Yarn Spotlight: Ricorumi Spin Spin DK

July 12, 2023July 11, 2023

Yarn Spotlight: Ricorumi Spin Spin DK

Hello fiber friends! Sometimes the best summer projects are small, portable, and made with plant fibers. Sure, garments and accessories are always fun projects, but there is something so satisfying about making adorable amigurumi, and that’s our focus for today. If you love the classic Ricorumi DK mini skeins, you’ll love what we have in store. Let’s look at the cute and creative projects made possible with Ricorumi Spin Spin DK. You’re in for a treat!

First, let’s talk about the yarn. We first brought Spin Spin DK to our offerings in the Fall ’22 season, with it receiving lots of love over the past year. And why not? This DK-weight yarn creates beautiful gradient marls of color. From rich tonals to soft neutrals and multicolor rainbows (see 018 Classic Rainbow above), there is something for everyone and every project.

Like the original Ricorumi DK, Spin Spin DK is a 100% cotton yarn. It features five plies for a smooth, round yarn that boasts amazing stitch definition. The suggested gauge is the same for both yarns, but note that Spin Spin DK comes in a 50 gram/126 yard cake rather than a 25-gram/62.80 yard center-pull mini skein. The larger put-up allows a full repeat of the color gradient in each ball. These two yarns are an excellent match for one another, and you can easily use both in the same project (more on that later!). Both yarns were designed with crochet amigurumi projects in mind, and we have some fabulous patterns available that showcase the yarns wonderfully.

Fans of the recently released movie, Elemental will love the charming book, Element Heads. (By the way, if you haven’t seen this endearing movie yet, I highly recommend it!) This book covers the four elements: Air, Earth, Fire, and Water. Each amigurumi has several variations on the theme.

Variations of the theme of elements, from the book Element Heads, featuring Ricorumi Spin Spin DK.

In this book, you’ll find whimsical clouds, rainbows, mountains, mushrooms, trees, flames, and even planets! Immerse yourself in a magical world of wonders with these cuties. Personally, I’m itching to make Mother Earth and her Friends or the Colorful Fire Dance figurine. This set would be an excellent gift for any nature lover or child with aspirations protect the amazing world we live in.

Another personal favorite of mine is the Fresh Friends collection. The cute crops are the perfect complement to your summer garden. This book features cheerful patterns for cherries and berries, peas and peppers, lemons and leeks, and more! Each pattern demonstrates the magic of Ricorumi Spin Spin DK’s colorful gradients. The rosy cheeks and sweet smiles make these characters so irresistible.

Sweet Pea and Aubergine from the book Fresh Friends, featuring Ricorumi Spin Spin DK.

Several of these patterns also utilize the original Ricorumi DK for the greenery decorating their little heads. It’s a great demonstration of how the two yarns work so well together. As you can see, the single crochet stitches look crisp and inviting. These patterns do suggest specific colors, but with such extensive color palettes available, it’s easy to put your spin on your Fresh Friends!

The last book featuring Ricorumi Spin Spin DK is the inventive Crochet Your Face collection. Chock-full of customizable facial features and accessories, you can create décor that reflects your best, zaniest, most artistic self! I love that this book includes inspirational ideas like using the pieces as applique on totes, planters, and sweaters, too. It simply takes creativity to the next level and will inspire you to make a truly unique character. What could be more fun?

A few examples of how customizable the patterns are in the book Crochet Your Face, featuring Ricorumi Spin Spin DK.

What would your face look like? Would you create a crochet caricature of yourself, or get wacky and create something entirely new? Whatever you choose, we know you’ll enjoy the mix and match nature of this book, and we can’t wait to see what you come up with!

That’s it for our spotlight on Ricorumi Spin Spin DK and the corresponding pattern books. Before I let you go, I should note that each of these books are print-only and a beautiful addition to your bookshelf. They also make a great gift for a fellow crafty friend! Which book would you snag first? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to share your projects with us on social media! Use our hashtag #universalyarn on Instagram so we can see and share your work!

Happy crafting!

-Rachel

July 7, 2023July 6, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Split Back Tee

Fridays are often filled with fun and excitement, and we know the main reason why: Free Pattern Friday! Today’s free pattern is the Split Back Tee in our Filly yarn.

The Split Back Tee in Filly color 102 Kite

Designed by Rachel Brockman, the Split Back Tee is cool and cute, perfect for summer days. With an all over textured pattern, this top is a great choice for knitters of all skill levels. I’m a big fan of knitting patterns that are relaxing and easy to work on while you watch television or spend time with friends. This tee is exactly that. Once you’ve memorized the stitch pattern, everything else is smooth sailing!

The split back design is perfect for showing off a fun layering piece underneath, and gives the overall piece a modern silhouette. Don’t fret about the construction, it is easier than you think! You’ll start by knitting the individual front and two back pieces, then after seaming the shoulders, you’ll overlap the back pieces per the pattern instructions, and finish up by creating the sleeves and neck band! This tee would be a wonderful pattern choice for someone who is working on getting comfortable with different types of construction elements in knit garments.

Our Filly yarn is a unique blend of 46% cotton, 33% superwash merino, 12% polyamide, and 9% pbt. Although this is a yarn that was designed with socks in mind, the fiber content makes it an excellent choice for garments and accessories too!

Self-shading yarns like Filly are perfect for simple silhouettes and stitch patterns. The yarn does the colorwork for you, so you can focus on the knitting! Wear the Split Back Tee on your next vacation, or just out to lunch with your fiber friends.

Which color of Filly would you use to make the Split Back Tee? I think I’d choose 101 Bloom.

Don’t forget to share your projects with us on social media! Use our hashtag #universalyarn on Instagram so that we can see and share your work!

Happy Crafting,

Aubrey

June 30, 2023June 29, 2023

Flash Pattern Friday – Sailfin

Just like that, the month of June is over! That means it’s time to share our Flash Pattern for the month. Sailfin, designed by Rachel Brockman, is a gorgeous scarf knit in five different colors of Magnolia. You can get this pattern for free on Ravelry through Sunday (instructions below), and there’s no better time to stock up on Magnolia because we’re having a sitewide sale!

Photo of a person wearing the Sailfin wrap around their shoulders while sitting in a wooden chair

Inspired by the beautiful stripes of the saltwater sailfin fish, this accessory is a stunner. Using our silky smooth Magnolia yarn, Sailfin will be a delight to knit as you switch from one color to another. Relaxing stockinette stitch is used throughout this scarf, leading to a piece with a gorgeous drape and eye-catching color.

Close-up photo of the Sailfin wrap being held up by a person wearing it

Photo of a person wrapped in Sailfin while sitting in a wooden chair

Magnolia is a blend of modal and cashmere, giving it a luxurious feel and sheen. Its excellent stitch definition makes this yarn perfect for any knit or crochet project you may have in mind. Sport Sailfin on your next stroll on the beach and watch as the compliments roll in.

To get Sailfin for free, use the “buy it now” or “add to cart” links on the Ravelry pattern page. Then enter the coupon code “FLASH” where you see the “use coupon code” link that appears during purchase. This offer runs through Sunday, July 2nd. We hope you enjoy this astonishing accessory!

Photo of Magnolia in red, white, and blue stacked on each other with text to the left saying "Stars, Stripes, and Savings! - 20% OFF SITEWIDE - Through Tuesday, July 4th - *excluding ChiaoGoo"

Meanwhile, head to our website to get the best deals during our Stars, Stripes, and Savings Sale! Shop our wide selection of beautiful yarns and luxurious products from muud. This 20% off sitewide savings begins today and lasts through Tuesday, July 4th!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

June 23, 2023June 28, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Firecracker Shawl

Ready to accessorize in style this summer? Today is the day! With July soon to be upon us, our Design Team is excited to release a gorgeous red, white, and blue shawl to match the season. Firecracker Shawl, designed by Aubrey Busek, is today’s Free Pattern Friday!

Firecracker is a one-skein-wonder in our variegated Sugar Saki, released last fall. This accessory is knit flat from the top down, beginning with a garter tab. As you work with this yarn, you will see the gorgeous red, white, blue, and purple shades of color 505 Popsicle come to life, giving you an accessory perfect for summer!

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, don’t fret. This project is an excellent option for knitters of all skill levels. Firecracker features a rhythmic eyelet lace pattern that is easy to memorize and fun to work. Plus, with a single skein project like this, there’s plenty of room for you to make this shawl in several different colorways, thanks to our exciting palette in Sugar Saki, seen below!

This weekend, indulge in a deal as sweet as the yarn itself. Sugar Saki is 20% off Friday through Sunday. This yarn is a blend of superwash merino wool, bamboo, and nylon, perfect for garments and accessories, but we know you will love using it for shawl and sock projects in particular!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

June 21, 2023June 16, 2023

Spotlight: New Colors & New Patterns

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

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

Bamboo Pop

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

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

Colorburst

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

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

Kingston Tweed

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

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

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

Major

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

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

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

Uni Merino

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

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

Happy stitching!
-Rachel

June 16, 2023June 16, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Bamboo Pop Dolls

Have you ever crocheted an amigurumi before? Well, the wait is over! Free Pattern Friday presents… the Bamboo Pop Dolls! This new crochet pattern features six individual amigurumis that make the perfect gift for a loved one in your life. Plus, each one of these dolls uses one of our six new colors of Bamboo Pop. Let’s learn more!

The Bamboo Pop Dolls, designed by Jacki Donhou, contain an exciting collection of seven individual patterns. One pattern gives instructions to make the doll’s body, which is the same for each doll, except for the colors of yarn used. Each one features a different shade of our six new neutrals released in Bamboo Pop. The remaining six patterns give instructions for each of the hairstyles, clothing, and accessories seen on each doll. All of the clothing and accessories are both removable and interchangeable, so you can create a doll as unique and special as you!

We loved these dolls as soon as we saw them and wanted to hear about what inspired the designer. Here is what Jacki had to say: “When I designed this Bamboo Pop doll collection, I wanted to incorporate a rainbow-like theme. Thinking about children and how unique each one is on the inside and the outside, I wanted to try and express that with color. From skin tones to clothing to each of their vibrant hairstyles, I wanted to show how different and beautiful children are.”

Bamboo Pop is a stash staple here at Universal Yarn, and now there are six more reasons for you to shop this favorite! Our design team recently released colors 143 Rosy, 145 Seashell, 148 Almond, 150 Penny, 151 Hickory, and 152 Chocolate to give more neutral options in this bamboo/cotton blend. We think these colors would look exceptional in any garment or accessory pattern. Check out the Espresso Bandana for a single skein project in color 152 Chocolate.

Now through Sunday, June 18th, you can save 20% off Bamboo Pop!

To stay connected, you can follow Jacki on Instagram and shop her adorable patterns on Etsy!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

June 9, 2023June 9, 2023

Collection Spotlight: Ocean Wonder

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

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

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

*Below, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Stitching to you!
Ashley Jane McIntyre

June 2, 2023June 1, 2023

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

May 26, 2023May 25, 2023

Flash Pattern Friday – Gradiate Tank

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!

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

May 24, 2023May 23, 2023

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

Universal Yarn Creative Network

Posts