Free Pattern Friday – Zesty Tank

The first Friday of June has arrived, and we have the perfect summer garment for you today! The Zesty Tank, designed by Rachel Brockman, is now available to download for free on our website. Using our thrilling Zesty Sock yarn, this beautiful tank top is full of fun colors that will come to life as you knit!

The Zesty Tank features simple twisted stitches that create a textured cable rib pattern throughout the garment. The tank is knit seamlessly in the round from the bottom up, and the front and back are separated at the underarms and worked flat. The silhouette of this garment is contemporary, and the lightweight fibers of our Zesty Sock yarn have gorgeous zips of color in each skein to give this garment a unique look.

The pattern offers inclusive sizing of Extra Small through 5X, and all that’s left is to pick your favorite shade of Zesty Sock and get started! Each color option of Zesty Sock has different shades of zips throughout – so you can customize this garment to your liking. Try out color 106 Iceberg if you are a fan of beautiful blues, or try 102 Sunset for warm summer shades. Check out the picture below, which shows all six colors of this exciting yarn!

Friday, June 2nd through Sunday, June 4th, you can save 20% off Zesty Sock! This yarn is a super fine-weight blend of superwash merino wool and nylon, giving it a soft and springy feel, perfect for socks, garments, and accessories. We have four free patterns already available in Zesty Sock – so you can stock up this weekend and add a couple of new patterns to your queue!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

Flash Pattern Friday – Gradiate Tank

Photo of a person wearing the Gradiate Tank with the text "Flash Pattern Friday - Gradiate Tank knit in Flax" to the right.

Can you believe the final Friday of May is upon us? It feels like just yesterday we were turning the calendar to 2023… Today we have an exciting Flash Pattern Friday and the start of our Start of Summer Sale! The Gradiate Tank, designed by Amy Gunderson, is free from May 26th to May 28th with the use of the code: FLASH on Ravelry. Let’s learn more about this beautiful top!

Warm weather calls for an enticing summer project, and that’s just what the Gradiate Tank is. Using our 100% linen Flax yarn, this garment will be a staple for summer days on the beach, at the park, or a night out with friends. Grab your knitting needles and your four favorite colors of Flax to get started!

This project uses a variety of engaging stitches to create a stunning lacy hemline, and with a swingy A-line shape, you can wear the Gradiate Tank with just about anything in your closet. Above, you can see two different color samples of this garment, but with Flax, there are many colors to choose from, so you can make just what you desire!

Head to Ravelry and click “add to cart” or “buy it now” to get to checkout. Once in checkout, click the “use a coupon code” hyperlink and enter the code “FLASH” and click “apply” and your discount will be added!

As mentioned in the opening paragraph, our Start of Summer Sale is here! We have a couple of exciting offers we want to share with you. Friday, May 26th through Monday, May 29th, when you buy two regular-priced yarns, you will get a third yarn of your choice for free (you must add three skeins of yarn to qualify – lesser or equal value deducted at checkout). Plus, continental USA orders of $25 or more before tax will receive free shipping during this sale – shop today and save!

This an excellent time to stock up on regular-priced Flax so you can knit your Gradiate Tank today!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

Summer Yarn Spotlight

Cotton Supreme yarn in blue and green shades lines up to frame text which reads "Yarns you Need This Summer."

Summer is swiftly approaching, and as the weather warms to peak sunny season we are sure projects like tank tops, hats and lacework are on your mind. If you haven’t had a chance to find patterns for your queue, then fear not! We have some gorgeous summer yarns and projects for you to try out today.

Magnolia is a luscious blend of 95% modal and 5% cashmere. Modal is a bio-based material made from beech tree cellulose. It’s typically considered a more eco-friendly alternative to cotton because the amount of water these trees require is 10-20 times less than cotton. You can read more about the process of creating modal here. We love this yarn for more than its environmentally conscious origins though – it has excellent drape and feels silky soft with the kiss of cashmere blended in.

One of my favorite projects using Magnolia is the Sailfin wrap, designed by Rachel Brockman. This standout pattern is one of five from our Sunkissed Summer collection from Spring 2022. It’s my favorite because it features so many buoyant, joyful colors of magnolia and shows off the radiance of the yarn so well. Simply put, it just makes me happy every time I see it!

Summer crafting would feel lacking if you didn’t have cotton in the mix. Cotton Supreme is our buttery soft, 100% cotton yarn available in a wide array of colors. This worsted weight yarn is wonderful for any project ranging from garments and accessories to blankets and homewares. In fact, this yarn is so popular that we offer it in a variety of options. Our fun, multi-colored Cotton Supreme Speckles is a complimentary worsted weight yarn with dashes of fun colors throughout. Or, if you’re looking for a lighter weight version, our Cotton Supreme Waves is a beautifully blended self-striping dk weight option. While supply lasts, we also have Cotton Supreme DK in solid options, but act now! This yarn is being discontinued and won’t be around much longer.

The Cotton Supreme Family, as we like to call this offering of yarns, gives so many fabulous options between weight and colors. So, of course we have created many beautiful designs to uplift them throughout the years. For any yarn above, you can scroll down below the color listings to view all of the patterns available. Take some time to browse around, then try to choose a favorite – it’s hard! I finally landed on featuring the Seastar sweater by Aubrey Busek. It combines many of my favorite attributes in a project. It’s made in panels then seamed, so it’s simple and easy to carry around without getting too heavy. It has lovely lace all the way up the sleeves, which remind me of ocean waves. Lastly, it uses intarsia colorwork to create the cutest starfish, ever!

Up next is Filly, one of our new yarns launched for spring of 2023. This super fine yarn is a special blend of 46% cotton, 33% super wash merino, 12% polyamide, and 9% pbt. It’s unique fiber content, eye-catching colors, and amazing yardage (492 yards per ball), make it your go-to summer grab.

Whip up a quick one-skein project like the crocheted Stormy Shores Shawl to start showing off this favorite, new yarn today. Not a crocheter? Check out the full pattern selection here, with knit options to try out too!

Lastly, I wanted to highlight a beautiful yarn from Rico Design, the Creative Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton. This blend of 46% acrylic, 49% cotton, and 5% polyester is irresistible! It washes and wears well over time, it’s basic color is spun with a print ply for a bright variegated look, and it’s offered in everything from pastels to rich earthy tones. What more could you want!?

Rico patterns, which they call Compacts, are all paid-for, but each typically come with at least two designs! Creative Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton has 6 Compacts to choose from, so you have a myriad of choices. My favorite Compact is number 1106, including a Sweater, a Top, and a Shawl. Each one is simple and lets the yarn shine!

I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring some of these summer yarn highlights! Check our Summer Yarns Collection to view even more options! Don’t forget to share all your beautiful creations with us on social media!

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

Free Pattern Friday – Best Bandana

Photo of a dog wearing the Best Bandana with text "Free Pattern Friday - Best Bandana crocheted in Uptown Worsted"

There’s nothing our pets love more than a treat, and this Free Pattern Friday, we have one just for your furry friend(s). The Best Bandana, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, features our staple Uptown Worsted yarn crocheted in two bright neon color options. Let’s take a closer look at this week’s free pattern!

The Best Bandana comes in sizes small and large, so you can make this for any pup in your life. This accessory is worked flat from the top down, starting with a magic circle. Once you have crocheted your magic circle, you will begin working row by row until you have a bandana you feel will fit your dog perfectly. To finish this piece, you will create a strap along with a 5-chain loop that will allow you to securely tie the bandana to your dog’s neck, just like a collar.

There are many reasons to love this project, including the fact that you will need just one skein of Uptown Worsted! This weekend, you can save 20% off with your purchase of this yarn, so if you have multiple dogs at home, you can make several for an affordable price. Uptown Worsted has a vast color palette and features machine-washable 100% anti-pilling acrylic, making it an excellent option for a pet project.

We hope you will enjoy this wonderful crochet project, and don’t forget to share all your finished creations with us on social media!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

muud Spotlight: Bag Bottoms and Straps

If you’ve never heard of muud, let us be the first to inform you! Located in Denmark, muud sells premium leather accessories specifically designed for the crafting community. Their brand features an extensive selection of bags, cases, clutches, and more for your crafting supplies. Let’s look at two unique products they offer that will add a touch of luxury to your next project!

Photo of the Duff bag bottom with Cotton Supreme Speckles being crocheted half way around it and a row of Cotton Supreme Speckles hanks to the left of the bag bottom on a white marble background

The Danish company recently released a selection of bag bottoms for crocheters, and we’re excited to share them with you! The Duff and Dee make it easy for any fiber artist to craft a bag without worrying about the wear and tear your fibers would face from years of holding your belongings. The sturdy leather means you will have a durable, long-lasting bag with a luxurious look and feel. Both of these bag bottoms come in a regular (Dee approx. 4″ x 11″ | Duff approx. 8″ diameter) and XL ( Dee XL approx. 5″ x 14″ | Duff XL approx. 12″ diameter) version, as well as color options for black and whiskey.

Whether you use the Duff or Dee bag bottoms or not, you can top your bag with the Hudson and Hudson XL strap for a complete and polished look. We used the Hudson strap in black as a finishing touch to the free Kite Handbag crochet pattern, pictured below!

Photo of the Hudson strap with the Kite Handbag

The Hudson straps are an incredibly convenient option for any maker. This product will allow you to pay full attention to the body of the bag you plan to knit, crochet, or weave without having to worry about a strap. Not only does that save you time, but it would bring a stylish look to your finished accessory! The Hudson strap is approximately 19 inches long, while the Hudson XL is about 25 inches. Depending on the size of your bag, you can choose accordingly, and as a bonus, these handles are completely removable, so you won’t be stuck with either one if it doesn’t work out with your accessory!

Photo of the Hudson straps and the Hudson XL straps in the colors black and whisky

We hope you enjoyed learning more about muud and a glimpse of their products available on our website! There are so many gorgeous leather bags, cases, and more to explore through our muud Spotlight series. Check out our on-sale muud items for sensational savings, and please comment below if you have any questions about their offerings!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

Free Pattern Friday – Blur

Photo of a person holding out the Blur shawl with the text "Free Pattern Friday - Blue knit in Bamboo Pop" to the right of the photo

May seems to be flying by, so there’s no better time to introduce Blur, our Free Pattern Friday for today. Designed by Rachel Brockman, this beautifully simple shawl uses Bamboo Pop in multi and solid color options. Let’s look at the pattern details so we can get you on your way to your next project!

Photo of a person holding the Blur shawl with green plants in the background

The sample shown uses colors 112 Black (solid) and 225 Geode (multi) in a color-blocked design. The entirety of this shawl uses simple garter stitch so you can focus on the construction of this pattern. You will start by increasing from two stitches with the color of your choice. Once you reach the center, you will change colors and then decrease to complete the shawl.

Bamboo Pop is a summery blend of 50% bamboo and 50% cotton, with excellent drape for garments and accessories. If you’re not a fan of the colors used, don’t worry. Bamboo Pop has 42 solid colors and 19 multis to choose from, so you can make the accessory of your dreams!

This weekend with your purchase of Bamboo Pop, you will get 20% off your order. This yarn is widely versatile and perfect for garments and accessories. It’s machine washable and easy to care for, so baby projects are a fantastic idea with Bamboo Pop. Shop today!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

Treat Yourself For Mother’s Day

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

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

  1. Try Out A New Yarn

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

2. Queue Up A Pattern, Just For You

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

3. Grab A Kit For Convenience And Ease

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

Onyx Mitts kit in Cashmere Lusso

4. Level Up Your Tools and Accessories Game

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

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

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

Happy Crafting,

Aubrey

Free Pattern Friday – Ardenne

Photo of a person wearing the Ardenne shawl with a blue and white background with text to the right saying "Free Pattern Friday - Ardenne knit in Noelle and Universe"

Happy Cinco de Mayo and Free Pattern Friday. We have an accessory that would look striking for your night out for some delicious chips and salsa. The once-paid-for Ardenne shawl, designed by Rachel Brockman, is now free forever, and that’s worth celebrating. Let’s learn more about this piece!

Photo of a person wearing the Ardenne shawl over their shoulders while facing the opposite direction to a white and blue background

When Noelle and Universe collide, you can expect an accessory that will shine as bright as you. With a soft texture and a beautiful sparkle, this shawl has so much to love about it. Starting at the smallest point, you will increase to the widest edge to knit a boomerang-shaped shawl. After the body of this piece is complete, you will knit a gorgeous lace edging to add even more pizzazz to Ardenne.

The color of Universe used in the pattern is no longer available, but not to worry! We have knit several swatches to give you a look at some other options. Alternative combinations include Universe 10-02 Cotton matched with Noelle 303 Pixie (red swatch), Universe 10-07 Woolen and Noelle 304 Calypso (blue swatch), and Universe 10-03 Crystal with Noelle 301 Elida (silver swatch). Plus, you can visit our website to explore even more color combinations with these two yarns!

Photo of skeins of Noelle and Universe to the left with knitted swatches of the two in the middle of the picture
Alternative color combinations worked up in Noelle and Universe

Our sitewide Spring Cleaning Sale continues through Sunday! Take advantage of 30% off sale section yarns like Noelle and Universe. Or opt for 20% off non-sale products such as Bamboo Pop and the Saturn XL bag for muud. Shop today before this sale is over!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

Flash Pattern Friday – Slant

Photo of a person wearing the slant cardigan with the belt tied and a pink block with white text to the left saying "Flash Pattern Friday - Slant knit in Colorburst and Deluxe DK Superwash"

As we wrap up this month, it’s time we share our Flash Pattern – a normally paid-for pattern that you can get for free this weekend only. Colorburst and Deluxe DK Superwash collide to create a fantastic design from Rachel Brockman. Slant draws inspiration from her love for triangles and the excitement of pairing a self-shading yarn with a solid yarn. Let’s take a closer look at the brilliant characteristics of the Slant cardigan that will soon be on your needles.

The beautiful triangle motifs stand out the moment you place your eyes on Slant. They travel along the hemline and down the back to dress this cardigan with uniqueness. Intarsia is used for the colorwork of this piece to create a smooth, finished fabric inside and out. The remainder is knit with stockinette stitch bringing the color shifts of Colorburst to life.

Other qualities to love about Slant include its open silhouette and optional belt. Whether you are on the go or relaxing at home, this cardigan’s open design makes it easy to slip on so you can stay cozy all day. Read below to see how you can get this pattern for free this weekend!

Ravelry checkout instructions

First, head to Ravelry by following this link. Next, you will want to select the “buy it now” option to add it to your cart. Once added to your cart, add the coupon code “FLASH” during checkout to get this pattern at no cost to you. This offer is valid through Sunday, April 30th!

Colorburst color 112 Romance and Deluxe DK Superwash color 846 Mulberry Heather

Colorburst and Deluxe DK Superwash have collaborated more than once to create gorgeous garments and accessories – check out the Ruby Shawl DK and Virtuoso cardigan for more inspiration. These DK weight favorites are 20% off this weekend – head to our website to shop today!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

Meet a Local Yarn Shop – Wyoming Yarn

Meet a Local Yarn Shop with Wyoming Yarn - three hanks of Wool Pop with a black marble background

Browsing the shelves of your local yarn store to find the perfect yarn for your next project is a favorite pastime of many fiber artists. On the week of National Yarn Store Day (Saturday, April 29th), we are thrilled to share a gem found in Cody, Wyoming. We got the opportunity to interview Karista Low, owner of Wyoming Yarn, and learn more about her exciting new store!

Let’s head inside to see all that Wyoming Yarn has!

An auto shop turned yarn store may not be the most common history behind your local yarn shop, but for Wyoming Yarn and Karista Low, that’s how it all started. Starting as an independent dyer, Karista had a wealth of experience in the fiber arts industry. When she heard that her local yarn shop of choice was closing, she got the offer to take over the inventory and open what is now Wyoming Yarn!

Known for its proximity to the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Cody, Wyoming, sees an influx of visitors in the summer months. Travelers from all around the world get their yarn fix inside the doors of Karista’s local shop. However, Wyoming Yarn has plenty of loyal customers that stick around during the frigid winter months, and their shop has plenty of events for them to pass the time.

A weekly knit group is available for customers looking to grow their skills and socialize, and the calendar of events is growing. Crochet classes are new to the offerings, as many people are learning. Karista and her staff also offer knitting technique classes, such as mosaic knitting and much more.

A weekly knit group is one of the ways Wyoming Yarn engages with the community

Inside the walls of Wyoming Yarn, you will find a host of Universal Yarn favorites. Woolly favorites like Colorburst and Cobblestone can be found on the shelves of this shop, as well as plant-based yarns perfect for summer, like Bamboo Pop and Bamboo Pop Sock, and you should too! And with blankets being a popular project at Wyoming Yarn, yarns like Major and Uptown Worsted will surely make their way into the hands of the crafters who shop there.

Nothing makes a store owner smile more than when a skein of yarn returns as a finished object. Many stores have shared with us the joy of watching the skills of their community grow, and we know that is such an exciting thing about the job. At Wyoming Yarn, you will find plenty of baby blankets, shawls, and socks, and we love to see every one of them!

Blankets are a popular project of choice at Wyoming Yarn

We are so excited to feature Karista and her store, Wyoming Yarn. With Local Yarn Store Day coming up, make sure to head to their website and support her business, which keeps our industry thriving. If you are interested in having your store featured, please email rferrel@universalyarn.com to learn more!

See more on Wyoming Yarn’s Instagram page, including a yarn unboxing and muud trunk show!

Full interview with Wyoming Yarn!