Collection Spotlight: Lakeside Bundle

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

September 15, 2023September 14, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Cabled Cushion Cover

Are you excited that Friday is finally here? We are, too! Today, we have a cozy surprise for you. The Cabled Cushion Cover, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, is our featured free pattern this Friday, and we know you’ll love it. From classy cables to velvety soft yarn, let’s learn more!

Using Bella Chenille, the Cabled Cushion Cover is even softer than it looks! This single-ply yarn is 100% polyester in a super bulky weight, which means it’s perfect for homeware projects like this one. In order to make this cushion cover, you will crochet three pieces and then seam them together. The front piece is square-shaped, while the two back pieces are rectangles.

The two rectangular pieces overlap so that you can have an insert for a cushion. The front piece is where you get to show off your crochet skills! With cables worked down the center, this cushion cover provides a beautiful look you can show off in your home. This project calls for four skeins of Bella Chenille, so this weekend’s savings are right on time!

Bella Chenille is Buy THREE, Get ONE FREE! That means 25% off! This 100% polyester yarn is perfect for many projects, including stuffed animals, amigurumi, blankets, and more! With a wide selection of hues, you can pick your favorite and get started on your next project. Check out all of our free patterns for Bella Chenille at this link. Our Buy THREE, Get ONE FREE offer for Bella Chenille is available through Sunday, September 17th!

This offer is only available when you buy FOUR skeins or more. You must add a quantity of four or more skeins of Bella Chenille to your cart. The discount for one skein will be automatically deducted at checkout for each quantity of four skeins.

Thanks for stopping by! Robert

September 8, 2023September 7, 2023

Collection Spotlight: Fall Florals

Autumn is knocking at the door, and today, we’re letting it in! Our Fall Florals collection is here! With six patterns that capture the essence of nature’s blooming wonders, we know you’ll fall in love. So what are we waiting for? Let our journey begin as we discover each of these stunning creations!

Cardigans are often associated with autumn, so you know we had to include one in this collection! Celosia, designed by Rachel Brockman, is full of vibrant fall colors using our Deluxe DK Superwash yarn. The beautiful Daises pattern adds texture to this piece as you change between three alternating colors. This cardigan has retro features, like the polo collar and bell-shaped sleeves. A touch of crochet finishes off the edges along the hem and sleeve cuffs, giving you a staple top for the crisp fall air! This cardigan uses colors 807 Ginseng as the main color (50% off color – available in bag quantities), 851 Rhapsody, and 803 Terra Cotta. Celosia includes sizes XS through 5X, as do all the garments featured in this collection.

While Cirsium is a prickly plant in nature, in the form of a knitted accessory, it’s as soft as can be! Let the soothing stockinette stitch take you on an exciting adventure as you knit this tubular cowl. This cowl is worked in the round, using a stranded color motif, which brings to life the flowers seen throughout. Cirsium uses three heathered shades of Deluxe DK Superwash, adding even more beauty to this accessory. With the soft and plush texture of the wool fibers featured in this cowl, you’ll stay cozy all autumn! Cirsium includes a small and large size, with the sample pictured above shown in large. The colors used for this cowl are 842 Oatmeal Heather and 845 Shamrock Heather. Color 848 Coral Heather is also used, however, since this color is sold out, we suggest using 841 Pomegranate Heather.

Grow your knitting skills with the stranded colorwork of Festoon, designed by Aubrey Busek. This marvelous shawl features botanical silhouettes that adorn the entirety of this piece. The Intarsia method is used along the border, beginning, and end of the motifs within the charts, providing gorgeous color changes throughout. More stranded colorwork will be used for the motifs, but don’t fret; this is an excellent opportunity to grow your skills! Grab two of your favorite hues of Deluxe DK Superwash and get going on this shawl! The colors used in the sample above are 815 Teal Viper and 852 Bashful.

Sweater weather is almost here! That means it’s the perfect time to get started on projects like Picotee, designed by Rachel Brockman. Using Intarsia, a beautiful flower is incorporated to be the centerpiece of this garment. However, there’s so much more to love about this sweater! The set-in sleeves, A-line waistband, and folded neckband will keep you bundled up for the coldest fall mornings! Picotee is knit flat, then seamed, and it features stockinette stitch throughout. This pullover uses colors 846 Mulberry Heather, 801 Rosy Mauve (50% off and available in bag quantities), 824 Starfish, and 810 Greenery (50% off and available in bag quantities). Color 811 Jadestone is also used, but since this color is sold out, we suggest 836 Christmas Green.

Don’t think we forgot about our crochet friends! Superbloom, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, uses five colors of Deluxe DK Superwash to create a stole dressed with beautiful flowers. With exhilarating features like Granny Squares, a Tulip Motif, Flowers, and Leaves, this accessory will inspire you to travel to your favorite park. Superbloom shows off solid and heathered shades of Deluxe DK Superwash, but the freedom is all yours! Grab this pattern and get stitching today! This stole uses colors 841 Pomegranate Heather, 846 Mulberry Heather, 850 Heather (50% off and available in bag quantities), and 845 Shamrock Heather. Color 848 Coral Heather is also used, but since this color is sold out, we suggest using 824 Starfish.

Last but not least, we have Verbena, designed by Aubrey Busek. This stunning pullover features cables down the middle on the front and back. However, your eyes may take you to the flowers embroidered on the front and sleeves. With show-stopping qualities throughout, this garment will be a wardrobe staple! Verbena is knit flat in pieces and seamed; instructions for the embroidery sections are in the pattern notes as an illustrative schematic and stitch guide. Wear Verbena to your next dinner party and watch the compliments roll in! This pullover uses colors 834 Cream, 815 Teal Viper, and 852 Bashful.

This weekend, we can’t help but celebrate the release of our Fall Florals collection with 20% off savings! This offer includes Deluxe DK Superwash, Individual Fall Florals patterns (Ravelry), and the Fall Florals E-Book (Ravelry and Universal Yarn website). So whether you’re eyeing just one of these gorgeous projects or the whole collection, you can indulge in this sweet deal!

Thanks for stopping by!
Robert

August 23, 2023August 18, 2023

Meet a Local Yarn Shop – Darn Knit Anyway

From a sandwich board full of inspirational quotes to a shop full of friendly fibers, say hello to Darn Knit Anyway! We are very excited about this month’s local yarn shop feature, and you should be too! Located in Stillwater, MN, this incredible shop is just minutes from the Wisconsin border and Minnesota’s largest city, Minneapolis. Let’s learn more about Aimee and her sensational store!

Photo of the front entrance to Darn Knit Anyway — Beautiful entrance to Darn Knit Anyway

Aimee Pelletier owns Darn Knit Anyway, but that wasn’t always the case. Commercial interior design was her previous occupation, but all it took was a drive by a storefront available for leasing, and everything changed. Four months later, her yarn shop opened up and has been operating for fourteen years!

Below you will see the Maker’s Lounge, a space that Aimee created in 2022 just for her customers. This space is open whenever the shop is open and is a great way that Darn Knit Anyway is fostering a community around their shop.

Photo of the Makers Lounge at Darn Knit Anyway — The Maker’s Lounge, created in 2022

We all know Minnesota is known for very cold winters, so it came as no surprise to us to hear that some of the most popular yarns at Darn Knit Anyway are our warm and cozy offerings! As seen below, shop owner Aimee is holding a woolly gnome created with super bulky Be Wool. Plus, who can forget Uptown Worsted! This versatile yarn is on the shelves of many of our shops across the country, including Darn Knit Anyway!

Photo of a giant stuffed gnome being held by a person — Gnome being held by Aimee, using Be Wool

Photo of Uptown Worsted being held with a shelf full of yarn in the background — Gnome being held by Aimee, using Be Wool

Kits are another hot commodity at Darn Knit Anyway, especially the Easy Does It Winter, featuring Creative Melange Chunky from Rico Design. This soft yarn is self-shading, so the beautiful colors will come to life as you knit!

We are so happy to see Aimee’s shop stocked with our yarns, and we love to see their exciting content on their Instagram!

Photo of the Easy Does It Winter Kit knit in Creative Melange Chunky — Easy Does It Winter Kit in Creative Melange Chunky

Photo of a hat knit in Be Wool Multis with a shelf of Be Wool Multis and Be Wool in the background — Easy Does It Winter Kit in Creative Melange Chunky

If you’re looking for a shop full of fun activities, Darn Knit Anyway is definitely for you! From monthly stitch socials to weekend retreats, you can find all types of fiber art happenings at her store.

Additionally, this shop offers classes for beginner knitters and crocheters, allowing anyone to grow their skillset. Last but not least, Darn Knit Anyway offers an Epic Sweater Camp!! It is three days of fun that is in person and virtual. Join them in 2024 for their 4th year of camp.

We are so grateful for the opportunity to learn about Aimee’s incredible store. To find out more about Darn Knit Anyway or shop online, please visit their website!

Stay tuned for more local yarn shop features each month!

Thanks for stopping by!
Robert

August 18, 2023August 17, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Keyleth

Free Pattern Friday is here with another majestic crochet pattern for you! Keyleth, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, is a stunning dress using our 100% linen Flax yarn. Perhaps the best part of this project is the handy dandy pockets. However, there’s so much more to love about this piece, so let’s learn more!

Keyleth is crocheted sideways in three panels, using a stitch pattern that has the appearance of vertical ribbing. The panels will then be seamed together and the pockets are added afterwards. Other details include hip shaping, giving this dress a fabulous fit.

Now through Sunday, August 27th, save 20% off Flax. With 100% linen fibers, this yarn’s versatility allows it to shine in wearable pieces and homewares. Whether you want to knit a handbag or crochet a beautiful top, Flax can get the job done. The color palette includes 34 solid hues with many neutrals, brights, and more. Stock up today and save!

Photo of hanks of Flax around in a circle with text in the middle saying "20% Off 8/18 through 8/27 Save on Flax"

Make sure to share all your creations with us on social media. We love to see fiber artists everywhere using our yarns!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

July 25, 2023July 24, 2023

Meet a Local Yarn Shop – The Tail Spinner

As you make your way to the coast of North Carolina, you might endeavor to a small town just north of Jacksonville. Richlands, North Carolina, to be exact. It may not be a bustling town, but there’s more than enough reason to stay if you’re a fiber artist. The Tail Spinner is our featured local yarn shop for July, and we can’t wait for you to learn more about the owner, Linda, and her store!

When growing up, shop owner Linda Davis’s father told her she was “born to the needle”. She recalls the days of “sitting in front of the TV in 1973, and a PBS show came on with Elizabeth Zimmerman”. So it’s no coincidence we are now talking about her local yarn shop.

As Linda was preparing to open her shop by taking community college classes in business, she was demonstrating spinning from one of her Angora rabbits at the State Fair. One young lad was fascinated by this and began calling Linda the “tail spinner,” the rest is history. Since 2005, The Tail Spinner has been the destination for fiber artists in Richlands and beyond.

Throughout her time of ownership, Linda says the greatest joy of running the shop is seeing those finished projects! It’s an answer we hear often, and it shouldn’t be a surprise. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a customer leave with a skein of yarn and come back with a beautiful creation.

The Tail Spinner has a variety of unique yarns, including some favorites from Universal Yarn, like Bamboo Pop, Colorburst, and more! Linda notes that shopping for a curated collection of fibers for her store is challenging due to the options available. “One of my biggest challenges, though, is not to buy every yarn I see and touch!” Relying on customer opinions is what she has decided to lean into, and that has certainly paid off.

The Tail Spinner is a great place for those who love to weave!

We are pleased to say The Tail Spinner has participated in Universal Yarn’s Trunk Show Program. These trunk shows allow shops to get pattern samples to show off at their store. “I’ve hosted at least two or more trunk shows per year, and customers love to see yarns in finished projects.”

We are so excited The Tail Spinner let us learn more about their one-of-a-kind store. It’s truly a pleasure of ours to see the way each and every yarn shop provides a community to fiber artists everywhere.

The Tail Spinner does offer shipping, so head to their website and shop your favorite yarns from Universal Yarn today!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

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

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