accessory – Page 5 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

December 28, 2022December 28, 2022

Color Of The Year 2023 – Viva Magenta

With this year coming to a close, we’re all wondering what is next for 2023. You might be thinking about your resolutions and goals for the year ahead, or perhaps a new project you’d like to get started on.

Every year, Pantone releases their ‘Color Of The Year’, which influences industries around the globe from things like paint manufacturers, to fashion brands, and all the way to yarn. The Color Of The Year is meant to be a forecast of the general mood for the year ahead, give direction to companies for product development, and serve as inspiration to all of us. The color for 2023 is Viva Magenta. So, lets dive into the Magentaverse!

Image sourced from Pantone’s Color Of The Year Report

Viva Magenta is a vibrant and bold shade that is a hybrid of red and pink. It immediately feels like a strong, expressive color, and is deeply rooted in nature. It has an almost rebellious tone to it, and is a fearless hue you can proudly sport in amounts both great and small.

Although Viva Magenta feels a bit futuristic to look at, this color has ancient roots, being directly derived from Cochineal. These are scaly insects, which have been used for centuries to create powder dyes and colorants used for textiles, cosmetics, food, and more. If you’d like to read more about this interesting and historical process, please check out this article from the Smithsonian.

With the roots of this color being its use for natural dyes, it is no surprise that we can find Viva Magenta in so many yarns! From solids to multis, many of the yarns in our line feature this strong color. As Viva Magenta is a blend of pink and red, I’ve included some options for yarns that lean toward both sides of the hue, and hopefully will provide great inspiration for your next project!

The Crimson Tee, a free pattern in Bamboo Pop Sock

Speaking of projects, I’ve selected some patterns that I think are perfect solutions for the 2023 Color Of The Year inspiration. First, I wanted to share the Crimson Tee. This free pattern was designed by Aubrey Busek (that’s me!) and uses our Bamboo Pop Sock yarn in the color 608 Pomegranate. This simple knit tee is sized from XS-5X, and has a relaxed silhouette that works for any occasion. The touches of lace are worked along the hemline of the body and sleeves, and panels of lace decorate the body. The Crimson Tee is a bold, fearless use of the Viva Magenta color, perfect for entering the new year with a bang.

For the crochet enthusiast, try the Parlamak Shawl! Designed by Brittany Garber, this sophisticated shawl is made using our Noelle yarn in the color 303 Pixie. I love that this shawl is simple and chic, so the vibrant red and pink colors in the yarn are really the focal point of the piece. Noelle has different shades that flow from one to the next throughout the skein, and its metallic core makes it extra special. This yarn is currently on sale, so don’t miss out on a great deal before its gone!

The Rose Garden Sweater in self-striping Offbeat

If you have a little one in your life to knit for, try the Rose Garden Sweater! Sized from 1-10 years old, this sweater is great for school days and fun outings. The cabled pattern on the body is easy to memorize, and adds just enough textural interest to not distract from the bold stripes created by the yarn. Offbeat is a blend of 90% acrylic and 10% alpaca that has been a hit since its launch in 2022. And it’s no question why: with a luxurious feel, bold colors, and 586 yards per skein, it is a great choice for all projects from blankets to sweaters. The color used for the Rose Garden sweater is 102 Tubular, and I love how the bold pops of red look with the soft neutral tones in this shade.

Pairing Viva Magenta with soft neutral colors as seen in our Offbeat yarn (above) is exactly what is suggested by Pantone. The soft and dusty shades shown in their Color Of The Year report compliment Viva Magenta, but never take away from it being the focal point. However, if you prefer bright shades, do your thing! I think Viva Magenta would look wonderful paired with bright purple or hot pink. As with anything, you should do what speaks to YOU. Colors are personal, and a great way to express yourself.

The last pattern I wanted to highlight was the Pomegranate Path set, designed by Rachel Brockman. New from our 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, Series 6, this cabled hat and scarf set is perfect for just about anyone on your ‘to-knit-for’ list. The color of Deluxe Worsted Tweed used for this pattern is 921 Beet, but the pattern itself was named after the delicious fruit that also boasts the same color. When I was looking for inspiration for Viva Magenta on Pinterest, tons of photos of pomegranates immediately came up. They are my favorite fruit, so I knew I had to include this pattern!

No matter how you want to explore the ‘Magentaverse‘, I can imagine that there is a shade of Viva Magenta that speaks to you. Personally, I think this color sets a wonderful tone for 2023. The past couple of years have been a rollercoaster for everyone on Earth in ways both great and small, and we can all benefit from the sense of inner strength that this type of bold color projects. I hope you get inspired, and have fun picking out some Magenta yarn for your next project!

Happy Crafting,

Aubrey

December 16, 2022December 16, 2022

Free Pattern Friday – North Shore Cowl

Happy Free Pattern Friday! If you’re craving a quick and easy knit to work on over the holidays, this is the perfect week for you. Today’s free pattern is the North Shore Cowl, designed by Patty Olson.

A person standing outside looking away from the camera and smiling. They are wearing a black sweater and a hand knit cowl in a cream and blue colorway. — The North Shore Cowl is perfect for a cold winter day

The North Shore Cowl is knit in the round using our Be Wool Multis yarn in the color 208 Monsoon. This color was a new addition to the line in 2022, and I love how the deep blue and green shades pop against the cream background.

Be Wool Multis is a blend of 60% acrylic and 40% wool, and is oh-so-soft and plush in texture. It works up beautifully into blankets, hats, cowls, and more! Each color of Be Wool Multis has a cream base, with splashes of different colors throughout. You can also try pairing it with solid colored Be Wool for even more fun options, as seen in the Kaleidoscope Scarf.

detail shot of a person wearing a hand knit cowl in a cream, blue, and green colorway. — Detail of the texture of the North Shore Cowl

Patty Olson designed the North Shore Cowl for us, and I love this pattern’s simple, beautiful texture. The ‘bow tie’ effect is created using purls and long stitches, which are deceivingly easy to work. The long stitches cinch the fabric, and give the finished cowl an undulating wavy appearance, which is how it got its name.

A person wearing a black sweater and a hand knit cowl in a cream, blue and green colorway — The North Shore Cowl doubled up for maximum coziness!

The simplicity of this accessory makes it incredibly versatile. You can throw it on as you head out the door, and it is sure to pair well with any outfit. Only two skeins are required to complete the cowl, and the final project is long enough to double up for those extra cold days sure to come in January!

A person standing sideways looking at the camera. They are wearing a black sweater and a hand knit cowl in a cream, blue, and green colorway. — The North Shore cowl would make a perfect gift for a loved one!

In my opinion, the best thing about a project like this is just how quickly it works up. It’s perfect for a weekend project for yourself, or a loved one if you’re in need of a last-minute holiday gift. Park yourself on the sofa with some hot cocoa and a favorite movie, and get to knitting! You’ll have the North Shore Cowl completed in no time, and whoever you give this handmade gift to is sure to love it for many years to come.

Happy Crafting,

Aubrey

December 15, 2022December 14, 2022

12 Days of Winter, Series 6 Edition, Part IV

A stuffed wolf toy sits in front of a stack of folded accessories from the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, Series 6.

This is part 4 in a four-part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 6 Edition.

The features from our annual 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, may be coming to a close, but with so much inspiration, hopefully your project planning is just beginning. It’s always so thrilling to review comments on this blog, or see projects line up in queues on Ravelry. From the looks of it, we may see some beautiful holiday projects in the works! Before you commit though, check out our final three days from the 12 Days of Winter, Series 6 Edition, the Holiday Stroll hat and scarf set, the Snow Globe Stocking, and the Holiday Elf Socks.

Holiday Stroll Set

This year’s crochet project was designed by me, Ashley Jane McIntyre. Once I saw our mood board, I knew I had to use Bamboo Bloom Handpaints in the color #324 Steven Befabulous. It even has “fabulous” in its name! It’s made of a blend of 44% wool, 48% rayon from bamboo, and 8% acrylic. This is all spun together for a unique thick and thin, matte and shiny quality that stands out in any piece. I paired it with complimenting solids in Deluxe Bulky Superwash, made of 100% superwash wool, to create a warm and cozy project for the season. The vibrant combination inspired the perfect set for taking a stroll to look at holiday lights.

The best thing about the scarf is that it has pockets! It’s made modularly from the bottom up in sections, alternating between rows of a granny stitch stripes pattern with granny squares that are seamed together. Once the whole scarf is complete, the edges are folded up, then seamed to create pockets. The hat is also constructed modularly: you create a ring by sewing granny squares together, then you work directly into them for the crown and brim. The hat is finished with a nice fluffy pom pom for a final touch of fun! In case you need some tips with a pom pom maker, we have a great pom pom video tutorial on our Tik Tok, found here, and a wonderful photo-tutorial on our blog, found here.

Snow Globe Stocking

The Snow Globe Stocking, designed by Aubrey Busek, is a quirky take on a holiday classic. Rico Design Creative Bubble, and Rico Design Creative Bubble Print, both made of 100% polyester, are used as carry-along yarns to add some extra sparkle to the base yarn, Deluxe Bulky Superwash, made of 100% superwash wool. Can you just imagine how sweet it will look on your mantle filled with treats? You’ll find new special details each time you look at it. With the twinkle throughout, the overall effect is truly just as magical as a snow globe!

I really enjoy the color combinations in this stocking. The cuff blends from red to a cool minty green, then to a creamy white with dots of stranded colorwork that look like sprinkles. Then, there are wonderful pops of color at the heel and toe. The heel is added after the rest of the sock is complete using a technique called an “afterthought heel,” which sounds complicated, but it’s actually not so bad! If you are in doubt, there is a helpful photo-tutorial blog post about the method, which you can review to feel prepared to make this fantastic stocking.

*Whether you fill it with treats, or simply hang it for decoration, the Snow Globe Stocking is sure to spice up your mantle this season!*

Holiday Elf Socks

The last kit in this year’s collection is the Holiday Elf Socks, designed by Rachel Brockman. These socks just tickle me! I love the way that they mirror each other with their bright colors. It’s just what I imagine a jolly North Pole Elf would wear – a bit mischievous, and dazzlingly bright, with tiny festive trees. They are made with Uni Merino, a blend of superwash merino wool and nylon, perfect for a snuggly and soft pair of socks.

*These happy socks are “sisters, not twins,” although they can be made to match instead of mirror, if you prefer!*

They are made cuff-down with a heel-flap, and use stranded colorwork to make the adorable mini trees and surrounding design. The toe is seamless, using a Kitchener stitch to graft the live stitches together. I have recently started making socks, and have been using this method on every pair so far. At first I found it intimidating, but now I love it. The end results are so worth it, and we have a tutorial at this blog post which includes step-by-step photos that is incredibly helpful. Once you finish, you’ll have a pair of wacky holiday socks without any pesky toe seams to comfortably wear for years to come!

*If you look closely, you can see where the toes are completely seamless!*

I hope you have enjoyed looking at patterns from the 12 Days of Winter, Series 6 with me today. If you missed Part I, Part II, or Part III be sure to go read through them! You’ll hear thoughts from the other designers of the collection, Aubrey and Rachel, and get more tips and tricks for techniques that you’ll encounter in the designs!

Remember, these exclusive kits can be purchased at local yarn store retailers near you. Not in stock at your local shop? Ask them about drop shipping – order through them, and we ship to you! Each kit comes with a printed version of the pattern, the yarn required to make itn. Use our store locator to find your nearest Universal Yarn retailer!

Happy Stitching!
Ashley Jane McIntyre

December 14, 2022December 14, 2022

12 Days of Winter – Series 6 Edition, Part III

This is part 3 in a four-part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 6 edition.

Hey everyone! Another year has flown by, and it’s time for our annual 12 Days of Winter blog celebration. I’m a big fan of the winter season. This time of year brings with it an ethereal sense of happiness that is quite unique. The days are short and often dark, plants are dying, the weather is cold, and yet – things like delicious warm comfort foods, sparkling holiday lights, parties, and (if you’re lucky enough) gorgeous falling snow fill the air. It’s a time of endings and beginnings, and a perfect opportunity to start a brand new project to welcome the new year.

A person wearing a white top, silver pants, and a hand knit blue shawl — Frozen Pond Shawl

A person standing sideways holding a mug and has a hand knit blanket wrapped around their shoulders. — Frozen Pond Shawl

Speaking of brand new projects, I have some inspiration for you! Today, I’ll be sharing three of the projects from our 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, Series 6. The Frozen Pond shawl, Keepsake Cover, and Snow Dust stole. All of these kits were designed by Rachel Brockman, our Creative Lead. Rachel has a way of creating unique designs that cater to a variety of skill levels, while always having thoughtful details that make them special. The thing that ties all three of these designs together? Lace stitches.

A close up image of a person facing away from the camera and looking down. They are wearing a hand knit shawl in a dark blue color on their shoulders. — The Frozen Pond shawl is perfect to drape over your shoulders on a chilly day.

Lace knit stitches result in some of the most gorgeous patterns you can imagine, and they are actually what first drew me to taking up knitting as a hobby. I remember seeing a book full of patterns for Victorian inspired lace shawls, and I was instantly intrigued. The eyelets, twists, and turns created by lace stitch patterns are lovely, and they are a perfect match for the winter season, as they often share the same sense of delicate and ethereal beauty.

A close up image of the details of a hand knit blue shawl with lace stitches. — The Frozen Pond shawl lace detail, doesn’t it look like pretty trees?

Frozen Pond is an asymmetrical shawl knit using our sinfully soft Nymph yarn. Nymph is a DK weight blend of cotton and polyamide, with a soft, fuzzy halo that adds dimension to any project. Boomerang shaped shawls like this one have great drape, and are easy to style in a variety of ways. The Frozen Pond shawl’s name was inspired by the dark blue colors of iced over water in the winter. I love the way the diamond pattern of the lace has shapes that look like trees, and I imagine they’d line the perimeter of the aforementioned frozen pond.

The lace pattern worked in this shawl will require some attention on your part while knitting. However, in between the sections of lace you’ll get to relax with some garter stitch, perfect for when you want to knit while watching TV in the evening. We’ve included both written instructions and charts for this pattern, so you are able to utilize what works best for you.

A person stands holding up a large hand knit blanket in a blue, magenta, and green striped colorway. — The Keepsake Cover has candy colored stripes, making this a perfect holiday gift project.

The Keepsake Cover is a joyful blanket pattern knit using three colors of our Uptown Worsted yarn. This 100% anti-pilling acrylic yarn is a workhorse, perfect for projects like blankets that will get a lot of wear and tear. A combination of ribbing, cables, and lace make up the motif that is worked throughout the Keepsake Cover. The diamond shape in this pattern reminds me of Christmas tree ornaments, with the eyelets created by the lace resembling the light bouncing off the ornaments as they hang on the tree.

A close up image of the details of a hand knit striped blanket with lace and cable details. — The Keepsake Cover is perfect for getting cozy with a cup of hot cocoa!

This pattern also includes written instructions, as well as a chart to help you visualize the cable and lace motif. If you’re not familiar with how to read knitting charts, a pattern like this one is the perfect way to learn. It may seem intimidating at first, since this pattern has both cable and lace stitches, but after your Keepsake Cover is complete, you’ll be a chart reading expert! Here is a link to a blog post where we discuss more on how to read knitting charts, which might be particularly helpful to those of you who are brand new to the skill.

A person stands facing the camera. They are wearing a black dress and have a hand knit wrap draped over their shoulders. — The Snow Dust stole is perfect for your next party!

The Snow Dust stole (or wrap!) is an excellent example of the delicate, cobweb quality you can achieve by knitting lace stitch patterns. This accessory is practically the winter season as a wearable item, and you’re sure to look like a snowy dream while you wear it! Snow Dust is knit using our Cotton Gold yarn, which is a laceweight cotton thread yarn, with small sequins and metallic fiber strung throughout. It looks gorgeous worked on its own as you can see from Snow Dust, but also makes an excellent carry-along yarn to add sparkle to other projects.

Snow Dust features simple stitches like knits and purls, as well as yarn overs and basic decreases (‘slip, slip, knit’ – ssk and ‘knit two together’ – k2tog) to create the lace repeat. This would be a great project choice for someone who wants to get really comfortable with knitting lace, because the rectangular shape of the wrap means they can simply focus on the knitting. The end result of the lace stitch pattern reminds me of the quiet, sparkling beauty of the outdoors right after a snow fall. This wrap would be perfect for a night out to the theater, or a fun dinner with friends.

A close up image of a person standing away from the camera and looking down. They have a hand knit wrap in a white color with lace stitches draped over their shoulders. — The lace details in Snow Dust look like little bird tracks in fresh fallen snow!

No matter which of these projects you want to create, the lace stitches in these patterns add texture, delicate details, and depth to the overall result. Don’t fret if you’re still a beginner when it comes to lace patterns. Practice makes perfect, and once you master all the basic stitches, you can apply them to the Frozen Pond shawl, the Keepsake Cover, or the Snow Dust wrap!

Remember, these exclusive kits can be purchased at local yarn store retailers near you. Not in stock at your local shop? Ask them about drop shipping – order through them, and we ship to you! Each kit comes with the pattern, the yarn required to make it, and a printed version of the pattern. Use our store locator to find your nearest Universal Yarn retailer!

Tune in tomorrow for the final installment of our 12 Days of Winter, series 6 blogs!

Happy Crafting,

Aubrey

December 12, 2022December 12, 2022

12 Days of Winter – Series 6 Edition, Part I

This is part 1 in a four-part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 6 Edition.

No matter which holiday you celebrate, winter is filled with gift giving of all kinds. Each year, our design team comes together to envision what projects will embody the spirit of the season, and creates kits that are exclusively sold at Local Yarn Shops. For this 12 Days of Winter, it’s all about bright and festive cheer! From the twinkling of snow and lights, to the bold colors of candies and toys, 2022 is a year for joy.

Today, I’m going to highlight the first three days from the 12 Days of Winter – Series 6, which you can find, or order via drop shipping, at any Local Yarn Shop that carries Universal Yarn. The Partridge Cowl, Candy Cane Lane hat, and Swiss Meringue Slippers each have special and thoughtful details that will delight knitters and gift recipients alike.

The Partridge Cowl is a beautifully colorful piece, designed by Rachel Brockman. It’s knit seamlessly in the round and uses stranded colorwork throughout. Since you are working with multiple colors of yarn throughout the whole project, we have labeled the difficulty as intermediate, and we have a blog post to help you navigate this technique at this link. It begins with a provisional cast-on which is unraveled and then grafted to the opposite end with the Kitchener stitch for a true seamless look when finished. The yarn in this kit is Rico Design Baby Dream DK Uni, paired with Rico Design Baby Dream DK. Both the solid and multi versions of this yarn are made of 50% polyacrylic and 50% polyamide, making for an ultra-soft cowl that’s perfect for bundling up this winter.

My favorite part about this design is how the birds alternate their direction throughout the cowl. They were described as “dancing” in one of our newsletters, and I fell in love! Every time I see them now, I start humming the classic Christmas carol and envision the detailing near their beaks as notes of a birdsong twinkling to life.

*Partridge birds singing and dancing in the Partridge Cowl.*

Candy Cane Lane, by Rachel Brockman, is a jovial hat featuring a quintessential Candy Cane design, with a peppermint swirl at its crown. It’s knit in the round from the bottom up and uses stranded colorwork to create the swirls and motif. Made with just two balls of Fibra Natura Donnina (100% superwash merino wool), this sweet and smaller kit makes a wonderful stocking stuffer for a loved one, or a fun, compact WIP for holiday travels.

*Candy Cane Lane hat by Rachel Brockman.*

Hats are such a wonderful seasonal accessory – especially when you get to tell people “Thanks, I made it myself!” With the bold contrast of the red and white colors, the Candy Cane Lane hat is a head-turner, so get those compliment responses ready!

*The cheery peppermint swirls and candy cane motifs of the Candy Cane Lane hat*.

Last, but not least, we have the Swiss Meringue Slippers, by Aubrey Busek. These snuggle-worthy slipper boots are worked flat in two parts, first the foot, and next the cuff, which is sewn on later. Some of the seaming involves using the Mattress Stitch, which we have a handy blog tutorial for, found at this link! Buttons of your choice are added after seaming, for the final touch of winter cheer. Three colors of Universal Yarn Deluxe DK Superwash are used in alternating stripes with subtle detailing to create a rich texture on the feet, while swirled cables dance up the cuffs. It’s a great project for those who want a colorful piece, without doing stranded colorwork, as these slippers feature a mosaic colorwork technique where you only use one color at a time. The 100% superwash wool makes for plush, yet durable slippers for season-long wear.

Booties, as I like to call them, are an absolute must-have for cold weather comfort. The colors are fantastic, making them as dazzling and decadent as the cookie puffs they’re named for. This project is a wonderful take on the normal “Holiday Classics,” and I will shamelessly be working on this kit for myself before I even think about their gift-giving appeal!

*Close-up view of the textures and twists in the Swiss Meringue Slippers.*

Thank you for reading along as we explore the first three beautiful designs from the Series 6 edition of our annual 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. Join us tomorrow for three more designs, and what makes each of them so special and unique. Do you have a favorite from what has been shared so far? Let us know in the comments below or on social media. Follow & tag us on Instagram at @Universal_Yarn and use the hashtag #UniversalYarn, or find and follow us on TikTok or Facebook at @UniversalYarn.

Remember, these exclusive kits can be purchased at local yarn store retailers near you. Not in stock at your local shop? Ask them about drop shipping – order through them, and we ship to you! Each kit comes with the pattern, the yarn required to make it, and a printed version of the pattern. Use our store locator to find your nearest Universal Yarn retailer!

Happy Stitching!
Ashley Jane McIntyre

December 9, 2022December 9, 2022

Free Pattern Friday – Poinsettia Stocking

Happy Friday to all, and to all a Free Pattern!

This week, we bring to you the Poinsettia Stockings (link here), a simple but beautiful home accent available in both knit and crochet versions! Rachel Brockman and Ashley Jane McIntyre (that’s me!) teamed up to bring you this festive duo inspired by the quintessential holiday flower, the poinsettia.

*Left to Right: Poinsettia Stockings knit and crochet versions.*

Here’s a bit of fun history that you can take along to holiday parties! The poinsettia flower is native to southern Mexico. There, it is called the Flor de la Noche Buena, meaning, Flower of the Holy Night. This name was actually given to it due to its resemblance to the renowned Star of Bethlehem. This perennial shrub can grow 10 to 15 feet tall in the wild, and flowers during the winter season. I learned this from Almanac.com, and you can read more about its various uses, popularity, and lore there. For now, let’s get back to our inspired stockings!

*Clockwise from top: Deluxe Stripes in 309 Crayon Box, 311 Tie Dye, 310 Poinsettia*

Deluxe Stripes comes in 9 different self-striping colorways which are perfect for giving simple projects an effortless bit of wow-factor. We decided to use color 310 Poinsettia as our guiding star for the design, leaning in to its classic holiday shades. This worsted weight yarn comes in 100g balls (218 yards) and is made of 75% super wash wool and 25% nylon. The bit of elasticity from the nylon was specially chosen by our design team to make this an ideal yarn for fast and cozy self-striping socks, like the Deluxe Socks. However, you can go beyond socks and make anything, like the Azelea Shawl, Art Class Cardigan, or of course, the Poinsettia Stockings.

*Deluxe Worsted Superwash in 774 Mistletoe*

Accenting the stocking as a complimentary color is our Deluxe Worsted Superwash in 738 Christmas Green, which matches a shade of green from the Deluxe Stripes used as the main color in the stocking. This yarn is made of 100% superwash wool and comes in in 100g balls (218 yards). It has a whopping 68 colors to select from, making it one of the ultimate stash staples, and is perfect for finding perfect matches to multi-colored yarns.

My favorite thing about this pattern is that you have access to either a knit version or a crochet version. It’s always so wonderful to be able to include both skills for the same piece! How many of you will try out both of them? If you know how to knit and crochet, this could be a great way to incorporate different fabric textures for a way to make your stockings stand out uniquely in addition to mixing and matching color options.

Whichever version you choose, be sure to share photos of your work on social media, and tag us in the post! Follow & tag us on Instagram at @Universal_Yarn and use the hashtag #UniversalYarn, or find and follow us on TikTok or Facebook at @UniversalYarn. We can’t wait to see all of the beautiful festive creations that our fiber friends come up with.

Happy Stitching!
Ashley Jane McIntyre

November 25, 2022November 22, 2022

Flash Pattern Friday – Ardenne

A woman wearing a glittering dress wears a handknit shawl knitted with Universal Yarn Noelle and Universe.

Can you believe November is already coming to a close? It’s Flash Pattern Friday!

A woman with a glittering long-sleeved dress is shown wearing a hand knitted shawl made from Universal Yarn Noelle and Universe. She has her arms folded across her waist, and smiles slightly. — Our model, Bette, wears the Ardenne Shawl wrapped cozily around her shoulders. Her outfit is glittering and joyful – perfect for the holiday season!

On the last Friday of the month, we temporarily make one of our paid patterns free! Today, we’re *sparkling* joy with the Ardenne shawl in Noelle and Universe (Ravelry link here).

Ardenne was originally published in 2021 as part of the ebook, Subtle Glow. This collection celebrates all things sparkly, with its focus on our soft, luxurious Noelle yarn. For Ardenne, I amped up the glow by adding stripes of our beloved Universe yarn. Mixing yarns is a fantastic way to incorporate interesting visual and textural effects into your craft. In some ways, Noelle and Universe seem opposite – Noelle features a chainette construction with baby alpaca and merino wool fibers blown through, creating a lightweight, fluffy, and airy yarn that is super warm and soft – perfect for winter. On the other hand, Universe is a sturdy yarn made from a blend of cotton and linen, making it especially ideal for the warmer seasons. Although both yarns are gorgeously glittery, their textures are so different that you might not expect them to pair well with one another. And yet – they work so well together, as demonstrated in Ardenne.

The original version of this shawl features Noelle in #304 Calypso as the main color, and Universe in #10-01 Paper as the contrast color. The palette in both yarns offers some beautiful alternatives, and I thought it would be nice to share my favorites. Pictured above is “Pretty in Pink,” an option that is monochromatic but with excellent contrast. I think this would be especially cute for Valentine’s Day! For a lower-contrast, yet playful take on the shawl, I recommend my “Warm & Whimsical” option. This option feels a bit more unexpected, and that’s what I love about it.

A detail shot over the Ardenne shawl, knit with Universal Yarn Universe and Noelle. — This detailed shot of Ardenne illustrates the scalloped edge of the lace border, the lovely drape of the fabric, and the eyelet rows that open up the body of the shawl.

With the holiday season and winter just around the corner, what better way to celebrate than with a shimmering pattern? Warm and cozy, yet drapey and lightweight, Ardenne is the perfect piece to wear over your holiday ensemble. Amplify the sparkle factor, as shown on our model, Bette, or dress up an otherwise understated outfit.

A woman stands while wearing the Ardenne Shawl, hand knitted with Universal Yarn Noelle and Universe. She is shown from the back, and glances down to the left. — The asymmetrical shape of Ardenne is visible when worn draped over the back of the shoulders.

I love knitting shawls on the bias. The spiral of the draped fabric always looks so elegant, and they tend to be long enough to wrap around your shoulders easily. Plus, the asymmetrical shape adds a touch of modernity to them that I love. Ardenne features alternating stripes of Noelle and Universe, broken up with eyelet rows. It’s a rhythmic and enjoyable knit. It’s finished off with a decorative garter lace border – a lovely final touch.

To get Ardenne 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 a coupon code” links that appear during purchase, and click “apply”. Not a Ravelry user? No problem! Simply drop us a line by emailing patterns@universalyarn.com by the end of Sunday, 11/27, and we’ll get you taken care of the week of 11/28. (Note – our offices are closed today, 11/25/22).

Before I wrap up, I’d like to share a couple of special things with you that are relevant for this extended weekend. First – not only are we offering Ardenne for free, but we’re having a pattern sale on Ravelry through Monday, 11/28! That’s right, ALL of the patterns in our Ravelry store are 50% off, no code needed!

Finally, tomorrow is Small Business Saturday! If you’re doing holiday shopping, it’s a great time to visit your local yarn store (LYS) and stock up on your favorites from Universal Yarn. It’s the perfect compliment to our Ravelry pattern sale. You can find our stockists at this link.

We know some people don’t have a local yarn store nearby. If that’s the case, don’t worry, we’re also hosting a sale on our website. There are plenty of ways to stock up on yarns, patterns, and more this weekend!

We hope you enjoy this holiday weekend! Happy crafting!
-Rachel

November 11, 2022November 11, 2022

Free Pattern Friday! – Spice Market Shawl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Woman crouched on one knee wearing Spice Market Shawl crocheted in Uni Merino

Today, the Spice Market Shawl crocheted in Uni Merino (pattern link here).

This morning, our Design Team was discussing this week’s free pattern, and our Creative Lead mentioned how much she loves a pretty blanket shawl. This one is very pretty indeed!

Rear view of woman wearing Spice Market Shawl crocheted in Uni Merino.

Designer Ashley Jane McIntyre chimed in that she loves this stitch pattern. She combines a unique blend of double crochet and a double extended single crochet stitch in a four row repeat, for a project that’s interesting to make, but also rhythmic and relaxing.

Standing woman wearing Spice Market Shawl crocheted in Uni Merino.

It’s easy to find a comfortable groove to get into as you make this beautiful accessory. Ashley Jane cleverly uses rows that overlap each other, to create bands of color interrupted by the solid background. The result is a striking and harmonious fabric.

For this design, she chose one of our newest yarns, Uni Merino. We love it for socks, but it’s also divine in bigger projects like this week’s shawl. The palette of colors is designed to play well together, making it ideal for colorwork, in knitting, crochet, and weaving. Superwash Uni Merino is superfine weight, working up on a US Size F/5 (3.75 mm) in this project. It makes a shawl that’s drapey, but still very cozy!

Woman wearing Spice Market Shawl crocheted in Uni Merino

We hope you enjoy this week’s free pattern, with its autumnal open-air market feel. Have a fantastic weekend, and be sure to treat yourself well – maybe by starting something new and wonderful!

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

November 4, 2022November 20, 2022

Free Pattern Friday – Glacial Cowl and Permafrost Cowl

Image of two women wearing cowls. Text reads Free Pattern Friday, Permafrost Cowl and Glacial Cowl in Major

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, not one but TWO free patterns! The Glacial Cowl crocheted in Major (pattern link here), and the Permafrost Cowl knitted in Major (pattern link here).

Woman in Permafrost Cowl knitted in Major

The temperature took a dip here, so we decided this was an ideal time to share something wintry for both knitters and crocheters. Rachel Brockman’s knitted Permafrost Cowl has a deep, roomy neck for comfort, and a pointed front to straddle the line between cowl and shawl.

The columns traveling across the body require no cable needle. The V-Twists are created with single twisted stitches that cross over one another. Such a beautiful effect!

Ashley Jane McIntyre’s crocheted Glacial Cowl also features a roomy neck and pointed front, but in this version, the crochet stitches create an even warmer fabric. Perfect when you need something to throw on over an open neck on a chilly day!

We’re rating both versions as Easy – there are no super tricky bits here, just two lovely, very achievable designs. How satisfying!

Each pattern takes just one ball of self-shading Major. This is a crafting favorite, with beautiful color blends in a big, 200 gram ball. This is a thick yarn for gratifyingly, quick progress! Here, we chose color 104 Pebbles for its icy blues and grays, but there are plenty of other color options. If you’re feeling more autumnal, try 129 Russet!

We hope you have a fantastic weekend, full of fun and laughter.

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

October 28, 2022October 28, 2022

Flash Pattern Friday – Branscombe

It’s Flash Pattern Friday!

Woman wearing Branscombe shawl crocheted in Kingston Tweed

On the last Friday of the month, we take a beautiful paid pattern and set it free for a limited time through Ravelry. Today it’s Branscombe, crocheted in Kingston Tweed (Ravelry link here).

Woman in knitted vest. Text reads, Kingston Tweed: Seven Modern Classics to Knit and Crochet in Kingston Tweed

This design by Edie Eckman was originally released as part of Kingston Tweed Vol. 1, a collection of seven beautiful projects in sophisticated Kingston Tweed.

In her design, Edie very cleverly created a shaped top edge that sits comfortably on the shoulders, avoiding bunching and letting the contrasting colorwork show.

Seated woman wearing Branscombe shawl crocheted in Kingston Tweed

A V stitch, along with graceful shells along the border, give this shawl an open, drapey feel.

Kingston Tweed works beautifully here. Its alpaca content gives an oh-so-subtle halo to the finished piece, softening the spaces between stitches.

Alternative color options for Branscombe

Friends, we are awfully low on the dark gray Basalt color shown in the model. Fortunately, the entire palette is harmonious, drawn from nature to look beautiful together. We’ve put together some alternative color combinations to consider above.

As always, I’m all about the cool tones. Maybe some combination of 106, 109, and 111? So soothing.

To get Brnascombe free, use the buy it now or add to cart links on the Ravelry pattern page linked here. Then enter coupon code FLASH where you see the “use a coupon code” links that appear during purchase, and click “apply.”

Not a Ravelry user? Drop us a line by the end of Sunday 10/30 and we’ll get you taken care of.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Happy crafting!

-Heather