When temperatures keep dropping, you need a local yarn shop with woolly fibers to keep you warm! These stores are the foundation of our industry, and we can’t thank them enough for the community they provide and the joy they bring to everyday life. Continuing our Meet a Local Yarn Shop series, we’re virtually heading north to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, to interview Tiffany Perry, owner of The Artful Yarn.
Front of The Artful Yarn building, you’ll see it covered in snow most of the winter season…
When you open the doors of The Artful Yarn, you can expect to be met by a host of fiber friends ready to help and encourage you. In addition to Tiffany, The Artful Yarn’s new shop owner, the store has five shop assistants that work throughout the week. This shop offers plenty of classes to help grow your skills in knitting and crocheting, and the shop has a very supportive environment – there is always someone to help with your yarn or project-related questions!
Tiffany showing off her beautiful shawl made with Cotton Supreme!
We weren’t too surprised to hear that some of our woolly yarns, like Colorburst, are popular at a shop that is located in Ohio. Cold, snowy winters mean you need colorful and cozy yarns to work with. This yarn is perfect for colorful garments and accessories, like the Café Cable Set. While wool-based yarns are very popular at most stores, we have some other fibers to talk about too!
Favorites like Bamboo Pop Sock (pictured below) and Uptown Worsted are also available at The Artful Yarn! Many of Tiffany’s customers like to make shawls and blankets, and who can blame them? If you want to add even more creativity to your project, try out Major, stocked on the shelves of this magnificent store. This multi-colored yarn is made of 100% acrylic fibers and is popular for projects like blankets and accessories.
A WIP with our Bamboo Pop Sock yarn!
Tiffany may be new to owning The Artful Yarn, but her transition into the ownership role has been a smooth one thanks to the experience of previously working in the shop and having the continued support of Cathy (not pictured), the prior owner. The store has taken advantage of our drop ship program, which allows customers to support their local yarn shop, all while getting the product of their choice from our inventory.
The inside of The Artful Yarn, here is where you can sit and chat while working on your project!
The Artful Yarn’s Instagram page is a great place to stay updated on everything new happening at this yarn shop. The store participates in many local fiber arts events hosted by many cities in the Northeast Ohio area. Chagrin Falls, Ohio, is a small town with just over 4,000 residents. Being in a place that isn’t densely populated, it’s no surprise that the community is so close-knit (Do you see what I did there). This town has many fun events for crafters, including the Yarn Discovery Tour. In 2022, we were able to create some exclusive patterns in Colorburst for this wonderful event! If you happen to be stopping by The Artful Yarn, be sure to ask about these kits!
It was a great honor to talk to Tiffany and learn more about her store. While she is new to ownership, her store has seen great success thanks to the support of the Chagrin Falls community. We encourage you to check out their website and follow them on social media! You can always order drop shipping from their store and get your favorite Universal Yarn products while supporting The Artful Yarn.
We love every opportunity to highlight the local yarn stores because they are the backbone of our business. This month for our “Meet a Local Yarn Shop” initiative; we went (virtually) to Tucson, Arizona to meet the wonderful people at Grandma’s Spinning Wheel. They are the featured store of the month for December!
Outside of Grandma’s Spinning Wheel in Tucson, Arizona!
If you ever find yourself taking a trip to Arizona, we highly suggest you stop by Grandma’s Spinning Wheel. The name itself is so inviting, and we know Vicky and the rest of the family will be happy to see you. Vicky and Michael Konecky are the owners of Grandma’s Spinning Wheel, which opened in Tucson, Arizona fifteen years ago (happy anniversary!!)
A former teacher, Vicky, decided to open a yarn shop upon retirement from the school system. One day she pulled up to the building in the above image, saw a “for rent” sign, and the rest is history. A lot can happen in 15 years of business ownership, but Vicky’s constant has been family. Her daughter, Cassondra, is now also very involved with the day-to-day at Grandma’s Spinning Wheel.
We know, you want to hear about the yarn that is inside of this wonderful store. Keep reading below to learn more about this shop, and see the yarns that are stocked on their shelves!
The Fiber Wall of Grandma’s Spinning Wheel features exciting colors for your next projects!!
Due to the climate of Arizona, Grandma’s Spinning Wheel features a lot of light-weight yarns, and breathable fibers. You can find several of our summer yarns on their shelves, including Clean Cotton, Clean Cotton Multi, and Cotton Supreme. In our interview with them, Vicky and Cassondra mention that it can get as hot as 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, so it benefits their customers greatly to have yarn options well suited to the heat.
This store is full of yarn, and resources to set all different types of fiber artists up for success!
Wool in Arizona? You better believe there is wool in this shop. Wool is an excellent option for all climates because it is naturally moisture wicking and breathable. They mention that Deluxe Worsted is one of the favorites at the store and is often used for felting projects since it is 100% non-superwash wool.
Major is another favorite that it is often used by their customers to create baby blankets. This yarn features so many fun colorways, plus a soft and smooth texture that makes it great for all types of projects!
At Grandma’s Spinning Wheel, you can find plenty of weaving yarn and supplies as well!
When a customer completes their project, they are invited to bring it to the shop for it to be photographed, and then the shop shares the customer’s FO (finished object) in a post on their website. It’s a great way to “show and tell.”
That’s not the only way they give back to their customers, though. The shop offers many classes to grow customer skillsets. Examples of their offerings include “Beginning Spinning” and “3-D Needle Felting.” There is something for everyone!
In addition to offering yarn, this shop sells supplies to spin your own. From spinning wheels, to fiber, Grandma’s Spinning Wheel has everything you need to get started.
We were absolutely honored at the opportunity to interview Vicky and Cassondra. We got to learn more about the inspiration that their store has provided the crafting community of Tucson, Arizona, and were particularly touched to hear about so many people making lifelong friends through connections at the shop. We hope that you give them a visit, whether in-person or virtually, via their website (where they sell to anywhere in the country), and check out their Facebook for even more!
If you are a local yarn shop interested in being featured by Universal Yarn, please reach out to us – we would love to interview you! Please email rferrel@universalyarn.com if you would like to be featured!
Check out our full interview with Vicky and Cassondra of Grandma’s Spinning Wheel!
We’ve received wonderful feedback from our customers about our initiative to highlight the local yarn stores we know and love so much. The Knittin’ Coop is the store we are featuring for the month of November!
Front of The Knittin’ Coop – a perfect place to sit and work on your project
The Knittin’ Coop… what a name. Whether you’re a long-time customer, or just visiting, this is the name of a place that feels like home. If you travel to Salem, Virginia, you’ll find this cozy spot filled with a whole bunch of yarn! Robin Ferguson is the owner of The Knittin’ Coop, which opened back in August 2019.
Her store exists in an area that is home to many college students, as Roanoke College is right across the street. She says many of those students come by to the store to practice their knitting and crocheting. We love to see young people passionate about the knit/crochet community!
Opening the shop was a decision she made because of her lifelong exposure to knitting and crocheting from her mother and grandmother. It has always been a part of her life, so why not make it a career path? Now let’s take a look at what she has inside The Knittin’ Coop!
Offbeat in all 7 colors at The Knittin’ Coop
Universal Yarn is proud to be stocked on the shelves of The Knittin’ Coop. Some of our yarns featured on their shelves include Offbeat (pictured above), Bamboo Pop, Bamboo Pop Sock (solid version too), and Radiant Cotton. Robin mentions in our interview that due to the climate of Virginia, DK weight yarns are popular in her store.
She mentions Bamboo Pop Sock seems to be one of the favorites among her customers. She went along to say that this yarn is consistently used to create garments, shawls, and of course, socks.
Shawls seem to be a favorite project of The Knittin’ Coop customers, and it is no surprise, given what a versatile accessory they are. Sweaters also become a popular option for The Knittin’ Coop customers around the autumn season, which is when most of us get excited to start on some warmer projects!
Interior of The Knittin’ Coop
One of our favorite things about The Knittin’ Coop is the up-to-date website. They have a clear calendar of events that makes it easy for any guest to know what’s going on at the store. Their store features many different classes, from beginner classes to private lessons, and even some seasonal offerings! Check out their website to learn more.
Lastly, if you’re thinking about stopping by The Knittin’ Coop. Rudy the shop dog will be very happy to see you!
The Knittin’ Coop has a furry friend named Rudy
We are so grateful for the opportunity to feature The Knittin’ Coop, and we encourage you to check them out on social media. If you are in the Salem, VA area, we highly recommend checking out this beautiful shop!
If you are a local yarn shop interested in being featured by Universal Yarn, please reach out to us – we would love to interview you! Please email rferrel@universalyarn.com if you would like to be featured!
Hello to our fellow yarn lovers! It feels like summer has flown by, and now autumn is on the way. None of us are complaining about cooler weather, though. There is something about the crisp fall air that brings a sense of relaxation. Whether you are sitting by the fireplace knitting to your favorite tv show, or out and about, this is the perfect time for fall projects.
Today we’re spotlighting a yarn that has been popular since its release last fall: Cobblestone. The name itself paints a picture of the fall season, and the yarn certainly passes the test. There are so many great free patterns and some new colors, so why don’t we go ahead and jump in?
Clockwise (left to right) – Cobblestone is 108 Tuxedo, 105 Mallard, 102 Precious Jewels, and 106 Meadow
When it comes to sophisticated yarns, Cobblestone is right up there with the rest. This yarn is perfect for classic garments and accessories, some of which will be highlighted here in this blog. This two-ply yarn has one variegated ply and one solid ply giving Cobblestone a beautiful handspun appearance. It is a great idea to stick with simpler stitch motifs because cables and lace could get lost, but that doesn’t stop Cobblestone from bringing a creative touch to sweaters, scarves, socks, and the list could go on and on.
Cobblestone is a fine, sport-weight yarn made from 100% superwash merino wool, giving it a light feel and making it perfect for early fall. Each ball boasts 200 g / 612 yards, making it an excellent option for bigger projects or several small projects. The wool fibers still do their job of keeping you nice and cozy, while not being winter-weather warm. Whether you knit or crochet, this yarn is soft to the touch and easy to work with. Now, let’s learn about color options.
Cobblestone in 107 Cotton Candy with a crochet hook
There are 16 beautiful, unique colorways in Cobblestone – eight of which are brand new for this season (pictured below). Antarctica (#114) reminds me of a snowy night by the fire pit, roasting s’mores with friends. While Parakeet (#110) looks like a fun day surfing at the beach. There’s a perfect color scheme for everyone with Cobblestone, the question now is, what should you make? Well, we are glad you asked. Cobblestone is featured in plenty of free patterns, so let’s highlight a few.
The eight new colors of Cobblestone released for Fall 2022
The Cotton Candy Swirl… Doesn’t that just sound so yummy? The aptly-named Cotton Candy (#107) colorway just reminds me of a ballpark cotton candy treat. This shawl is sure to get you compliments every time you wear it, and will keep you cozy when the weather gets chilly. This is the perfect free pattern option to start your fall crochet projects. The stitch definition is clear to see in this accessory, and the yarn adds unique characteristics to the finished shawl. The fun color shifts in Cobblestone work with the treble crochet pattern to create a bright and happy project. This pattern is a great choice for all skill levels and only requires one skein of Cobblestone. If you’re not a huge fan of pastels, any color will look amazing in the Cotton Candy Swirl.
The Cotton Candy Swirl with 107 Cotton Candy
How about a pair of socks? Cobblestone is an insulating, lightweight, and springy yarn – all great attributes for creating a cozy pair. Not only that, but with the amount of yardage in each skein, you’ll have enough to make some for yourself and friends and family. The free Cobblesocks, designed by Heather Hill, are knit in the round from toe-up. This knitting pattern is a lovely way to start the autumn season. I think Tuxedo (#108) would make a great pair of socks that are easy to match and comfortable to wear.
Cobblesocks with 105 Mallard
The last pattern we will mention is the Gravel Sweater, designed by Rachel Brockman. This sweater uses both Cobblestone and Donnina. The sleeve cuffs, hems, and neckline all use Donnina, and that leaves a canvas for Cobblestone to complete the main body of the sweater. The timeless color choices of Cobblestone make this sweater really stand out, just make sure to match it with a coordinating color of Donnina if you choose to stray away from Tuxedo (#108) in Cobblestone. While this sweater is sized for women, it could easily be adapted for men, too.
Gravel Sweater with 108 Tuxedo and 230 Onyx in Donnina
There are a few more patterns that use our Cobblestone yarn, including wraps, sweaters, hats, and more. You can find them all on our website by searching “Cobblestone patterns.” If you are more of a kinesthetic learner, then take a look at a local yarn store near you, so you can go in and get a feel for Cobblestone. We hope you have enjoyed hearing more about this yarn and we can’t wait to see what you will make with it!
P.S – Stay tuned for more great things in Cobblestone to come this fall!
Happy Halloween, folks! We have a few days left of what is the official spooky season. No October would be complete without movie marathons. Whether you’re into feel-good Halloween flicks from your childhood or classic horror, I’m sure you have plans to watch something festive this weekend. I know those of us at Universal Yarn certainly are! So, today we wanted to share what we’re watching and some yarns and projects inspired by those flicks. Our design team – Aubrey, AJ, Heather, and I – are ready to share some of our favorites with you!
Aubrey
“Although I can happily admit I don’t love horror movies, I DO love film and television that has a dark or spooky undertone to it. Combine it with comedy, and I am sold. The Addams are a satirical take on the idealized 20th-century American family, and arguably the best part about them is that they are very much unconcerned with the fact that people find them bizarre or scary. Growing up, I would watch the television show with my parents, and Morticia Addams quickly became an icon of mine for various reasons. She’s stylish, passionate about her family, independent, and confident in herself, which are all qualities I admire. Also, this femme fatale was a knitter! Remember the 3 legged romper?
The 1993 film Addams Family Values is one of my favorites to watch around Halloween, and so I thought I’d share a couple of knitting patterns that I think will help anyone channel their inner Morticia. A dramatic silhouette I could see Morticia loving would be a cape. For our Elevated Essentials collection, I designed the Moria Cape, knit using 100% non-superwash wool Deluxe Worsted.
This cape was a lot of fun to design, and the black and gray color-blocked panels give it a very modern touch. It has a trapeze shape, with an open front and armholes that make it easy to wear out and about. I believe everyone deserves some statement outerwear pieces in their wardrobe, and this cape is meant to be exactly that! Pair this with a billowing blouse or dress and you have a very Morticia-esque silhouette. This pattern combines cable work and shaping, so it is on a more intermediate level. It is worked in pieces and seamed to ensure it lasts for years to come.
Though we might not design our patterns with characters in mind, it is so much fun to think about a character you love and what they might enjoy making and wearing. Morticia Addams certainly seems like the type of woman who would love to make herself some FABULOUS knitted sweaters and accessories!”
AJ
“I have watched Hocus Pocus every year for Halloween since I was a kid. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of other movies that I love for the season, but this film feels like tradition at this point. My household has watched it enough that my husband and I will spout off goofy quotes like “Dead Man’s Toe!” to each other year-round for absolutely no reason. I know – I’m weird. So anyway, that’s why I love this adorable Witch Legs Scarf pattern by Chelsea Roberts! It has an iconic style spotted in movies like The Wizard of Oz and in Hocus Pocus that just screams “Witch!”
A great yarn to use is our Uptown Worsted, which comes in plenty of vibrant colors and is made in an Anti-Pilling Acrylic that is ultra-soft and super easy to care for. Because of the price-point and variety of color options, this makes for a great gift to thank hosts of Halloween parties, or simply a fun quick project to whip up and wear while passing out candy year after year. I myself received this scarf as a gift during my Craft Guild Fall Gift Exchange, and I wear it for our October Guild Meeting for a bit of quirky costume fun!”
Heather
“I tend to spook easily, so I’m not a big fan of scary movies. However, I have to tip my hat to a classic B-grade horror flick from 1962 called The Brain That Wouldn’t Die. I stayed up watching the late-night creature feature at a friend’s slumber party after everyone else went to bed. A mad scientist keeps his fiancee’s head – and just her head – alive after a car wreck.
You’d better believe this blew my tiny mind. Even now, when I see people in thermal hoods, I think of it. However, this movie did kindle a love of truly awful movies in me, so I thank it for that. For the Brain that Wouldn’t Die, I keep wanting to make a balaclava, for obvious reasons! But to keep it from creeping me out, I think I’d turn the idea on its head (pun intended!) and go with Picklehead by Suzen Statz, designed in Uptown Worsted!”
Rachel
I think I may be the only one here that LOVES horror films. So does my mom, so that’s probably the reason behind it. I’ve been watching horror films since I was probably a bit too young to handle some of them. Even if they were off-limits, I remember sneaking behind the sofa in the living room to take a peek while my mom enjoyed them. I watch scary movies all year on a regular basis – rewatching favorites and savoring the new ones, regardless of whether they’re ridiculous or legitimately good (don’t even get me started, there are too many to name!). My pick for this Halloween is an absolute classic: Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. Everything about this movie is great – the visuals and cinematography, ominous music, pace, and the psychological and supernatural tension throughout.
Regarding visuals beyond the set, the costume design is chock full of excellent sweaters. I’ve wanted to recreate several of the sweaters donned by Jack and of course, we can’t overlook (oh yes, the Overlook) Danny’s Apollo 11 sweater. (Take a look at this excellent project by Sabrina Magazine).
However, one of the most iconic images in the film is the carpet. It’s eye-catching, graphic, and unforgettable. So thank goodness The Shining blanket by Kraftling exists. This is described as a beginner-friendly pattern which is great because I know my crochet skills aren’t polished yet. The moment I spotted this pattern I knew it had to go on my “to-make” list – perhaps by next Halloween? For the blanket, I’d use Deluxe Worsted Superwash. Although normally I’m a non-superwash gal, I have to say that I like my homewares easy to care for. You can wash and dry this yarn on low heat without the concern of felting. Easy peasy!
So that’s it for our Halloween movie picks this year! Do you indulge in spooky movies each Halloween? What are your favorites? Do you have any projects recommendations to go along with them? Let us know in the comments!
This is part 12 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition.
Well, somehow it’s already Day 12 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection! We’ve had so much fun sharing our annual collection of wintry kits with you, and we’re finishing things off with a fabulous little cowl designed by the wonderful Edie Eckman. To sweeten the deal, this kit comes with a pattern for both a knit version and a crochet version, too! You heard me right – whether you’re a knitter, crocheter, or both – this kit is perfection!
Left: Crochet Sugarplum Cowl; Right: Knit Sugarplum Cowl
The Sugarplum Cowls are created using lavish Fibra Natura Dona in colors #130 Steely, #111 Sweet Pea, and #134 Glacier. Dona is a yarn comprised of 100% extra fine superwash merino wool. This yarn boasts superb stitch definition and is an absolute joy to work with.
Crochet Sugarplum Cowl
If you’ve been following us for a while, you may recall that we asked for Edie’s contribution to our 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection last year, too. Her Forest Garland also featured a knit and crochet version and was a hit. This year, I presented her with a similar challenge and asked her to share a bit about her design process with me. Here is what she had to say:
“Little design challenges can be good. If we let them, they can stretch our thinking and spark creativity.
A little design challenge is what Universal Yarn presented me with when preparing for this year’s 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection:
· Use three colors · Use no more than one ball each color · Create an accessory with both a knitted version and a crocheted version · Keep it to advanced beginner level skills
Knit Sugarplum Cowl
Having parameters like this makes me have to think more carefully. How can I incorporate and balance the colors, when I can use no more than one ball each? How can I make both a knitted and crocheted version so that they look similar? How do I keep it simple enough for beginners, but interesting enough for more experienced crafters? And maybe most importantly, how I can I make it attractive and wearable?
Left: Crochet Sugarplum Cowl; Right: Knit Sugarplum Cowl
Of course, having a beautiful yarn like Dona helps a lot. Those icy-winter colors and the smooth texture of the yarn enhance stitch definition, no matter what stitch you use. It’s such a great choice for so many types of projects!
For these Sugarplum Cowls, I settled on a chevron pattern, a classic for both crocheters and knitters. The increases and decreases that make the zig-zag pattern keep you on your toes just enough to maintain your interest, but not so much to cause frustration once you get the pattern established. And because it’s made in the round, there are no annoying seams to deal with!
Whether you choose to knit or crochet, I hope you enjoy making your Sugarplum Cowls. I certainly enjoyed the little design challenge.”
Crochet Sugarplum Cowl
I hope you enjoyed hearing about Edie’s design. We love working with her, and you can find even more of her patterns in some of our other yarns on our website.
We sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed following along as we’ve highlighted each kit in the collection. Remember, you can find the Sugarplum Cowls and the rest of the 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store. Click here to find a shop that carries our yarn near you.
