Happy Friday Fellow Crafters! This week’s free pattern is the Ennis Scarf designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre.
Ennis, a charming county town in mid-west Ireland, is nestled along the River Fergus. The name Ennis means “river meadow,” a fittingly beautiful inspiration for this scarf. The design features winding chevrons in soothing blues and earthy hues from Colorburst, weaving a narrative that you’ll bring to life with your crochet hook. The Ennis Scarf is crocheted in our fun and vibrant Colorburst yarn in the color 108 Bruges. This one skein project is just in time for Fall.
Each impressive 200g “beehive” ball of Colorburst is crafted with gloriously saturated tones that harmonize effortlessly. The extended color transitions shift smoothly from one shade to another, making it a breeze to create eye-catching projects! Don’t miss out on your chance to receive 20% off this STUNNING yarn this weekend through Sunday, September 15th.
Which color will you be adding to your stash this Fall? Let’s talk about it in the comments.
Happy Free Pattern Friday, fellow crafters! Today, we are excited to bring you Lore – a stunning crocheted shawl designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre.
Simple yet stunning, the Lore shawl is worked flat in a semi-circle to create a shape that is easy to style. Made in Rico Design’s alluring Creative Summer Sprinkles, a 50% cotton and 50% acrylic yarn. This summery shawl will have you reaching for it over and over to jazz up any outfit.
Rico Design Creative Summer Sprinkles is available in 8 vibrant shades, each of which is a mix of four color-changing threads twisted around each other. This cotton-acrylic blend is easy to care for and perfect for creating colorful and summery garments for all ages.
This weekend only, receive 15% off this delightful yarn through Sunday, July 14th. The Neon Green shade is calling my name; how about you?
Happy Friday, friends! This week we have a flowy and fun crochet duster called Fleetwood, designed by me, Ashley Jane McIntyre. It’s named for Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac, whose iconic, bohemian style includes all kinds of flowing garments like this one.
The pattern includes both a long version (pictured here) and a short version, that falls to about knee length. The main fabric is a crochet mesh that maximizes yardage, while creating an airy and summery vibe, and the whole thing is framed with cheery crochet granny square flower motifs.
The duster is made of Magnolia, a fingering weight yarn composed of 95% modal and 5% cashmere. The resulting fabric is silky smooth and boasts excellent drape. This yarn also excels at showing off gorgeous stitch definition! Check out our Sunkissed Summer collection, featuring five projects in Magnolia to see just how stunning this yarn is.
The flower motifs are made of Rico Design’s Creative Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton. This dk weight yarn is made of 46% acrylic, 49% cotton, and 5% polyester. It’s spun with a solid ply and a variegated ply to create a sensational spectrum of color. I’ve paired three colors together to create flowers in inverse shades of each other which alternate around the duster – you can choose any that you like!
Fleetwood is free to download and is written in three, batched sizes which span from XS – 9X. The first size range includes XS-M, the second includes L-2X, and the third includes 3X-5X. Get your copy today, and be sure to pick up Magnolia and Rico Design’s Creative Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton – both of which are 20% off their listed prices this weekend only!
That’s all for today, happy stitching! Ashley Jane McIntyre
Hi fiber friends, and happy Friday to you! It is officially spring and, we have a precious pastel blankie fit for the season. The Hugs and Kisses Blanket, designed by me, Ashley Jane McIntyre, is a crochet cutie that you can whip up in a flash.
This blanket uses simple double crochet and chain stitches to create an X’s and O’s stitch pattern throughout. It’s worked flat from the bottom up, then a double crochet border is added around the edge. If you are new to crochet, or just want a palette cleanser between projects, then this sweet blankie is for you! Give it as a gift, or keep it for your own little one. Wherever it lands, it’s sure to be a cherished keepsake for years.
This project features two skeins of Major in the color 124 Mermaid. This yarn is Oeko-Tex 100 Product Class 1 certified against harmful chemicals and substances, making it safe for your home and health. It’s a bulky weight yarn made of 100% acrylic, making it machine washable and easy to care for, and packs 328 yards per 200g skein. Major is available in 41 self-shading colors, each with depth and vibrancy suitable for any project!
I hope you enjoy this week’s Free Pattern Friday! Now through Sunday, March 24th at 11:59 PM EST, get 20% off Major. You can grab two skeins of any color for the Hugs and Kisses Blanket, or any other project you can dream up! Let us know in the comments what you’ll create with Major!
That’s all for now. Happy Stitching! Ashley Jane McIntyre
We hope you accomplished all the crafting goals that you set out for in 2023, but if not, 2024 is a new opportunity! Our team has gathered together to come up with exciting personal crafting goals for the new year, and we want to hear yours as well. We invite you to take a peek below to check our teams aspirations for the year ahead!
Aubrey: “In 2024, I hope to get back into doing more hand embroidery on knitwear and ready-to-wear clothing! I loved designing the Verbena Pullover and getting to do the hand embroidery on that sample, so it would be exciting to expand my knowledge of hand embroidering on knits this year. We have some yarns in our line that will work fabulously for this, like Magnolia. This fingering weight yarn is delicate enough to show off complex embroidery designs and has a silky-smooth finish. Embroidery adds a touch of uniqueness to your projects or your everyday clothes, and the customization element makes them feel extra special and artistic.”
Verbena PulloverMagnolia
Ashley Jane: “I am a crocheter, but I have been taking on more and more knit projects. This year, my big resolutions are to try some new projects that would help me grow my knitting skills! First up, I want to try out the Forager Socks, designed by Rachel Brockman. They feature some beautiful lacework, which I have yet to try, so I am very excited about them. These socks call for Filly, which is a blend of 46% cotton, 33% superwash merino, 12% polyamide, and 9% PBT. It comes in 6 self-shading hues that are perfect for springtime. I think the color choices, along with the open lace design will make for a perfect warm-weather pair.
FillyForager Socks
The other skill I want to try is cables, so I want to make myself the Carillon sweater, designed by Aubrey Busek Gray. I adore the twisting design on the front, and the overall elegance of this piece, which is enhanced by the 100% wool yarn, Deluxe Worsted. This yarn is available in over 80 colors, some of which are natural, undyed marvels. While the cabling may be a new challenge for me, I think the hardest part of this sweater will be choosing a favorite color!”
CarillonCarillon
Afifa: “I knit my very first pair of socks last year and am now obsessed and want to hone my sock-knitting skills. I am excited to work on the Tempera Socks designed by Aubrey Busek. I love the combination of stripes and lacework in this pattern. The pattern is designed for Uni Merino, a blend of soft superwash merino wool and nylon, perfect for socks. With the wide range of shades available, the potential color combinations are endless. Here’s to having a drawer full of hand-knit socks by the end of the year!”
Tempera SocksUni Merino and Uni Merino Mini
Robert: “As someone who never crafted much before my time here, 2023 was full of trying new things. As 2024 continues, I would like to take more time to weave and crochet, as I find these crafts relaxing. Universal Yarn has a beautiful display of yarns, but I am eyeing Zesty Sock for a few squares on the Zoom Loom.”
Zesty Sock
We want to hear from you! What are your crafting goals for 2024? Let us know in the comments below.
We love to see customer projects! Make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see the creativity that exists in the crafting community. Plus, use #universalyarn when using our yarn for a chance to be shared in stories or on our feed!
Kicking off 2024 right with a satisfyingly quick and cozy Free Pattern Friday. Designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, a Feather in My Cap is just the antidote for the post-holiday blues.
Ashley Jane designed this hat to show off the plump new Rico Design Essentials Soft Merino Aran. The hat is crocheted in turning rounds from the bottom up with a feather motif that brings the old idiom ‘a feather in your cap’, to life. Her version uses the color 001 Mustard for a much-needed pop of color during dreary weather. With over 30 colors to pick from in this deliciously soft yarn, you can make a version that is truly your own.
Let’s talk about the yarn – Rico Design Essentials Soft Merino Aran is a luxury merino yarn from Italy that is gorgeously round and bouncy giving it excellent stitch definition and a supple hand. It lends itself well to textured patterns allowing motifs to really pop. Not only is this yarn lovely and soft, it’s machine washable! What more could you ask for?
Get 20% off your order of Rico Design Essentials Soft Merino Aran this weekend, through Sunday, January 7th at 11:59 PM EST. A great yarn choice for everything from accessories to garments.
Happy Free Pattern Friday, folks! Today we bring you McKenzie, a cozy, cabled crochet pullover designed by me, Ashley Jane McIntyre.
This sweater is crocheted in pieces, then seamed, and it’s made using a simple half double crochet stitch so that the cable panel is center stage. For the Front piece, you will begin by working a ribbed hemline, moving into a section of even length based on size, which then flows into the statement cable motif worked along the main body length, and finally creating the scoop neck shape. This neck shaping extends lines from the center cable up and over to each side so that the post stitches align with the ribbing to create a continuous flow of texture. All of the cabling and shaping is graded across multiple sizes and is also written and charted for your convenience. This thoughtful design was made with visual supports so that any adventurous beginner could approach this project with confidence.
The yarn featured in this design is called Offbeat, named for the irregular lengths of self-striping yarn which add a bit of intrigue and fun. It comes in eight heathered shades with quirky names like “Tubular,” “Wicked,” or “Far Out,” which is seen in this week’s sweater. Offbeat offers more than amusing colors, though. It’s super soft blend of 90% acrylic and 10% alpaca is a delight to work with and is suitable for an assortment of projects from garments to baby projects, and even home décor. It is easy to care for, as it’s machine washable, and it boasts 586 yards per 150g ball, making it an easy choice for one-ball-wonders or blankets.
Whether you feel called to crochet the McKenzie pullover, cast on the Log Cabin Blankie Kit, or to try a one-ball project like Snapdragon or Foxglove, you’ll want to stock up on Offbeat today. Shop now – Sunday 12/3 to get 20% off of this wonderful yarn! That’s all for today, happy stitching! Ashley Jane McIntyre
Happy Friday, friends! This week is our special “Flash Pattern Friday,” a promotion that comes on the last weekend of the month, where a normally paid pattern is completely free for a limited period of time. Today, we are gifting the Rosewood Shawl from the Free Spirit Collection.
Rosewood Shawl in Cobblestone
This shawl is a crochet take on brioche that is truly double-sided! Normally, crochet brioche alternates two colors with front post stitches to create a mimicked brioche look. However, this shawl alternates both front and back post stitches to form the color contrast for each side. Because of the post-stitching along with simultaneous shaping, we ranked this as an advanced piece. However, if you feel good with post-stitch work, I’m sure you can tackle it beautifully!
Dark side of the shawl.Light side of the shawl.
This shawl features Fibra Natura, Cobblestone, a luxurious 100% superwash merino wool yarn that boasts an impressive 612 yards per ball. This yarn comes in 16 beautifully twisted, double-ply shades where one solid strand is plied with a second, color shifting strand for a handspun appearance that creates exciting statement pieces. Cobblestone is 20% off this weekend, so stock up today through Sunday 10/29!
Fibra Natura, Cobblestone
To get the Rosewood Shawl for free, use the “buy it now” or “add to cart” links on the Ravelry pattern page. Once the pattern is in your cart, enter the coupon code “FLASH” where you see the “use coupon code” link that appears during purchase. This offer runs through Sunday, October 29th.
I hope you are just as excited about this free pattern as I am. What color combinations will you try out? I’m excited to see it! Be sure to share your creations with us by tagging us on Instagram.
That’s all for today, happy stitching! Ashley Jane McIntyre
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.
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.
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.
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!
Hello fiber friends! Sometimes the best summer projects are small, portable, and made with plant fibers. Sure, garments and accessories are always fun projects, but there is something so satisfying about making adorable amigurumi, and that’s our focus for today. If you love the classic Ricorumi DK mini skeins, you’ll love what we have in store. Let’s look at the cute and creative projects made possible with Ricorumi Spin Spin DK. You’re in for a treat!
First, let’s talk about the yarn. We first brought Spin Spin DK to our offerings in the Fall ’22 season, with it receiving lots of love over the past year. And why not? This DK-weight yarn creates beautiful gradient marls of color. From rich tonals to soft neutrals and multicolor rainbows (see 018 Classic Rainbow above), there is something for everyone and every project.
Like the original Ricorumi DK, Spin Spin DK is a 100% cotton yarn. It features five plies for a smooth, round yarn that boasts amazing stitch definition. The suggested gauge is the same for both yarns, but note that Spin Spin DK comes in a 50 gram/126 yard cake rather than a 25-gram/62.80 yard center-pull mini skein. The larger put-up allows a full repeat of the color gradient in each ball. These two yarns are an excellent match for one another, and you can easily use both in the same project (more on that later!). Both yarns were designed with crochet amigurumi projects in mind, and we have some fabulous patterns available that showcase the yarns wonderfully.
Fans of the recently released movie, Elemental will love the charming book, Element Heads. (By the way, if you haven’t seen this endearing movie yet, I highly recommend it!) This book covers the four elements: Air, Earth, Fire, and Water. Each amigurumi has several variations on the theme.
Variations of the theme of elements, from the book Element Heads, featuring Ricorumi Spin Spin DK.
In this book, you’ll find whimsical clouds, rainbows, mountains, mushrooms, trees, flames, and even planets! Immerse yourself in a magical world of wonders with these cuties. Personally, I’m itching to make Mother Earth and her Friends or the Colorful Fire Dance figurine. This set would be an excellent gift for any nature lover or child with aspirations protect the amazing world we live in.
Another personal favorite of mine is the Fresh Friends collection. The cute crops are the perfect complement to your summer garden. This book features cheerful patterns for cherries and berries, peas and peppers, lemons and leeks, and more! Each pattern demonstrates the magic of Ricorumi Spin Spin DK’s colorful gradients. The rosy cheeks and sweet smiles make these characters so irresistible.
Sweet Pea and Aubergine from the book Fresh Friends, featuring Ricorumi Spin Spin DK.
Several of these patterns also utilize the original Ricorumi DK for the greenery decorating their little heads. It’s a great demonstration of how the two yarns work so well together. As you can see, the single crochet stitches look crisp and inviting. These patterns do suggest specific colors, but with such extensive color palettes available, it’s easy to put your spin on your Fresh Friends!
The last book featuring Ricorumi Spin Spin DK is the inventive Crochet Your Face collection. Chock-full of customizable facial features and accessories, you can create décor that reflects your best, zaniest, most artistic self! I love that this book includes inspirational ideas like using the pieces as applique on totes, planters, and sweaters, too. It simply takes creativity to the next level and will inspire you to make a truly unique character. What could be more fun?
A few examples of how customizable the patterns are in the book Crochet Your Face, featuring Ricorumi Spin Spin DK.
What would your face look like? Would you create a crochet caricature of yourself, or get wacky and create something entirely new? Whatever you choose, we know you’ll enjoy the mix and match nature of this book, and we can’t wait to see what you come up with!
That’s it for our spotlight on Ricorumi Spin Spin DK and the corresponding pattern books. Before I let you go, I should note that each of these books are print-only and a beautiful addition to your bookshelf. They also make a great gift for a fellow crafty friend! Which book would you snag first? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to share your projects with us on social media! Use our hashtag #universalyarn on Instagram so we can see and share your work!
