Collection Spotlight: Lakeside Bundle

September 20, 2023September 19, 2023

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.

A model carefully buttons the Cattail Cardigan, hand knit and crocheted in Universal Yarn Uptown Bamboo DK.

A young woman stands by a lake while wearing linen shorts, a tank, and a hand knit and crochet cardigan made with Universal Yarn Uptown Bamboo DK.

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.

A young woman glances over her shoulder to the camera. She is wearing a crocheted Subtle Shell Ruana, made with Universal Yarn Uptown Bamboo DK.

A young woman touches her hair and looks slightly downward, standing by a lake. She is wearing linen shorts, a white tank, and the crocheted Subtle Shell Ruana in Universal Yarn Uptown Bamboo DK.

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.

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

August 16, 2023August 16, 2023

Spotlight: Crazy for Carry-Alongs

Happy Wednesday, fiber friends! Have you ever wanted to customize your yarn for the next project on your hook or needles? If the answer is yes, this post is for you! Today we’re spotlighting some of our favorite carry-along yarns.

First things first – what exactly makes a yarn a carry-along yarn? Well, the truth is any yarn can be one if you’re holding at least two strands together at once. But more precisely, I would consider a carry-along to be a thread to laceweight yarn with an interesting characteristic that transforms a “base” yarn into something totally new. It could be that the yarn adds a lofty halo, touch of texture, pop of color, or glitz and glam. A “base” yarn is often a stash staple, such as a smooth, solid 4-ply yarn. But that’s not a rule! You can use ANY yarn as a base, and the more playful you get, the more exciting the results.

Today we’re going to talk about some brand new options, as well as some old favorites. From neon and glittery threads to classic silk-mohair, let’s take a look at some of our favorite carry-along yarns based on the characteristic you want to add.

Yarn for a Lofty Halo

One of the most commonly seen carry-along yarns are mohair/silk blends. They’ve been incredibly trendy over the past few years, and we don’t see their popularity slowing down. This blend adds a fluffy halo and the subtlest ethereal sheen. We offer two options: Rico Design Essentials Loves Silk and Essentials Love Silk Print. Loves Silk is great for pairing solids in coordinating colors. Choosing Loves Silk Print will yield interesting results thanks to the slow fade from one color to another. Both of these yarns are a combination of 70% mohair and 30% silk. These luxury yarns are warm and insulating, take dye beautifully, and are durable and hard-wearing.

Ola, knit in Deluxe Worsted held together with Penna

Although mohair/silk blends are the perfect choice for many fiber artists, there are some who may find their skin is a bit sensitive to the high proportion of mohair. If you love the look and feel of those yarns, but are looking for a mohair-free alternative, we can’t recommend Penna enough! Penna is a blend of 50% baby suri alpaca, 28% extra-fine merino, and 22% nylon that offers a light, fluffy texture, but unlike the Loves Silk line, it has more of a matte finish. When held with other yarns, such as Deluxe Worsted (pictured in the classic Ola sweater, designed by Adrienne Larsen, above), it contributes a feathery halo that’s kitten soft.

Yarn for Glimmer and Glamour

Whether you’re knitting for a wedding, evening out, or just to enjoy a bit of sparkle, we’ve made it easy to make your favorite projects twinkle like stars in the night sky. Let’s take a closer look at a brand new yarn and an irresistible fan favorite.

First, a longtime favorite for jaw-dropping impact: Cotton Gold. Cotton Gold is a laceweight yarn comprised of 65% cotton, 27% payette (sequins), and 8% metallic. If dramatic sparkle is what you’re aiming for, you cannot go wrong with this yarn. We’ve been using this yarn as a carry-along for a long time, and customers are always drawn to it when we attend festivals and shows. It’s softer than you might imagine for a sequinned yarn, and it’s especially pleasant to work with when held together with another yarn. The free Midnight Top, designed by Aubrey Busek, is an outstanding example of the level of glamour this yarn provides. Knit with Cotton Supreme DK (on sale!), it’s a fast and easy top to get you through the end of summer. Preparing for autumn and winter? Try the Glisten Cowl, designed by yours truly. Here, it’s paired with glittering Noelle (also on sale!) for maximum impact. As you can see in both projects, this yarn doesn’t impede the stitch patterns – in fact, we think it enhances them!

Next, a brand new addition: Rico Design Metallic No. 40! This embroidery thread is a blend of 70% polyamide, and 30% polyester available in nine colors. I wouldn’t necessarily suggest knitting or crocheting with this yarn by itself (it’s great for embroidery and hand sewing), but the results are impressive when used as a carry-along. This yarn is excellent for understated shimmer. In the swatch pictured above, I’ve held Uni Merino together with Metallic No. 40 to show how it appears in a superfine yarn with light and dark coordinating colors. I love the subtle marl in the lighter stripes (#107 Conch) and the subdued sparkle in the darker stripes (#138 Black Cherry). Although we don’t have any patterns for this yarn just yet, I can assure you this little swatch will grow up into something beautiful. The best thing about this yarn? The impact on gauge is minimal. I suggest trying it out in your winter sweater pattern!

Yarn for a Pop of Color

To put the icing on the cake, we’ve also introduced a soft, smooth thread in brilliant neon shades to add a zing of vibrant color to your next project. Say hello to Rico Design Creative Make it Neon! This thread is comprised of several loosely spun plies, so it’s soft to the touch and pleasant to work with. Its construction also gives it a touch of bounce that more closely matches yarns such as the new Essentials Merino Plus DK. It is 100% polyester and comes in three lively neon shades: Orange, Pink, and Green. Unlike the carry-alongs where you have the option to coordinate similar shades for new textures or sparkle, Creative Make it Neon is designed to introduce a marled fabric. Keep in mind that the neon could easily be lost if you choose a similar color to your base yarn. Contrast is key for working with this one.

I was so smitten with this yarn that I immediately cast on a new design. In the coming weeks, you’ll get to combine Essentials Merino Plus DK with Creative Make it Neon for a squishy cabled hat. Perfect for welcoming autumn, so stay tuned!

A new free pattern is coming your way soon!

There you have it: five of our favorite carry-along yarns! Remember, any yarn can be a carry-along: just take a look at Pattern 1020 by Rico Design for another example. Get creative and go crazy with color and texture. Consider mixing several of these carry-alongs together in the same project. The options are truly limitless and inspiring. Let us know what you would create with these yarns in the comment section below!

Happy crafting!
-Rachel

August 9, 2023August 8, 2023

Staff Picks – Favorite Fall Sweaters!

Now that we are in the midst of our summer plans and festivities, many of us are starting to look forward to fall. With colder weather on the horizon and fiber festivals to attend, this is a great time to start planning and making the perfect sweaters for the season. We have compiled a few favorites to help get you started with your selections!

*Virtuoso in Colorburst and Deluxe DK Superwash, designed by Aubrey Busek*.

Up first, Designer and Marketing Lead, Aubrey Busek is highlighting the brilliant cardigan, Virtuoso, designed by herself! Here is what she has to say about why she loves this piece so much for fall.

“Virtuoso is my favorite fall sweater because of the vibrant colors that I associate with autumn. Juicy yellows, dark pinks, and oranges reflect the changing colors of the foliage throughout the season. The way that our Colorburst yarn shifts in the stripes reminds me of a sunset and reflects the earlier darkening of the sky during the autumn season. Also, the practicality of the garment itself makes it my favorite. In the autumn season, you often deal with warm days and chilling mornings and nights. A long cardigan is perfect for layering and easy to change in and out to suit the quickly shifting temperatures.” – Aubrey.

This sweater calls for the solid yarn Deluxe DK Superwash combined with our self-shading Colorburst for this stunning striping effect. Deluxe DK Superwash is made of 100% superwash wool and is available in 50 colors, all of which have the potential to pair up with Colorburst for a unique and special garment. Some of these colors are currently on sale, so be sure to stash up before they are gone! Colorburst is made of 65% superwash fine merino wool and 35% acrylic and is available in 16 different shades to suit any maker.

*Lumber in Deluxe Worsted, Designed by Amy Gunderson*.

Next up is a pick from Robert, our Social Media Marketing Assistant, who is currently learning to knit! He selected Lumber, designed by Amy Gunderson, and shares why, below.

“My favorite sweater would have to be Lumber. Using just one color of Deluxe Worsted (non-superwash), Lumber highlights reliability over flash. As a guy who wears jeans often, I need a sweater that will help me sport a well-rounded outfit. And since I am always cold, the yarn choice of Deluxe Worsted is bound to keep me warm.” – Robert.

As he shares, this sweater uses Deluxe Worsted, which is 100% non-superwash wool, and it’s springy fibers do keep makers warm and cozy! There is an astonishing 90 colors to select from, so you are sure to find a favorite hue to make this sweater the one for you.

*Peri in Truva, designed by Rachel Brockman.*

Rachel Brockman, our Creative Lead, shares Peri, which she designed and plans to make for herself for autumn!

“This year, the autumn sweater I’m itching to cast on is Peri. The knit-purl centric design of this sweater is simple, which is perfect because lately, I’ve been craving soothing, rhythmic knits. The striped seed stitch texture looks phenomenal in two beautifully heathered shades of our cotton/cashmere blend, Truva. This blend is ideal for southern autumns because it stays pretty warm here year-round. As a perpetually chilly person, though, the roll neck and cozy sleeves of Peri are just what I need! Even though this is my design, I will probably modify the body length a bit because I’m a fan of a slight crop paired with high-waisted skirts or pants. Because this sweater is knit seamlessly from the top down, achieving the perfect body and sleeve length will be a breeze. Although I usually like to shake up colors from the original design, I don’t think I’m switching it up this time! The shades used in the sample, 108 Crocus and 107 Mandarin, are my favorites in the palette. Fans of blues might love pairing 102 Stormcloud with 104 Harbor, and I think 103 Chambray and 105 Aegean look lovely together, too (check out the Spearmint Tee to see for yourself!).” – Rachel.

Peri is made with Truva, a luxurious blend of 50% cashmere and 50% cotton that is perfect for every season. It comes in a bespoke offering of eight heathered and marled shades which are all as refined as the yarn itself.

*Hanasaku Yoke in Deluxe Worsted Superwash, Bamboo Bloom Handpaints, and Colorburst, designed by Universal Yarn Design Team.*

Lastly, I’ll be sharing my pick! I’m Ashley Jane, a Design Associate here at Unversal Yarn. Below is a bit about why I love this sweater, the Hanasaku Yoke, designed by the UY Design Team.

“The Hanasaku Yoke is my pick for fall because of the combination of rich textures and colors that interplay throughout the sweater creating lots of room for fun and intrigue. The Bamboo Bloom varies in thickness throughout, making even simple stitches look deceptively intricate, while the color shifts of Colorburst offer potential for tonal or contrasting enhancement. All of this is set on a complimenting solid backdrop of Deluxe Worsted Superwash letting each of these yarns shine in their own way. I love how much potential there is to make this sweater over again in varying colors for this season and beyond!” – Ashley Jane

This sweater callsfor three different yarns. Deluxe Worsted Superwash is the slightly thicker version of the above mentioned Deluxe DK Superwash (used in Virtuoso). It also contains 100% superwash wool, but this yarn is available in 57 dazzling colors, giving you slightly more to choose from! Bamboo Bloom Handpaints is arguably one of our most unique yarns with its thick and thin, matte and shiny qualities throughout. It’s made of 44% wool, 48 rayon from bamboo, and 8% acrylic available in 15 soothing shades to choose from. Lastly, these yarns combine with Colorburst (also used in Virtuoso) to create the show-stopping combination seen in the Hansaku Yoke.

I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring some of these Fall Favorites! Will you try out any of these sweaters for yourself or someone you love? Don’t forget to share all your beautiful creations with us on social media!

That’s all for now! Happy Stitching,
Ashley Jane McIntyre

July 12, 2023July 11, 2023

Yarn Spotlight: Ricorumi Spin Spin DK

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!

Happy crafting!

-Rachel

June 21, 2023June 16, 2023

Spotlight: New Colors & New Patterns

A graphic with the words "Spotlight: New Yarns & New Patterns". Four images of a model are to the left of the text. She is wearing assorted knitted and crochet garments.

Twice a year, Universal Yarn launches lots of exciting new yarns, colors, and patterns to our customers. We bring our sales reps together for the first look, and shortly after we present you with all of these sweet surprises! (By the way, if you want some insight on a day in the life of a yarn sales rep, check out this blog post featuring one of our reps.) You may have noticed some new colors of some of our staple yarns at your local yarn store, or on our website. To go with these lovely new colors we’ve published some wonderful free patterns. Shall we dive in and explore these goodies?

Bamboo Pop

Our bestselling yarn, Bamboo Pop, features six gorgeous neutrals inspired by the diversity of our skin tones. These colors were created for doll projects, as seen in our Bamboo Pop Dolls released last week, and for Knitted Knockers, which are soft, comfortable knit prosthetics for breast cancer survivors. Bamboo Pop is one of our approved yarns for these prosthetics. However, it’s a super versatile yarn that’s great for garments and accessories, too. These new neutral hues work well individually or paired with our other solids and multis. To demonstrate this, Ashley Jane McIntyre designed the Espresso Bandana, shown below.

This asymmetrical bandana is lightweight and perfect for warm weather thanks to Bamboo Pop’s smooth 50/50 blend of bamboo and cotton. It is crocheted flat, beginning at the tip and increasing to the widest edge. Slanting clusters and extended single crochet come together to create the richly textured Boxed Bead Stitch used throughout the fabric. We recommend wearing this accessory on your next trip to the café – you’ll enjoy your latte while receiving compliments from all around!

Colorburst

If neutrals aren’t your favorite, but colors make you sing, you’ll love our fresh new shade of Colorburst. This self-shading yarn features a variety of fun colors, but 120 Lollipop might be my new favorite. This colorway features creamy white as well as vibrant red, yellow, and turquoise.

We have plenty of patterns to support this yarn (check them out here), but how could I resist a sugary sweet new sweater? Ceres is a relaxed turtleneck that will keep you cozy and warm when chilly weather approaches. It features thoughtful details like a rolled hemline, texture on the lower body, and plush ribbing on the sleeve cuffs and neckband. The construction is bottom up, in the round, with options for seamed or seamless sleeves. It’s a great pattern for a first sweater, or any knitter looking for a satisfyingly simple project.

Kingston Tweed

Kingston Tweed, our soft yet rustic blend of 50% wool, 25% alpaca, and 25% viscose has long been one of my favorites. I love the subtle tweed and earthy palette, inspired by minerals and gemstones. It’s also the yarn featured in one of our most popular patterns: the Jay Sweater. This yarn is well suited to a variety of techniques including colorwork, lace, and textural motifs.

To celebrate new colors of Kingston Tweed, we’ve published two brand-new patterns. For those craving a coordinating accessory set, look no further than the Starling Set, designed by Aubrey Busek. This beginner-friendly project is knit using soothing slipped stitches and a touch of ribbing for tidiness. The hat and cowl are each knit seamlessly in the round from the bottom up. This project makes great use of yarn, requiring just one skein of each color!

Blake is a wardrobe essential. Classic, squishy Shaker Rib and colorful stripes make this an easy layering piece whether your office is perpetually frigid, or you want something ideal for autumn and winter. The knitting in this pattern is pretty simple throughout – the body is knit flat from the bottom up in one piece, and the sleeves are also knit flat. There is minimal shaping, except a little increasing at the sleeve cuffs to create the bishop sleeve effect. The stripes make it potato-chippy, so you’ll want to keep stitching away for the next color, and the next!

Major

Next, we have another bestseller: Major! This plush, soft acrylic yarn is self-shading and each colorway is sensational. Like Bamboo Pop, Major has been a staple of the Universal Yarn line for years and nearly 900 people have projects featuring this yarn in their Ravelry notebooks. We have loads of patterns that use this yarn, from the ever-popular Pineapple Peacock Shawl to the entrelac Woven Sky Throw and many more – we know you’ll find something you love. For the launch of our six new shades we’ve introduced two new patterns: the knitted Hedgerow wrap and crocheted Loch scarf, shown below.

Crocheted in 145 Feather and designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, Loch is warm and cozy. Beginners looking to elevate their skills will relish the Herringbone Half Double Crochet motif throughout the fabric. This one-skein project is gentle on your wallet with impressive results. It’s also a quick project, making it great for a last-minute gift (well, as last-minute as you can handle with something handmade!).

Aubrey Busek pairs the popular neutral 115 Stonewall with 141 Greenhouse in Hedgerow to create another stunning slip stitch pattern. My favorite element of this piece is how lavishly textured the fabric is. It delicately balances subtle drape with a fabric dense enough to ward off frosty winter air. Thoughtfully placed tassels make this wrap a statement piece that is guaranteed to win you major style points!

Uni Merino

Bonus! Fans of Uni Merino will love this new shade of green: 151 Pistachio. A blend of soft superwash merino and sturdy nylon make Uni Merino an excellent match for sock knitters, but it’s also ideal for fingering-weight sweaters, shawls, hats, and more. We don’t have a sample to show this color off yet, but we promise we will soon and your patience will pay off. In the meantime, find inspiration in projects like the crocheted Spice Market Shawl and the knitted Party Flag Socks.

Now that you’ve seen our selection of new colors and patterns, let us know which ones inspire you. Will you make one of our designs, or try something different? It’s always exciting to see what our customers create with our yarns, so stay in touch. You can always email us at patterns@universalyarn.com and we encourage you to tag us on Instagram (@universal_yarn).

Happy stitching!
-Rachel

June 9, 2023June 9, 2023

Collection Spotlight: Ocean Wonder

A woman sits wearing a knit wrap from the Ocean Wonder Collection. A description saying there are seven designs in the Cotton Supreme Family is detailed on the right of the image.

Today, we released the Ocean Wonder collection, which captures the awe and majesty of the deep sea across seven knit and crochet patterns. Let’s take the plunge and explore the beautiful mysteries of the deep through these inspired designs!

Abyss, designed by Aubrey Busek, is a captivating shawl which twists and undulates like the tendrils of an ethereal deep-sea creature, but its colors are buoyant and bright like glimmers of light on the sea surface. When I first saw this piece, it immediately captured my interest and pulled me in to explore more. I love how the crescent shawl shape creates curls at its corners, and that the lace detailing enhances the rippling stitch pattern throughout. This shawl is knit flat from the top down and uses solid Cotton Supreme to frame the vibrant Cotton Supreme Waves.

*Below, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre*

Next up is Below, designed by me, Ashley Jane McIntyre. The collection inspiration was the deep sea, which feels both beautiful and a little scary. There’s no better way to ward off the fear of the unknown then by wrapping yourself up in a cozy, handmade blanket. This piece features a deep, rich background with swirling ribbons of colorwork in Cotton Supreme, each bordered by bold stripes of colorful Cotton Supreme Speckles. It’s worked flat from the bottom up and uses tapestry crochet in the colorwork sections. The effect mimics the continuous movement of seawater found below the ocean’s surface.

Current captures the ebbs and flows found throughout the sea. Waves on the surface, kelp that winds and twists through habitats, and deeper currents of water below. The entire ocean is teeming with movement and life, all captured in this beautiful piece. It’s knit flat from side to side in two rectangles which are joined together using the three-needle bind-off to create the top. No seams required! Three colors of Cotton Supreme are worked in rhythmic, striping waves throughout bringing the life of the ocean rippling into your wardrobe.

Drift (left) and Float (right), both designed by Patty Olson are cowls filled with texture and movement. Side by side, these complimenting accessories capture the oceans shifting personality from soothing and calm, to intrepid and strong. Both cowls use Cotton Supreme and are knit flat from the bottom up, then seamed at the neck. However, they each have unique stitch patterns and details that set them apart from one another.

Fade, designed by Amy Gunderson, captures the unpredictability of the sea. Slants of eyelets lean and travel like a billowing haze on the water’s surface. Sections of stockinette interrupt the movement like choppy waves, or roiling waters that fade into a smooth calm below. This top is worked seamlessly in the round from the top down, with bands of lace and staggered sections of plain stockinette. A single color of Cotton Supreme is used, allowing the stitch definition and texture to tell this story on its own.

The power of the ocean is not always for the faint of heart. The ever-moving water erodes almost anything in its path over time, but strong networks of coral and underwater communities band together in breathtaking underwater worlds, creating a latticework of strength and endurance against the swelling currents below. Surge, designed by Patty Olson, paints a picture of this vigor through its interlocking mosaic pattern, texture, and vibrant colors. This wrap is knit flat from the bottom up, and uses just one color per row. Both Cotton Supreme and Cotton Supreme Waves work in harmony to capture the resilience, warmth, and magic of the ocean and its creatures.

I truly hope you’ve enjoyed reading through my review of each beautiful piece in the Ocean Wonder collection. I find them all captivating in their own ways, and kept finding myself in awe at each new detail I’ve noticed along the way. Was there a particular piece that captured your interest too? Tell us about it in the comments below!

One last note – to celebrate this release, we are offering a discount! The full ebook, individual patterns (on Ravelry), and the Cotton Supreme Family of yarns used are all 20% off, from today – Sunday 6/11. No discount codes are required!

Happy Stitching to you!
Ashley Jane McIntyre

May 10, 2023May 9, 2023

Treat Yourself For Mother’s Day

Whether you’re a mother of two, a dog mom, a caregiver, the ‘mom’ of your friend group, or just a mother-at-heart, we want to celebrate all the mother figures in our lives this week. Your support and love is deeply valued, and you enrich the lives of those around you.

Mother’s Day is coming up this weekend, and we wanted to create a special ‘gift guide’ with the idea of treating yourself in mind – so keep on reading below to get inspired!

Try Out A New Yarn

Our collection of yarns is extensive. From cotton to cashmere, we have a yarn designed with every crafter in mind. For Mother’s Day, why not try out a yarn you’ve never used before? You never know, it could be your next favorite. Always tend to knit with cotton? Try out Truva. This blend of 50% cotton and 50% cashmere is sinfully soft, and is a great introduction to a different fiber blend. Love working with wool? Explore our offerings from Yarn Vibes. This boutique line of 100% Irish wool yarns is rustic and elegant, perfect for a cabled sweater.

Yarn Vibes 100% wool yarns are spun in Ireland

2. Queue Up A Pattern, Just For You

We know many of you are constantly creating projects for the people in your lives, and although that is INCREDIBLE, you deserve to make something special for yourself too! New patterns like Snapdragon and Foxglove in our Offbeat yarn are versatile accessories for both knitters and crocheters. These wraps offer rhythmic stitch patterns that are easy to work on while you binge your favorite show, and as a one-skein project, you can complete it in no time! If you’re looking for something other than a wrap accessory, just check out the ‘Patterns’ section of our website. With inclusively-sized garments and new patterns added nearly every week, we know you will find exactly what you’re looking for.

3. Grab A Kit For Convenience And Ease

Don’t want to worry about choosing colors? Our ‘Kits’ section has already done it for you! Simply pick your favorite kit, add it to your cart, and you will receive a color printed copy of the pattern, plus the yarn required to complete the project. The Onyx Mitts kit are a wonderfully relaxing project for any knitter. Made in 100% cashmere, you’ll definitely want to wear them every time the weather is chilly!

4. Level Up Your Tools and Accessories Game

As fiber artists, we all have many tools and supplies needed to create the projects we love. Having storage solutions that are not only practical, but also stylish makes crafting on the go and at home easier and more fun! Muud is an accessories brand from Denmark that designs modern and functional genuine leather bags and cases for crafting and daily life. From notions cases like Malmo (perfect for your tape measure), to large daily use bags like the Sara tote, they have something for everyone’s needs. Among our best sellers is the Saturn XL project bag, perfect for storing your yarn, needles, notions, and WIP.

For those reading this blog that love to knit, ChiaoGoo offers high quality stainless steel knitting needles in both fixed circular, interchangeable circular, and shortie sizes. These needles are an investment that will last you many years of beautiful projects to come.

I hope this post has given you some great inspiration for your next project, and that you are eager to treat yourself to something special – you absolutely deserve it. Again, to all of the mother figures in our lives, thank you for being you. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day and year to come.

Happy Crafting,

Aubrey

April 18, 2023April 19, 2023

Spring Shawls Just For You

Spring has truly sprung here in North Carolina. If you sit outside, you hear birds chirping and see squirrels bickering and chasing each other. The trees are a lush, vibrant green, and the temperature is a balmy, low 70-something. It’s downright dreamy! While everyone is itching to get outside and experience the weather, they are also showing off new trends of the season. It has us thinking about our own accessory choices, and what we want to make next. Our team has taken some time to curate a selection of their top picks for spring shawls just for you!

*Painted Sunset, designed by Lana J*ois.

Our first pick comes from our Creative Lead, Rachel Brockman. “Knit in soft, summery Magnolia and designed by Lana Jois, Painted Sunset blends everything I love about a shawl. Featuring vibrant orange and red hues with geometric lace, slipped stitches, and soothing stripes, there is so much to love about this crescent shawl! Magnolia is a fingering weight blend of modal and cashmere that offers incredible drape that lends itself so well to projects like Painted Sunset.” This yarn is available in a dazzling 15 colors – which ones will you try out when making this shawl?

Next up is a pick from our newest designer, Afifa Sayeed. She selected Aard, designed by Rachel Brockman, saying how “I love the airiness in this stole created by the dropped stitches, perfect for just a touch of warmth and definitely a statement piece to elevate any outfit! Added bonus – it’s reversible!” The dramatic cabling of this shawl is shown off quite well thanks to the magnificent stitch definition of the yarn, Vireo. Available in 16 vibrant colors, this blend of Tencel and wool was designed with transitional weather in mind, making it a great choice for accessories and garments alike.

*Gradiate Shawl, designed by Amy Gunderson.*

Our Managing Director, Yonca Ozbelli, shares her number one pick next. “Mine is the Gradiate Shawl by Amy Gunderson. Timeless Flax makes this shawl crisp yet cozy, and it gets softer and more cozy over time. I loved this shawl so much that we had to turn it into a tank top! – Gradiate Tank.” Flaxes palette of 34 colors ranges from earthy neutrals to brilliant brights, and it’s made from 100% linen, which blooms and softens after each wash.

*Rosewood Shawl with color 107 Cotton Candy facing out.*

Robert shared his pick, a reversible shawl designed by me, Ashley Jane McIntyre, saying “I would have to say my favorite spring shawl is the Rosewood Shawl. This piece features incredible texture and has a soft, and squishy feel to it, which makes it very comfortable. Using Cobblestone, this shawl isn’t going to be overwhelmingly warm either, and it’s always a plus when you have a reversible accessory.” This yarn is a lovely sport weight featuring 2-plys of yarn, one which is solid and one which is variegated, to create an interesting handspun appearance. There are 16 colors to mix and match with. Which two will you try for this crocheted creation?

Aubrey, our Marketing Lead and Designer, shares her favorite pick, Eden. “This oversized shawl has various textured stitch patterns worked throughout, which I think stand out in our Truva yarn. Because the yarn has both marled and heathered qualities to each of the colors, it can be difficult to get stitch patterns to stand out. Eden reminds me of bas-relief art, with the shadows from the stitches creating the geometric patterns that ‘pop’ away from the base. The elongated triangle shape lends to a variety of styling options, and the cashmere/cotton blend of Truva exudes timeless elegance.” This yarn is available in a bespoke palette of 8 sophisticated colors.

Last, but not least, is my own pick for spring! I adore our recently released Foxglove and Snapdragon wraps. This set of free patterns are meant to be sisters, not twins, which both offer similar zig-zagging patterns across the long color changes of Offbeat. This yarn is a dk weight blend of 90% acrylic and 10% alpaca. It’s cozy enough for the days that still carry some crisp chill in the air, but light-weight enough in the featured lace stitches to be worn on a warmer day too. Offbeat comes in 8 self-striping colors, each designed to let your personality shine.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this review of spring shawls, and that you feel inspired to add some of these to your queue! Which one do you like the most? Share which one is your favorite with us here in the comments, or on social media!
That’s all for now, happy stitching!
Ashley Jane McIntyre

March 17, 2023March 16, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Shamrock Dishcloths

It’s Friday, and it’s St. Patrick’s Day! Hopefully you’re wearing green, avoiding pinches, and feeling extra lucky! It’s in this festive spirit that we bring to you this week’s Free Pattern Friday, the Shamrock Dishcloths!

These cute, clover cloths are made primarily with intarsia colorwork, and with a bit of stranded colorwork in the center of the motif. The pattern calls for 2 hanks of Cotton Supreme in colors 502 White, and 612 Emerald. One of each color is enough for you to make both cloths, so make one for yourself and a friend to spread some extra cheer!

Cotton Supreme is a 100% cotton, worsted weight yarn that’s undeniably smooth and soft. It’s wonderful for garments and accessories, but versatile enough for home wares as it’s machine washable and dryable. It comes in 100g/180 yard hanks, and is available in 45 brilliant colors for you to mix and match. You even can pair Cotton Supreme with the recently released Cotton Supreme Speckles for some pops of color, perfect for spring!

I hope you enjoy this charming pattern and have fun making it for St. Patrick’s Day. Share your work with us by tagging us on social media, we love sharing the joy of your creations!

Happy Stitching, y’all!
Ashley Jane

March 8, 2023March 7, 2023

Yarns You Need this Spring

Buds are forming on branches, birds are building nests, and the earth is being greeted by more and more sunlight, thawing and reemerging from the cold. Spring is upon us! With every fresh season comes the desire to freshen up our stashes. Here are the yarns you won’t want to miss.

Ravello is one of three yarns making their debut as Web Exclusives on our site with brand-new, lower pricing! This luxurious, Italian yarn is a blend of cotton, extra-fine merino, and cashmere. In keeping with the “new life” theme of the season, it’s fitting to point out that the cashmere content is made from recycled sweaters, lending an eco-friendly characteristic to the lush composition. Beyond its metaphorical qualities, this yarn also has practical reasons to covet it during warmer months. It’s fine weight, and predominantly cotton base make for light, airy garments, like the Riviette Tank – a showstopper for the season!

Cotton Supreme Waves is a soft, high-quality 100% cotton yarn that’s wonderful for garments and accessories. It’s one of our Oeko-Tex certified yarns, which are tested for 350+ harmful substances to keep you and loved ones safe. Available in 18 self-striping colors, this DK weight, self-striping yarn is ready to add splashes of color to your warm weather lineup. Check out some of our adult garments, like the popular Fresh Berries tee, or pieces from our Seaside Supreme collection for inspiration!

Bamboo Pop Sock, and Bamboo Pop Sock Solids are classic, warm-weather options. With a combined total of 46 colors, you have endless combinations to choose from! This super fine yarn is a blend of 55% bamboo, 37% cotton, and 8% PBT for a bit of stretch. The blend is intended for socks, as the name implies, but we adore using this yarn for garments like the vibrant Crimson Tee, or soothing accessories, like the Edisto Shawl.

One last luxurious item that you absolutely don’t want to miss is the 50/50 cotton and cashmere, Truva. Available in a sophisticated palette of 8 color options, this yarn makes even the simplest of stitch patterns shine with an exquisite finesse. Dive into the 5 polished patterns of our On The Line collection, or explore free patterns like the Spearmint Tee, to craft yourself something magnificent to embrace the new warmth of the year.

*Rico Design yarn selections for spring.*

In addition to our own wonderful yarns, Rico Design has a beautiful variety, which we distribute here in the US. Nestled amongst them are a few perfect choices for this time of year. Baby Dream DK , made of 50% polyacrylic and 50% polyamide, is an excellent choice when making projects for little ones. It’s incredibly soft, easy to care for, and comes in 15 dreamy multi-colored shades. Pair it with the 21 complimentary solids of Baby Dream DK Uni for even more options!

Creative Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton DK is an exciting yarn to add to your stash! Each base color is spun with a vibrant variegated ply to add depth and dimension to each make. Select from 18 colors that span from deep earth tones, to rich jewel tones and even dusty pastels. This blend of 49% cotton, 46% acrylic and 5% polyester is versatile and wears well, ensuring your makes will last for years to come.

Fashion Cotton Light and Long Tweed DK captures the quintessential pastel shades of spring in its palette of 16 colors. The subtle color shifts blend like water color paintings with dashes of tweed adding a dose of refinement. It’s made of 47% cotton, 43% acrylic, 7% polyamide and 3% viscose and constructed with a tubular chainette for a lightweight, springy feel.

Last, but not least, Superba Merino Linen Silk, deserves some time to shine from our wide array of Rico Design yarns. Six self-shading colors captured in favored warm-weather fibers makes for a happy crafter, indeed! This yarn is unique and vibrant, like a gorgeous bouquet of spring flowers. It’s designed with socks in mind, but would make fabulous garments or accessories as well!

Share your work with us by tagging us on social media, we love sharing the joy of your creations!

Happy Stitching, y’all!
Ashley Jane