Wheel. They are the featured store of the month for December!

Picture of the storefront of Grandma's Spinning Wheel in Tucson, Arizona — *Outside of Grandma’s Spinning Wheel in Tucson, Arizona!*

If you ever find yourself taking a trip to Arizona, we highly suggest you stop by Grandma’s Spinning Wheel. The name itself is so inviting, and we know Vicky and the rest of the family will be happy to see you. Vicky and Michael Konecky are the owners of Grandma’s Spinning Wheel, which opened in Tucson, Arizona fifteen years ago (happy anniversary!!)

A former teacher, Vicky, decided to open a yarn shop upon retirement from the school system. One day she pulled up to the building in the above image, saw a “for rent” sign, and the rest is history. A lot can happen in 15 years of business ownership, but Vicky’s constant has been family. Her daughter, Cassondra, is now also very involved with the day-to-day at Grandma’s Spinning Wheel.

We know, you want to hear about the yarn that is inside of this wonderful store. Keep reading below to learn more about this shop, and see the yarns that are stocked on their shelves!

Picture of the colorful fiber wall of Grandma's Spinning Wheel — *The Fiber Wall of Grandma’s Spinning Wheel features exciting colors for your next projects!!*

Due to the climate of Arizona, Grandma’s Spinning Wheel features a lot of light-weight yarns, and breathable fibers. You can find several of our summer yarns on their shelves, including Clean Cotton, Clean Cotton Multi, and Cotton Supreme. In our interview with them, Vicky and Cassondra mention that it can get as hot as 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, so it benefits their customers greatly to have yarn options well suited to the heat.

Picture from the register at Grandma's Spinning Wheel, showing plenty of yarn and finish projects — *This store is full of yarn, and resources to set all different types of fiber artists up for success!*

Wool in Arizona? You better believe there is wool in this shop. Wool is an excellent option for all climates because it is naturally moisture wicking and breathable. They mention that Deluxe Worsted is one of the favorites at the store and is often used for felting projects since it is 100% non-superwash wool.

Major is another favorite that it is often used by their customers to create baby blankets. This yarn features so many fun colorways, plus a soft and smooth texture that makes it great for all types of projects!

Picture of the weaving yarns on the wall that are available at Grandma's Spinning Wheel — *At Grandma’s Spinning Wheel, you can find plenty of weaving yarn and supplies as well!*

When a customer completes their project, they are invited to bring it to the shop for it to be photographed, and then the shop shares the customer’s FO (finished object) in a post on their website. It’s a great way to “show and tell.”

That’s not the only way they give back to their customers, though. The shop offers many classes to grow customer skillsets. Examples of their offerings include “Beginning Spinning” and “3-D Needle Felting.” There is something for everyone!

Spinning wheels inside the store, perfect for those that want to spin their own yarn — *In addition to offering yarn, this shop sells supplies to spin your own. From spinning wheels, to fiber, Grandma’s Spinning Wheel has everything you need to get started.*

We were absolutely honored at the opportunity to interview Vicky and Cassondra. We got to learn more about the inspiration that their store has provided the crafting community of Tucson, Arizona, and were particularly touched to hear about so many people making lifelong friends through connections at the shop. We hope that you give them a visit, whether in-person or virtually, via their website (where they sell to anywhere in the country), and check out their Facebook for even more!

If you are a local yarn shop interested in being featured by Universal Yarn, please reach out to us – we would love to interview you! Please email rferrel@universalyarn.com if you would like to be featured!

Check out our full interview with Vicky and Cassondra of Grandma’s Spinning Wheel!

November 14, 2022November 14, 2022

Meet a Local Yarn Shop – The Knittin’ Coop

We’ve received wonderful feedback from our customers about our initiative to highlight the local yarn stores we know and love so much. The Knittin’ Coop is the store we are featuring for the month of November!

Front of The Knittin’ Coop – a perfect place to sit and work on your project

The Knittin’ Coop… what a name. Whether you’re a long-time customer, or just visiting, this is the name of a place that feels like home. If you travel to Salem, Virginia, you’ll find this cozy spot filled with a whole bunch of yarn! Robin Ferguson is the owner of The Knittin’ Coop, which opened back in August 2019.

Her store exists in an area that is home to many college students, as Roanoke College is right across the street. She says many of those students come by to the store to practice their knitting and crocheting. We love to see young people passionate about the knit/crochet community!

Opening the shop was a decision she made because of her lifelong exposure to knitting and crocheting from her mother and grandmother. It has always been a part of her life, so why not make it a career path? Now let’s take a look at what she has inside The Knittin’ Coop!

Offbeat in all 7 colors at The Knittin’ Coop

Universal Yarn is proud to be stocked on the shelves of The Knittin’ Coop. Some of our yarns featured on their shelves include Offbeat (pictured above), Bamboo Pop, Bamboo Pop Sock (solid version too), and Radiant Cotton. Robin mentions in our interview that due to the climate of Virginia, DK weight yarns are popular in her store.

She mentions Bamboo Pop Sock seems to be one of the favorites among her customers. She went along to say that this yarn is consistently used to create garments, shawls, and of course, socks.

Shawls seem to be a favorite project of The Knittin’ Coop customers, and it is no surprise, given what a versatile accessory they are. Sweaters also become a popular option for The Knittin’ Coop customers around the autumn season, which is when most of us get excited to start on some warmer projects!

One of our favorite things about The Knittin’ Coop is the up-to-date website. They have a clear calendar of events that makes it easy for any guest to know what’s going on at the store. Their store features many different classes, from beginner classes to private lessons, and even some seasonal offerings! Check out their website to learn more.

Lastly, if you’re thinking about stopping by The Knittin’ Coop. Rudy the shop dog will be very happy to see you!

The Knittin’ Coop has a furry friend named Rudy

We are so grateful for the opportunity to feature The Knittin’ Coop, and we encourage you to check them out on social media. If you are in the Salem, VA area, we highly recommend checking out this beautiful shop!

Interview with The Knittin’ Coop

October 12, 2022

Meet a Local Yarn Shop – Yarnatopia

As a yarn company, we would not be where we are today without the support of the local yarn stores who stock our products on their shelves. From humble beginnings, we now have over 800 local yarn store retailers around the world who carry our yarns. The support these shops give to our company is amazing, and we want to spread the love back to them as much as possible. On social media, we consistently feature projects from local yarn shops and share our retailers, but we wanted to dig a little deeper and get to know some of these wonderful shops and owners even better. Today, we continue our initiative to interview some of our local yarn store retailers to learn a little more about them, their shops, and what keeps business going.

Store Front of Yarnatopia in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – home of A LOT of yarn

It’s a happy anniversary for the folks at Yarnatopia in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. October 1st of this year marked 6 years of being open for the local yarn shop. Tricia Perkins is the owner of this fine yarn store, and we are delighted that Universal Yarn is on her shelves. We got the chance to interview her and ask her more about the one-of-a-kind Yarnatopia. Read below to learn more about one of the best yarn shops in Oklahoma!

Yarnatopia Owner Tricia Perkins with Bamboo Pop in the background

Every yarn store has a different story and reason for how it came about. We don’t always get to see the behind-the-scenes, but we can promise you that not every single day is easy. During the interview, Tricia explained to us why she decided to open her store.

While the shelves inside Yarnatopia may contain hundreds of different yarn skeins and colors, the community is what makes this place so special. Owner Tricia Perkins and her co-worker Mary have been through their share of struggles, but Tricia says that it has only made their community stronger. When tragedy strikes, we look to the people around us to lift our heads and support us. While she was coping with the loss of loved ones, customers would come into Yarnatopia just to be there for Tricia throughout the day. She has dubbed the support of her customers, ‘The Tricia Train’, and they continue to come into the shop every week. During the interview, Tricia explained to us why opening a shop was one of her best decisions, as it created the base for one of the most supportive communities she has ever known.

Interior of the Yarnatopia with many WIPs and cozy chairs for knitting and crocheting

Another one of the great joys about owning a yarn shop is, well, the yarn! When asked about the most popular fiber content/weight at her store, Tricia said, “Fingering weight, they like the fingering weight.” This is no surprise due to the warm climate in Oklahoma. It’s no wonder some of the most popular yarns at her store are Bamboo Pop and Bamboo Pop Sock! These yarns are highly versatile and great for wearable projects for all ages. Tricia goes on to mention fingering weight is very well-liked because “You can make socks and you can make shawls.” These two yarn options are excellent for those types of projects! As you can see below, her shelves are stocked with these wonderful yarns!

Variety of Bamboo Pop yarn at Yarnatopia

Other favorites that Tricia mentioned include Clean Cotton and Bella Chenille. She claims that her customers create many different home projects with Clean Cotton, which this yarn is perfect for! Bella Chenille is a favorite amongst her customers for blankets, and who can blame them? This yarn is so soft and cozy as many of you already know!

Yarnatopia does a phenomenal job showing its support to its customers. As we know, consistent encouragement is so important when learning to knit or crochet. Their store has a rug where people stand to get a picture of their own finished project. “The Corner of Fame” is what they call it. This gives customers the opportunity to not only feel special about a project they completed but also, Tricia shares them on Yarnatopia’s social media accounts! Speaking of outreach, Yarnatopia has a knit group every Wednesday and Friday. Additionally, in the month of October, they are doing all kinds of fun sales and events for the store’s anniversary.

We greatly enjoyed talking with Yarnatopia’s owner! You can watch the entire interview below by clicking on the video! We hope you learn a lot about this great store, and who knows, maybe you’ll stop by if you ever find yourself in Oklahoma City!

Full interview with Tricia Perkins (Yarnatopia)

October 10, 2022October 10, 2022

Textures & Treats Photo Contest

Autumn is a wonderful season for yarn crafting. The air is cooling down, and we’re ready to work on a brand-new sweater or shawl for the season. What could be better to pair with your crafting than a tasty fall treat? From pie to Halloween candy or warm apple cider, everyone has a favorite autumn treat to enjoy while they work on a project. We wanted to combine this love of yarn and treats into a photo contest that you can participate in on social media!

Photo of Ravello in 113 Nori and 105 HoneyPot with some pumpkin cookies – Petal Shawl in Ravello (free pattern) – Wooden stitch markers made by Katrinkles Knitting Jewelry

What is a photo contest? The idea of our photo contests is to let people show their creativity by taking pictures of our yarn, a WIP, or a finished product using our yarn. In July of this year, we held a photo contest featuring our yarns and projects that used our yarns. We were very happy with the results, so we decided to bring on another one! This time with a fall theme! If you are wondering what this is all about, or you’re looking to learn more, read below to hear more about the Textures & Treats Photo Contest.

When does it start and how do I enter? Starting today (October 10th), we are giving everyone on Instagram the opportunity to participate in a fun, fall-themed photo contest. We can’t forget to mention, there is a great prize for the winner! If you don’t yet have Instagram, feel free to create an account (it’s quick, easy, and free!) and follow us @universal_yarn for more details about the contest. Now time for the details!

What are the rules? First, grab your Universal Yarn, WIP, or FO (finished object), along with your favorite autumn treat. Then snap a picture! The setting is your choice – be creative! Once you do that, post the photo to your Instagram, tag us in it @universal_yarn, and use the hashtag #UYtexturesandtreatsphotocontest. You must be following us on Instagram to be officially entered, and we ask that you also DM (Direct Message) us a jpg image of your entry. Please note, by using the hashtag, you are allowing us to repost your content. The deadline to enter is November 9th!

Rules for the Textures & Treats Photo Contest – Truva WIP is Yonca Ozbelli’s – Gold stitch markers made by Erin Fisher (https://www.instagram.com/onfishershook/)

How do I win? After the November 9th deadline, our staff will vote and select the top 5 photos of those who have entered. On November 10, we will post the Top 5 as a carousel post on our Instagram, and you will vote for the winner through comments on the post. The winner will then be announced on November 15th, and a great prize will be on its’ way! Now, let’s think of some inspiration!

Inspiration? We hope the photos within this blog provide inspiration but let’s take some time to go through what we are looking for! There are so many amazing things about the fall season, whether that be the leaves turning colors, or pumpkin spice anything. So, what would make a good photo? How about a sweater with fall leaves, a pumpkin in the background, and a warm apple cider? That sounds like a great idea. If you’re not a big fan of pumpkins or apple cider, do not worry. One more idea could be your favorite Universal Yarn with a tasty Pecan Pie on the side, perhaps throw in some leaves or acorns as well. The options are endless, and there’s no telling what great yarn photos you can come up with!

139 Masquerade in Uni Merino with candy apples

We hope you decide to join us this autumn for our Textures & Treats Photo Contest!

Questions? If you have any questions, please email rferrel@universalyarn.com and I will be happy to assist!

We can’t wait to see your photos! – Robert

September 14, 2022September 14, 2022

Meet a Local Yarn Shop – Coastal Purl

As a yarn company, we would not be where we are today without the support of the local yarn stores who stock our products on their shelves. From humble beginnings, we now have over 800 local yarn store retailers around the world who carry our yarns. The support these shops give to our company is amazing, and we want to spread the love back to them as much as possible. On social media, we consistently feature projects from local yarn shops and share our retailers, but we wanted to dig a little deeper and get to know some of these wonderful shops and owners even better. We’ve started an initiative to interview some of our local yarn store retailers to learn a little more about them, their shops, and what keeps business going.

Perfect patio for your WIPs! (Elizabeth City, NC)

Along the coast of northeastern North Carolina lives a beautiful community of knitters and crocheters. Coastal Purl has helped create that community, and offers them a place to gather and purchase yarn for their projects. How did it get here? Well, we got the opportunity to interview Katherine Rogers (store owner) to learn more about her amazing shop. Stick around to hear more about our conversation with Katherine of Coastal Purl!

Pull up a chair, and chat while working on your project!

Katherine Rogers is the owner of Coastal Purl, which is located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. She describes herself as a “lifelong knitter,” as she grew up with a mom and grandmother who were always knitting. A Maine native, Katherine moved down South for job opportunities within her family. With the move to a new place came the opportunity to try something new, so Katherine took the step to open her yarn shop in Spring 2020. You may look at that timing and say “how did she open a yarn shop amid the pandemic?” Well, we asked her that, and she responded by saying that the COVID-19 pandemic gave her the extra time she needed to get her store ready. As the North Carolina stay-at-home order came to an end in early May 2020, her store opened up. It looked to be great timing as she stated “COVID brought people in.” The loneliness of quarantine and the pandemic, in general, wasn’t easy for anyone, and shops like Coastal Purl offered people a way to keep themselves busy and create handmade projects during this difficult time.

Katherine Rogers (Owner of Coastal Purl) wearing a sweater knit with Kingston Tweed in color 105 Ochre

Two years after opening, Coastal Purl continues to bring a great sense of community to the locals of Elizabeth City. This store has been involved with all kinds of outreach, including the Knitted Knockers program, which some of our yarns have been approved for. Additionally, they provide plenty of events for their community, like going to the waterfront for Worldwide Knit Outside Day, and having “Knit Night Out” at local breweries in the area. Universal Yarn is honored to partner with a store that has such integrity, and thankfully the customers of Coastal Purl have received our yarn with smiles on their faces.

Katherine mentions in the interview, “One of the favorite yarns here is Wool Pop.” As you can see in the photograph below, the customers at Coastal Purl love to create with Wool Pop, and what’s not to love about this yarn. The slight sheen from the way the bamboo and wool take the dye makes this yarn stand out regardless of the project. Other yarns she mentions as popular choices are Bamboo Pop and Bamboo Pop Sock.

Customer Project using Bamboo Pop Sock Solids

We loved talking with Coastal Purl’s owner! You can watch the whole conversation below! Play the video below to see the full interview with Katherine Rogers and learn more about her shop.

It’s safe to say Coastal Purl is a great spot for all you yarn lovers. However, we know not everyone lives in northeastern North Carolina. Fortunately for you, Coastal Purl has created an online community for those who are not able to be there in-person. On their website, you can see their calendar or events, and even shop your favorite yarns! We hope you enjoy Coastal Purl as much as we do!

Interview with Coastal Purl

September 12, 2022September 12, 2022

Yarn Spotlight: Cobblestone

Hello to our fellow yarn lovers! It feels like summer has flown by, and now autumn is on the way. None of us are complaining about cooler weather, though. There is something about the crisp fall air that brings a sense of relaxation. Whether you are sitting by the fireplace knitting to your favorite tv show, or out and about, this is the perfect time for fall projects.

Today we’re spotlighting a yarn that has been popular since its release last fall: Cobblestone. The name itself paints a picture of the fall season, and the yarn certainly passes the test. There are so many great free patterns and some new colors, so why don’t we go ahead and jump in?

Clockwise (left to right) – Cobblestone is 108 Tuxedo, 105 Mallard, 102 Precious Jewels, and 106 Meadow

When it comes to sophisticated yarns, Cobblestone is right up there with the rest. This yarn is perfect for classic garments and accessories, some of which will be highlighted here in this blog. This two-ply yarn has one variegated ply and one solid ply giving Cobblestone a beautiful handspun appearance. It is a great idea to stick with simpler stitch motifs because cables and lace could get lost, but that doesn’t stop Cobblestone from bringing a creative touch to sweaters, scarves, socks, and the list could go on and on.

Cobblestone is a fine, sport-weight yarn made from 100% superwash merino wool, giving it a light feel and making it perfect for early fall. Each ball boasts 200 g / 612 yards, making it an excellent option for bigger projects or several small projects. The wool fibers still do their job of keeping you nice and cozy, while not being winter-weather warm. Whether you knit or crochet, this yarn is soft to the touch and easy to work with. Now, let’s learn about color options.

Cobblestone in 107 Cotton Candy with a crochet hook

There are 16 beautiful, unique colorways in Cobblestone – eight of which are brand new for this season (pictured below). Antarctica (#114) reminds me of a snowy night by the fire pit, roasting s’mores with friends. While Parakeet (#110) looks like a fun day surfing at the beach. There’s a perfect color scheme for everyone with Cobblestone, the question now is, what should you make? Well, we are glad you asked. Cobblestone is featured in plenty of free patterns, so let’s highlight a few.

The eight new colors of Cobblestone released for Fall 2022

The Cotton Candy Swirl… Doesn’t that just sound so yummy? The aptly-named Cotton Candy (#107) colorway just reminds me of a ballpark cotton candy treat. This shawl is sure to get you compliments every time you wear it, and will keep you cozy when the weather gets chilly. This is the perfect free pattern option to start your fall crochet projects. The stitch definition is clear to see in this accessory, and the yarn adds unique characteristics to the finished shawl. The fun color shifts in Cobblestone work with the treble crochet pattern to create a bright and happy project. This pattern is a great choice for all skill levels and only requires one skein of Cobblestone. If you’re not a huge fan of pastels, any color will look amazing in the Cotton Candy Swirl.

The Cotton Candy Swirl with 107 Cotton Candy

How about a pair of socks? Cobblestone is an insulating, lightweight, and springy yarn – all great attributes for creating a cozy pair. Not only that, but with the amount of yardage in each skein, you’ll have enough to make some for yourself and friends and family. The free Cobblesocks, designed by Heather Hill, are knit in the round from toe-up. This knitting pattern is a lovely way to start the autumn season. I think Tuxedo (#108) would make a great pair of socks that are easy to match and comfortable to wear.

The last pattern we will mention is the Gravel Sweater, designed by Rachel Brockman. This sweater uses both Cobblestone and Donnina. The sleeve cuffs, hems, and neckline all use Donnina, and that leaves a canvas for Cobblestone to complete the main body of the sweater. The timeless color choices of Cobblestone make this sweater really stand out, just make sure to match it with a coordinating color of Donnina if you choose to stray away from Tuxedo (#108) in Cobblestone. While this sweater is sized for women, it could easily be adapted for men, too.

Gravel Sweater with 108 Tuxedo and 230 Onyx in Donnina

There are a few more patterns that use our Cobblestone yarn, including wraps, sweaters, hats, and more. You can find them all on our website by searching “Cobblestone patterns.” If you are more of a kinesthetic learner, then take a look at a local yarn store near you, so you can go in and get a feel for Cobblestone. We hope you have enjoyed hearing more about this yarn and we can’t wait to see what you will make with it!

P.S – Stay tuned for more great things in Cobblestone to come this fall!

Keep on crafting! -Robert

August 17, 2022August 17, 2022

My Favorite Yarns (so far)

Hi everyone! My name is Robert Ferrel, and I am a new employee here at Universal Yarn. In May of 2022, I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Go Niners), and a week later I started my role here as the Social Media Marketing Assistant! In college, I majored in marketing and wanted the opportunity to grow my skill set and I have found that at UY.

Picture of me (Robert) in Uptown Charlotte (Photo Credit: Zachary Allred Photography)

I have greatly enjoyed my first few months here and have learned so much about the industry. Growing up, you never would have found me knitting or crocheting, and I didn’t know many people who did, but I have grown to appreciate the art. I have created content for so many yarns already, so it may be hard for me to pick just one as my favorite, so instead, I will list my top 3.

Clean Cotton is one of my favorite yarns here at UY. One of the things I love about this yarn is the fact that it is environmentally friendly, with the fiber contents being 85% recycled cotton and 15% recycled polyester. This yarn is very affordable and is perfect for making useful kitchen accessories. As a recent college graduate, the Mosaic Dish Towels and Fresh Air Washcloths can help keep my kitchen appliances clean… and maybe convince my mother that I am no longer an unorganized college kid. “Love you, mom.” It is great for any season because it is so versatile in the types of projects it can create, and there are plenty of colors to choose from, including neutral, but also some bolder and brighter colors.

Another favorite of mine here at Universal Yarn is Deluxe Stripes. I’m not going to lie, when I first saw the Deluxe Stripes skeins, I was a bit intimidated by all the different colors, but when worked up, this yarn created a lot of beautiful garments and accessories. I don’t have the patience to hand wash my clothes or accessories, so the fact that it is machine washable makes it much easier to care for. The 75% superwash wool and 25% nylon mix make it great for socks. The Deluxe Socks is a free pattern and if you’re anything like me, wearing socks around the house has become a must. With 9 different colorways available, it’s hard to pick what I want on my feet, but you can’t go wrong with any of these colors.

Lastly, I will give a shout-out to Bella Chenille. This yarn has been my favorite from the time I started here. It is incredibly soft and there are 29 different solid colors to choose from. My favorite has to be 117 Red Apple because it literally reminds me of an apple, which is one of the most delicious fruits. There are plenty of fun patterns to try with Bella Chenille, but my favorite is Peanut Butter and Jelly. These stuffed bears are an excellent creation to have by your side day and night.

Peanut Butter and Jelly in Bella Chenille

I can’t help but feel blessed to be a part of the Universal Yarn team, and I look forward to learning more about yarn, knitting, crocheting, and everything in-between!