Tag: crochet

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Collection Spotlight: Form and Function

As the leaves are changing and a crispness fills the air, we begin to think about cozy sweaters, warm accessories, and soft scarves. Fall not only brings a beautiful transformation to our surroundings but also offers a wonderful opportunity to update our wardrobes with rich textures, colors and an AWESOME time to introduce our Uptown Family Collection! The Form and Function Collection has six patterns to knit and crochet across the Uptown line.

Arcade designed by Andi Javori

Perfect pairing to a night out, the Arcade wrap is a must have for a boat ride or a date night. Whether draped casually over a outfit or elegantly layered over a dress for an evening out, it can enhance your look while keeping you cozy. The versatility of this accessory allows it to be styled in various ways, making it a must-have in any wardrobe for that extra flair.

The combination of a reversible knit-purl texture paired with columns of pretty little cables makes this piece aesthetically interesting and entertaining to knit.

Experience the versatility of Arcade, shown in the stunning Uptown Bamboo DK, in color 536 Mist. With 38 vibrant colors to choose from, it’s the perfect opportunity to unleash your imagination and bring your projects to life!

Blueprint designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre

Picture yourself nestled by the crackling fireplace, the soft glow of the flames dancing in the room, wearing a cardigan as serene as the scene. All of that is possible with the adored Blueprint . The gradient blues of this cardigan beautifully evoke the tranquility of a serene winter sky, making it not only visually appealing but also an ideal choice for the colder seasons. Wrap yourself in this cozy piece that combines style and warmth effortlessly.

The standout feature of this cardigan is the intricate flower-inspired motif gracefully adorning the back. Skillfully crafted crocheted colorwork with this striking design element in contrasting silver adds a stunning visual impact that enhances the overall allure of the piece.

Stay cozy and stylish this cold season with the Blueprint cardigan. This colorwork crochet cardigan features a structured fit that ensures comfort, while ribbed detailing along the hem and cuffs adds a touch of casual elegance. Shown the beautiful Uptown DK Multi color 206 Mist and Uptown DK colors 118 Lolite and 125 Silver, this cardigan is designed to enhance any winter wardrobe.

Galleria designed by Rachel Brockman

The Galleria poncho is a contemporary staple, ideal for elevating your winter wardrobe. With its chic design and versatile silhouette, it effortlessly combines warmth and style, making it the perfect addition to any outfit. Whether layered over a cozy sweater or dressed up for a night out, the Galleria poncho offers a fashionable solution to keep you snug and sophisticated during the colder months.

The design incorporates large cables and intricate textures, creating an enjoyable knitting experience. It promotes a rewarding creative journey, enhances visual appeal, and offers a stimulating challenge for knitters of all skill levels.

The Galleria poncho is a statement piece that enhances your wardrobe, featuring a reversible funnel neck that can be styled cuffed or uncuffed. Made from soft, drapey anti-pilling Uptown Worsted yarn shown in color 375 Antique Rose, it showcases a subtle sheen that brings out the textures beautifully.

Juxtaposition designed by Universal Yarn Design Team

This is the statement throw your sofa needs! Juxtaposition is a gorgeous color-blocked throw suitable for knitters of all skill levels. It is worked by creating two panels. Each panel features a streamlined stockinette stitch section and a textured checkers pattern that adds depth to the finished piece. After knitting the two panels, you’ll seam them together and then work the garter stitch edging. This would be a great project to work on over the holiday season and have ready in time for snuggly winter evenings!

Four carefully selected colors smoothly transition across the blanket, resulting in a unique, handcrafted charm. Shown in Uptown Worsted in colors 373 River, 335 Acorn, 303 Cream, 351 Latte.

Promenade designed by Afifa Sayeed

If you want to knit a statement outfit topper, Promenade is just the piece for you. This ruana features a stand-out cable that dresses the center back of the piece, and a clever tab for styling the front. The self-shading colors in our Uptown Worsted Hues yarn add depth to the overall piece, with soft colors transitioning from one to the next as you knit. The reverse stockinette stitch texture provides a classic feel for the body of the ruana and allows the cable to pop in the center.

Promenade is the perfect accessory for transitional weather. It will keep you warm in the chilly morning and evening air while allowing for multiple ways to wear as the day warms up. Whether you’re headed to work in the office, or on a night out with friends, this ruana will keep you cozy and feeling fabulous.

Promenade enhances any wardrobe with its unique charm and refined quality. Meticulously crafted from Uptown Worsted Hues, and shown in color 3305 Pink Sand, this piece showcases the stunning variety and richness of color that this premium yarn offers.

Vista designed by Andi Javori

Do you love knitting pullovers? We have your next favorite pattern! Vista is a sophisticated sweater knit using super soft Uptown DK. Raglan sleeve shaping provides an excellent fit and polished feel while the directional mock cable pattern on the body offers plenty of visual interest for the finished piece.

Vista is knit from the bottom up in pieces and seamed. If you’re hesitant about knitting a seamed sweater, we encourage you to try! Seams provide structure and strength to the finished piece, ensuring you will love wearing your handmade sweater for years to come.

Vista is an essential addition to your wardrobe, expertly crafted with our luxurious Uptown DK yarn shown in the color 135 Desert Rose. With over 50 colors to choose from, you’ll find the perfect one for your wardrobe!

Limited Time Offer: Save 20% on the Uptown Line!

Now through Sunday, November 10th, enjoy 20% off the entire Uptown Line, including Uptown Bamboo DK, Uptown DK , Uptown DK Multi , Uptown Worsted, and Uptown Worsted Hues! This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on your favorite yarn and discover modern designs for every skill level. Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your crafting projects and unleash your imagination! Uptown

Until Then,

Keep Calm and Knit On

MsGinB.

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Free Pattern Friday – Metalmark & Swallowtail Scarves

Friday just got sweeter, with two freebies for knitters and crocheters! Grab a delicious latte and stitch an accessory you can wear for the rest of 2024. The Metalmark Scarf and Swallowtail Scarf use self-shading Major in the colorway 134 Sunset Sky, giving you a fun wardrobe addition. Let’s learn more about these knit and crochet pieces!

The Metalmark Scarf, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, needs just one skein of Major! This crochet piece was inspired by the patterns and hues of beautiful Metalmark butterflies. Gorgeous lace stitches adorn this scarf, reminding us of the silhouette of these butterflies.

The Swallowtail Scarf, designed by Aubrey Busek, is also a one-skein wonder! The breathtaking lace diamond pattern will give you an accessory that will elevate any outfit this Autumn. Bulky-weight Major knits up quickly, so this scarf is perfect for a lazy weekend!

Now through Sunday, October 20th, take 20% off Major! This 100% acrylic yarn is excellent for any project, including baby blankets, shawls, sweaters, and more. The self-shading colorways are stunning, with options in pastels, bolds, neutrals, and beyond. Thanks to the fiber content, Major is machine-washable, making your garments and accessories easy to care for!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

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Free Pattern Friday – Ennis Scarf

Happy Friday Fellow Crafters! This week’s free pattern is the Ennis Scarf designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre.

Ennis, a charming county town in mid-west Ireland, is nestled along the River Fergus. The name Ennis means “river meadow,” a fittingly beautiful inspiration for this scarf. The design features winding chevrons in soothing blues and earthy hues from Colorburst, weaving a narrative that you’ll bring to life with your crochet hook. The Ennis Scarf is crocheted in our fun and vibrant Colorburst yarn in the color 108 Bruges. This one skein project is just in time for Fall.

Each impressive 200g “beehive” ball of Colorburst is crafted with gloriously saturated tones that harmonize effortlessly. The extended color transitions shift smoothly from one shade to another, making it a breeze to create eye-catching projects! Don’t miss out on your chance to receive 20% off this STUNNING yarn this weekend through Sunday, September 15th.

Which color will you be adding to your stash this Fall? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

Until then, Have the Day You Deserve!

Gin B.

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Free Pattern Friday – Cider the Donut

Who’s getting excited for sweater weather? I know I am! I love the autumn season and all of the tasty treats that come with it. This week, we’re releasing a fun free pattern inspired by one of those delicious bites.

Cider the Donut was designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre. Crocheted using soft and sturdy Ricorumi DK held alongside Rico Design Metallic No 40 thread, Cider is an adorable amigurumi you can make for yourself or gift to a friend!

Cider is constructed by crocheting in the round in a continuous spiral. After the tube is made, you’ll stuff the donut and seam the ends together. Once stuffed n’ seamed, you can follow the embroidery instructions for the face, or get creative and make Cider uniquely yours.

This project is an excellent addition to your desk decor, or add a keychain and attach it to your favorite bag! I love the colors chosen for this project, the sparkle in Rico Design’s Metallic No 40 thread is perfectly reminiscent of the sugary coating on apple cider donuts.

If I made Cider the Donut myself, I think I’d have to go with a pink color and sparkles for a strawberry glazed donut! What flavor would you create?

Happy Crafting,

Aubrey

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Free Pattern Friday – Lore

Happy Free Pattern Friday, fellow crafters! Today, we are excited to bring you Lore – a stunning crocheted shawl designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre.

Simple yet stunning, the Lore shawl is worked flat in a semi-circle to create a shape that is easy to style. Made in Rico Design’s alluring Creative Summer Sprinkles, a 50% cotton and 50% acrylic yarn. This summery shawl will have you reaching for it over and over to jazz up any outfit.

Rico Design Creative Summer Sprinkles is available in 8 vibrant shades, each of which is a mix of four color-changing threads twisted around each other. This cotton-acrylic blend is easy to care for and perfect for creating colorful and summery garments for all ages.

This weekend only, receive 15% off this delightful yarn through Sunday, July 14th. The Neon Green shade is calling my name; how about you?

Kepp on crafting on!

Afifa

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Collection Spotlight: Oasis

We’re waving goodbye to May with a big surprise! Our Oasis Pattern Collection is now available, and we can’t wait to introduce you to all seven of these gorgeous knit and crochet patterns. In the spotlight is Dunescape, a brand-new DK-weight blend of 57% cotton, 30% viscose, and 13% linen that’s soft and has excellent stitch definition. The Oasis Pattern Collection features five knit and two crochet pieces: let’s learn more about them now!

Aloe designed by Afifa Sayeed

Sensational for the sunshine, the Aloe vest is perfect for your next concert or frolic through a flower field! The open lace mesh and cropped fit of this breezy pattern makes it a great layering piece for your favorite outfits. Aloe is knit in pieces and seamed, with the straps sewn to the back and crochet chain ties attached to the front.

Aloe is sized from Extra Small through 5X with the sample showing off Dunescape color 106 Kelp. With 16 colors available in Dunescape, you can get creative!

Cactus Flower designed by Afifa Sayeed

Imagine strolling along the beach at sunset, wearing a top as beautiful as the scenery! All of that is possible with the beloved Cactus Flower tank! Follow along with a fun two-color star stitch pattern, and you will end up with this wardrobe staple. Cactus Flower features an interesting construction that makes it just as much fun to knit as it is to wear.

This light and airy top is knit in four pieces and seamed together and includes sizes Extra Small through 5X. Grab your two favorite colors and knit your own version today!

Canyon designed by Rachel Brockman

There’s nothing more breathtaking than the beautiful canyons found in nature. With astonishing colors and textures, there’s no wonder millions of people visit these landscapes. Canyon draws that same inspiration in the form of a sweater that you will want to wear every day. With gorgeous lace panels adorning each side and textured moss stitch used throughout, this piece will be phenomenal for your next vacation.

Canyon displays the beautiful drape of our Dunescape yarn in the color 116 Persimmon.

Eventide designed by Afifa Sayeed

Colorful, creative, and show-stopping are just three ways to describe Eventide! Knit in three hues of Dunescape, this piece is worked lengthwise as a rectangle and then seamed to create the shape. The lace texture and impeccable drape of the yarn make this a great accessory for the hottest summer days. Plus, who doesn’t love the fun addition of tassels?

While these shades look impressive together, plenty of trios would stand out. We love the idea of a festive look for the 4th of July with 103 Coconut, 108 Chicory, and 112 Paprika!

Lupine designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre

Ready to visit the farmers market in style? Grab your two desired colors of Dunescape and crochet the eye-catching Lupine bag. Lupine is worked by creating the identical Front and Back pieces that feature a mosaic pattern, joining those, and then working the side panels and straps. As a bonus, the cotton fibers of this yarn mean Lupine will be durable and reliable for whatever you need to carry!

Sandstorm designed by Aubrey Busek

You can’t help but be in awe of the golden sand dunes that grace desert landscapes. Much like the miles and miles of powdery sand, Sandstorm is something to behold. The stunning mosaic and crosses pattern pairs phenomenally with the lace arrows pattern, giving you a summer accessory bound to receive compliments.

This piece is worked modularly, with charts included for the mosaic and lace sections of the pattern. We know you will love putting your skills to the test as you practice multiple different techniques with this shawl!

Sidewinder designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre

Haven’t you always wanted a dreamy set for a summer night out? Whether it’s date night or fun with friends, The show-stopping Sidewinder set will make you feel amazing! With mesmerizing alternations between mesh and ribbed texture panels, you’ll have a trendy look that you’ll reach for often!

This pattern includes instructions for the top and skirt both sized from Extra Small to 5X.

Save This Weekend!

Now through Sunday, June 2nd, take 20% off Dunescape and the Oasis E-Book (our website only)! This DK-weight yarn is a blend of 57% cotton, 30% viscose, and 13% linen that thrives in the hottest months of the year. Dunescape is excellent for textured and simple stitches alike, so it’s a great choice for all skill levels. With a whole pattern collection of inspiration, there’s never been a better time to stock up on your new favorite yarn!

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Flash Pattern Friday – Gingham Blankie

We are heading into summer by offering both a knit AND a crochet version of the Gingham Blankie for today’s Flash Pattern Friday.

Designed by Rachel Brockman, both versions of the Gingham Blankie are made in our soft, smooth Uptown Bamboo DK. These blankies are perfect for bringing along to your next park outing or as a whimsical addition to your home decor. Each blanket is comprised of 49 individual squares worked from the center out, making these the ideal portable project. The squares are sewn together to form the blankie, and the borders are applied as a finishing touch.

Each Gingham Blankie features 3 colors of Uptown Bamboo DK, a blend of 80% anti-pilling acrylic and 20% bamboo. This easy-care yarn has excellent stitch definition with the bamboo content adding a touch of sheen to your finished project. The crochet version is shown in 502 Lily, 507 Peach and 508 Coral while the knit version is shown in 502 Lily, 519 Bluebird and 521 Chill. With 36 colors to choose from, you can make a Gingham Blankie that is truly your own.

To get the Gingham Blankie patterns for free  use the “buy it now” or “add to cart” links on the Ravelry pattern page for the knit or crochet version. 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 is valid through Monday, May 27th to coincide with our Memorial Day Sale.

This weekend, our entire site (excluding Chiaogoo) is Buy 2 get 1 free! Ring in the summer with these special savings through Monday, May 27th.

Keep on crafting on!

Afifa

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Free Pattern Friday – Fleetwood

Happy Friday, friends!
This week we have a flowy and fun crochet duster called Fleetwood, designed by me, Ashley Jane McIntyre. It’s named for Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac, whose iconic, bohemian style includes all kinds of flowing garments like this one.

The pattern includes both a long version (pictured here) and a short version, that falls to about knee length. The main fabric is a crochet mesh that maximizes yardage, while creating an airy and summery vibe, and the whole thing is framed with cheery crochet granny square flower motifs.

The duster is made of Magnolia, a fingering weight yarn composed of 95% modal and 5% cashmere. The resulting fabric is silky smooth and boasts excellent drape. This yarn also excels at showing off gorgeous stitch definition! Check out our Sunkissed Summer collection, featuring five projects in Magnolia to see just how stunning this yarn is.

The flower motifs are made of Rico Design’s Creative Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton. This dk weight yarn is made of 46% acrylic, 49% cotton, and 5% polyester. It’s spun with a solid ply and a variegated ply to create a sensational spectrum of color. I’ve paired three colors together to create flowers in inverse shades of each other which alternate around the duster – you can choose any that you like!

Fleetwood is free to download and is written in three, batched sizes which span from XS – 9X. The first size range includes XS-M, the second includes L-2X, and the third includes 3X-5X. Get your copy today, and be sure to pick up Magnolia and Rico Design’s Creative Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton – both of which are 20% off their listed prices this weekend only!

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

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Spring Yarns For Your Stash

Spring has sprung, and we’re thrilled to share some of our favorite yarns for the season with you! There are many things to look out for when searching for the perfect yarn for spring, including fiber content, weight, and color palette. If you haven’t heard of the yarns below, let today be the day you try something new! Let’s go ahead and get started with the newest addition to the Uptown Family of Yarns!

Photo of three colors of Uptown Bamboo DK
Uptown Bamboo DK
Photo of a person wearing the Subtle Shells Ruana
Subtle Shell Ruana

Uptown Bamboo DK is a fiber blend of 80% anti-pilling acrylic and 20% bamboo in a DK weight. Each 100g skein has 284 yards of yarn, with 38 different colors to select from. Bamboo fibers are highly breathable and moisture-wicking, allowing you to keep cool in warmer weather. Uptown Bamboo DK is machine-washable, making it an excellent option for wearable pieces and baby projects. The color palette of this yarn includes plenty of beautiful hues for spring, like 515 Wisteria and 528 Breeze.

Photo of Cotton Supreme Speckles in two different colorways
Cotton Supreme Speckles
Photo of a person wearing the WIldflower Tee
Wildflower Tee

Cotton Supreme Speckles is the newest member of the Cotton Supreme Family, and it’s already receiving so much love! This yarn is made up of 100% cotton fibers in a worsted weight, just like Cotton Supreme, but with speckles! Cotton is a plant-based fiber that is excellent for spring and almost any project you can think of. Due to the durability of cotton, Cotton Supreme Speckles is phenomenal for homewares, like the Seedling Washcloths. Additionally, this yarn makes for beautiful wearable pieces, like the pictured Wildflower Tee.

Photo of three different colors of Bamboo Pop
Bamboo Pop
Photo of a person wearing the Sabal poncho
Sabal

Naturally, we wanted to include one of our staple yarns, so say hello to Bamboo Pop! We already talked through the benefits of bamboo and cotton fibers, and guess what? Bamboo Pop is a blend of both! With that being the case, this yarn is breathable, soft, and exceptional for any project. One of our favorite things about Bamboo Pop is the versatile color palette. Both solids and multis are available, and many pair faultlessly with each other! Try a fun accessory with this staple, with the pictured Sabal poncho. Plus, if you love to make baby projects, you will want to add Bamboo Pop to your stash; it’s a customer favorite for such patterns!

Photo of Rico Design Baby Dream DK and Rico Design Baby Dream DK Uni
Rico Design Baby Dream DK
Photo of the Besties cardigan
Besties

Speaking of baby projects, Rico Design’s Baby Dream DK is next on deck! With a fiber blend of 50% polyacrylic and 50% polyamide, Rico Design Baby Dream DK is incredibly soft and easy to care for. Solids and multis are available in this yarn, with a range of gorgeous colors, especially pastels. The polyacrylic and polyamide fibers mean that Baby Dream DK is machine-washable, so it’s ideal for your little one. We love the idea of a baby blanket or cardigan, like the pictured Besties pattern!

Photo of Rico Design Creative Fluffily DK in two colors
Rico Design Creative Fluffily DK
Photo of a person wearing the top from Pattern 1016 Top and Shawl - Rico Design
Pattern 1016 Top and Shawl

You may have never heard of Rico Design’s Creative Fluffily DK, but we’re thrilled to introduce you! With a fiber blend of cotton, polyester, acrylic, and wool, Creative Fluffily DK is sensationally soft, machine-washable, and includes a subtle sparkle! Each 150g cake of this yarn contains 459 yards of yarn, making it great for larger projects like pullovers and shawls. There are 14 shades to choose from, and we can’t wait to see what you will make with Creative Fluffily DK!

Which one of these yarns would you work with first? Let us know in the comments! We can’t wait to hear your response.

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

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Universal Yarn Publication Highlight – April 2024

We love seeing Universal Yarn featured in the spotlight! Three designs using your favorite yarns from our brand are available and we’re so excited to show them off. The Coral Canopy Cardigan (right), designed by Nazanin S Ford, using Uni Merino, the Sunny Bloom Blanket (middle), designed by Willow Crochet, using Uptown Worsted, and the Lattice Cloche Hat, designed by Sheila Pfeiffer, using Bamboo Pop. Let’s learn more about these gorgeous patterns!

Featured in “I Like Crochet” Magazine’s April 2024 issue, the Coral Canopy Cardigan is stunning! This piece is perfect for spring, with a breathtaking leaves pattern, a v-neckline, and three-quarter length sleeves. The soft, superwash merino wool and nylon blend of Uni Merino will make this cardigan a summer staple, whether you’re at the beach or relaxing at home!

Next, we’ll look at Willow Crochet’s beautiful Sunny Bloom Blanket! Using stash staple Uptown Worsted, this homeware is full of color and is as soft as can be with 100% anti-pilling acrylic fibers. This graphgan uses seven hues of Uptown Worsted, so you can practice transitioning colors like never before. To get this pattern for free, visit Knitty!

The Lattice Cloche Hat is available on Ravelry using customer-favorite Bamboo Pop! An engaging slip-stitch technique creates a lovely lattice overlay effect that will have you receiving compliments left and right. Bamboo Pop’s color palette is vast, so you can choose the hues that best match your personality and make a hat for you and a friend!

We hope you enjoyed hearing about these exciting designs! We invite you to share all of your projects with us by tagging us @universal_yarn on Instagram. Stay tuned for next month’s publication spotlight!