Universal Yarn Creative Network – Page 8

October 27, 2023October 27, 2023

Flash Pattern Friday – Rosewood Shawl

Flash Pattern Friday banner naming that the promotion this week is the Rosewood Shawl in Cobblestone.

Happy Friday, friends! This week is our special “Flash Pattern Friday,” a promotion that comes on the last weekend of the month, where a normally paid pattern is completely free for a limited period of time. Today, we are gifting the Rosewood Shawl from the Free Spirit Collection.

This shawl is a crochet take on brioche that is truly double-sided! Normally, crochet brioche alternates two colors with front post stitches to create a mimicked brioche look. However, this shawl alternates both front and back post stitches to form the color contrast for each side. Because of the post-stitching along with simultaneous shaping, we ranked this as an advanced piece. However, if you feel good with post-stitch work, I’m sure you can tackle it beautifully!

This shawl features Fibra Natura, Cobblestone, a luxurious 100% superwash merino wool yarn that boasts an impressive 612 yards per ball. This yarn comes in 16 beautifully twisted, double-ply shades where one solid strand is plied with a second, color shifting strand for a handspun appearance that creates exciting statement pieces. Cobblestone is 20% off this weekend, so stock up today through Sunday 10/29!

To get the Rosewood Shawl for free, use the “buy it now” or “add to cart” links on the Ravelry pattern page. Once the pattern is in your cart, enter the coupon code “FLASH” where you see the “use coupon code” link that appears during purchase. This offer runs through Sunday, October 29th.

I hope you are just as excited about this free pattern as I am. What color combinations will you try out? I’m excited to see it! Be sure to share your creations with us by tagging us on Instagram.

That’s all for today, happy stitching!
Ashley Jane McIntyre

October 25, 2023October 24, 2023

Meet A Local Yarn Shop – Ewe & You Fiber Arts

The New England region is an iconic place to live or visit on your travels. With beautiful scenery and delicious food, this small cluster of states has a lot to offer, including yarn! For our local yarn shop October feature, take a virtual trip with us to Windsor, Connecticut, where you will find Ewe & You Fiber Arts! This yarn shop is owned and operated by Rachel Schuster. With its fifth anniversary passing in September, it’s the perfect time to learn more about Ewe & You Fiber Arts and the story behind this sensational store!

When Rachel Schuster began learning to crochet in college from a friend, who would’ve guessed that years later, she would open a yarn shop herself. After college, Rachel married an Army officer and had the opportunity to live in many different places, including Seoul, South Korea. Eventually, she and her husband made their way to Hartford, CT. The local yarn shop in Hartford was about to close, so Rachel decided to open Ewe & You Fiber Arts. After writing a business plan and receiving funding, her shop officially debuted in September 2018!

On the shelves of Ewe & You Fiber Arts, you can find many yarns from Universal Yarn, including staples like Uptown Worsted and Bamboo Pop! Rachel shares that our collection of Uptown yarns is a favorite at her shop, and it’s clear to see why. This line of anti-pilling acrylic yarns features a robust palette and has excellent stitch definition. Their affordability and easy care make it perfect for beginners, and it looks beautiful in all projects, from baby blankets to adult sweaters. One of our new releases, Uptown Bamboo DK, can be found on the shelves of Ewe & You Fiber Arts, and we suggest you try it out! The gorgeous drape of this yarn would look incredible in a scarf or blanket for the upcoming winter season.

With so many yarns to choose from, it’s obvious why so many flock to Ewe & You to get their fibers. With all these customers, Rachel has built a supportive and encouraging fiber arts community. We often hear shop owners say that community is the most rewarding part of their job; there’s nothing like seeing one of your regular customers show off a newly finished project.

Additionally, this shop has many opportunities for knitters and crocheters to grow their skills. Plenty of beginner-friendly classes are available at Ewe & You Fiber Arts; for more information, visit their website at this link. Rachel has also offered knit-alongs and crochet-alongs for her community to engage with each other, and we love to see that!

We are so thrilled at the opportunity to learn more about Ewe & You Fiber Arts and owner Rachel Schuster. Her shop will have a brand-new online shopping experience shortly; until then, follow Ewe & You Fiber Arts on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

October 20, 2023October 18, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – High Line Shawl

It’s Free Pattern Friday! Today we’re sharing the High Line Shawl (pattern link), designed by Rachel Brockman (me!) and knitted in Uni Merino Neons and Essentials Super Kid Mohair Loves Silk.

Inspired by city lights and New York City’s High Line park, the High Line Shawl is the perfect project to add to your knitting needles this season. The luminescent pop of color in each version of the shawl is reminiscent of the glow of a city at night, with electrifying lights in an array of colors. The lace motif creates striking diagonal lines parallel to one another, traveling across the shawl like the tracks of the historically active rail line that has been converted to a beautiful public park.

Let’s talk yarn! No doubt about it, neon colors have returned and surged in popularity. Whether it’s because our world is growing increasingly digital, 90’s nostalgia, or a longing for endorphin-inducing brights to add a bit of cheer to stressful times in the world, we’re fully embracing the trend here at Universal Yarn. So much so that we recently introduced Uni Merino Neons to our lineup! This 4-ply sock yarn is comprised of soft, smooth 75% superwash merino wool and 25% nylon. It has excellent stitch definition and comes in five saturated, acidic shades. Although it’s stunning by itself, we’ve amped up the impact of this shawl by adding a strand of luxurious Essentials Super Kid Mohair Loves Silk by Rico Design. The 70% super kid mohair and 30% silk blend adds an ethereal, fluffy halo and makes projects even more insulating, which is ideal for the cold months ahead. This laceweight yarn is an excellent carry-along companion for Uni Merino Neons, and the yarns are held together throughout the project. There are plenty of coordinating colors to use with Uni Merino Neons, too. It’s a match made in heaven!

While the upbeat bright colors and luxe yarn may be enough to give you the itch to cast on the High Line Shawl, the knitting itself is just as enticing. This shawl features an all-over lace motif that will captivate your attention. The lace pattern is a simple eight stitch by eight row repeat, with lace worked on both the right side and wrong side of the work. It’s a great way to dip your toes into more complicated lacework while keeping things approachable. The results are also well worth the effort because the stitches create a striking, open fabric that will turn heads.

Another unique feature of the shawl is its asymmetrical shape. Like many shawls, it is triangular, but the increases in this pattern create more of a scalene triangle. Yarnover increases are worked every right side row on one edge, and every other right side row on the opposite edge. The lace motif is framed by a simple garter stitch edge and border. This pattern also provides instructions for both a small and large size, and each size makes the most of each yarn.

Ready to get started on the High Line Shawl? Lucky for you, both yarns required for this project are 20% off on our website (link), today through Sunday, 10/22/23, only! Get your needles ready and cast on today!

Happy crafting!
-Rachel

October 13, 2023October 12, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Flouresce

Get excited for an electrifying Free Pattern Friday featuring two new Rico Design yarns! Flouresce is a beautiful knit hat designed by Rachel Brockman that you will look great in. Using Essentials Merino Plus DK held with Creative Make It Neon Thread, this hat has bright and bold written all over it. Let’s learn more about this one-of-a-kind project!

Be sure to check the yarn requirements before getting started, as this hat includes sizes Adult Small through Adult Large. Once set, you can pick from green, pink, or orange neon shades to carry along with Essentials Merino Plus DK to give your hat a unique touch. This superwash merino wool and acrylic blend will keep you warm and cozy all winter!

Flouresce is knit seamlessly in the round from the bottom up. A stunning cable pattern shows off the gorgeous texture of Essentials Merino Plus DK and allows Creative Make It Neon Thread to pop even more. The Brim, Cable Pattern, and Crown Shaping are all charted to make things easier on you, so get started today!

If you need more reason to knit the Flouresce hat, we have you covered! Essentials Merino Plus DK and Creative Make It Neon Thread are 20% off through Sunday, October 15th! These two work perfectly together, creating show-stopping creations like shawls, sweaters, scarves, and more. Let your imagination inspire your next project with these two newbies from Rico Design!

Thanks for stopping by!
Robert

October 6, 2023October 5, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Windy Ridge Cardigan

Friday means a new free pattern just for you! Grab your knitting needles and get ready for an autumn-inspired project you won’t soon forget. The Windy Ridge Cardigan, designed by Mary Stowe, is what we’re showing off this week. From irresistibly soft fibers to a captivating stitch pattern, let’s learn more about today’s Free Pattern Friday!

The Windy Ridge Cardigan uses one of the softest yarns you’ll ever find: Rico Design’s Fashion Cotton Light and Long Tweed DK! This piece is sized from XS to 5X, with yarn requirements included based on each size. Pick your favorite color of this yarn and get started on this engaging textured stripe pattern.

As seen in the photos, this stitch pattern is rhythmic and pleasing to the eye. To make the the Windy Ridge Cardigan, you’ll knit the sleeves, front and back in separate pieces from the bottom up. The front panels will incorporate exciting features like the V-neck shaping and button band. Once your pieces are done, you’ll seam everything together to create this stunning piece.

This weekend, 10/6 through 10/8, save 20% when you purchase Fashion Cotton Light and Long Tweed DK. This gorgeous yarn is perfect for all types of wearable projects, including sweaters, cardigans, shawls, and more! This yarn is a blend of cotton, acrylic, polyamide, and viscose that is as soft as can be. Each 50g skein contains 202 yards, so it’s an excellent choice for smaller projects like mittens! Explore the beautiful pastel palette, each with self-shading colors throughout, and grab your preferred hues today.

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

October 4, 2023October 3, 2023

Pattern Spotlight: Shelob Sweater.

A woman wearing a purple and orange pullover with spider motifs sits on a chair.

Happy Wednesday, fellow crafters!

My name is Afifa, and I joined the Universal Yarn design team in February. I’ve been knitting since I was 10 years old and started designing in 2016 (you can follow me on Instagram here and see my portfolio of work here). I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be introducing myself with a Halloween post! Spooky season is my absolute favorite time of the year with the dip in temperature signaling sweater weather.

And, boy, do I have a sweater for you to cast on while getting cozy and binge-watching The Lord of the Rings Trilogy! Say hello to the free Shelob Sweater knit in Deluxe Worsted. Nothing embodies spooky season for me more than the frightening creatures portrayed in this epic high fantasy trilogy. From Gollum lurking around corners, jumping out, and yelling ‘my precious’ to the Orcs and the great spiders of Mirkwood. The mother of these spiders, Shelob, was the inspiration for this sweater. This ancient creature’s lair lies in Cirith Ungol (the pass of the spider) leading into Mordor, avoided by all but Gollum. While her offspring terrorize all who dare to enter the forest of Mirkwood.

The Shelob Sweater is knit seamlessly in the round from the top down. It starts with a dramatic drop stitch mesh pattern that mimics a spiderweb and is inspired by the extensive webs woven by the sweater’s namesake. The yoke incorporates both circular and raglan shaping, allowing the yoke to lay like a capelet on the shoulders. This mesh pattern also brings in one of the hottest trends in knitwear – openwork. Layered over simple everyday pieces, this trend keeps you warm and insulated on crisp autumn mornings and evenings, but cool and comfortable in the afternoon.

Shadowy spiders representing Shelob’s spawn drop down from the yoke to add to the spooky aesthetic of this statement piece, with additional spiders on the cinched cuffs of the balloon sleeves. The spider motifs are made using only knits and purls, worked from a chart, and decorate both the front and back of the garment. Deluxe Worsted truly accentuates every aspect of this design. From the 1×1 ribbing to the dropped stitch yoke to the spider motifs, I love how the smooth, 4-ply structure of this base creates exquisite stitch definition.

This was my first experience knitting with Deluxe Worsted. And, let me tell you, this 100% non-superwash wool yarn is a pleasure to work with. It’s soft, pillowy and blooms beautifully after blocking. In addition to that, this yarn is extremely durable – something I tested out while unraveling the dropped stitches and pulling apart the ones that ‘stuck’. This sturdy yarn will stand the test of time, allowing your stitches to stay crisp and you’ll be able to wear your Shelob Sweater year after year!

Even with 90 colors to choose from, it was easy to pick the colors for this project! Though black is traditionally associated with spiders and the spooky season in general, with a little help from Rachel, our Creative Lead, we settled on Rhapsody, for a more modern twist on Halloween. Pumpkin seemed like the obvious choice for an accent color to really tie the spooky theme together. This lovely bright orange screams Halloween and plays beautifully with the rich purple of Rhapsody. For my next Shelob Sweater, I chose Blue Splash and Bashful Pink as a subtle nod to the fictional Marvel character Ghost Spider. What colors will you pick?

Keep on knitting on!

Afifa

September 29, 2023September 29, 2023

Flash Pattern Friday – Wanderer Pullover and Cardigan

Two free patterns are better than one, and that’s what we have for you this Friday! It’s time to get your autumn knitting underway with Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash and the Wanderer Pullover and Cardigan. Grab yourself a pair of knitting needles, a pumpkin spice latte, and that creative mind of yours, and let’s learn more!

Designed by Rachel Brockman, the Wanderer Pullover and Cardigan are the perfect set for fall. You can make one for yourself and one for a loved one! The classic look of our Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash yarn matched with colorwork makes this cardigan a wardrobe staple for autumn.

The cardigan version presents exciting details like set-in pockets, a double-layered collar, and a zippered front. The Wanderer Cardigan features sizes XS to 4X, so grab your three favorite colors of Deluxe DK Tweed and get started today!

The Wanderer Pullover includes the same, stunning colorwork as the Wanderer Cardigan, but is worked fully across the chest, as there is no zipper or sleeve placement. This unisex piece shows off cuffs and a collar with corrugated two-color ribbing and rolled stockinette edging. This sweater includes sizes Small through 4X.

To get the Wanderer Pullover and Cardigan for free, use the “buy it now” or “add to cart” links on the Ravelry pattern page. Place one or both patterns in your cart and enter the coupon code “FLASH” where you see the “use coupon code” link that appears during purchase. This offer runs through Sunday, October 1st.

Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash is 20% off this weekend, so stock up today! This yarn features a base of superwash wool with tweedy nubs made of viscose, and acrylic that we love for wearable creations. Knit yourself a beautiful sweater in your favorite hues, or crochet a baby blanket you can gift to a loved one! With 20 color options, Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash will inspire your next project!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

September 27, 2023September 25, 2023

Meet A Local Yarn Shop – Charlotte Yarn

Our featured yarn shop of September is close to home, just over twenty miles from our headquarters! Nestled in the Dilworth neighborhood close to the big city lights of uptown, you will find Charlotte Yarn. This beautiful shop, owned and operated by Remi Haygood, is the city’s longest-tenured yarn store. Let’s learn more about Charlotte Yarn and all they have to offer!

Charlotte Yarn opened in 2005 when Remi, determined to start her own business, finally got the opportunity to. Through her hard work and dedication, she is proud to own the oldest yarn shop in Charlotte, NC.

As we’ve heard since starting our “Meet a Local Yarn Shop” series, owning a yarn store is anything but easy. Remi said her biggest challenge was “being a single mom and balancing work with raising her daughter.” But plenty of joys come along the way, too. With a community of fiber artists in the Charlotte area looking for a yarn shop to call home, Remi has been able to provide that, which is truly incredible. Seeing a group of crafters show off their finished objects and become such a close-knit family (pun intended) makes it all worthwhile.

Let’s get to the fibers! Remi carries many of our yarns in her store but names Cotton Supreme and Uptown Worsted as the favorites. These yarns are perfect for baby projects, sweaters, and blankets, making them popular choices for projects at many local yarn shops. Remi also noted that her customers love working with fingering-weight merino wool yarns for cold-weather-creations.

Photo of hanks of Cotton Supreme with a baby project being displayed

We have loved working with Remi and her store throughout the years and are pleased to hear her feedback for our team. “Everyone that works there is a great representation of the company. They truly care about their customers and supporting their quality yarn.” We appreciate Remi and her kind words!

Charlotte Yarn has many classes to support the fiber artists in their community. We love to see beginner crocheting and knitting classes available, as well as more targeted lessons like “Cable Fingerless Gloves” and “Christmas Tree Washcloth” on their website. Additionally, there are some more advanced options like “Fern and Feather Sweater” and a “Tunisian Crochet Washcloth” class. If this is the first you are hearing about Charlotte Yarn, we encourage you to follow them on Instagram today!

We are so honored to learn more about Remi and her store, Charlotte Yarn! Join us in October for our next local yarn shop feature.

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

September 22, 2023September 21, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Kerid

The first day of autumn is tomorrow, and we couldn’t be more excited! Today’s new free pattern is perfect for those looking to get their fall knitting on. Kerid, designed by Aubrey Busek, is a stunning accessory that uses simple stitches to allow our Bamboo Bloom Handpaints yarn to shine! Let’s read more about this gorgeous project you’ll soon add to your queue.

Photo of a person wearing the Kerid shawl facing away from the camera with trees in the background

Kerid is a beautiful shawl with delightful qualities that will have others complimenting you left and right. Garter stitch throughout this project allows Bamboo Bloom Handpaints to be the focal point, and why not? With many color options in Bamboo Bloom Handpaints, you can knit the accessory of your dreams.

Photo of a person wrapped up in the Kerid shawl with trees in the background

This one-of-a-kind yarn features captivating color shifts and unique thick and thin texture in each hank. Kerid is knit flat from the top down, but since the stitch pattern isn’t overwhelming, you’ll be able to focus on the increases! This crescent-shaped shawl also features drop stitches, but this pattern is perfect for beginners as they serve as a bordering accent and will give you the perfect introduction to the technique. This pattern is free to download on our website and is featured in one size only.

Photo of Bamboo Bloom Handpaints in three different colors with a marble background

If we haven’t convinced you yet to try Bamboo Bloom Handpaints, let our 20% off weekend sale be the difference! This yarn is an exciting blend of wool, rayon from bamboo, and acrylic. It works perfectly for many projects, including cowls, shawls, scarves, and more. Show off Bamboo Bloom Handpaints in a beautiful sweater with some of our other favorites, like in the Hanasaku Yoke!

Our 20% savings for Bamboo Bloom Handpaints are through Sunday, September 24th.

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

September 20, 2023September 19, 2023

Collection Spotlight: Lakeside Bundle

Happy Wednesday, Fiber Friends!

Today, we’re introducing our latest pattern collection: the Lakeside Bundle! The two featured patterns, the Cattail Cardigan and Subtle Shell Ruana, make the most of the beautiful palette, subtle sheen, and smooth stitches of our new Uptown Bamboo DK yarn.

Three skeins of Universal Yarn Uptown Bamboo DK. — Uptown Bamboo DK: a beautiful blend of our beloved anti-pilling acrylic with a touch of bamboo for drape.

Uptown Bamboo DK is perfect for the early days of autumn. It is lightweight and features the cool touch of bamboo, but at the same time, is warm and insulating. It’s one of those beautifully versatile yarns that work amazingly well in any project. I attribute that to it’s plump, multi-thread construction featuring plies of thread that are then again plied together to create a bouncy, round yarn. The results are perfectly crisp stitches, demonstrated so well in both of the projects in the Lakeside Bundle. Let’s take a closer look.

A model carefully buttons the Cattail Cardigan, hand knit and crocheted in Universal Yarn Uptown Bamboo DK.

A young woman stands by a lake while wearing linen shorts, a tank, and a hand knit and crochet cardigan made with Universal Yarn Uptown Bamboo DK.

The first piece in the collection is the Cattail Cardigan, designed by Rachel Brockman. It is named for its vertical lines, reminiscent of cattail plants stretching tall above the water, and for the zig-zap motif that reminds us of a breeze gently lapping the lakeshore. In this primarily knitted cardigan, an airy lace motif is interrupted with crisp rows of garter stitch, constructed sideways to create the vertical stripes. Each side is the mirror image of the other because it is knit in two pieces, beginning at the sleeve cuffs and meeting at the center back. Those who dabble in both knit and crochet, or who want to, will love the retro granny stripe collar. This cardigan is graded for sizes XXS/XS to 5X/6X.

A young woman sitting by a lake brushes her hair to the side, showing the details of the Cattail Cardigan, a pattern hand knit and crocheted in Universal Yarn Uptown Bamboo DK.

As I mentioned earlier, the impeccable stitch definition of Uptown Bamboo DK is on full display here, giving the twisted ribbing and contrast between lace and garter a sculptural feel. This yarn’s soft color palette also contributes to the beauty of the Cattail Cardigan. For this pattern, we opted for #508 Coral as the main color, with #534 Chinchilla and #527 Seaglass as the contrast colors. This color scheme reminds us of early mornings by the lakeside – watching the sunrise and mist float above the open water.

A young woman glances over her shoulder to the camera. She is wearing a crocheted Subtle Shell Ruana, made with Universal Yarn Uptown Bamboo DK.

A young woman touches her hair and looks slightly downward, standing by a lake. She is wearing linen shorts, a white tank, and the crocheted Subtle Shell Ruana in Universal Yarn Uptown Bamboo DK.

The second pattern offered in Lakeside Bundle is the crocheted Subtle Shell Ruana, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre. Named after the tiny freshwater shells found along the waterfront, this drapey design is excellent for warding off the breeze on a windy day. Like the Cattail Cardigan, this accessory is constructed sideways and meets at the center back, creating a beautiful focal point.

A close-up detail of the back of the crocheted Subtle Shell Ruana, made in Universal Yarn Uptown Bamboo DK.

Graded for sizes Small/Medium through 4X/5X, this pattern is easy and beginner-friendly. It features a rhythmic stitch motif comprised of double V-stitches, no shaping, and simple color changes. The results are indeed sensational! The Subtle Shell Ruana uses Uptown Bamboo DK in three colors: #502 Lily, #527 Sea Glass, and #531 Savanna. I love how these colors work together – subtly echoing the intersection of cool water and a sandy bank.

We know these patterns will have you dreaming of a day stitching by the docks. Each pattern is available individually, or save $5.00 when you purchase the bundle on our website (link) for just $8.00!

Which pattern do you plan to start first? Let us know in the comments!

Happy stitching,
Rachel