Spring Clean your Stash

March 30, 2022March 31, 2022

Spring Clean your Stash

It’s that time of year where we welcome the new season, and immediately start seeing new collections, inspiration, and beautiful projects that we want to create. But if you’re like me, you may feel guilty pouncing on all the tempting newly-released offerings – like our Spring Magic collection in Vireo, or our sinfully smooth yarn Magnolia – before using up your current stash. So, let’s take a look at some fun quick projects that may help you clear out some room to make way for all of the new yarns that you’re sure to acquire.

*Color Blocked Scarf by Rachel Brockman*

First, lets check out the recently released freebie Color Blocked Scarf. It’s made using just three balls of Minou in colors 106 Panther, 105 Squirrel, and 104 Kitten, and has that coffee shop chic look that can transition to spring in that effortlessly cool kind of way. Even with it being a fluffy yarn, it’s so lightweight and soft, made of 40% Baby Alpaca, 8% Merino Wool, and 52% Nylon, that it’s not overwhelming enough to be a strictly cold-weather piece. It can also be fun to do this one mixing and matching with other colors in your stash to create some truly unique pieces!

*Cotton Candy Swirl Shawl by Universal Design Team*

Next up, lets look at the Cotton Candy Swirl shawl. This one-ball-wonder uses a 200g ball of our Cobblestone in the color 107 Cotton Candy. The yarn is made of 100% merino wool and has a lovely handspun feel to it, using one solid ply and one variegated ply to create a stunning color effect when worked up. It’s the kind of yarn that gives any project that “wow” factor, even when the pattern is ridiculously easy like this one! This is a wonderful pattern if you are a beginner to crochet, or just want that quick/mindless project to work through because it’s a simple stitch working increases along one side. You’ll have this one done in a snap – having a sweet accessory to show off while you shop for new yarns to replenish your stash, of course.

The Edisto Shawl is sure to be an addictive go-to for using your sock yarns if you aren’t in the headspace to make socks. It’s made with two balls of Bamboo Pop Sock, a wool-free yarn perfect for summer made of 37% cotton, 55% bamboo, and 8% PBT. We love this pattern so much, we made it in two versions, one in colors 505 Tide Pool and 507 Breeze (version 1), and the other in 502 High Tide and 503 Jetties (version 2). Named for Edisto Beach in South Carolina, these colors bring to mind the quintessential coastal sand, shells, water, sunsets and cottages of the town. You can of course use any color that your stash holds – perhaps your project will represent your ideal vacation destinations for the season! I personally will use up my stash of 401 Overcast and 407 Muscadine – Wine Tour anyone!?!

Lastly, lets consider the Talya vest made with 3-7 balls of Posh Alpaca, depending on the size you make. This one is a size small, using 4 balls in color 103 Wolf. You may think it’s a strange suggestion to make a plush vest for a Spring Cleaning project, but what’s so fun about a popover piece is that you can opt to wear it on its own as a top instead of layered as a vest! The yarn is made from 45% wool, 30% acrylic, and 25% superfine alpaca, and it’s roving style spin makes the most plump, beautiful stitches. This versatility takes this project from your fall/winter wardrobe well into the early months of spring when there is still a touch of chill in the air. This is again an easy and fast project to make, working from the bottom up seamlessly to the underarms, when you separate and work flat to join the back and front at the shoulders.

Happy Stash Spring Cleaning all!
Ashley Jane

March 23, 2022March 21, 2022

Collection Spotlight – Spring Magic

Happy Spring, everyone! Are you ready for spring and summer projects, ready to wear as the weather warms up? If so, we have a treat for you! Today, I’m sharing projects from our latest pattern collection: Spring Magic.

A pile of garments hand knit and crocheted using Vireo yarn.

When we think of spring, we can’t help but feel like magic is in the air. With every fresh blossom, warm breeze, and longer, sunnier days, we get more and more excited for projects on our hooks and needles that reflect the season. We invite you to bask in these sweet projects, featuring everything from drop stitches to cables, lace, ruffles, and fringe. We’re certain you’ll find something you love in this collection featuring a new spring favorite yarn, Vireo.

First up, we have our one and only accessory in this garment-heavy collection. Yet, it might be one of my favorite pieces. Say hello to Aard. This unique wrap is open and airy thanks to the wide columns of dropped stitches. Although we usually fear dropped stitches in knitting, there is something a bit magical about dropping them intentionally for a decorative effect. Frame those dropped stitches with reversible cables and you have the perfect stole for spring and summer!

Next up: Elixir. For my contributions to the collection, I was especially drawn to openwork stitch patterns. Those that keep Vireo feeling light and breezy. Like Aard, Elixir is a great example of openwork, but this time you work with yarnover eyelets instead. The shoulders on the front and back are decorated with an eyelet motif that’s simple to memorize. Even when knitted in our 104 Black Caviar colorway, the stitch definition of Vireo is crisp and clear. My favorite detail of this design, though, is the mini fringe that decorates the hem and armholes. It adds just the right touch of interest and finesse to the pattern and is sure to draw attention.

Another example of the gorgeous stitch definition of Vireo is Gust: an adorable tee with ruffled sleeves and a keyhole opening at the back neck. It’s precious! What I love about this design is how well it shows off the drape of the yarn. The drape is all thanks to the 80% Tencel of Vireo, blended with 20% wool. It has a touch of bounce and memory, making it a pleasure to knit or crochet with. These characteristics all come together to form your new favorite top for Spring.

Designer Aubrey Busek has a knack for creating the most interesting designs. Such is the case with Mythos. In this design, she uses ruffles to create a peplum-esque silhouette with exciting stripes and a decorative motif that can either be hand embroidered or worked directly into the knitting. Who doesn’t love options? The high contrast colors (108 Marmelade & 101 Fluff) truly make the design pop.

Saddle shoulders and split hems are two design details I never tire of, and they are just two of the features that make Runestone special. Gorgeous lace and cables decorate the front of the sweater, which pop from a background of Reverse Stockinette stitch. The v-neck and three-quarter sleeves make this piece perfect for the season, too.

This collection wouldn’t be complete without a crochet design, and that’s where Soothsayer comes into play. I don’t consider myself an expert at crochet, but I always enjoy the opportunity to design crochet patterns. Since I’m still new at it, I like simpler patterns, and I think this cap-sleeved tee is perfect for a first crochet garment. It is designed in half double crochet and features an edging around the armholes and hem with single crochet and double crochet shells – all very basic stitches welcoming to crocheters of every skill level.

Finally, we have Triskelion. Another design by Aubrey Busek, Triskelion is as feminine as they come. Gorgeous lace, cropped sleeves, and dramatic ruffles make this cardigan truly special. Get ready to practice your lace skills, too. Although the lace motif isn’t overly complex, you won’t have any rest rows during that section as you work the lace on both the right and wrong sides of the work. The shaping is simple though, so your concentration is rewarded with soothing stockinette after you finish those beautiful motifs.

There you have it: all seven pieces in our brand new pattern collection in our Vireo yarn. To grab your copy of the Spring Magic ebook or patterns, head to our website here (link). Which project is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Happy stitching,
Rachel

March 2, 2022March 2, 2022

New Rico!

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! We have new Rico yarn on our site! It’s so fun to have the opportunity to distribute yarn from our friends Rico Design because it helps add some fun colors and textures that we can combine with our own yarn as well! For example, one of my favorite patterns to come out since I’ve started here is the Polar Nights Cowl by Rachel Brockman, which holds Ricorumi Lamé DK and Rico Design Essentials Super Kid Mohair Loves Silk together with Donnina. The effect is just stunning!

While mixing and matching yarns in a design is always thrilling, it is also just fun to have more yarn to choose from for stand-alone projects. Rico has their own design team who regularly releases patterns to pair with their yarn. Here is a look at some yarn and pattern inspiration that’s just landed on our site!

Top Left: Sweater 1021. Top Middle/Right: Sweater and Top 999.
Bottom: *Rico Design Creative Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton*

The Lazy H azy Summer Cotton is one of my favorite arrivals for spring. It’s made from a blend of cotton, acrylic, and polyester and comes in 14 beautifully variegated colors. It is constructed with a bright printed ply that’s spun with a simple thinner ply making a colorful texture and twist that captures all the vibes of summer in a ball. My personal pick is 009 Buttercream which has me dreaming of an ice cream cone with sprinkles!

Some patterns to pair with this yarn are the Sweater 1021, and the Sweater/Top 999 set, shown above. Many of the Rico Designs come as two pattern sets, like pattern 999, so you have some cool options to explore – or just more fun pieces to add to your make list!

We also got in Rico Baby Dream dk, which has 15 adorable multi-colored options to choose from, ranging from tonal and complimentary colors to bright confetti specks. This yarn is a polyamide and polyacrylic blend that is irresistibly soft as well as super easy to care for- the perfect combo for little ones! If you’re looking for pattern inspiration, check out the Coat and Beret 517 set – this adorable tailored coat and quintessential hat make the cutest baby set for gifting or for your own family!

Rico Baby Dream dk Uni & Baby Blankets 786

Just when you thought the cuteness overload was reaching “too much to handle” status, more cuteness came along anyway! The Rico Baby Dream dk also comes in a Rico Baby Dream dk Uni option – which of course launched with its own set of adorable patterns called Baby Blankets 786. This yarn is the same composition as its multi-colored counterpart, but comes in an offering of 21 lovely colors ranging from soft pastels to bold standouts. I really like seeing the plump stitch definition in the textured Baby Blanket, but I also love the contrast used in the heart patterned Baby Blanket. How adorable would it be to substitute in a multi colored yarn for those hearts!?!?!

Which project and colors do you think you’ll try out?! That’s all for now, Happy Stitching!
Ashley Jane

February 16, 2022February 16, 2022

Comfy Day Crafts

Here at Universal Yarn, we are gearing up for a big day of “Comfy-ness” this Sunday for National Comfy Day! With the holiday season behind us, we are now in the full spring-swing of preparing some amazing new designs and collections to share with everyone! It’s always exciting to keep looking ahead, but it is also important to take a day to slow down, get super cozy, and unwind. I plan to do this by staying in my coziest lounge clothes and enjoying some Combo Cuppa-Crafty time. (If you caught Aubrey’s focus on Pinterest trends in her recent Blog Post, you know that I’m a fan of a nice Cuppa Tea!) Now, the only problem with setting a whole day aside to craft, is I don’t know what to make yet! Read along and help me pick a project!

My first pick is the By the Fire Slippers by Rachel Brockman. I have recently picked up knitting again and my main desire has been to make myself socks and slippers! This design is from our 12 Days of Winter – Series 5, which starts each season as an LYS exclusive kit offering and releases to the public after the holidays. As luck would have it – this collection just released over Valentine’s Day! I think these slippers would be a fantastic cozy cast-on for National Comfy Day, don’t you?

The yarn used in these slippers is our popular Deluxe Worsted Superwash. It has a robust palette, leaving me with plenty of options to choose from if I wanted to go off book and choose my own colors. It’s also machine wash friendly, so I get the best of both worlds with a springy soft feeling for my feet combined with easy care after walking around. Granted, I may not do much walking in them – does a Netflix marathon count as exercise?

My second pick is the Asher Set by Aubrey Busek. It’s another knit project, and would stretch me a bit outside of my comfort zone with knitting a hat to match the beautiful shawl, but I do love a challenge! Even though I’m ready to relax, I think it could be nice to have a calm headspace to learn some new techniques.

The yarn used in the Asher Set is our plump and perfect Posh Alpaca. This blend of wool, super fine alpaca, and acrylic makes for a thick roving style yarn that sets the stage for minimal and texture-heavy patterns alike. I love the idea of having a go-to piece for wrapping up and snuggling indoors, or for grabbing attention while I’m out and about.

My last choice is the Pothos Cowl by Courtney Mulcahy. While the idea of “comfy” inspires pieces that make me want to sink into the sofa and sip my tea, I also can see myself using my Comfy Day to start preparing for warmer weather! With spring around the corner, I’m starting to get excited for some live music out by the water, and sunsets at the park with my pup. This cowl could be the perfect accessory for any activity! Plus it’s crochet, which is already my preferred craft. I could probably do this as a fun one-day project!

It’s made with our new, silky-soft Vireo, a blend of Tencel and wool that is both sustainable and season-appropriate for the warmer days I’m envisioning. The palette reminds me of berry bowls and ice cream – I just can’t pick a color, they are all so sugary and delightful. If I can land on a color choice, this may be the project for me after all – or maybe I should just make a few of them?

Pothos Cowl, By the Fire Slippers, Asher Set

So which should it be? You tell me! I can’t wait to hear what project you think I should try, and what project you’ll be crafting on National Comfy Day on Sunday!

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

February 9, 2022February 9, 2022

Delightful Donnina

I’m downright tickled to be able to spotlight Donnina this week! When I first joined the Universal Yarn team, this yarn became one of my instant favorites. Made with 100% superwash extra fine merino, I have found it to be a great base for mixing and matching with other colorful yarns of the same composition, or similar weight.

A perfect example of pairing up Donnina with other yarn is the Fruit Stripe Pullover designed by Rachel Brockman, which features quirky, colorful stripes from our variegated Cobblestone. At just $9.75 a ball, you really can’t beat the price point for Donnina’s quality – making it all to easy too scoop up whole sweater quantities when the mood strikes! Be warned though, this is a popular design and we are running low on #201 Vanilla used as the solid base color below. Maybe pair up with a vibrant solid, like #206 Tomato Red, for some extra flavor though!

Another shining example (literally!) is the Polar Nights Cowl, designed by Rachel Brockman for our 12 Days of Winter Collection 2021. This Cowl uses Donnina as the primary background color, but cleverly uses Ricorumi Lamé DK for some twinkling colorwork, as well as Rico Design Essentials Superkid Mohair Loves Silk for a halo of softness around your neck. It’s truly a special project, and guess what!? You can snag it as a kit here, or just grab the pattern solo and make your own color combinations!

If mixing yarns isn’t your thing, then have no fear! There are a whopping 25 colors of Donnina for you to choose from. And of course, a standout palette deserves its own delectable pattern collection – Sweet Treats! There are six scrumptious designs to choose from. My favorite design is the Gumdrop Top designed by Aubrey Busek. Boasting some bold colorblock and a cold-shoulder silhouette, it’s my favorite flirty piece!

Another favorite from this collection is the Licorice Scarflette by Aubrey Busek. I’m not even sure where to start with describing why I love this, but I’ll try! For starters, I’m a sucker for colorwork, so I adore the fun polka dots paired with the contrasting stripes. The overall look is also such a fun, midcentury modern mix! The neutral palette, the bold colorblocking, and the classic neck scarf silhouette make me want to ride in a bright red convertible with the top down!

The possibilities with Donnina are truly endless! What sweet treat do you think you’ll make for yourself with it? I can’t wait to hear all about it!

That’s all for now – happy stitching!
Ashley Jane

February 3, 2022February 3, 2022

Collection Spotlight: Cozy Utility

So far, this winter has been absolutely perfect for knitting. Even in the south, we’ve had some wintry weather, and throughout the nation, there is more to come. So – are you staying warm? Are you staying…cozy? Well – if not, our latest pattern collection is sure to keep you both warm and cozy. Say “hello” to Cozy Utility!

Today, I’m going to highlight some of my favorite features of each design in the Cozy Utility collection. Whether you’re looking for a comfy cardigan, warm shawl, or soft stole – we have you covered. Each piece in this collection features our gorgeous Posh Alpaca yarn. This gently spun roving yarn blends wool, superfine alpaca, and acrylic to create a yarn that is light, lofty, and supremely warm. Upon its Fall 2021 release into the Universal Yarn line, Posh Alpaca became a fast favorite. And it’s no wonder – as you’ll see in the patterns I’m about to share, this yarn makes everything from soothing stockinette stitch to dense cables look absolutely amazing. Let’s take a look!

Beautiful Posh Alpaca – such a chic yarn.

First up: the Asher Set. Matching sets are everywhere, and when designer Aubrey Busek dreamt up the mood board for this collection, this concept along with two-mile wear was on her mind. Who doesn’t love some crisp coordination, after all? It’s an irresistible hat and shawl duo. I love the clever construction and unique shape of the shawl. You simply work two right triangles in two separate colors – both drenched in a beautiful textural motif. Then, join them together at the cast-on edge. The result is a color-blocked, diamond-esque shaped shawl that’s perfect for wrapping around your neck and shoulders. Aubrey gave this piece special attention to detail as she even chose to color block the crochet edging along the edges of the shawl. I told you it’s clever!

Aren’t the contrasting wings just beautiful?

I said this was a matching set, though – so let’s not give all of the attention to the shawl. Asher features a complimentary beanie complete with a pom pom. What’s not to love? When you’re ready to transition from home to the local cafe, or simply out on a snowy walk, tuck the shawl around your neck and pop on the cap. You’re ready to go. The hat begins with a contrasting ribbed brim and quickly turns to the diamond motif from the shawl. A background of reverse Stockinette stitch on both pieces truly makes the patterns pop.

You can wear the hat slightly slouchy, as pictured above, or close to your head for a more snug fit.

Next, we have one of my proudest designs to date: Corbin. Here at Universal Yarn, we strive to produce plenty of inspiring designs to support each of our yarns. Of course, we’re a small team and wear many hats, so occasionally it can be challenging to find the time to genuinely play with design. (Yes, you’re getting a behind-the-scenes confession.) I truly let my creativity flow with Corbin. It’s a statement piece complete with traveling cables that wind through the design. Because of its large motif, this pattern is primarily charted. However, the charts aren’t overwhelming thanks to the large gauge of Posh Alpaca. The sweater is worked seamlessly from the top down – a construction adored by many.

The cables in Corbin are featured on the sleeves, front, and back.

Another matching set in the collection, I included a coordinating cowl to take Corbin from warm and comfortable to supremely cozy. You’ll ward off the breeze with ease when you take this piece on the go. The cables in the cowl mimic the center front motif on the pullover. The fabric is double-thick, but you could easily work just one vertical repeat of the motif for a more lightweight piece.

Wear the cowl as a standalone accessory, or partner it with the pullover to elevate the design to the next level.

My other contribution to the collection is Evi. Crochet granny squares are everywhere. Although the classic motifs have traditionally been used for blankets, in the past year we’ve seen them more and more in garments and accessories. It’s a trend I don’t see going anywhere soon, and thank goodness for that. With Evi, I wanted to make a modern, high-contrast piece. Bold stripes alternate with granny squares in this partially-modular design. Night and day, colors #101 Birch and #106 Blacksmith complement each other perfectly and will never go out of style. But there are plenty of gorgeous colors in the palette to make your own. Just imagine this as an autumnal version reminiscent of fall foliage, using a combination such as #102 Oak and #108 Velveteen.

Evi is a striking project well-suited for beginners and advanced crocheters alike.

One of my favorite pieces from Cozy Utility is Hadley, designed by Aubrey Busek. Featuring soft bishop sleeves, knit-purl texture, and bountiful bobbles, this open and cushy cardigan will make you feel so relaxed. This is the type of piece that is easy to dress up or wear more casually. On those unexpectedly warm days, it can serve as a jacket all on its own. Knit flat in pieces and seamed, Hadley has just the right amount of structure to ensure longevity. This is a piece to last a lifetime.

Hadley features an optional, removable belt.

Finally, we have a show-stopping cardigan designed by the talented Melissa Leapman. Miranda is a richly cabled design featuring braided cables, cushiony K1, P1 Ribbed edgings, and pockets. Who doesn’t love pockets? The tunic length makes this piece almost robe-like, and like Hadley, it works fantastically as an outerwear piece. Set-in sleeves provide a perfect fit.

The cables in Miranda are framed with Double Seed Stitch – a classic complement to cables.

We simply adore this fresh collection and hope you do, too. Whether you’re a lover of garments or accessories, there is something for you. We’re also certain you’ll fall in love with Posh Alpaca the moment you touch it. I can say with full confidence, that this collection is full of designs that are a match made in heaven for the yarn.

So, which of these designs is your favorite? Have you worked with Posh Alpaca before? Let us know in the comments!

Happy Crafting!

-Rachel

January 13, 2022January 13, 2022

Fibertinis: Old Fashioned Meets Tweed

Hi Fiber Friends!
I’m so excited to introduce you to a new blog segment I’ve been dreaming up called “Fibertinis” where I match popular cocktails with our yarn for a perfect pairing! For my first segment, I’m matching up our Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash with an Old Fashioned.

Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash and an Old Fashioned (Image Credit Taste.com)

Both of these classics have a long and rich history. According to Clan, by Scotsweb, Tweed as a name was first used in 1826 when a London cloth merchant clerk received a misspelled invoice which was meant to read “tweel,” the Scottish name for the fabric twill. Legend says that he presumed it was meant to be a brand name for the woolen fabrics hailing from the Tweed River region so they advertised them as such, and it stuck! Regardless of the nomenclature, tweed has always held an iconic and polished status since the woolen fabric elevated from a Scottish practical peasant garb, to a symbol of wealth and royalty with the rise of Estate Tweed in 1835.

Nowadays, tweed is still coveted both as a symbol of refinement, or its casual and cool rustic appeal. In a word, it’s a classic. It is for this reason that Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash is the perfect pairing with an Old Fashioned – a timeless, classic cocktail. According to a ranking of the 50 Most Popular Cocktails in the World in 2021, the Old Fashioned was the number one most popular cocktail in the world. The Old Fashioned’s beginnings are a bit hazy as its namesake has also been used as a catchall for any cocktails including bourbon or whiskey, which were considered old fashioned before the art of cocktail making was refined. As far as I can tell though, the general recipe of spirits, bitters, water, sugar, and citrus have been around and in demand since the 1880s. Even the origins of this pair land on a relatively similar timeline!

Drifting Hap designed by Rachel Brockman

Just as tweed has always been a blend of practicality and posh, our Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash is made from 90% superwash wool, 3% viscose, and 7% acrylic, making it both easy to care for and sophisticated. The soft and springy feel of the wool and beautiful stitch definition are the things I love most about this yarn. With 20 colors to choose from, and plenty of pattern support, there’s no reason not to make something perfectly classic for yourself or a loved one! Some of my favorite designs to try come from our collection Rustic and Refined, including Pilger and the Drifting Hap, featured in photos above. This robust collection has 13 total patterns, so you are sure to find quite a few things you won’t be able to live without. In addition to those I’ve already named, I also really like the Traverse Socks, and Sojourn Tunic, seen below.

Traverse Socks, designed by Rachel Brockman and Sojourn Tunic designed by Amy Gunderson

Now that I’ve researched a bit about the origins of my chosen cocktail and fiber, I truly feel they are a match made in heaven! I can picture it now – curled up in a booth of a cozy tavern sipping some citrusy bourbon goodness and stitching along on my next make. Won’t you join me?! I hope you’ve enjoyed this first edition of our Fibertinis Series! Let us know in the comments what tweed project you’d make, or what cocktail & yarn we should pair up next!
Happy Stitching!
Ashley Jane

December 29, 2021December 29, 2021

Three Glowing Favorites

Oh man, let me just start by saying this whole post will be a not-so-subtly glowing review of our new collection! I am absolutely in love with our new yarn, Noelle, and these pieces which show it off beautifully. Made from a blend of 26% merino wool, 26% alpaca, 29% polyester and 19% nylon, it feels like a dream – and with its light shimmer and gentle color changes it looks like a dream too!

Our collection, Subtle Glow, features five projects that reveal the versatility of Noelle, by showing it off on its own, as well as blending it with other staple yarns. My favorite piece in the collection is the Carina sweater, by Rachel Brockman, which pairs Noelle with our Deluxe DK Superwash. The 100% superwash wool pairs brilliantly because it is still so soft to the touch, so you don’t feel like there is a strange blend when you hold or wear it. It also adds contrast in the colorwork, both because of the selection of colors used, as well as its pairing of flat and glistening fibers.

*Carina sweater, in Noelle and Deluxe DK Superwash, designed by Rachel Brockman*

My next favorite is our revamped Glisten Cowl, originally designed for our 12 Days of Winter Collection of 2018. We couldn’t let this stunning pattern fade when the original yarn was discontinued, so we gave it new life. This is another piece that blends Noelle with another yarn, Rozetti Yarns Cotton Gold, which adds an extra special sparkle with its sequins. This yarn is made of 65% cotton, 8% metallic, and 27% Payette. Its super-fine weight is perfect for carrying along with any yarn, but adds a twinkling magical effect to the already shining Noelle.

*Glisten Cowl, with Noelle and Cotton Gold held together.*

Last, but not least, I adore the Parlamak shawl, designed by Brittany Garber. The word ‘parlamak” translates as “to shine” in Turkish, and I can’t help but feel like it’s namesake captures its essence perfectly! Made from Noelle alone, this shimmering shawl features a beautiful crochet cable along one edge, while letting the blending of colors speak for itself through the rest of the fabric. The overall effect is an enchanting design that can pair with anything in your wardrobe – it’s soft, sophisticated, and stunning.

*Parlamak, in Noelle, designed by Brittany Garber.*

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 3 favorites from our Subtle Glow Collection! Tell me in the comments, which design is your favorite?
That’s all for now – Happy Stitching!
Ashley Jane

December 11, 2021December 10, 2021

Day 11 of Winter – Series 5 Edition

This is part 11 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, Series 5.

Delicious seasonal foods are one of my favorite things about winter. From mulled wine to pot pies, most of my favorite things to eat are perfect for cold weather. Cookies are a beloved treat of most families, and baking is a great way to spend more quality time with loved ones over the holidays. I absolutely love cooking and baking, I find it to be just as therapeutic and relaxing as knitting. Homemade gingersnap cookies were my inspiration for the Gingersnap Hats kit, knit using Deluxe Worsted Tweed.

Gingersnap Hats -knit using Deluxe Worsted Tweed colors 910 Porcelain, 913 Smoke, and 920 Camel

Techniques you’ll explore in the Gingersnap Hats patterns are

Knitting in the round
Stranded Colorwork
Slipped stitches
Mosaic Knitting
Cables
Making pom poms

The Gingersnap Hats kit comes with the yarn you need and three hat patterns rolled into one (like a cookie!). One kit will make all three hats- meaning you can keep all three for yourself, or gift a couple to loved ones! Each hat is very different, so you’ll get to explore a wide variety of fun techniques in the whole pattern. I chose colors that felt warm, spicy, and worked well together. I love how the different shades don’t compete with one another in these hats, and each one shows off the tweedy nubs in Deluxe Worsted Tweed so well. This superwash wool based yarn is wonderful to work with and easy to care for.

The Two-Color Plaid Hat features a broken rib hem in the color 920 Camel. I love ribbing stitches, and enjoyed playing with some different rib stitches for this hat trio. You’ll then work a buffalo style plaid colorwork pattern all over the body of the hat. It easily works into the crown shaping, creating a seamless look. Since this colorwork only uses 2 colors, it has a very bold, graphic look that makes a statement.

For the next part of the Gingersnap Hats, I designed the Two-Color Cable Hat. This hat features some knitting techniques that are really fun when worked together. First, you’ll work a folded brim using the color 913 Smoke, in a classic K1, P1 rib stitch. Then, you’ll immediately begin working the mosaic two-color cable texture. This type of knitting uses slipped stitches in one color and knit stitches in another to achieve the final texture. You’ll also work cables into the mosaic pattern. Although this may sound intimidating, you’ll only be using one color per row, making it easy to tackle! Mosaic knitting has a unique process and end-result appearance that you’ll love once you get the hang of it.

The final hat in the trio is the Three-Color Hat. First, you’ll work a twisted rib hem (my favorite), then, you’ll use all three colors for a slipped stitch tweed-like pattern. From there, you’ll transition into the stranded colorwork section of the hat. This hat uses all three colors, so be extra mindful of your float tension here, and change needle sizes as indicated in the pattern. For the crown shaping, we return to the rhythmic tweed texture. Each of these hats is adorned with a pom pom that matches the color of the ribbing. So cute!

For today’s post, I wanted to share a delicious recipe for homemade ginger cookies, which inspired the Gingersnap Hats. These cookies are soft, chewy, full of spice, and drizzled with white chocolate. If you need encouragement for baking, the office staff ate all of these cookies in about 10 minutes after I finished taking these photos!

For the cookies you will need:

1 cup of sugar
3/4 cup of shortening or butter (your preference)
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
2 1/4 cups of all purpose baking flour
2 teaspoons of baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
brown sugar, cinnamon, and white sugar blend for rolling cookies before baking
white chocolate for drizzling (I like the Ghirardelli melting wafers)

How to make cookies

Combine the sugar, molasses, shortening or butter, and egg in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium until mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Add in your dry ingredients, and use a large mixing spoon or spatula and stir to combine well.
Once well combined, cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge. Minimum: 1 hour
While dough is chilling, preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Pour cinnamon, brown, and white sugar mix onto a plate.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out and roll dough into 1″ balls. Roll the dough in the sugar mixture to give a light all-over coating.
Place approx 12 cookies per sheet, leaving space between each cookie. (Recipe makes 24-28 cookies depending on size)
Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, or until they rise and fall in the oven (to retain chewy soft texture).
Remove from oven and place sheet of parchment paper with cookies on counter to cool completely. If you have wire cooling racks, you may also use these. I like leaving the parchment paper underneath for easy cleanup after drizzling chocolate!
Once the cookies are completely cool, heat your white chocolate per the package instructions.
Using a small sandwich bag, spoon the liquid white chocolate into the bag, and ziplock closed. Cut a very small hole in one corner of the bag.
Use a zig-zag motion to drizzle the white chocolate over the cookies. Make a second pass in the opposite direction.
Allow to cool completely, until the chocolate becomes hard. enjoy!!!

This looks exactly like a perfect winter’s night

Knitting/crochet and baking are two hobbies that go wonderfully together. Make your yummy treats, then relax with your WIP while you get to enjoy them! The ginger cookies pair well with a spiced tea like this vanilla chai. Tell us in the comments: what is your favorite holiday treat to enjoy while you knit or crochet?

Remember, the Gingersnap Hats and our other exclusive 12 Days of Winter kits can be purchased at local yarn store retailers near you. Not in stock at your local shop? Ask them about drop shipping – order through them, and we ship to you! Each kit comes with the pattern, the yarn required to make it, a mini Universal Yarn project bag, and stitch marker. Use our store locator to find your nearest Universal Yarn retailer!

Happy crafting,

Aubrey

December 10, 2021December 10, 2021

Day 10 of Winter – Series 5 Edition

This is part 10 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, series 5 Edition.

Are you new to lace knitting, or are you already a fan? Either way, you’re in for a treat today as we take a closer look at the oversized, extra cozy Evergreen Shawl!

Beautiful and oversized, you’ll be so cozy in the blanket-y shawl.

First, though, let’s chat about this lovely design and all the special details. When I wear shawls, I love an oversized one, especially in the winter. You can wrap them around your neck and shoulders a couple of times – and you can’t have too many layers, wouldn’t you agree? 😉 I chose Deluxe Worsted, our classic, 100% non-superwash wool yarn, in the color 12296 Green Leaf for this piece. Since the shawl is covered in lacy fir trees, the color seemed like the perfect fit.

Just take a look at how large, yet still elegant, this Everygreen Shawl is!

In this pattern, you’ll get to indulge in the following techniques:

yarnovers
basic increases and decreases
right and left twists
knitting flat

This shawl does indeed have perhaps the simplest of shapes: a right triangle with decreases along one edge. The straight edge of the shawl has a gorgeous lace diamond motif, which although beautiful, does cause stitch counts to fluctuate throughout the pattern. So, as you’re decreasing along one edge to shape the shawl, you’ll also need to ensure that you maintain the stitch patterns as established. It’s a nice balance of rhythm and engagement, perfect for someone who wants to stay focused through a knitting pattern.

Although I’d consider this pattern Intermediate level, don’t fret if you’re a beginner who’s craving a challenge. I’m the very last person to discourage someone from trying something new. So, if you have little or no lace experience, or even if you have a bunch, I have a few handy tips for knitting lace that will get you started on the right foot.

The lacy tree motif makes this shawl perfect for winter. Just imagine yourself in a snowy forest with those pops of green peeking out beneath the piles of snow atop the boughs.

My first tip is to sharpen your chart reading skills. This pattern includes helpful charts and written instructions, but I find that charts are a great way to visualize exactly what you’re doing. Back in our first series of the 12 Days of Winter Kit collection, before we even knew it would be a tradition, I shared some tips for reading charts. You can find that blog post at this link.

My next tip is to use sharp needles. I have so many favorite needles that it’s hard to choose a brand. I’m a bit of a needle nerd and I love everything from Addi Lace Tips to any of the ChiaoGoo lines and have had great experiences with Hiya Hiya Sharps. But in truth, your favorite needle brand probably has an option for sharp tips and that’s what you really want. Why? Simply because it makes working those decreases much easier! In this pattern, usually, you’ll only work two stitches together; however, some lace patterns have you work more than that – three, even four together (as in the Dusk Poncho). And if you must do a purl decrease through the back loop, you’ll thank yourself for the investment, trust me!

Insert lifelines as you knit to give you a safety zone if you make a mistake and must rip back your work.

My final tip for lace knitting is a lifeline – because it’s a lifesaver! I feel like a pro whenever it comes to correcting mistakes in cable knitting or most textured stitches, however, I always find correcting mistakes in lace to be a bit more tricky. As a result, I often tink back (knit backward – get it?) my work or simply rip back until I get to the row where I made the mistake. When you have lots of decreases and yarnover increases, it’s really easy to lose your place. My suggestion is to insert a lifeline. What’s a lifeline? It’s simply a strand of yarn to place through your stitches as a safe spot to unravel your work if needed because all of those stitches will be secure with a strand of scrap yarn threaded through.

Option 1: This is probably the most preferred method, especially if you’re knitting lace. Before you start knitting your row, thread a piece of scrap yarn that’s about six to eight inches wider than your work and simply glide the tapestry needle through each live stitch without removing the needles. You’ll work just below the knitting needle, as pictured in the example photo above. The ideal place for a lifeline is before a fresh row repeat – this way you know exactly where to start once you unravel your work.

You can always insert a lifeline after you work your rows, too.

The second option is great for moments when you’ve forgotten to insert a lifeline…or if you were overly confident only to find out you made a mistake later. Oops! And I have to say, I’m GUILTY! Have no fear, though, because you can still insert a lifeline any amount of rows below (see above photo). This time, all you’ll do is thread the tapestry needle the same way you did in the first option I described. Then, carefully thread the needle through one leg of each stitch across the row. Picking up each leg of the stitch from below is a bit trickier, but if you take your time you’ll be good to go, I promise. Then you can rip back all the way to the lifeline and your stitches will remain secure.

The tip detail shows how the tree motif transforms into a chevron lace motif, and the final shaping is just so pretty!

That’s it for my lace knitting tips and I hope you find them to be very useful. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to us because we’re always happy to help. Do you have any lace tips you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below!

Remember, these exclusive kits can be purchased at local yarn store retailers near you. Each kit comes with the pattern, the yarn required to make it, a mini Universal Yarn project bag, and stitch marker. Use our store locator to find your nearest Universal Yarn retailer!

Happy crafting!