Hello there, Welcome back my second installment of “AJ’s Crochet Corner!”
I’m slowly swatching my way through various yarns and infiltrating our knit-heavy office to inspire envy and the desire to switch skills amongst all I meet! Now that you know my evil plans to motivate my coworkers to share my craft, you can help give me feedback on what types of yarn and patterns I should try out and show off next!
Today I tried out Fashion Light Luxury by Rico Design, which is a wonderful brand that we recently started to distribute. Unfortunately, we haven’t had the chance to incorporate their yarns into our pattern collections just yet, but keep an eye out later in the year for new patterns from us featuring Rico Design yarns. This blog post felt extra special, because I was the first one in the office getting to swatch some stitch patterns in Fashion Light Luxury! This particular yarn is made from 74% Alpaca, 22% Wool, and 4% Nylon. It is ultra fluffy so you have a lot of room to play with techniques, gauge and texture.
Rico Design Fashion Light Luxury in Powder 009
For example, our site notes that a recommended hook or needle size is a US 10 or 6mm, to accommodate the fibers as a bulky weight yarn. However, I wanted to get funky and see if I could work up some visible texture, so I scaled down to a US 6 or 4mm hook. It still worked well, as the base yarn housing the fluffy fibers is quite fine.
Rico Design Fashion Light Luxury in Light Blue 018
I worked up a swatch in a Honeycomb stitch, which turned out lovely! The smaller hook wound the fibers into the stitches more and helped to create a unique texture. I would definitely recommend a metal hook for this, as the yarn was a bit grippy when I tried a wooden hook. The overall effect was worth it though! Between the color, the swirls of the pattern, and the bouncy material I’m reminded of sea foam on the shore of a stormy ocean.
I mentioned earlier though how this yarn is meant to be treated as a bulky weight. When you size up your hook, you have more room for the intended airy halo, and get a satisfying drape to boot. Check out the Crochet Cardigan and Shawl designed by the Rico Design Team below!
Rico Design Fashion Light Luxury Cardigan in Pastel Green 024Rico Design Fashion Light Luxury Shawl in 7 various colors
Here you can see that the fabric made is not as dense as my swatch, and that there is a bit of a cozier quality overall. Ultimately I feel that Fashion Light Luxury is really versatile for the different looks you can manipulate, and for the adaptability of its blend. It’s extremely lightweight, yet very warm, and the nylon gives it enough strength to handle making garments.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this experiment with gauge and a unique yarn! Let me know what you think you’d try to make out of it! Please also drop a comment if there are any specific yarns, or techniques that you’d like to see in crochet.
Aubrey looking spectacular in the new Autumn Oak Hat!
It’s September, which means the official end of summer is mere weeks away and the season of all things woolly is upon us. For me, that means hats, hats, and more hats! I’m sure I’ve said this before, but hats are one of my favorite things to design and knit. I love everything about the process – they’re an excellent playground for a variety of techniques, quick to work up, and make wonderful gifts. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my latest design with you: the Autumn Oak Hat (pattern link).
The large leaf motif nods to the rounded lobes of White Oak leaves.
Autumn Oak is knit using plush and cozy Posh Alpaca, a blend of wool, superfine alpaca, and acrylic. This single-ply yarn is a super bulky weight but feels surprisingly light and springy. The palette is full of gorgeous neutrals and autumnal hues, and the colorway that simply sings to my heart is #112 Carotene, used in the Autumn Oak Hat. Orange, especially burnt orange, is perhaps my most favorite color, so I knew I needed to design something with it. This autumnal orange immediately conjured images of brilliant fall foliage, especially that of oak trees.
Fiery, red-orange leaves of a White Oak tree.
The Autumn Oak hat features a singular, large leaf motif that simply pops off the background of reverse stockinette stitch. It is complemented by twiggy lace motifs around the rest of the hat. These elements make this an engaging pattern that offers a bit of a challenge in a small package – again, hats are a perfect playground for learning new skills!
The lace motifs flow elegantly into the crown shaping, making this piece look great at every angle. It’s topped with a fluffy pom pom, and let me tell you, Posh Alpaca makes a really plush and fluffy pom pom!
Even though Posh Alpaca only contains 98 yards, it goes a long way. This hat is just a one-ball project, even with the pom pom. It works up fast, so you can knit one for yourself and for your friends and family in no time! It would look gorgeous knit up in any of the other colors, but I’d love to see versions of it using the colors inspired by trees: #101 Birch, #102, Oak, and #111 Hemlock. Whatever color you choose, you simply can’t go wrong!
I hope you love this hat as much as I loved designing it. Let me know which color you’d choose in the comments!
My name’s Ashley Jane, also known as AJ here at Universal Yarn. I’m avid crocheter, lover of dogs and all things outdoors, drinker of teas, and the newest member to the design team! My first few weeks here have been a whirlwind of learning our product line, organizing and revamping our Trunk Show Program, and making the cutest ever sample of our Ricorumi Kits!
Ricorumi Kit, Neptune
While settling into my new role, I have had the chance to stitch and swatch a few of our yarns to get to know them. I narrowed down my selection to Bella Cash, Ravello, and Penna. I wanted a chance to play around with some of our softer yarns while seeing what types of texture and feel I could produce with crochet. I loved my results – keep reading on to see my take on these fabulous fibers.
Sample Pennants in Bella Cash 116, Ravello 115 and Penna 106Bella 123
Bella Cash: Grippy on the hook, and springy to the touch. Using a 3.75 mm hook, I tried out the Lemon Peel stitch to see what type of texture I could get while working with it and wasn’t disappointed. Made from 60% Superwash Merino, 10% Cashmere, and 30% Nylon, this fine-weight yarn has great structure and stitch definition. Plus it feels nice and soft, and the hook size I used created a thick but malleable fabric. Bella Cash is easily one of my favorites to work with so far and would be fantastic in a full sweater with some texture and fine detailing, like the Bellissima Cardi, or the Holiday Lights Shawl.
Bella Cash 116Ravello 111
Ravello: Smooth to work with, and wonderful for making textures that have a nice light fluff to the finished piece. Using a 3.75mm hook for this fine weight yarn, the fabric has a delightful drape, and a soft airy quality to it. I played around with petal and reverse petal stitches for the pennant below. I loved it so much that I’ve decided to make my first Universal Yarn pattern from it, so be on the lookout for the Petal Shawl, coming soon! With a blend of 75% Cotton, 16% Extra Fine Merino and 9% Recycled Cashmere this yarn is lovely for summery tops like the Riviette Tank or the Lorelei sweater.
Ravello 115Penna 106
Lastly, Penna: Fluffy and Fun! This lace weight yarn is quite fine with lots of airy soft fibers, made from 50% Suri Baby Aplaca, 28% Extra Fine Merino, and 22% Nylon, so the stitches stand out in almost a ghostly fashion. Each twist and turn of your stitch can be seen through the fluff which I find looks beautiful with basic stitches, so I chose to whip up a simple pennant of Half Double Crochet’s using a 3.75 mm hook. An easy way to incorporate Penna into a piece is to hold it with another yarn like the Ariosa pattern suggests. This adds just the right amount of softness for that cozy, can’t-stop-touching feel. By itself, this is a standout yarn for lacework as seen in the Pluma stole.
Penna 106
All in all, these yarns are unbeatable for their quality and price points. I look forward to experimenting with more yarns and trying them out with crochet and other crafts.
Today I’m excited to introduce our latest collection of patterns: Joyful Stitches! The e-book contains six quick-knit projects using Deluxe Bulky Superwash.
At this point, it goes without saying that the past year has been tough on the world with the presence of coronavirus. We have all made big adjustments in our lives, and with social distancing in mind, many of us have been spending more time in the comfort of our homes. The needle arts industry has seen significant growth throughout this time. More and more people are dipping their toes into the world of knitting and crochet, and as a company, we’ve said “hello” to many new customers, even during a time of so much self-isolation. It’s not surprising, either. Longtime crafters know how knitting and crochet can introduce comfort during times of stress, and newbies are figuring that out!
With all of that in mind, Joyful Stitches was born! My plan for this collection was simple: create fun staple items that are a breeze to knit. These patterns feature knit and purl stitches only, but introduces basic shaping and knitting in the round, too.
Why Deluxe Bulky Superwash? Many new knitters enjoy using heavier-weight yarns. It’s very easy to see stitches clearly and the pieces work up at a satisfying speed. Our Deluxe Bulky Superwash is 100% wool that’s machine-washable, making it easy to care for. Whether you’re knitting for the first time or you’re a longtime knitter, you’ll love working with this plump, bouncy wool yarn. Now that you know why we chose this yarn as the foundation of the collection, let’s take a look at the patterns!
Gene in Deluxe Bulky Superwash #939 Burgundy, #917 Summer Sky, & #916 Nitrox Blue
I’m going to introduce these patterns in order of ease and skill level, starting with Gene. Although it’s probably the simplest pattern in the collection, it might just be my favorite. I love the bold colors and graphic stripes, which were inspired by Color Field painter, Gene Davis. All you need to know for this pattern is how to work the knit stitch – that’s really it! Worked sideways, you cast on the length of the scarf. That makes it super easy to modify. I’ve written the pattern for two lengths, but you can easily make the scarf shorter by casting on fewer stitches. After you’ve cast on, all there is to it is knit a few rows, change colors, and repeat. This garter stitch glory will be your go-to winter accessory!
Damson in Deluxe Bulky Superwash #919 Purplish Blue
Next up we have Damson. I’m categorizing this pattern as slightly more difficult than Gene, simply because you’ll need to know how to both knit and purl, plus you’ll get to apply fringe at each end of the scarf. Damson is blanketed with Moss stitch – a personal favorite of mine. This simple texture is created with a four-row repeat that you’ll quickly memorize. It creates a gorgeous, reversible texture, making it easy to style and wear. If you’ve never made fringe before, you’re in for a treat. Fringed scarves have a boho feel, but personally, I also think fringe makes the scarf look more “complete”. Like Gene, Damson is easy to modify. I’ve also written this one to have two lengths, but you can customize the length of your scarf by simply stopping when you reach your desired length or just keep on knitting for a scarf length that will remind you of the Fourth Doctor (minus the amazing stripes, of course).
The Checkmate Mitts in Deluxe Bulky Superwash #935 Ebony and #928 Pulp
Next up, the Checkmate Mitts. The shape and construction of this pattern are incredibly simple: make a rectangle, fold, sew the sides leaving room for the thumb, and repeat to make two mitts! If you enjoyed the easy pattern repeat of Damson, you’ll probably enjoy these mitts, too. Pairing a simple textured pattern with stripes and the effect is simply mesmerizing, creating the illusion of vertical and horizontal stripes. This pattern was inspired by the stitch patterns included in Cecelia Campchiaro’s genius book, Sequence Knitting. Sized for children and adults, the Checkmate Mitts are a perfect gift-knit. One ball of each color will be enough to create more than one pair – make a pair for yourself and for a loved one. Double the fun!
Bruna in Deluxe Bulky Superwash #920 Grape Taffy
Ready to knit in the round for the first time? Look no further than Bruna! I personally love a big, cozy cowl and this one ticks all of my boxes. It fits fairly close to the neck, yet leaves enough space for a bit of drape and breathing room. The depth is perfectly suited for folding inwards to create an additional layer of warmth, too. Bruna is comprised of a broken rib formed by a two-row repeat. This project is perfect for knit nights or catching up on your favorite tv show, as you can seamlessly knit across each round, never stopping to turn your work!
Once you’ve tackled Bruna, you’ll be ready to start your first hat project! Streetlight is a fun hat that will introduce simple shaping to your knitting toolbox. All of my favorite hats feature a deep, folded brim and Streetlight is no exception. Add a bit of color blocking and a fluffy pom pom and you’ve got a simple hat that still makes a statement! Although these days I’m predominantly a sweater knitter, I love knitting hats. They are fast, addictive, and are honestly the perfect gift. Hats are also great for charity knitting, so be sure to explore your local area for organizations that accept donations for wintry accessories! (If you don’t have a donation site locally, consider donating to the Charlotte Region Arts, Fibers, & Textiles (C.R.A.F.T.) who is currently running a community project and is accepting red hats to support a community blood drive!)
The Checkmate Shawl in Deluxe Bulky Superwash #935 Ebony and #928 Pulp
Rounding out the Joyful Stitches collection is the Checkmate Shawl – a perfect companion for the Checkmate Mitts! This shawl is the largest piece in the collection, and while it is simple, it introduces shaping while maintaining a stitch pattern. If that sounds complicated, don’t stray too far! This shawl begins by casting on at the widest edge and simply repeating the same eight rows until you reach the point. Easy peasy! I opted for tassels on each point for a touch of drama, and it really completes the look.
For this blog post, I wanted to highlight my dad, Hal Ozbelli, and the incredible work he has done for Universal Yarn. From building up a brand to coming up with creative, catchy yarn slogans, this guy has done it all!
Allow me to introduce myself: My name is Talya Ozbelli, and I am the daughter of Hal and Yonca Ozbelli, owners of Universal Yarn. You might have had the opportunity to meet them at a show, or maybe communicated with them over the phone/email. If not, I hope you get to meet them soon! I may be biased, but they really are some of the greatest people I know.
Top Right: Talya Ozbelli | Bottom Left – from left to right: Hal Ozbelli, Talya Ozbelli, Yonca Ozbelli, Kenan Ozbelli
In honor of Father’s Day, I wanted to spotlight my dad and what patterns from Universal Yarn collection I think he would like. Now, I am no yarn expert – I can barely tell the difference between a garter stitch and a purl (am I the only one that thinks it should be spelled “pearl”?) stitch. That being said, I am eager to learn more about hand-knitting yarns! This is based on my trusty eyes, as well as my keen and, ~dare I say~ really amazing fashion sense. Hey, I know a good looking sweater or scarf when I see one (especially if it uses Universal Yarn!)
Designed by Rachel Brockman, this sweater is one that will easily become a favorite go-to. With a versatile, classic yarn like Deluxe Worsted and a chic design, my dad would totally rock this look. The classic green and blue stripes along the bodice and sleeve cuffs give it character, and I can already see my dad’s approval with a simple nod and the words, “I like it” – so poetic.
Does this not scream “dad jokes” to you? Made with Deluxe Worsted, this intricate, detailed pattern and relaxed fit is a must in any man’s wardrobe. Deluxe Worsted has a variety of colors to pick from, so you can cater the pattern to whatever color you would like! My dad loves the color blue, so this cardigan pictured below would fit perfectly for his taste. Whether you prefer to wear it as an outer layer as you’re hiking up a mountain or relaxing by a fire pit, I believe it would be a great fit for anyone! I think this cardigan would be my dad’s favorite, now I just have to figure out how to knit it…
If there is one thing to know about Hal Ozbelli, it is how much he loves to be outdoors! Whether that be skiing, or sitting and relaxing in the backyard, this guy loves a good hat/scarf combo. Enter Compass; made from machine-washable Deluxe Worsted Superwash, this combo is the perfect solution if you’re not big on sweaters or cardigans. You can pretty much match it to any outfit you choose to wear, and bonus points if it matches your shoes! I know my dad would wear this combo all throughout fall and winter, and I am sure other men would too!
Okay. This tie definitely takes the cake. Made in Deluxe DK Tweed, I mean, what man does not love a good tie? Designed by Rachel Brockman, the tweedy and rustic nature of the yarn gives a casual yet refined look to this stylish neckwear. I can just picture my dad wearing it with one of his suits now! I just need to knit a matching bow so that we can be twins!
Father’s Day Tie
Those are my top picks on what I think my dad would wear! I hope your Father’s Day is filled with lots of dad jokes, grilling, and joy. Which men’s patterns are your favorites? Let us know!
It’s World Ocean Day! The ocean is our planet’s life source. Covering about 70% of the Earth’s surface, our oceans produce more than half of the world’s oxygen, absorb carbon from the atmosphere, and are home to at least a million species, though we don’t really know the true number. We can all agree that a resource so vital to our well-being should be cared for and celebrated. So, in honor of World Ocean Day, we’re sharing some sen-sea-tional patterns inspired by our oceans and a few tips on simple actions you can take to help preserve this precious resource.
Seastar in Cotton Supreme
Did you know that sea stars can live up to 35 years? Amazing! These colorful invertebrates are one of the most recognizable sea creatures, so it’s no surprise that so many designers have created patterns inspired by them. In fact, we have three super cute patterns where starfish are the star of the show.
Our own Aubrey Busek took inspiration from these aquatic creatures when she designed Seastar (pattern link) for our Seaside Supreme ebook. This graphic sweater is a statement knit featuring intarsia and lace. It is knit using our popular Cotton Supreme yarn. I love that this pattern is written with both long and short sleeve options, making it easier to personalize.
As fiber artists, we have the power to create many long-lasting, durable items that are inherently less wasteful. For example, that handmade sweater is destined to last much longer than any sweater you buy in a department store. It’s an heirloom piece that you can wear for years and pass down, minimizing some of the waste created by fast fashion. Is there a sweater in your wardrobe you don’t wear often anymore, or perhaps that doesn’t fit the way you imagined? Instead of taking that sweater to the thrift store, consider unraveling it and recycling the yarn for another project. You can even make dryer balls from old sweaters and non-superwash yarn, like our Deluxe Worsted.
If you want something a little more whimsical that’s a nice complement to your collection of seashells, consider making the cute and free Seahorse and Starfish set (pattern link) by Michele Wilcox. Like Seastar, this pattern uses Cotton Supreme. One skein will take you very far with this pattern. I think it would be adorable to string several of them together to create a garland or mobile to decorate your home, reminding you of the ocean even if you live far from it!
Looking for a cute scrubby pattern for yourself or a loved one? Look no further than the Starfish and Shell patterns (link) by Rico Design using Creative Bubble. This yarn is perfect for creating scrubbies that are more durable and eco-friendly than disposable rags or sponges. They work as well for scrubbing your countertops as they will for exfoiliating your skin. Plus, your little one will love these projects as bath toys!
Narwhal & Seal from the Ricorumi Wild Wild Animals book.
I’ve always been fascinated by the Arctic. It amazes me that life can exist in parts of the world so frigid and seemingly barren. Yet, some creatures have evolved to be perfectly equipped to brave the harsh climate. With a knack for creating charming patterns, Rico Design pays homage to polar-dwelling seals and narwhals in the Wild Wild Animals pattern book (link). Both of these crochet amigurumi projects use Ricorumi Cotton DK. The Narwhal pattern is even available as a kit! Eco-conscious tip: instead of using poly-fil for your stuffed animal projects, try using scrap yarns and fabric instead!
The Betta Swetta Set
One of my favorite books as a young child was The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister. This cute storybook about sharing mesmerized me with its beautiful illustrations. Perhaps thanks to that book, I’ve always been excited to spot a fish in any body of water and had a fishtank of my own growing up. I still love visiting the aquarium to marvel at their colors, shapes, and sizes. With that inspiration in mind, I designed the free Betta Swetta Set (pattern link) in Adore. This duo was inspired by all of the fishies in the ocean.
The Atlantic Ocean, as seen on a rainy November day at Daytona Beach. If you want to learn more about World Ocean Day, you can explore the website here (link).
Many of the species these patterns celebrate are threatened, and it’s our responsibility to do what we can to preserve the health of the ocean. You can create reusable bags for carrying the grocery items that will allow you to say “goodbye” to plastic bags for good. As I mentioned earlier, many of the handmade washcloths, towels, and other home items are more durable than store-bought or disposable options. Plus, you probably have the skills to mend your handmade items (and store-bought items) on your own, making them last even longer! If you’re looking for more inspiration, don’t miss my recent blog post about our most eco-friendly yarns and accompanying patterns.
I hope you’re feeling inspired to honor the ocean today, and every day! Do you have any tips you’d like to share on how to make your crafting more environmentally friendly? Do you have a favorite type of project that helps eliminate waste? We’d love to know!
It’s early June, which means that summer is here (in my book, even if not officially!). And while there are numerous things I love about summer, one thing that’s always exciting is the introduction of new yarns for the upcoming Fall season! For the next few weeks, I’ll be highlighting some of our great new offerings, starting this week with Bamboo Pop Sock – Solids.
Yep, you heard me correctly – solids! We’ve had lots of requests from customers who fell in love with our self-shading version of Bamboo Pop Sock. When we introduced the yarn with eight splashy, self-striping colors in 2019 it was an instant hit, so we swiftly added another eight colors in solid, gradually shifting stripes. This yarn has become beloved for being a wool-free alternative to other sock yarns, so it’s great for vegan knitters or those with sensitivities to animal fibers. This yarn blends bamboo, cotton, and PBT to create a cool, comfortable, and elastic yarn. While it’s fantastic for socks, we’ve fallen in love with it for baby projects, garments, accessories, and more! To celebrate the introduction of our 22 solid colors (20 of which are available now), I want to highlight some beautiful free patterns featuring Bamboo Pop Sock solids.
Fairway in #614 Celestial, #612 Sky, & #616 Fern
I mentioned that people began to love Bamboo Pop Sock for baby projects, like the popular Playtime Dress in color #404 Wildflowers. Aubrey simply couldn’t resist adding to the collection of baby patterns using this yarn, so she designed Fairway (pattern link). This cute little sweater features bold blocks of color and texture using colors that remind me of a sunny day playing Par 3 golf with my dad. It’s perfect! Fairway is sized from 0-6 months through 4 years, and only takes one ball of each color across all sizes.
Crimson Tee in #608 Pomegranate
With an eye for feminine details, Aubrey perfectly finds the balance between elegant and casual apparel in the Crimson Tee (pattern link). It features a botanically-inspired lace motif along the hem, sleeves, and in the panels featured on the front and back. We love it styled with a French tuck (as pictured), allowing the scalloped hem to show along the sides and back.
Lace details on the Crimson Tee.
Looking for an accessory instead? Try the lovely Serendipity shawl (pattern link), also designed by Aubrey. This asymmetrical triangular shawl is knit flat on the bias, and it only takes one ball of yarn! The fabric is covered in a lovely little lace motif. The design illustrates how magical the drape of this Bamboo Pop Sock is. It creates a silky, smooth effect that perfectly hugs your neck and shoulders. Toss this shawl over your favorite summer tank or dress and you’re good to go!
I hope you’ve enjoyed a peek at new patterns in Bamboo Pop Sock! Which of these do you plan to knit first? The yarn and patterns are available now, so be sure to head to your local yarn store or our website to start your new favorite project!
Earth Day is a week away – and that’s something we should all be celebrating. We are just one of the estimated 1 trillion species on Earth…and we are also the life form that arguably has the greatest impact on the natural world. Recently, I listened to David Attenborough’s reading of his book, Life on Earth, originally published in 1979. In the last couple of chapters, he wrote about our impact on the planet, and this quote truly strikes a chord:
“The fact remains that man has unprecedented control over the world and everything in it. And so, whether he likes it or not, what happens next is very largely up to him.”
There is so much information available about how to ease our environmental impact. It can be very overwhelming at times! These conversations can often be heated, controversial, and even lead to confusion about what we can do. Ultimately, though, we can all take small steps to help preserve this remarkable place we call home. So, what does that have to do with yarn? Well, today I wanted to highlight some of the yarns we can use to minimize our footprints and create practical, reusable projects.
Our Java yarn is made with 100% hemp fibers. What’s so great about hemp? Well, for one thing, it requires significantly less water to grow and process! It’s an incredibly strong and durable fiber and is also very colorfast. Java has a rustic hand and is well-suited for projects such as washcloths and home décor.
Sunfire Bag in Java
An easy step for reducing your carbon footprint is to swap plastic shopping bags with reusable bags. At this point, several states have banned the use of plastic shopping bags altogether. And while your state may not have taken those measures, toting (pun intended) your own shopping bag is a great idea! Stroll to your local farmer’s market in style with the Sunfire Bag (pattern link). This crochet project is worked modularly and boasts plenty of space. I’d love to make several of these bags in an assortment of the 12 colors in the Java palette.
Stitch Sampler Cloths
Forget paper towels and disposable wipes! The Stitch Sampler Cloths (pattern link) are great reusable projects that work as well for spa days and personal hygiene as they do for scrubbing your dishes. Taking care of these cloths is a snap because they are machine washable and dryable. Each cloth in the pattern features a unique stitch motif, so you won’t get bored while knitting. Plus, they have a loop that’s convenient for hanging!
Most people first learn about the benefits of recycling in elementary school. I know I did! I’ve been known to unravel thrift store sweaters to recycle the yarn, but we’ve made the process even simpler with our Clean Cotton and Clean Cotton Multi yarns. Both yarns are made entirely of reclaimed fiber. Our mill gathered waste yarn scraps and bits of fluff from other yarns to give it new life as a soft, durable, and practical yarn at an impressively economical price point. Each yarn in the Clean Cotton family (which also includes Clean Cotton Big) is comprised of 85% recycled cotton and 15% recycled polyester. While we created this yarn with projects like cozies, washcloths, dish towels, and bags in mind, it’s surprisingly soft. We’ve had several customers (myself included) create breezy garments, too!
Mosaic Dish Towels
The Mosaic Dish Towels (pattern link) are a coordinating set of kitchen towels that are absorbent and can be used to wipe up a spill here and there, dry your hands, hold hot plates, and more. All it takes is two skeins of each color and you’ll get at least two towels (as shown above). This straightforward pattern features a pretty motif along the bottom edge and garter stitch throughout the rest of the fabric. An I-cord loop is convenient for hanging these pieces in your kitchen, but you can just as easily drape them over your oven door handle. This design is an excellent choice for beginners interested in dipping their toes into a more exciting project.
Fresh Air Washcloths
Great for your kitchen or your bathroom, the Fresh Air Washcloths (pattern link) are just as practical as the Stitch Sampler Cloths I mentioned earlier. The saturated hues of Clean Cotton make it easy to add a pop of color to your home. These washcloths are knit flat from the bottom up in a broken garter stitch pattern. After you finish the square portion, an I-cord edging is worked around the edge using a contrast color. I think these would be great in Clean Cotton Multi, too!
Perhaps the most versatile eco-friendly yarn we offer is Cottonwood. Cottonwood is a GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton yarn. It is soft, smooth, and boasts excellent stitch definition. We’ve used this yarn for garments, accessories, and the same functional home products similar to others I’ve highlighted in this post. Last Friday, Heather gushed about the Sandbar shawl on the blog (link). In addition to an ebook, Cottonwood Arboretum, we have a plethora of free patterns to support this yarn, too.
Macaron Cloths
In keeping with our theme, though, let’s take a look at the Macaron Cloths (pattern link). With yarn this soft, we truly had your skincare routine in mind. They are gentle on the skin, yet highly absorbent, making them a terrific choice for your next spa day. The construction of these cloths is extremely similar to the Fresh Air Washcloths I mentioned earlier, but where they really shine is the array of stunning stitch patterns. Featuring long stitches, twisted stitches, lace, and I-cords, you’ll expand your knitting skill set and there is certainly no risk of boredom. Because each cloth is different, this is like getting five patterns in one!
Today I focused on some of the eco-friendly yarns we offer that use plant fibers. However, if you’re looking for some luxurious animal fiber yarns that are Earth-friendly, don’t miss Ravello and Cashmere Lusso – which both contain recycled cashmere, or Deluxe Worsted – a non-superwash wool yarn with a handful of natural, undyed colors.
So, this Earth Day, celebrate our planet and our craft with some beautiful, environmentally friendly yarns and patterns. Take a walk outside, plant a tree, clean up trash in your neighborhood, and take some time to show gratitude for our amazing home.
Have you ever had that moment in a yarn store when you find yourself standing before a wall of stunning sock yarn? Solid-color or variegated – the colorful skeins just call your name. As you stand there, you think about the magic of sock yarn. Each skein boasts generous yardage, so a single skein is plenty for shawls, hats, mitts, cowls, and most obviously, socks! I could go on and on about the wonderful sock yarns we offer. We really have something for everyone, but today I wanted to focus on a perfect, potato-chippy, self-patterning yarn: Pix.
Pix in #108 Techno, pictured with the Happy Magic Scarf.
Pix features a classic sock yarn base: a blend of 75% superwash wool and 25% nylon. Both fibers are incredibly durable with just the right amount of bounce and memory. It is a smooth, worsted-spun 4-ply yarn that boasts crisp, well-defined stitches. These characteristics make Pix perfect for hard-wearing accessories. But what really makes this yarn stand out? Well, it’s a self-patterning yarn in a playful array of colors!
Pix Simple Sock shown in #103 Paisley (top sock) and #101 Citrus Slide (bottom sock).
The simplest and most straight-forward way to use Pix is for knitting socks. We prefer a nice vanilla sock because it allows the colorful patterns to shine. Many sock knitters have their own preferences and recipes for plain Stockinette stitch socks, but if you aren’t armed with one, we have you covered. The free Pix Simple Sock (pattern link) is knit in the round from the toe up. It features a classic K2, P2 Ribbed cuff.
Pro-tip: I prefer socks that are sisters and not twins, but if you want your socks to match perfectly you’ll need to wind off the skein so you start the second sock in the same section of the print.
Euphoric in Pix #108 Techno and Whisper Lace #111 Ebony
Socks aren’t the only way to play with this gorgeous yarn. Just take a look at the funky and fun Euphoric scarf (pattern link), designed by Amy Gunderson. This design cleverly pairs Pix with Whisper Lace in #111 Ebony for bold, high-contrast stripes to break up sections of color. The intarsia method is used to create an unexpected, staggered stripe effect. Cute twists of fringe decorate the long edges of this piece. Although it’s pictured with long sleeves above, I think this would be perfect to layer over a simple dress for springtime.
The Happy Magic Scarf in #105 Street Art
The Happy Magic Scarf (pattern link), designed by Heather Hill, magnificently displays how neat the color changes are when you throw in a chevron motif. The stitch pattern is soothing and is easily memorized, making this a great project for unwinding after a long day. This design has been well-loved in the office and by our customers for years now (it was published in 2015!). This one-skein wonder exemplifies just how far 459 yards will take you!
Pix features a palette of 8 fantastic colors – with combinations that include everything from bright and punchy to earthy, soothing, and warm. You’re sure to find a color you’ll love…and I’m sure you won’t stop at one! You can nab some Pix at your local yarn store or on our website. What will you make with it?
If you follow us, you might know that we carry a fantastic line of yarn created with amigurumi projects in mind: Ricorumi DK Cotton. I’m such a fan of these cute mini-skeins that come in a vast range of colors. The Rico Design Team has created an adorable assortment of crochet patterns, kits, and books for the yarn. In fact, they’re even hosting a ridiculously cute Spring Crochet-Along right now. We’ve been sharing their patterns in our newsletter and on social media regularly. However, since we started sharing them more often, I’ve been getting emails from knitters requesting similar projects for those who don’t crochet. With those customers in mind, and with Easter well on its way, I felt some inspiration creep in.
The skeins of Ricorumi DK Cotton remind us of colorful Easter eggs!
Last week I started brainstorming with our other in-house designer, Aubrey, about ideas for Easter. A cute stuffed toy was the obvious choice. However, we already have patterns for a bunny (Coco pattern link) and a sheep (Sheldon the Sheep pattern link). What were we missing? A cute little chick! And just like that, Easter Earl (pattern link) was born!
I’m just going to say it. I love him. He was such a joy to design. I can’t get over his plump little body and all of the fun details – from the tufts of “feathers” on his head, to his bowtie, plush wings, and silly little feet. He’s a real cutie! Honestly, designing toys is so much fun. It’s a bit of a free form and play-as-you-go process, but it’s also a puzzle that requires no shortage of problem-solving. I re-knit some features several times to try and get the right shapes and proportions. Watching Earl evolve from a weird yellow snowman shape into a Spring chick was a blast. There were moments of anxiety along the way because I really wanted to make sure the finished project reflected my vision. Is it an exact match? Nope – but I couldn’t be happier with it!
I wrapped the upper corners of his eyes to create an eyelid effect. It’s one of my favorite details.
With the exception of the bowtie, each piece is knit in the round. That makes it a no-purl project, too! Some of the pieces, like the feet and the beak, are quite small so they can feel a little fiddly and tedious to knit, but it’s well worth the effort. You’ll get to indulge in a variety of techniques for this project. It involves an adjustable ring cast-on, 2-stitch I-cord, and basic increases and decreases. The body is worked in one piece. Then the wings, feet, beak, and bowtie are knit separately. During finishing, each piece is assembled together. The pattern includes written instructions for where to attach each piece, but I think the photos are even more helpful.
Just look at those precious toes!
It only took me two days to make Easter Earl, so he makes a great last-minute gift to place in an Easter basket. He’ll certainly be finding his way into my husband’s Easter basket this year!
