AJ McIntyre created this charming bit of crocheted home decor. I love its boho feel!
It’s eco-friendly, too, in the recycled fiber blend of Clean Cotton Multi.
Clean Cotton Multi, and its solid colored sister Clean Cotton, are 100% reclaimed fiber (85% cotton, 15% polyester). These are the fibers that “fluff” away from the spinning machine during production. We collect them, then spin them again to create a soft but durable “dishcloth” style cotton that reduces waste, and still looks beautiful!
Working in unturned chains from the bottom up, AJ made a perfectly-sized plant holder out of just one 96-yard ball! This is a quick and easy project to make as a housewarming gift, or to bring a bit of color into your home. Personally, I can see it sprucing up a dorm room really easily – maybe even in team colors!
Clean Cotton Multi comes in 15 multi shades (like 212 Aloe shown here), and Clean Cotton has 21 solids. It’s easy to customize this fun project to whatever color scheme you wish!
Here at Universal Yarn, we are gearing up for a big day of “Comfy-ness” this Sunday for National Comfy Day! With the holiday season behind us, we are now in the full spring-swing of preparing some amazing new designs and collections to share with everyone! It’s always exciting to keep looking ahead, but it is also important to take a day to slow down, get super cozy, and unwind. I plan to do this by staying in my coziest lounge clothes and enjoying some Combo Cuppa-Crafty time. (If you caught Aubrey’s focus on Pinterest trends in her recent Blog Post, you know that I’m a fan of a nice Cuppa Tea!) Now, the only problem with setting a whole day aside to craft, is I don’t know what to make yet! Read along and help me pick a project!
By the Fire Slippers by Rachel Brockman
My first pick is the By the Fire Slippers by Rachel Brockman. I have recently picked up knitting again and my main desire has been to make myself socks and slippers! This design is from our 12 Days of Winter – Series 5, which starts each season as an LYS exclusive kit offering and releases to the public after the holidays. As luck would have it – this collection just released over Valentine’s Day! I think these slippers would be a fantastic cozy cast-on for National Comfy Day, don’t you?
The yarn used in these slippers is our popular Deluxe Worsted Superwash. It has a robust palette, leaving me with plenty of options to choose from if I wanted to go off book and choose my own colors. It’s also machine wash friendly, so I get the best of both worlds with a springy soft feeling for my feet combined with easy care after walking around. Granted, I may not do much walking in them – does a Netflix marathon count as exercise?
Asher Set by Aubrey Busek
My second pick is the Asher Set by Aubrey Busek. It’s another knit project, and would stretch me a bit outside of my comfort zone with knitting a hat to match the beautiful shawl, but I do love a challenge! Even though I’m ready to relax, I think it could be nice to have a calm headspace to learn some new techniques.
The yarn used in the Asher Set is our plump and perfect Posh Alpaca. This blend of wool, super fine alpaca, and acrylic makes for a thick roving style yarn that sets the stage for minimal and texture-heavy patterns alike. I love the idea of having a go-to piece for wrapping up and snuggling indoors, or for grabbing attention while I’m out and about.
Pothos Cowl by Courtney Mulcahy
My last choice is the Pothos Cowl by Courtney Mulcahy. While the idea of “comfy” inspires pieces that make me want to sink into the sofa and sip my tea, I also can see myself using my Comfy Day to start preparing for warmer weather! With spring around the corner, I’m starting to get excited for some live music out by the water, and sunsets at the park with my pup. This cowl could be the perfect accessory for any activity! Plus it’s crochet, which is already my preferred craft. I could probably do this as a fun one-day project!
It’s made with our new, silky-soft Vireo, a blend of Tencel and wool that is both sustainable and season-appropriate for the warmer days I’m envisioning. The palette reminds me of berry bowls and ice cream – I just can’t pick a color, they are all so sugary and delightful. If I can land on a color choice, this may be the project for me after all – or maybe I should just make a few of them?
Pothos Cowl, By the Fire Slippers, Asher Set
So which should it be? You tell me! I can’t wait to hear what project you think I should try, and what project you’ll be crafting on National Comfy Day on Sunday!
Best bear buds! Peanut Butter and Jelly are crocheted in soft, snuggly Bella Chenille. They’re a full 12″ (30cm) tall – the perfect size for hugs!
Jelly has chosen to model his favorite top today, because it’s National Sweater Day, and Jelly is all about style.
The removable top is crocheted in colorful Deluxe Stripes, a worsted weight self-striping version of our popular Deluxe line. The sleeves are worked in the round, while the body is made flat and them seamed.
Peanut Butter, on the other hand, is going with bear arms today (get it?). Peanut Butter loves to joke around. In fact, here’s Peanut Butter’s favorite joke:
Q:What did the teddy bear say after dinner? A: I’m stuffed!
Oh, Peanut Butter!
Both bears make perfect pals for anyone who could use a friendly snuggle buddy.
We hope you have an amazing weekend, full of fun and laughter!
So far, this winter has been absolutely perfect for knitting. Even in the south, we’ve had some wintry weather, and throughout the nation, there is more to come. So – are you staying warm? Are you staying…cozy? Well – if not, our latest pattern collection is sure to keep you both warm and cozy. Say “hello” to Cozy Utility!
Today, I’m going to highlight some of my favorite features of each design in the Cozy Utility collection. Whether you’re looking for a comfy cardigan, warm shawl, or soft stole – we have you covered. Each piece in this collection features our gorgeous Posh Alpaca yarn. This gently spun roving yarn blends wool, superfine alpaca, and acrylic to create a yarn that is light, lofty, and supremely warm. Upon its Fall 2021 release into the Universal Yarn line, Posh Alpaca became a fast favorite. And it’s no wonder – as you’ll see in the patterns I’m about to share, this yarn makes everything from soothing stockinette stitch to dense cables look absolutely amazing. Let’s take a look!
Beautiful Posh Alpaca – such a chic yarn.
First up: the Asher Set. Matching sets are everywhere, and when designer Aubrey Busek dreamt up the mood board for this collection, this concept along with two-mile wear was on her mind. Who doesn’t love some crisp coordination, after all? It’s an irresistible hat and shawl duo. I love the clever construction and unique shape of the shawl. You simply work two right triangles in two separate colors – both drenched in a beautiful textural motif. Then, join them together at the cast-on edge. The result is a color-blocked, diamond-esque shaped shawl that’s perfect for wrapping around your neck and shoulders. Aubrey gave this piece special attention to detail as she even chose to color block the crochet edging along the edges of the shawl. I told you it’s clever!
Aren’t the contrasting wings just beautiful?
I said this was a matching set, though – so let’s not give all of the attention to the shawl. Asher features a complimentary beanie complete with a pom pom. What’s not to love? When you’re ready to transition from home to the local cafe, or simply out on a snowy walk, tuck the shawl around your neck and pop on the cap. You’re ready to go. The hat begins with a contrasting ribbed brim and quickly turns to the diamond motif from the shawl. A background of reverse Stockinette stitch on both pieces truly makes the patterns pop.
You can wear the hat slightly slouchy, as pictured above, or close to your head for a more snug fit.
Next, we have one of my proudest designs to date: Corbin. Here at Universal Yarn, we strive to produce plenty of inspiring designs to support each of our yarns. Of course, we’re a small team and wear many hats, so occasionally it can be challenging to find the time to genuinely play with design. (Yes, you’re getting a behind-the-scenes confession.) I truly let my creativity flow with Corbin. It’s a statement piece complete with traveling cables that wind through the design. Because of its large motif, this pattern is primarily charted. However, the charts aren’t overwhelming thanks to the large gauge of Posh Alpaca. The sweater is worked seamlessly from the top down – a construction adored by many.
The cables in Corbin are featured on the sleeves, front, and back.
Another matching set in the collection, I included a coordinating cowl to take Corbin from warm and comfortable to supremely cozy. You’ll ward off the breeze with ease when you take this piece on the go. The cables in the cowl mimic the center front motif on the pullover. The fabric is double-thick, but you could easily work just one vertical repeat of the motif for a more lightweight piece.
Wear the cowl as a standalone accessory, or partner it with the pullover to elevate the design to the next level.
My other contribution to the collection is Evi. Crochet granny squares are everywhere. Although the classic motifs have traditionally been used for blankets, in the past year we’ve seen them more and more in garments and accessories. It’s a trend I don’t see going anywhere soon, and thank goodness for that. With Evi, I wanted to make a modern, high-contrast piece. Bold stripes alternate with granny squares in this partially-modular design. Night and day, colors #101 Birch and #106 Blacksmith complement each other perfectly and will never go out of style. But there are plenty of gorgeous colors in the palette to make your own. Just imagine this as an autumnal version reminiscent of fall foliage, using a combination such as #102 Oak and #108 Velveteen.
Evi is a striking project well-suited for beginners and advanced crocheters alike.
One of my favorite pieces from Cozy Utility is Hadley, designed by Aubrey Busek. Featuring soft bishop sleeves, knit-purl texture, and bountiful bobbles, this open and cushy cardigan will make you feel so relaxed. This is the type of piece that is easy to dress up or wear more casually. On those unexpectedly warm days, it can serve as a jacket all on its own. Knit flat in pieces and seamed, Hadley has just the right amount of structure to ensure longevity. This is a piece to last a lifetime.
Hadley features an optional, removable belt.
Finally, we have a show-stopping cardigan designed by the talented Melissa Leapman. Miranda is a richly cabled design featuring braided cables, cushiony K1, P1 Ribbed edgings, and pockets. Who doesn’t love pockets? The tunic length makes this piece almost robe-like, and like Hadley, it works fantastically as an outerwear piece. Set-in sleeves provide a perfect fit.
The cables in Miranda are framed with Double Seed Stitch – a classic complement to cables.
We simply adore this fresh collection and hope you do, too. Whether you’re a lover of garments or accessories, there is something for you. We’re also certain you’ll fall in love with Posh Alpaca the moment you touch it. I can say with full confidence, that this collection is full of designs that are a match made in heaven for the yarn.
So, which of these designs is your favorite? Have you worked with Posh Alpaca before? Let us know in the comments!
♫I’ve got sunshine… on a cloudy day…♫ Never has that been truer than with today’s free pattern!
Designer AJ McIntyre brought extra vibrance to this already stunning accessory by using Fibra Natura Ravello, our Italian blend of cotton, extrafine merino, and recycled cashmere. The blend of premium fibers creates a depth of color that catches the light beautifully. AJ went with color 105 Honeypot to really let the sun shine in.
Above: colors 113 Nori and 112 Sage Leaf, the colors I’m considering for mine. I can’t resist a good green!
If you’re still building your crochet skills, don’t fret – we’ve rated this pattern as easy. The shawl is worked flat from the top down, beginning with the widest edge, and decreasing to the point. During finishing, you’ll apply a single crochet border. There’s a diagram for the gauge swatch that you can use as a reference when you’re making the actual shawl.
This is a head-turner of a shawl in a rich, saturated yarn. You can’t go wrong!
We hope you have a safe and happy weekend. Stay warm, and happy crafting!
Oh man, let me just start by saying this whole post will be a not-so-subtly glowing review of our new collection! I am absolutely in love with our new yarn, Noelle, and these pieces which show it off beautifully. Made from a blend of 26% merino wool, 26% alpaca, 29% polyester and 19% nylon, it feels like a dream – and with its light shimmer and gentle color changes it looks like a dream too!
Noelle
Our collection, Subtle Glow, features five projects that reveal the versatility of Noelle, by showing it off on its own, as well as blending it with other staple yarns. My favorite piece in the collection is the Carina sweater, by Rachel Brockman, which pairs Noelle with our Deluxe DK Superwash. The 100% superwash wool pairs brilliantly because it is still so soft to the touch, so you don’t feel like there is a strange blend when you hold or wear it. It also adds contrast in the colorwork, both because of the selection of colors used, as well as its pairing of flat and glistening fibers.
Carina sweater, in Noelle and Deluxe DK Superwash, designed by Rachel Brockman
My next favorite is our revamped Glisten Cowl, originally designed for our 12 Days of Winter Collection of 2018. We couldn’t let this stunning pattern fade when the original yarn was discontinued, so we gave it new life. This is another piece that blends Noelle with another yarn, Rozetti Yarns Cotton Gold, which adds an extra special sparkle with its sequins. This yarn is made of 65% cotton, 8% metallic, and 27% Payette. Its super-fine weight is perfect for carrying along with any yarn, but adds a twinkling magical effect to the already shining Noelle.
Glisten Cowl, with Noelle and Cotton Gold held together.
Last, but not least, I adore the Parlamak shawl, designed by Brittany Garber. The word ‘parlamak” translates as “to shine” in Turkish, and I can’t help but feel like it’s namesake captures its essence perfectly! Made from Noelle alone, this shimmering shawl features a beautiful crochet cable along one edge, while letting the blending of colors speak for itself through the rest of the fabric. The overall effect is an enchanting design that can pair with anything in your wardrobe – it’s soft, sophisticated, and stunning.
Parlamak, in Noelle, designed by Brittany Garber.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my 3 favorites from our Subtle Glow Collection! Tell me in the comments, which design is your favorite? That’s all for now – Happy Stitching! Ashley Jane
What better way to prep for the new year than to start imagining all of the projects you want to make!?! Each year I like to challenge myself to make certain projects as part of my resolutions, and start seeking inspiration as New Year’s Eve approaches. This year, I’ll be committing to a project in the Pantone Color of the Year 2022 “Very Peri.” Won’t you join me? Read along as I explore pattern and palette options, then help weigh in with what inspires you!
Image from pantone.com
There are so many ways you can build a color palette around this soothing color. In fact, Pantone has already created four palettes featuring Very Peri so that you can take some of the guesswork out, and get to making some beautiful pieces!
There are plenty more inspired patterns to choose from, or you could simply browse for your favorite pattern and pick a Peri color palette of your own. Or instead of a palette, just stick with the exact color using our Deluxe Worsted in the color #12277 Periwinkle! Our patterns page on our site has almost endless options to choose from – many of which are free! What pattern do you think you’ll try out? I’m honestly still undecided!
This is part 9 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, series 5 Edition
Hello there! As we inch closer and closer to the end of the Holiday Season, you are likely on the go non-stop with errands like shopping, running to the post office, sprinting for groceries and more. With that in mind, this project is the perfect way to stay creative while staying moving. Winterworld is a crochet table runner (or beautiful accessory!) that is made from many small twinkling snowflake motifs assembled as a statement piece that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Winterworld Table Runner
The snowflakes are made using Bella Cash and Universe held together. I love this combination so much, the Bella Cash is made from Merino, cashmere and nylon making it ultra soft, yet very sturdy to work with. The Universe is made from cotton, linen, polyamide and glitter creating a blend that has depth and a bit of sparkle.
Some techniques you’ll explore working on this project are:
Working with 2 yarns held together
Working in the round
Using a picot to create a motif
The end result makes beautiful snowflakes with an understated twinkle – perfect for bringing the magic of the season into your home.
Snowflake motif up close with Bella Cash and Universe held together.
The finished piece also makes for a very fun wrap or stole if you’re looking to add some festivity to your look!
Winterworld used as a beautiful and cozy stole.
Winterworld was intentionally designed so that you can work on it anywhere and everywhere! Bella Cash and Universe are each wound into 50 g balls which are the perfect size for stashing into a small project bag with your crochet hook. With each snowflake being made individually, you only have to worry about 1 of each yarn at a time being with you, and making little snowflakes is quick and easy no matter where you are!
Individual Snowflake Motifs
For getting out and about with yarn, I’m obsessed with some of the muud handcrafted leather products that we carry! For this project specifically, I recommend the Hope crochet box or the Heaven bag. Hope is perfect for tucking in to a larger bag as it has a sleek shape, room for the 2 balls of yarn, and an elastic band for up to 6 hooks. It is compact, tidy, and just what you need for bringing a project along to any occasion.
Bella Cash and Universe in the project box, Hope
Heaven is my personal favorite. It comes with a strap to turn this project case into its own bag! Don’t worry about tucking and transferring a project bag into a tote, and just make this your all-in-one project purse! The two sides zip fully open to reveal compartments suited for small projects like Winterworld, as well as your daily essentials. With fiber in mind, the bag was designed to have holders for hooks or needles, as well as interior zip compartments and pockets.
One side of the bag, Heaven, used for the Winterworld kitOne side of the bag, Heaven, used for daily essentials
There are plenty of options for having your Winterworld project with you as you navigate holiday parties, shopping and more. Tell us in the comments, what are your favorite places to bring your on-the-go projects!?
Heaven and Hope, size comparison for on-the-go projects
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, a mini Universal Yarn project bag, and stitch marker. Use our store locator to find your nearest Universal Yarn retailer!
This is part 5 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, series 5 Edition
Hello there! I’m so thrilled to bring you our 5th day piece, the Cinnamon Swirl Stole. It’s made with ultra-soft Nymph, and is available in both a crochet version and a knit version , so it feels extra special. Nymph is a blend of Cotton and Polyamide and is genuinely one of the softest yarns I have worked with in a long time! The finished project feels cozy and luxurious – the perfect item to treat yourself. As an extra bonus each of these kits comes with a bonus project bag and stitch marker!
Nymph with bonus kit items – a project bag and stitch marker!
I had the opportunity to design this as a crochet piece first, serving as the inspiration for the knit kit. We will spend some time in this post talking about a special technique involved for crochet – how to join panels as you work.
Cinnamon Swirl, Crochet Version
Before we do that though, can we just take a moment to “Ooh!” and “Ahh!” over the knit companion to this piece!? It’s stunning! this knit version is all worked in one panel using an Intarsia technique for the colorwork, while the crochet version makes one panel at a time, but they attach as you go.
Cinnamon Swirl, Knit Version
To accomplish the crochet join technique, you’ll execute what the pattern calls a “Slip Stitch Sequence” at the end of every other row. This will connect the new panel to the existing one with a practically invisible effect. It lets you achieve the same look as intarsia, while being able to focus on one set of pattern repeats at a time.
Cinnamon Swirl, Crochet Version
The pattern works from the bottom up, and you add new panels on the right hand side of existing ones. To do this, you join the new yarn at the bottom right corner of an existing panel, with the right side facing you, then chain the amount needed for the new one. you’ll turn the row like normal and work back towards the existing panel, then slip stitch to it to finish the row, and slip stitch one row up before turning to start the next row.
Swatch of the Panel Join from our tutorial
To make sure we don’t leave anybody hangin’ on this technique, we have recorded a tutorial for you! To follow along you’ll want to start out with a swatch of 15 sc sts x 16 rows, using an H/8 (5.0 mm) hook and the yarn Nymph. Have the second color handy along with your hook and press play. This will be a wonderful opportunity to try out this sequence before diving into the pattern.
Tutorial of the Panel Join “Slip Stitch Sequence”
I hope that this tutorial has been helpful to you, and I can’t wait to see how your beautiful Cinnamon Swirl Stoles turn out! 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, a mini Universal Yarn project bag, and stitch marker. Use our store locator to find your nearest Universal Yarn retailer! Warmly, Ashley Jane McIntyre
This is a special design for several reasons! First, it’s just so festive! Who wouldn’t want a big, beautiful crocheted throw to snuggle up with on a frosty night?
Original Bella Chenille Big is loved for home decor, accessories, and more. We heard from more than one person saying, “you know the only thing that could make this better is… bling!”
What a great idea! So here it is, in all its glittery glory. But the Holiday Cheer Throw isn’t the only free pattern in this yarn released today. There’s also…
If you’re a fan of the annual 12 Days of Winter kit sets, you’ll love Marshmallow, shown here knitted up in Bella Chenille Big Glimmer, sporting a stylish Bella Chenille pullover. He’s one of this year’s kits, available only through your LYS. His designer, Aubrey Busek, will be posting more about him on Monday.
We are so excited by this fun yarn, and by all the possibilities it reveals. We hope you enjoy today’s free pattern(s)! Have a wonderful weekend, full of sparkle and joy!
