Collection Spotlight: My First Knits

Welcome to the My First Knits collection, designed to help you build your knitting skills step by step. From your very first stitches to your first sweater, we’ve got you covered. 

We kick it off with Freshman, a scarf that proves beginner knitting can make a major impact. Designed by Afifa Sayeed using squishy super-bulky Be Wool and the easiest stitch in the book, this piece is all about instant gratification.

Next up is Sophomore, designed by Alexandra Frankel. This cozy beanie is a cold-weather staple, with its classic lines and playful pompom. Deluxe Bulky Superwash makes for quick stitching with stunning results. 

Junior, designed by Afifa Sayeed, takes a simple shape and a splash of color, and gives you endless style. This shawl shows off the soft sheen and playful texture of Bamboo Bloom Handpaints, making it an instant statement piece.

The Senior legwarmers, designed by Alexandra Frankel, are all about warmth and style. Fashion meets fun in an all-over mock cable pattern with super-cute drawstring ties. They’re soft and durable too, thanks to our easy-care Uptown Worsted yarn.

Ready to tackle your first sweater? Look no further than the Graduate pullover, designed by Alexandra Frankel and Afifa Sayeed. Pairing basic raglan shaping with bold color, tweedy texture, and sporty stripes, Graduate balances simplicity and character in one perfect package with a winning combination of Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash and Deluxe Worsted Superwash. The color possibilities are endless.

With the My First Knits collection, you’ll become a seasoned knitter in no time! Shop the individual patterns on Ravelry, or immerse yourself in the complete e-book, including all five designs. And to make project prep even easier for you, we’ve marked all the yarns featured in this collection down by 20%, this weekend only! Stock up and save, now through Sunday, December 7.

We can’t wait to see what you create!

Afifa & Alex

Collection Spotlight: Deluxe Men 2.0

Happy Friday, crafters! Here’s one for the fellas. With just enough time before the holidays to whip up a fabulous handmade gift for him, we are delighted to introduce the Deluxe Men 2.0 mini collection by Rachel Brockman, knit in our Deluxe Family yarns. Tailored lines meet contemporary details in three dapper pieces featuring rich texture, bold cables, and playful colorwork.

Costanza brings vintage sitcom charm to your needles in the form of a polished and preppy v-neck pullover. Intricate braided cables are the stars of this stylish sweater, with striped trim adding a sporty pop of color. Our Deluxe Worsted Superwash yarn makes for an easy-care piece that layers beautifully over a tee or collared shirt, and is soft enough to wear on its own.

Wrap up in a symphony of texture with the Erie scarf. Slipped stitch cables and garter ridges float across this oversized accessory, accented with fringe along each end for a classic look. Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash makes this piece sing with visual and tactile appeal, adding softness, comfort, and a handsome sprinkling of tweedy flecks.

No winter wardrobe is complete without a traditional colorwork sweater, and Foliose is the one to choose. Cozy and relaxed, this yoke pullover features a striking diamond motif in a trio of cool winter shades. Knit in Deluxe Worsted, this piece boasts crisp stitch definition and insulating warmth, perfect for outdoor adventures, après-ski, or lounging at home.

Each pattern is available for individual purchase on Ravelry, or you can snag ’em all and save with our Deluxe Men 2.0 e-book. And don’t forget the yarn! Enjoy 15% off the entire Deluxe Family, now through Sunday, November 23.

Happy knitting!

Alex

Collection Spotlight: Farmers Market

As the air turns crisp and the colors of the season come into full bloom, we’re celebrating the cozy charm of autumn with our Farmers Market collection, five knit and crochet patterns inspired by the sights, scents, and textures of a harvest morning. From baskets of golden maize to jars of berry preserves, each piece brings the warmth of handmade craft to your cool-weather wardrobe.

The Allspice mitts, designed by Alexandra Frankel, are a colorful mix of warmth and whimsy. These mitts showcase a medley of tones reminiscent of spice jars and fall foliage. They’re a quick knit with bulky weight Maman, that adds just the right pop of personality to your autumn look.

Long, luxurious, and adorned with playful fringe, the Berry Cobbler scarf, designed by Alexandra Frankel, is as delightful as its namesake dessert. Knit with squishy soft Bella Bounce, its twisting cables and cozy weight make it a statement accessory.

Elegant and effortless, the Harvest Moon cowl, designed by Afifa Sayeed, captures the shimmer of twilight on a cool autumn night. Our Dallas yarn creates a plush fabric with a gentle drape, making this accessory an ideal layer for everything from morning market strolls to evening gatherings by the fire.

The Maize hat, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, resembles rows of golden corn glinting in the sun. The hat’s ribbed design adds subtle texture and stretch. Crocheted with soft and sturdy Linear, it’s a fabulous project for gifting or keeping close when the temperature drops.

Wrap yourself in comfort with the Maple Cider shawl, designed by Afifa Sayeed. Knit with Thula, this richly textured shawl is perfect for layering on brisk mornings. The oversized shape and contrast color cables evoke a swirl of cider being poured on a chilly day, equal parts cozy and classic.

Whether you’re wandering the local market, sipping cider with friends, or cozying up for a weekend of knitting, the Farmers Market collection celebrates everything we love about the season. Whether you purchase the entire ebook or your favorite pattern or two, don’t miss this opportunity for 20% off all of the yarns featured in this collection, through Sunday, October 19th.

Happy Crafting,

Afifa

Collection Spotlight: Power Play

The Power Play collection is all about contrast — strength and softness, structure and drape, everyday staples and eye-catching details. Designed with a modern, wearable edge, each piece showcases the unique characteristics of the featured yarns, blending unexpected fibers like silk and linen with laid-back silhouettes and contemporary stitchwork.

Let’s take a closer look at each pattern in the collection:

Like its name suggests, Effervescence is bubbly and breezy — a sideways knit tee with a subtle eyelet motif, topped with a puff sleeve shrug that feels effortlessly feminine. This set is knit in our favorite warm weather yarns, Sandcastle and Dunescape.

Ethereal lives up to its name. This wrap is feather-light. The minimalist stitch patterns let the yarn shine, especially in Rico Design’s Make it Tweed, which practically floats off the needles, paired with Rico Design’s Super Cotton DK to keep it grounded.

Magnetic is an oversized polo with bold energy — a piece that pulls you in with its texture. The slouchy sleeves and drop shoulder construction create a relaxed silhouette that’s all about impact. It’s cozy yet breathable, thanks to the combination of Fibra Natura Flax and Rico Design Essentials Super Kid Mohair Loves Silk Glamorous Glitter, and it brings instant cool to anything from jeans to slip skirts.

Wonder and Whimsy take accessorizing to a daring new level. This two-piece set offers maximum versatility and charm. The shawl features drop stitches framed by bold textured chains, while the kerchief adds a layer of casual cool with its mosaic colorwork. Wear them together for a coordinated moment, or mix and match with your wardrobe. Rico Design Luxury Natural Silk Blend adds a lux touch while the bright colors of Fonty Soyeuse give a beachy vibe to both pieces.

Each design in the Power Play collection offers something special — whether it’s a hint of sparkle, a pop of color, or a perfectly placed puff sleeve. Unified by their thoughtful construction and playful edge, these knits are modern wardrobe builders designed to celebrate the duality in all of us: soft yet strong.

Keep on crafting on!

Afifa

Collection Spotlight: Petit Chou

Delicate, charming, and endlessly wearable, the Petit Chou Mini Shawl Collection is a sweet celebration of effortless style. Featuring soft, lightweight designs knit in Fonty’s cozy yet refined yarns, these mini shawls are perfect for adding a pop of color to any outfit.

Hello! Alex here! I’m thrilled to debut my first-ever designs for Universal in this collection! First, meet Cherie (above), a narrow scarf knit in luxurious Moustache, an oh-so-soft blend of merino, mohair, and silk. The yarn lends a floaty, ethereal quality to this piece, while the diagonal ridge stitch adds depth and texture. My favorite detail is Cherie’s distinctive pointed ends, designed to resemble the feather fletching on an arrow.

Delfine (above left) is the epitome of elegance, with its graceful, elongated-crescent silhouette, edged in romantic lace. Cloud-like Ombelle bathes the shawlette in a halo of delicate fluff, enhancing the softness and sophistication of the piece. With 60 stunning shades to choose from, you can make a Delphine shawlette to complement any piece in your wardrobe.

Add a burst of color and style to your neckline with the beginner-friendly Solange mini shawl (above right). This chic little number features eyelet stripes spanning a stockinette background, neatly framed with a garter border and knit up in soft and sleek Soyeuse yarn. Cute and casual, Solange is the cherry on top of any ensemble!

Hiya, this is Afifa! My contributions to this collection start with Cielle – a mini kerchief knit with cozy and luxurious Mongolia 5. Cielle is soft, light, and just the right size to toss on for that effortlessly chic “I just threw this on” vibe. Whether you’re taming flyaways, jazzing up a simple outfit, or need a neck warmer for chilly mornings, this cutie’s got your back (or neck or head!). Plus, knitting it up is quick and satisfying—like a little treat for your needles.

Meet Daphne (above left)- as delightful to knit as it is to wear! Crafted with Tartan 3, a 100% superwash fine wool yarn, Daphne offers a soft, cozy feel with a touch of elegance. This charming accessory features an engaging lace pattern that adds a hint of sophistication to any outfit. Whether you’re dressing up for a night out or adding a stylish layer to your everyday look, Daphne is the perfect companion. Plus, with Tartan 3’s slightly mottled, tone-on-tone colors, you can choose the perfect shade to match your style.

Knit with Aubusson, Violette (above right) offers unparalleled softness and warmth. Available in a wide range of colors, Aubusson allows you to personalize Violette to match your style perfectly. This plump yarn is a joy to knit with and super quick to boot.

Reine marks our first design collaboration. Our love of texture and lace allowed us to use this opportunity to combine our collective passions with our individual styles to create something truly unique. The merino and yak strands of Mongolia 3 bring beautiful stitch definition to this piece, while mini tassels add a touch of whimsy.

We hope you enjoy this little labor of love as much as we do!

Alex and Afifa

Collection Spotlight: Form and Function

As the leaves are changing and a crispness fills the air, we begin to think about cozy sweaters, warm accessories, and soft scarves. Fall not only brings a beautiful transformation to our surroundings but also offers a wonderful opportunity to update our wardrobes with rich textures, colors and an AWESOME time to introduce our Uptown Family Collection! The Form and Function Collection has six patterns to knit and crochet across the Uptown line.

Arcade designed by Andi Javori

Perfect pairing to a night out, the Arcade wrap is a must have for a boat ride or a date night. Whether draped casually over a outfit or elegantly layered over a dress for an evening out, it can enhance your look while keeping you cozy. The versatility of this accessory allows it to be styled in various ways, making it a must-have in any wardrobe for that extra flair.

The combination of a reversible knit-purl texture paired with columns of pretty little cables makes this piece aesthetically interesting and entertaining to knit.

Experience the versatility of Arcade, shown in the stunning Uptown Bamboo DK, in color 536 Mist. With 38 vibrant colors to choose from, it’s the perfect opportunity to unleash your imagination and bring your projects to life!

Blueprint designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre

Picture yourself nestled by the crackling fireplace, the soft glow of the flames dancing in the room, wearing a cardigan as serene as the scene. All of that is possible with the adored Blueprint . The gradient blues of this cardigan beautifully evoke the tranquility of a serene winter sky, making it not only visually appealing but also an ideal choice for the colder seasons. Wrap yourself in this cozy piece that combines style and warmth effortlessly.

The standout feature of this cardigan is the intricate flower-inspired motif gracefully adorning the back. Skillfully crafted crocheted colorwork with this striking design element in contrasting silver adds a stunning visual impact that enhances the overall allure of the piece.

Stay cozy and stylish this cold season with the Blueprint cardigan. This colorwork crochet cardigan features a structured fit that ensures comfort, while ribbed detailing along the hem and cuffs adds a touch of casual elegance. Shown the beautiful Uptown DK Multi color 206 Mist and Uptown DK colors 118 Lolite and 125 Silver, this cardigan is designed to enhance any winter wardrobe.

Galleria designed by Rachel Brockman

The Galleria poncho is a contemporary staple, ideal for elevating your winter wardrobe. With its chic design and versatile silhouette, it effortlessly combines warmth and style, making it the perfect addition to any outfit. Whether layered over a cozy sweater or dressed up for a night out, the Galleria poncho offers a fashionable solution to keep you snug and sophisticated during the colder months.

The design incorporates large cables and intricate textures, creating an enjoyable knitting experience. It promotes a rewarding creative journey, enhances visual appeal, and offers a stimulating challenge for knitters of all skill levels.

The Galleria poncho is a statement piece that enhances your wardrobe, featuring a reversible funnel neck that can be styled cuffed or uncuffed. Made from soft, drapey anti-pilling Uptown Worsted yarn shown in color 375 Antique Rose, it showcases a subtle sheen that brings out the textures beautifully.

Juxtaposition designed by Universal Yarn Design Team

This is the statement throw your sofa needs! Juxtaposition is a gorgeous color-blocked throw suitable for knitters of all skill levels. It is worked by creating two panels. Each panel features a streamlined stockinette stitch section and a textured checkers pattern that adds depth to the finished piece. After knitting the two panels, you’ll seam them together and then work the garter stitch edging. This would be a great project to work on over the holiday season and have ready in time for snuggly winter evenings!

Four carefully selected colors smoothly transition across the blanket, resulting in a unique, handcrafted charm. Shown in Uptown Worsted in colors 373 River, 335 Acorn, 303 Cream, 351 Latte.

Promenade designed by Afifa Sayeed

If you want to knit a statement outfit topper, Promenade is just the piece for you. This ruana features a stand-out cable that dresses the center back of the piece, and a clever tab for styling the front. The self-shading colors in our Uptown Worsted Hues yarn add depth to the overall piece, with soft colors transitioning from one to the next as you knit. The reverse stockinette stitch texture provides a classic feel for the body of the ruana and allows the cable to pop in the center.

Promenade is the perfect accessory for transitional weather. It will keep you warm in the chilly morning and evening air while allowing for multiple ways to wear as the day warms up. Whether you’re headed to work in the office, or on a night out with friends, this ruana will keep you cozy and feeling fabulous.

Promenade enhances any wardrobe with its unique charm and refined quality. Meticulously crafted from Uptown Worsted Hues, and shown in color 3305 Pink Sand, this piece showcases the stunning variety and richness of color that this premium yarn offers.

Vista designed by Andi Javori

Do you love knitting pullovers? We have your next favorite pattern! Vista is a sophisticated sweater knit using super soft Uptown DK. Raglan sleeve shaping provides an excellent fit and polished feel while the directional mock cable pattern on the body offers plenty of visual interest for the finished piece.

Vista is knit from the bottom up in pieces and seamed. If you’re hesitant about knitting a seamed sweater, we encourage you to try! Seams provide structure and strength to the finished piece, ensuring you will love wearing your handmade sweater for years to come.

Vista is an essential addition to your wardrobe, expertly crafted with our luxurious Uptown DK yarn shown in the color 135 Desert Rose. With over 50 colors to choose from, you’ll find the perfect one for your wardrobe!

Limited Time Offer: Save 20% on the Uptown Line!

Now through Sunday, November 10th, enjoy 20% off the entire Uptown Line, including Uptown Bamboo DK, Uptown DK , Uptown DK Multi , Uptown Worsted, and Uptown Worsted Hues! This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on your favorite yarn and discover modern designs for every skill level. Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your crafting projects and unleash your imagination! Uptown

Until Then,

Keep Calm and Knit On

MsGinB.

Collection Spotlight: Oasis

We’re waving goodbye to May with a big surprise! Our Oasis Pattern Collection is now available, and we can’t wait to introduce you to all seven of these gorgeous knit and crochet patterns. In the spotlight is Dunescape, a brand-new DK-weight blend of 57% cotton, 30% viscose, and 13% linen that’s soft and has excellent stitch definition. The Oasis Pattern Collection features five knit and two crochet pieces: let’s learn more about them now!

Aloe designed by Afifa Sayeed

Sensational for the sunshine, the Aloe vest is perfect for your next concert or frolic through a flower field! The open lace mesh and cropped fit of this breezy pattern makes it a great layering piece for your favorite outfits. Aloe is knit in pieces and seamed, with the straps sewn to the back and crochet chain ties attached to the front.

Aloe is sized from Extra Small through 5X with the sample showing off Dunescape color 106 Kelp. With 16 colors available in Dunescape, you can get creative!

Cactus Flower designed by Afifa Sayeed

Imagine strolling along the beach at sunset, wearing a top as beautiful as the scenery! All of that is possible with the beloved Cactus Flower tank! Follow along with a fun two-color star stitch pattern, and you will end up with this wardrobe staple. Cactus Flower features an interesting construction that makes it just as much fun to knit as it is to wear.

This light and airy top is knit in four pieces and seamed together and includes sizes Extra Small through 5X. Grab your two favorite colors and knit your own version today!

Canyon designed by Rachel Brockman

There’s nothing more breathtaking than the beautiful canyons found in nature. With astonishing colors and textures, there’s no wonder millions of people visit these landscapes. Canyon draws that same inspiration in the form of a sweater that you will want to wear every day. With gorgeous lace panels adorning each side and textured moss stitch used throughout, this piece will be phenomenal for your next vacation.

Canyon displays the beautiful drape of our Dunescape yarn in the color 116 Persimmon.

Eventide designed by Afifa Sayeed

Colorful, creative, and show-stopping are just three ways to describe Eventide! Knit in three hues of Dunescape, this piece is worked lengthwise as a rectangle and then seamed to create the shape. The lace texture and impeccable drape of the yarn make this a great accessory for the hottest summer days. Plus, who doesn’t love the fun addition of tassels?

While these shades look impressive together, plenty of trios would stand out. We love the idea of a festive look for the 4th of July with 103 Coconut, 108 Chicory, and 112 Paprika!

Lupine designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre

Ready to visit the farmers market in style? Grab your two desired colors of Dunescape and crochet the eye-catching Lupine bag. Lupine is worked by creating the identical Front and Back pieces that feature a mosaic pattern, joining those, and then working the side panels and straps. As a bonus, the cotton fibers of this yarn mean Lupine will be durable and reliable for whatever you need to carry!

Sandstorm designed by Aubrey Busek

You can’t help but be in awe of the golden sand dunes that grace desert landscapes. Much like the miles and miles of powdery sand, Sandstorm is something to behold. The stunning mosaic and crosses pattern pairs phenomenally with the lace arrows pattern, giving you a summer accessory bound to receive compliments.

This piece is worked modularly, with charts included for the mosaic and lace sections of the pattern. We know you will love putting your skills to the test as you practice multiple different techniques with this shawl!

Sidewinder designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre

Haven’t you always wanted a dreamy set for a summer night out? Whether it’s date night or fun with friends, The show-stopping Sidewinder set will make you feel amazing! With mesmerizing alternations between mesh and ribbed texture panels, you’ll have a trendy look that you’ll reach for often!

This pattern includes instructions for the top and skirt both sized from Extra Small to 5X.

Save This Weekend!

Now through Sunday, June 2nd, take 20% off Dunescape and the Oasis E-Book (our website only)! This DK-weight yarn is a blend of 57% cotton, 30% viscose, and 13% linen that thrives in the hottest months of the year. Dunescape is excellent for textured and simple stitches alike, so it’s a great choice for all skill levels. With a whole pattern collection of inspiration, there’s never been a better time to stock up on your new favorite yarn!

Collection Spotlight: Precious Picnic

Spring is just around the corner and we are embracing it in a big way with our newest collection featuring eight adorable patterns for your little ones. Taking inspiration from nature’s sweet treats, the Precious Picnic collection utilizes the colors and imagery of fresh fruit in a variety of designs ranging from adorable stuffies, accessories, and garments to blankets in our easy-care Uptown Bamboo DK. Let’s jump right in and talk about each piece!

Dress your little one in an outfit as sweet as they are with the Bilberry Set, designed by me! The adorable romper is perfect for layering over long sleeves during a cool spring picnic and the bucket hat will protect their heads from the sun. We’ve chosen 522 Sailor and 525 Willow for our version, but let your favorite fruit serve as the foundation of this leaf-topped ensemble! The romper includes sizes for 0-18 months and the hat includes sizes for a newborn to a toddler. Both pieces are constructed from the top down with a simple stranded colorwork motif to create the leaf pattern.

My personal favorite – the Concord Wrap, also designed by me. A sweet little cardigan with adorable grape bunches adorning the front hem. The crossover design with buttons and I-cord ties makes it easy to dress a wiggly one. This layering piece is the perfect cocoon for any outfit, keeping your sweet babe cozy thanks to our soft, smooth Uptown Bamboo DK yarn. The sample shown uses 517 Lilac and includes sizes for 0-24 months. The Concord Wrap is constructed in pieces and seamed.

What’s more fun than a set of stuffed fruit? The Fresh and Fruity Set, designed by, you guessed it, ME, is just ripe for pretend play. This stuffed toy set includes varying colors and shapes, helping teach young ones about objects and colors in fun ways. The set features colorways 525 Willow, 505 Daisy, 514 Tomato, and 518 Mulberry. Each fruit is knit seamlessly from the top down and stuffed as you go.

What could be more fitting in a collection of fruit-inspired items for young ones than a gingham blanket? Rachel Brockman designed both a knit AND a crochet version of the quintessential picnic blanket. Both versions are constructed in a modular fashion, making them the perfect on-the-go project. The crochet version of the Gingham Blankie is shown in 502 Lily and 507 Peach and the knit version uses 502 Lily, 519 Bluebird, and 521 Chill

Keep the mess off those adorable outfits with the Juicy Bib Trio designed by Rachel Brockman – a collection of bibs decorated with apples, lemons, and pears bordered by an edging inspired by basketry, like a little picnic basket. Each bib is knit flat from the bottom up using a knit-purl texture to create the motifs. The bibs pictured above feature colors 514 Tomato, 505 Daisy, and 524 Lemongrass.

The Melon Seed Set, designed by Rachel Brockman, is refreshing and sweet. Its inspiration was the juicy summer treat. Vibrant 513 Flamingo and 526 Melon work playfully together in this easy stranded colorwork pattern, along with 538 Tuxedo. The sweater comes in a wide range of sizes starting from 0-6 months up to 6-8 years! The socks are available in sizes Baby through Youth.

The Strawberry Patch sweater, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, features a plump, juicy berry applique on the front with on-trend contrast color sleeves to keep this piece cool and casual for your little one. This sweater is crocheted seamlessly from the top down in turning rounds. The colorwork of the sleeves and body are created with intarsia in colors 502 Lily and 514 Tomato. The strawberry stem detail is worked with 524 Lemongrass. The pattern is available in a range of sizes from 3 months to 6 years.

Celebrate the release of this adorable collection with us this weekend with 20% off the Precious Picnic E-book through our website, that’s a value of $40 for just $20, PLUS 20% off Uptown Bamboo DK.

Keep on knitting on!

Afifa

12 Days of Winter – 2023 Kit Collection

Assortment of Knits with text "12 Days of Winter, the 2023 Kit collection"

Hello, December! It’s that time of year again, when we present to you our annual 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. And, with bittersweet news, this is our last kit collection of this type. Join me today as I reflect on year’s past and share the exciting refreshed and new kits we are offering for 2023.

The cover from our very first edition of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, from 2017.

In 2017, when I first began working at Universal Yarn, we conceived the exciting idea to create twelve wintry accessories featuring a variety of our yarns to support our local yarn stores through the gift-giving season. These kits were designed to be beautiful, thoughtful finished objects to give a loved one, or to be a present for your best fiber friend. The designs were all centered around winter, and primarily meant to be useful beyond the holiday season. We dreamt of frozen lakes, snowy forests, the warmth and crackle of the fireplace, and twinkling lights. Then, we took that imagery and created a collection of twelve designs to inspire.

Top Left: Series 1 Snowflake Mitts / Top Right: Series 2 Mistletoes
Middle Left: Series 3 Mountain Pines / Middle Right: Series 4 Chai Latte Set
Bottom Left: Series 5 Crochet Cinnamon Swirl Stole / Bottom Right Series 6 Hubble the Winter Wolf

Pictured above are some of the highlights our the past six years of 12 Days of Winter. In those years, we have published a total of 76 knitting and crochet patterns to celebrate the season. From mitts and hats to scarves and stuffies, we truly have something for everyone in these collections. As we reflected on which of these patterns were best loved for Series 7, we wanted to rekindle the joy they brought you. With that said, we are so proud to share our latest 12 Days of Winter Kit collection, which features old favorites and new patterns alike.

The Cover of our 12 Days of Winter 2023 Kit Collection

First, let’s talk about some of the oldies but goodies. Eight of the patterns in this collection were revisited from previous years. We’ve refreshed them with exciting new yarns. Take Aspen, for example. This beloved classic cabled scarf was a hit during our third year of the kit collection. It’s intricately winding cables are impressive, but easier to achieve than one might expect. This year, we’ve paired it with a yarn destined to shine in cables: Yarn Vibes Cliffs of Moher. Its rustic, plump hand gives the cables such a warm and woolly texture.

The popular Forest Garland, which has both a knit and crochet version, was reimagined using our Cotton Supreme and Cotton Gold yarns held together. The shimmering sequins of Cotton Gold make it look just like twinkly lights or beautiful bulbs decorating a Christmas tree.

New yarns are just part of revisiting our previous years of patterns. As you can see so far, we’ve been swapping colors as well. That’s the case for each of these patterns, and I especially love how it worked out for the Blue Spruce Socks and Snow Day Set. We opted for unexpected yarns and icy shades to maximize the wintry impact. The Blue Spruce Socks use two strands of Uni Merino together, and the Snow Day Set takes Rico Design’s Fashion Cotton Light and Long Tweed on a frosty adventure!

Originally from Series 2, We Three Hats and Snowfolk were especially favored among our in-house team and our customers. We kept the yarn for We Three Hats the same, but played around with cool shades of sugarplum and icy blues. This outstanding kit is like three in one, because you’ll have enough Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash to make all three hats and enjoy a sampling of fun techniques! Similarly, one kits gets you all three Snowfolk, lovingly named Agnes, Dorothy, and Maureen. This year, these ladies got a makeover with all new accessories in best-selling Uptown Worsted to keep cozy on a cold winter’s day.

Although all of the kits we’ve revisited so far were featured in previous 12 Days of Winter Kit Collections, not all of those from this year are. In fact, we’ve taken two stunning kits from discontinued yarns and gave them new life! The Holiday Stockings and the Illuvia Shawl were once part of our Dona color kits. Their techniques made them a perfect fit for the collection. The stranded Holiday Stockings, now knit in Rico Design Baby Dream DK Uni are a joyful home décor project just waiting to be stuffed with little trinkets. The colorful Illuvia Shawl, now knit in Wool Pop, features a sampling of exciting stitches that will delight you as you knit, and impress your giftee!

Finally, we’re happy to introduce some brand new patterns to you! The last four kits I’ll touch on were designed to round out this year’s collection. The first two, Mini Marshmallow and the Twilight Socks, are special because they combine different yarns for impact. Mini Marshmallow is actually a tiny version of his big brother, Marshmallow, from Series 5. This little best friend would make the sweetest gift for your little one. I can easily see their little body popping out of the aforementioned Holiday Stockings on Christmas morning, just waiting to be hugged! Mini Marshmallow is knit using plush, soft Bella Chenille, and their stylish sweater is knit with colorful Rico Design Creative Melange Chunky.

The Twilight Socks are the advanced sock knitter’s dream. The intricate motif combines twisted stitches and mosaic knitting, and the results couldn’t be more jaw-dropping. Here, we’ve paired the variegated marls of Cobblestone with the saturation of Uni Merino into one amazing pair of socks.

The next two accessories will keep your neck and shoulders toasty and warm all season long! Crochet enthusiasts will absolutely adore Milky Way, a cozy cowl featuring the brilliant self-shading hues of Colorburst. The spike stitches blend the colors together and create a finished piece as impressive as the galaxy we call home. Unlike the kaleidoscope of colors seen in Milky Way, the knitted Snowstorm scarf looks a bit more neutral in Kingston Tweed. Gray and navy tones in a mosaic colorwork pattern will remind you of a nighttime blizzard, and the soft pink edges bring to mind rosy cheeks out in the cold.

There you have it – our designs for the final edition of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collections. We deeply appreciate all of your enthusiasm for these patterns and kits over the years. We hope each one has filled you with warmth and holiday cheer. And if these collections were something you looked forward to each year, fear not – we promise we will have many more festive treats in store for you in the years to come!

Be merry, my fiber friends, and have a wonderful holiday season!
-Rachel

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