Fibra Natura – Page 4 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

August 25, 2021August 25, 2021

AJ’s Crochet Corner – Pick Three

Hello there!

My name’s Ashley Jane, also known as AJ here at Universal Yarn. I’m avid crocheter, lover of dogs and all things outdoors, drinker of teas, and the newest member to the design team! My first few weeks here have been a whirlwind of learning our product line, organizing and revamping our Trunk Show Program, and making the cutest ever sample of our Ricorumi Kits!

While settling into my new role, I have had the chance to stitch and swatch a few of our yarns to get to know them. I narrowed down my selection to Bella Cash, Ravello, and Penna. I wanted a chance to play around with some of our softer yarns while seeing what types of texture and feel I could produce with crochet. I loved my results – keep reading on to see my take on these fabulous fibers.

Sample Pennants in Bella Cash 116, Ravello 115 and Penna 106

Bella Cash: Grippy on the hook, and springy to the touch. Using a 3.75 mm hook, I tried out the Lemon Peel stitch to see what type of texture I could get while working with it and wasn’t disappointed. Made from 60% Superwash Merino, 10% Cashmere, and 30% Nylon, this fine-weight yarn has great structure and stitch definition. Plus it feels nice and soft, and the hook size I used created a thick but malleable fabric. Bella Cash is easily one of my favorites to work with so far and would be fantastic in a full sweater with some texture and fine detailing, like the Bellissima Cardi, or the Holiday Lights Shawl.

Ravello: Smooth to work with, and wonderful for making textures that have a nice light fluff to the finished piece. Using a 3.75mm hook for this fine weight yarn, the fabric has a delightful drape, and a soft airy quality to it. I played around with petal and reverse petal stitches for the pennant below. I loved it so much that I’ve decided to make my first Universal Yarn pattern from it, so be on the lookout for the Petal Shawl, coming soon! With a blend of 75% Cotton, 16% Extra Fine Merino and 9% Recycled Cashmere this yarn is lovely for summery tops like the Riviette Tank or the Lorelei sweater.

Lastly, Penna: Fluffy and Fun! This lace weight yarn is quite fine with lots of airy soft fibers, made from 50% Suri Baby Aplaca, 28% Extra Fine Merino, and 22% Nylon, so the stitches stand out in almost a ghostly fashion. Each twist and turn of your stitch can be seen through the fluff which I find looks beautiful with basic stitches, so I chose to whip up a simple pennant of Half Double Crochet’s using a 3.75 mm hook. An easy way to incorporate Penna into a piece is to hold it with another yarn like the Ariosa pattern suggests. This adds just the right amount of softness for that cozy, can’t-stop-touching feel. By itself, this is a standout yarn for lacework as seen in the Pluma stole.

All in all, these yarns are unbeatable for their quality and price points. I look forward to experimenting with more yarns and trying them out with crochet and other crafts.

That’s all for now – Happy Stitching!

Ashley Jane

August 6, 2021August 6, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Cobblesocks

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Image of plain stockinette aqua variegated socks with light ribbing on leg

Today, Cobblesocks knit in Fibra Natura Cobblestone (pattern link here).

I want to talk about this pattern, but first things first – I want to talk about my dad!

Image of 85-year-old man standing below highway sign reading "Interstate 85"

Here he is, posing underneath a highway sign for I-85 because this year he turned 85 years old (sorry, Dad, I know you still say you’re 39). His friends brought a ladder out and had him stand up on it for the photo opportunity, and because my father is nothing if not fun-loving, he gamely climbed up and posed.

Dad is definitely knit-worthy. He loves hand-made socks, so when we first introduced Cobblestone, my immediate thought upon touching it was, “I’ll bet this would make great socks for my father.” I was right.

closeup image of texture of Cobblestone yarn balls

Cobblestone is 100% superwash 2-ply merino. One ply is variegated, and the other is solid. It gives a handspun appearance and homey feel to the yarn. And since it’s superwash, I don’t have to make my father wash his socks in the sink.

So I cast on using US size 4 (3.5mm) needles, and these just flew by! The pattern is toe-up, with a slip stitch heel flap, then basic ribbing for the leg. Dad is happy with simple stitch patterns, although I did see him wearing his Sweet Dumpling Socks the last time I saw him, so for these, I decided to let the Cobblestone do the patterning. It worked beautifully.

Here’s the other nice thing: Cobblestone is BIG. It’s hard to tell from photos, but this is a big beehive ball with 612 yards on it. When I was done with Dad’s socks, there was enough for another full-sized project. I thought about making myself a Gallinule hat…

Woman wearing blue knitted hat — Gallinule free pattern link here.

…but instead I think I’ll make myself a matching pair of Cobblesocks. I like the idea of symbolically following in my father’s footsteps.

Have a great weekend, and happy crafting!

Image of seated man's lower legs. He is pulling up the cuff of his knitted socks.

July 23, 2021July 26, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Holiday Jay

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Holiday Jay in Cotton True Sport (pattern link here).

Have you ever had a favorite sweater that you loved, and were sorry to put away when the weather warmed up? That’s the origin of today’s beauty, the Holiday Jay.

Our Managing Director Yonca Ozbelli was in love with the Jay Sweater, designed by Rachel Brockman in Kingston Tweed.

Shown in Kingston Tweed 110 Beryl (MC) and 102 Calcite (CC).

Yonca’s not alone – this sweater’s gotten a lot of love from the knitting community. We were so taken with it that we had to make more than one .

Shown in Kingston Tweed 101 Talc (MC) and 108 Amethyst (CC).

When temperatures started to climb here in North Carolina, Yonca decided to adapt the pattern in one of our favorite summertime yarns, Cotton True Sport.

She opted to call this short-sleeved version the Holiday Jay, because the colors and Fair Isle yoke feel very wintry. We love it when Yonca wears her “Christmas in July” sweater – it’s inspirational to see all the ways we can make a pattern just right for our own tastes and circumstances!

Shown in Cotton True Sport 102 Bright Red (MC) and 117 Bright White (CC)

Like the original Jay sweater, Holiday Jay is sized from XS through 5X. Yonca’s chosen red and white combo is delightful, although this would look equally striking in many other bright/dark contrasting combos. Maybe 112 Boysenberry and 118 Marshmallow, to make a bubbly cobbler a la mode version?

…and just like that, I’ve talked myself into another project. Can’t wait to cast on!

Have a great weekend, and stay cool.

Happy crafting!

May 28, 2021May 28, 2021

Flash Friday – Cowan

It’s Free FLASH FRIDAY!

Cowan is part of the Lakeside Retreat e-book, a collection of 16 peaceful knit and crochet designs in the Fibra Natura family of natural fiber yarns.

Cowan works equally well pinned or fastened in the front, or left open in the front. Take a look at the edging!

So delicate and summery in 100% linen Flax yarn.

Cowan is crocheted in one piece from the bottom up, separating at the armholes, and then rejoining for the upper portion of the vest. Its flowing outline makes it a great piece for its entire range of sizes, XS to 4X (it’s shown here in Small).

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

Not a Ravelry user? Drop us a line by midnight on 5/29 and we’ll get you taken care of. Feel free to share the giveaway – the more the merrier!

May 21, 2021May 21, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Draft Scarves

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Draft Scarves in Fibra Natura Unity (pattern link here).

Recently, we’ve had requests for simple free patterns that are quick and easy. Well when it comes to lace, it doesn’t get much easier than this!

The Draft Scarves use a simple two-row repeat to create an airy, open mesh that’s perfect for summer. The wider black version above takes two balls of Fibra Natura Unity in color 110 Darkness…

…while the green, skinnier version takes just one ball of 103 Sage, and is still a generous 63″ without the fringe.

We chose Fibra Natura Unity as the yarn for this pattern for a couple of reasons. First, its thick and thin texture lends extra textural interest to the simple design. Second, the blend of wool, cotton, linen, and bamboo provides the perfect drape for a summertime scarf.

If you were in the mood for extra color, Unity Beyond would make a great choice. Or what about Unity Beyond for the body, with a coordinating solid for the fringe? There are plenty of options for customization here!

We hope you have a fantastic weekend, with time to sit and relax with some beautiful yarn.

Happy crafting!

April 9, 2021April 9, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Sandbar

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, Sandbar crocheted in Cottonwood (pattern link here).

Sandbar was originally part of e-book Lakeside Retreat, a collection of knit and crochet designs in our Fibra Natura line of luxury natural yarns. We’re singling it out for release today because it’s uniquely appropriate to the season – and because it’s just so pretty!

Amy Gunderson had beautiful mornings by the beach in mind when she designed Sandbar. It’s the perfect piece to protect you from breezes coming off the water.

DK weight organic Cottonwood feels great against the skin. It’s a pleasant cotton to work with too.

You’ll start Sandbar from the center of that circular motif, then square it off. The wings are crocheted outward from two sides of the square, and then the border is added to the lower edge.

It’s a sumptuous and satisfying design in a luxurious yarn. We’re delighted to set Sandbar free.

Happy crafting!

April 2, 2021April 2, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Damascus

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Young man wearing gray Damascus sweater knit in Kingston Tweed

Today, Damascus in Kingston Tweed (pattern link here).

After adorable Easter Earl earlier this week, we’re moving to something classic and refined.

Damascus is named after the ancient metalworking technique that created the strong and beautiful patterned designs known as Damascus steel.

It’s an apt name. At first glance, this unisex pullover might appear plain, but look closer – Kingston Tweed’s blend of wool, alpaca, and viscose gives it extra interest and a lightly tweedy, almost heathered feel.

Closeup of Kingston Tweed yarn hank in color Basalt 112

The sweater pictured is knitted in color 112 Basalt, one of a selection of sophisticated tones in Kingston Tweed.

Rear view of young man wearing gray Damascus sweater knit in Kingston Tweed

Knitted on US6 (4mm) needles, Damascus is a lightweight three-season sweater that works well on its own or as a layering piece.

Shoulder detail of young man wearing gray Damascus sweater knit in Kingston Tweed

Work this design seamlessly in the round from the top-down. The body and sleeves are separated at the armhole and worked separately.

We’re delighted to present this versatile piece for free.

Have a fantastic weekend, and happy crafting!

Image of Kingston Tweed yarn skein and wound ball

March 10, 2021March 10, 2021

Pattern Spotlight: Subtle Spring

Today the sun is shining bright and the temperature is reminding me that spring is well on its way. Here in North Carolina, some of the spring flowers are starting to emerge and I can see buds beginning to appear on the maple tree in my front yard. The days are getting longer and I couldn’t be more thrilled. This early spring weather has me tempted to pull out my warm-weather knits. Or, at the very least, it has me tempted to cast on something perfect for when the weather is consistently warm! I’m not quite ready to say hello to linen, but a nice blend of plant and animal fibers should do the trick!

Last year we introduced Ravello, and I immediately fell in love. It is a blend of cotton, extra-fine merino, and recycled cashmere. This blend is the perfect companion for spring weather, keeping you warm during the chilly mornings yet remaining lightweight enough to keep you comfortable when the sun is shining high. This plied yarn features a subtle halo and the palette ranges from soft pastels to rich heathers.

When I saw the submission call for the Spring 2021 issue of Interweave Knits, I knew I had to propose a design that uses Ravello. The mood board features botanical motifs and soft colors. Ravello is beautiful in a variety of stitch patterns, but it excels in lace. So, with my graph-paper notebook and knitting needles in hand, I began brainstorming and playing with some ideas.

Left: My preliminary swatch for Subtle Spring. Right: My digital sketch that was included in the proposal.

A yoke tee seemed like the perfect playground for a lace design. The motif could grow in size – starting small around the neckline and sprouting into something larger and even more beautiful. I looked to leaves and vines for inspiration. Initially, I suggested Sage Leaf for the design – a literal interpretation of sprouting spring plants. As you can see from the swatch pictured above, I thought about using a contrasting color for the hem, neckline, and sleeve cuffs for an added element of interest. Additionally, each sleeve would feature a row of eyelets before the crisp twisted ribbing.

Subtle Spring Tee, image courtesy of Interweave Knits.

Eventually, my swatches and sketches grew up to be the Subtle Spring Tee. The final design stayed remarkably true to my vision. Collaboratively, the editor and I opted to pass on the idea of contrast color ribbing, thinking it might distract a little from the lace motif that decorates the yoke. Instead of using Sage Leaf, we decided to lean towards warmth and romance by choosing 104 Soft Clay instead.

Rows of eyelets border the ribbing along each edge.
Image courtesy of Interweave Knits.

I opted to include the row of eyelets to the bottom hem and around the neckband instead of just the sleeves. This sweater begins with a provisional cast-on and is knit from the top-down. During finishing you unpick the provisional cast-on and work the neckband from the bottom-up. I’m so glad I wrote the pattern this way because, in the original draft of the pattern, I didn’t include eyelets around the neckband. When I received the garment from my sample knitter, I decided there needed to be more continuity between the lace yoke and the neckband. So, I unraveled the neckband and added the row of eyelets. Sometimes it’s the little details that bring a design together.

Yoke details on the Subtle Sprint Tee.
Image courtesy of Interweave Knits.

I love when a design comes together just the way I envisioned. I hope you enjoyed this peek into my design process.

You can find the Subtle Spring Tee in the Spring 2021 issue of Interweave Knits and on Ravelry. To get your hands on Ravello and start knitting, head to our website or at your local yarn store.

December 4, 2020November 30, 2020

Day 12 of Winter – Series 4 Edition

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.

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

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?

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.”

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.

Happy crafting!

December 3, 2020November 30, 2020

Day 11 of Winter – Series 4 Edition

This is part 11 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition.

It’s already Day 11 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection. Time is flying by, and we’re all feeling the holiday spirit. Today we’re revealing a beautiful project: the Inkberry Shawl, knit in soft, plush Donnina. This shawl uses low-contrast, semi-complementary colors #215 Purple Beet and #227 Balsam for a beautiful effect.

This shawl was designed by the talented Jennifer Sadler. She has such a knack for creating designs that are welcoming for knitters of all skill levels, and this shawl is no exception. It’s a soothing project full of garter, simple stripes, and airy eyelets. I asked Jennifer to share a bit about her inspiration and design process. Here is what she had to say:

Garter stripes balance out the blocks of color on each end of this lovely shawl.

“When it comes to knitting during the holidays, I enjoy projects that allow me to knit while watching a holiday movie or enjoying a cup of hot tea or coffee while visiting with family. I wanted to design something that fit that bill, while also being a very cozy and wearable finished object. The Inkberry Shawl is perfect knitting for watching TV or chatting. The long sections of garter stitch are the best for zoning out a bit while still being productive!

We love the generous size of this scarf.

While I love garter stitch, I wanted to add in a bit of texture for both visual and knitting interest. The garter lace stitch I chose is an easy to memorize 4-row repeat. And to make it easier to continue to zone out while knitting this shawl, there are no purls at all!

The asymmetrical triangle shawl shape is hands down my favorite shawl shape. I find it to be the easiest to wear, and a shape that requires hardly any adjustment throughout the day because it lays so nicely. The lovely Donnina yarn, made up of 100% superwash extrafine merino, gives the shawl a bouncy and squishy feel. The finished shawl would make a wonderful gift, or a lovely addition to any wardrobe. My hope is that you enjoy knitting Inkberry while staying cozy this holiday season!”

Wrap the shawl snugly around your shoulders for extra warmth and comfort.

We’re so glad that Jennifer contributed her lovely design to this kit collection. She certainly achieved the goal she set out for when she created this design. I’d love to knit one for myself, and a mindless knit sounds perfect given the crazy year 2020 has been. Despite its generous size, it would knit up surprisingly fast thanks to the simple stitch work.

Remember, you can find the Inkberry Shawl Kit 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.

Happy knitting!