This week we released the bright and flirty Sunkissed Summer collection! It features five summery projects to knit and crochet, and trust me – you’ll want to make all five.
Sunkissed Summer: the Magnolia spring collection
This collection highlights our light and luxurious Magnolia yarn. Its modal and cashmere blend makes for projects that are silky, smooth, and perfect for the warm weather of the season. Some fiber friends have shared that it’s hard to stay motivated to work on projects when it’s warm, but it’s actually the perfect time to set aside wool and welcome in this lighter alternative. It is a delight to work with, and finished projects boast a beautiful sheen and incredible drape. Plus the colors are all so juicy and fun. With names like Dreamsicle, Brunch, and Key Lime, you feel like you’re indulging in all the best parts of summer while you work!
Magnolia
The first project I’d like to feature is the crocheted Paradise Pouch – my own design! This was a joy to create and I’m thrilled to have the chance to share a bit about it. The bag features two identical panels with a vibrant central mandala that is rhythmic to create. You’ll explore post-stitch work along with texture-rich rounds to make this mesmerizing accessory. For added intrigue there are colorful tassels that frame your work with fun!
Paradise Pouch designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre
Next up, lets take a look at Sunburst by Aubrey Busek. Its design captures the radiance of a rising sun with curved sections reaching like rays towards the burst of fringy tassels along the edge. The lace and bold colors create dynamic lines and shapes that can spice up any outfit you choose. When you drape this piece around you, you’ll feel transported to a breezy beach which you can carry with you wherever you go.
Sunburst Shawl by Aubrey Busek
Lastly, lets check out Sailfin, a striped stunner by Rachel Brockman. This colorful scarf is inspired by the glorious stripes of the saltwater sailfin fish. The scarf’s eye-catching colors and pattern are just as captivating as its underwater muse. The smooth texture allows for the colors and drape of Magnolia to stand out and shine. Pair this accessory with your favorite summer outfit and be ready to receive joyful compliments all day!
Sailfin by Rachel Brockman
There are still two other projects, the Painted Sunset shawl and the Seagrass top, yet to explore in this collection. Which one is your favorite? If you’re like me and you are having a hard time choosing, then get them all! The collection bundle is just $20 compared to $6 for each accessory pattern, and $7 for the Seagrass top. Until Friday 5/13 there is even more savings on our Ravelry page. To celebrate this collection release, you can snag an extra 15% off – no code needed!
Painted Sunset shawl and Seagrass top
That’s all for now, friends. Happy Stitching! Ashley Jane
This week we released our newest collection, Tiny Textures, which is truly the cutest little gathering of knitwear items I’ve seen all spring! There are five easy projects to knit up and give to a baby or toddler in your life – whether for your own munchkins, or as a gift for others in your life, each design is sure to be a cherished keepsake for years to come.
Tiny Textures Collection
All of the projects are made with our Uptown Worsted Hues yarn. It’s the newest addition to the Uptown line of yarns, featuring beautifully blended pastel colors that look great in any piece! From baby items, to adult garments, accessories, and homewares, this yarn is a wonderful way to bring a burst of color into the mix. Uptown Worsted Hues anti-pilling, 100% acrylic composition and Standard 100 certification by Oeko-Tex made this yarn an easy choice for a kids collection though. It can handle the rough-and-tumble nature of kiddos well, as it is fully machine washable and easy to care for.
Uptown Worsted Hues
One of my favorite pieces to come out of this collection is the Peyton cardigan. It has such a playful take on a sophisticated “grown up cardigan” by featuring squiggly lines, made of cable cross stitches, where one may expect to see more typical cables. Plus there’s room for more unexpected fun by incorporating buttons! You may choose to go with a clean look by using cohesive, round wooden buttons from Katrinkles, like we did. Or you could get quirky by browsing some of her more eccentric options, or by sourcing some from wherever you’d like! No matter where they are from, buttons are always a great way to make a piece feel truly unique and special.
Peyton Cardigan
The other teeny temptation creeping onto my make-list is the Elouise set. The hat and cowl have sweet little details that make them look quite polished for being so small. The hat features a little cinched gathering at the brim that hints at old-glam style, while the cowl sports a button closure, leaving room for more of that individual refinement we talked about above. The slip stitch pattern worked on both the hat and cowl has just the right amount of texture to give this set a certain je ne sais quoi that would simply lack if it were done in a smooth stockinette. Wouldn’t you agree?
Elouise Set
Be sure to check out all 5 of the tiny textured pieces, and start plotting which ones you’ll make today! Which one do you think you’ll make first? That’s all for now, Happy Stitching y’all, Ashley Jane
Hi there, crafters! We’ve entered one of my favorite times of year: spring. Flowers are blooming, bees are buzzing, the days are longer, and the air smells sweeter. This is a great time to break out the warm weather yarns and start a new project! Easter is just around the corner, and I thought I’d take this opportunity to share some patterns that I think are perfect for the holiday and the spring season.
Easter Earl, a stylish little bird
I couldn’t mention patterns for the season without first sharing Easter Earl. Designed by Rachel Brockman, Easter Earl is an adorable stuffed chick that is knit using Ricorumi DK Cotton. Easter Earl is approx 8″ tall, perfect for decorating a dresser or desk, and his body is knit in the round from the bottom up. The wings, feet, and bow tie are worked separately and sewn to the body. If you’re a knitter looking to make a stuffed toy, Easter Earl is a great place to begin! Ricorumi Cotton DK is designed for amigurumis and other small projects. It is a soft, yet durable cotton and holds structure for projects like these. Whether you make Easter Earl to fill a gift basket, or for yourself ‘just because’, he is a fun project that will get you in the mood for the season!
Lunaria Socks
The Lunaria Socks, designed by Allison Lutes, were our free pattern Friday release last week. Made using two colors of our Bamboo Pop Sock, I can guarantee these will become your favorite warm weather socks. Bamboo Pop Sock is a stretchy blend of bamboo, cotton, and PBT that is cool and breathable. They are worked from the cuff down with a heel flap & gusset construction. Allison added a sweet floral motif, tiny bobbles, and a cute picot edge to the cuff for this design. As a girly-girl who loves anything floral, I absolutely love these spring-y socks! I’d make mine using the colors 606 Valentine and 603 Dandelion.
Cotton Candy Swirl Shawl
Everyone loves a one-skein-wonder project! If you have somewhere to go for Easter or another event this spring, consider making the Cotton Candy Swirl shawl. Crocheted using our 100% superwash extra fine merino yarn, Cobblestone, Cotton Candy Swirl is an easy level pattern that uses treble crochet stitches to create a lacy fabric. Cobblestone boasts over 600 yards per skein, so one will make up this entire accessory. Perfect for throwing over your shoulders for an event (a spring wedding, perhaps?) or just for going out and running errands, the Cotton Candy Swirl shawl is a piece of cake.
Bunny Got Back Socks
In the mood to make something whimsical? I love the Bunny Got Back knit socks, designed by Amy Gunderson. These ankle socks feature an adorable colorwork pattern of little bunny backs, and a pom pom on the ankle. You can sport your own bunny tails now! Using a soft color palette of our Bella Cash yarn, it keeps them wearable for every day. Bella Cash is a blend of superwash fine merino, cashmere, and nylon that is currently 50% off on our website! This fine weight yarn makes a great choice for delicate garments and accessories, kids projects, as well as socks. It is easy to care for, but has a luxurious feel due to the cashmere fiber content.
Pierpont Sweater
The last pattern I wanted to mention is the Pierpont sweater, designed by Melissa Leapman for our Perennial Knits pattern collection. Knit using cotton/extra fine merino/cashmere blend Ravello, this sweater is lacy and dramatic in all the right ways. My grandmother was a super stylish lady, and she loved interior decorating. This sweater reminds me of the little ceramic apricot color bunnies she always decorated with for Easter, which is why I wanted to share it in this post. I think it would be a perfect garment to wear for any event you have this spring, or just for your Easter family brunch. Ravello’s fine weight combined with its fiber content make it perfect for the spring season. It is light and breathable, but will keep you warm if there is a chill in the air. If peach tones aren’t your thing, don’t fret. Ravello comes in a widely varied color palette with something for everyone.
Bamboo Pop Sock yarn
Comment which of these spring projects you’d want to make first! Stay tuned this week for even more Easter fun coming to our website!
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.
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 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.
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!
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!
Polar Nights Cowl by Rachel Brockman
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 Hazy 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!
Rico Baby Dream dk & Coat and Beret 517
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
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!
By the Fire Slippers by Rachel Brockman
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?
Asher Set by Aubrey Busek
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.
Pothos Cowl by Courtney Mulcahy
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!
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!
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!
Gumdrop Top designed by Aubrey Busek
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!
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!
At the start of the year, we are often thinking of all things ‘new’. Goals to achieve, new hobbies or projects, and maybe even a new trend we’d like to try out. Although many of these things are quite personal, one thing is for sure, new trends affect us all. I think the word ‘trend’ has a sort of interestingly taboo tone to it. Some people see the word ‘trend’ and think of things that are temporary, fleeting, and disposable. Though it is true that trends come and go, in design based industries, we look to them as a source of inspiration for the way forward into new seasons. Trends are a reflection of culture, time and place, and how the world is moving. They influence the colors and styles companies choose for new products and trickle into almost every industry imaginable in various ways great and small.
At Universal Yarn, trend forecasting helps us develop things like new yarns, colors, and pattern collections for each season. Outside of industry forecasting services, different social media and search engines can be a great way to source inspiration. I took a look at Pinterest’s own trend report for 2022 and decided to pick a couple trends that I thought would be inspirational to me as a designer this year. I’m pairing those chosen trends with a yarn from our line, and a design idea to go with it. I also thought it would be fun if a couple of my colleagues shared their choices and ideas too!
Starting with me (Aubrey):
Night Moves trend collage made by Pinterest
Night Moves was the first trend on Pinterest’s 2022 report that caught my eye. To be honest, I found something inspiring in each of the trends listed, so I had such a hard time choosing only two. On the trend page for Night Moves it says: ” The most memorable adventures will happen after sundown in 2022. People will turn to the quiet of the after-hours to invest in their travel bucket lists and nature excursions.”. I love adventure, and the idea of quiet nighttime turning into something fun and exciting. This brought my mind to breezy summer nights, and cozy knit and crochet projects to wear walking along a beach or by the lake. So, the yarn I am inspired to use for this trend is our Cotton Supreme. This worsted weight cotton yarn is so soft and pleasant to work with. We have some fantastic neutrals and beautiful bright colors in this yarn that I think would make a perfect match for the Night Moves trend. Plus, it is easy to go adventuring wearing breathable cotton! For this trend, I am inspired to design a long open cardigan that is easy to throw on or take off as your adventure requires. Perhaps with wide bell sleeves to mimic the shapes of the mushrooms in the Pinterest collage? I’d absolutely hold sparkling Cotton Gold alongside the solid Black color of Cotton Supreme to mimic a starry sky at night, like I did for my Midnight Top free pattern design! Here’s my chosen color scheme below.
For a cold weather appropriate yarn option for this fabulous trend, I would lean to working with Uptown Worsted! This 100% anti-pilling acrylic yarn is cozy and easy to care for, making it perfect for adventuring at night, and has a wonderful color palette to choose from with plenty of bright options well suited to the Night Moves trend.
Batter Up trend collage made by Pinterest
Batter Up is the next trend I was inspired by when I looked at Pinterest’s 2022 report. I know you may not immediately see cakes and desserts and think of knitting or crochet projects, but it is wildly often that I am inspired by tasty treats for designs, color schemes, and color names! Food is comforting and touches a part of your soul that sparks memories and good feelings. In my free time I am always cooking or baking something new. I find it to be one of those necessary things in life that sparks a lot of joy for me. Food feels like a constant source of inspiration as there are endless things to make and try, and that inspiration has trickled a lot into my work here at Universal Yarn.
In fact, we have a whole pattern collection inspired by desserts called Sweet Treats, which features our Donnina yarn. I am also getting married in April, so cake related anything feels extremely appropriate. Our Ravello yarn immediately came to mind when thinking about the Batter Up trend. It is small and sweet like a pretty cake, and the fibers look and feel absolutely delectable. Spun in Italy, this merino, cotton, and cashmere blend is perfect for trans-seasonal garments and accessories. For this trend, I think some kind of lace textured shawl or stole would be my ideal design, with botanical lace shapes like the cake icing above. I love romantic color schemes, so I came up with a soft color palette for this design idea.
Let’s see what my colleagues have to say!
Ashley Jane (AJ) –
Cuppa Time trend collage made by Pinterest
In my world, “Cuppa Time” perfectly sums up the saying “Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice.” I am an avid tea drinker, enjoying at least 3 to 4 cups a day switching from spiced cinnamon and chai in the afternoon over to sweet and soothing herbal teas at night. After my morning coffee, I just can’t stop holding a nice warm beverage in my hands! In an almost ritualistic way, I’ll thread my fingers through the handle of my mug so I can wrap my palm around the cup, reach my other hand up to hug the other side, then lift the steamy drink up to my face and do that deep, eyes-closed, inhale that resets your whole day. It is genuinely the one product in the world, next to yarn, that I feel a borderline addictive joy towards. Both yarn and tea come with endless variety, make you feel warm and cozy, and bring you a sense of calm that nothing else can. They can both also have a fun social element!
Fiber and textile arts have long been associated with guilds which help join creative minds together to preserve and pass on skills. Tea drinking has a long-standing history of the “High Tea,” gathering socialites together to enjoy snacks, pastries, and fabulous loose-leaf blends. When I think about what type of yarn is inspired by tea, I’m drawn to the pastels and polished aesthetic of a vintage tea party, and immediately am drawn to Rico Design Essentials Super Kid Mohair Loves Silk Print. The colors available remind me of flowers painted on vintage tea sets, and the buoyant, fluffy texture is akin to plump macarons stacked on a cake tower. My make for the occasion would be the Inner Light shawl in color Sphere 007. With its 70% Mohair and 30% silk composition, it is the perfectly posh and polished yarn to compliment a gathering for afternoon tea!
Rachel –
Chequer Yourself trend collage made by Pinterest
I found something so inspiring in each of the trends listed in the Pinterest Predicts report. And if I’m honest, the predictable source of inspiration for me is surely the Biophilic Design trend. Nature inspires so much of my design – and there is more to come on that in our fall collections. So, instead of gushing about Flax and Flax lace as yarns essentially built for that theme, let’s celebrate all things Checkerboard with the “Chequer Yourself” trend!
I’ve been loving all of the checkers I’ve been seeing around. From the ultra-classic Vans slip on shoes to bold checkered prints, it simply brings a smile to my face. I recently purchased a ready-to-wear vest with black and white checks (not quite checkered) and it has been one of my favorite layering pieces. Regarding my own designs, I’ve dabbled a bit in Checkerboard patterning already – perhaps you’ve seen Lipsky or the Checkerboard Pullover, both in Dona. However, these two designs feature mini-checkers. For 2022, I’d love lean into the forecast for oversized checkers and would love to design a simple, but brightly hued statement pullover pairing three colors of Nymph: 109 Secret Garden and 107 Taiga for the squares, and trim accents of either #111 Rare Books or #113 Swan. It would be a divinely soft combination in a yarn that’s perfect for transitional seasons.
Beyond that, I’m envisioning scrap yarn projects – perhaps some socks with bits and bobs of Bella Cash? Or a fantastically hued multi-color crochet throw in Deluxe Bulky? With squares big and small as a key theme this year, the possibilities are virtually limitless!
I (Aubrey) really enjoyed seeing which trends my colleagues chose, as I think it is a great indicator of our personal aesthetics and visual preferences. As a designer, this is also a great challenge to spark new ideas! I know I find each and every one of the trends inspiring in some way, and feel like I am brimming with ideas for designs in 2022.
I’d love to hear which of the Pinterest Predicts 2022 trends you’d choose and what you’d like to make inspired by it!
