It’s time to get your Y2K fashion dreams started today with an exciting Free Pattern Friday! The Stray Heart Shrug, designed by Afifa Sayeed, is a fun knitting pattern that makes for an excellent outfit topper, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it. So buckle up as we take a look at this beautiful pattern!
In case you’re not familiar, a shrug is a top cut short so it covers your shoulders and arms, as seen above. This type of project has seen a rise in popularity, and why not? Using Flax, the Stray Heart Shrug is a breathable piece you can layer over any dress or shirt to add extra comfort.
One of the many reasons to love the Stray Heart Shrug is the bishop sleeves. These sleeves, intentionally designed to give you extra room, make this piece extremely cozy for the evening chill. With Flax softening after each wash, this shrug will become even more comfortable with time!
Our 20% off Flax sale continues, and if you haven’t stocked up yet, don’t wait any longer! This 100% linen yarn is perfect for garments, accessories, and homewares. It works well in many different stitch patterns and has an exciting collection of hues to choose from. Grab Flax and get started today!
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!
Make sure to share all your creations with us on social media. We love to see fiber artists everywhere using our yarns!
Can you believe the final Friday of May is upon us? It feels like just yesterday we were turning the calendar to 2023… Today we have an exciting Flash Pattern Friday and the start of our Start of Summer Sale! The Gradiate Tank, designed by Amy Gunderson, is free from May 26th to May 28th with the use of the code: FLASH on Ravelry. Let’s learn more about this beautiful top!
Warm weather calls for an enticing summer project, and that’s just what the Gradiate Tank is. Using our 100% linen Flax yarn, this garment will be a staple for summer days on the beach, at the park, or a night out with friends. Grab your knitting needles and your four favorite colors of Flax to get started!
This project uses a variety of engaging stitches to create a stunning lacy hemline, and with a swingy A-line shape, you can wear the Gradiate Tank with just about anything in your closet. Above, you can see two different color samples of this garment, but with Flax, there are many colors to choose from, so you can make just what you desire!
Head to Ravelry and click “add to cart” or “buy it now” to get to checkout. Once in checkout, click the “use a coupon code” hyperlink and enter the code “FLASH” and click “apply” and your discount will be added!
As mentioned in the opening paragraph, our Start of Summer Sale is here! We have a couple of exciting offers we want to share with you. Friday, May 26th through Monday, May 29th, when you buy two regular-priced yarns, you will get a third yarn of your choice for free (you must add three skeins of yarn to qualify – lesser or equal value deducted at checkout). Plus, continental USA orders of $25 or more before tax will receive free shipping during this sale – shop today and save!
This an excellent time to stock up on regular-priced Flax so you can knit your Gradiate Tank today!
As knitters and crocheters, we sometimes overlook the summer stitching season or wish away the heat in favor of sweater weather. Of course, that’s understandable considering we all spend so much time lovingly making sweaters, hats, shawls, and other cozy projects. But we don’t need to wish away the long, sunny days. We can beat the sweltering heat by choosing yarns perfect for the height of summer. So, although back-to-school is around the corner and fall will come in the blink of an eye, I still want to celebrate our staff picks for our favorite summer yarns.
Aubrey
“My favorite summer yarn is going to be a classic: Cotton Supreme. 100% cotton that is buttery soft means that anything you make is going to be comfortable to wear when the days are hot. And we all know how hot it gets here in the south! The matte look of this yarn makes it perfect for any project, dress it up or dress it down, and the extensive color palette offers so many options. I’ve wanted to design a knit dress, and this could be the perfect summer option.“
Ashley Jane (AJ)
“My favorite summer yarn is Truva. The marled and heathered look is so unique and its cotton/cashmere blend is soft and lightweight to work with. I love the idea that even a simple summer garment, like a tank, will undoubtedly turn out looking and feeling luxurious. I also can’t get over the colors! There may only be eight to choose from, but I still can’t pin down a favorite. Each one has a little something special to it that keeps me falling in love over and over again.”
Heather
“This may be an obvious choice since *everybody* loves this yarn, but I think my favorite warm weather yarn is Bamboo Pop. It’s so cool and smooth! Of the projects that I’ve made in this yarn, my personal favorite is the Maya Scarf. I’m friends with designer Amy Gunderson, and she was kind enough to help me pick out some good cool tones. It was an easy pattern to get into the rhythm of, and the yarn was so refreshing to knit with. I love the drape of the plant fibers and the sheen that the bamboo gives my projects! It’s easy to see why Bamboo Pop is so popular.”
Yonca
“Mine is Flax. With the perfect color palette from brights to pastels – Flax gives me lots of color options. I love the crisp sense of it while I am working with it and love the fact that it will get softer over time. It is perfect for keeping me cool during hot Carolina summers while still looking sharp. I am hoping to knit another summer top with it this summer. “
Rachel
One of my favorite things about Universal Yarn is the strong lineup of summer options. We honestly have such an amazing range of yarns perfect for warmer climates in a variety of fabulous fibers. It’s so challenging to choose a favorite – but since I asked everyone else to choose, I must also choose! My favorite summer yarn has to be Magnolia. This blend of modal and cashmere is one of the loveliest yarns I’ve had the pleasure of working with. It’s silky smooth, lightweight, and has perhaps the best drape of any yarn out there. I really mean that! The color palette is so juicy and fresh – with excellent options for neutrals. For a splash of color, don’t miss our gorgeous Sunkissed Summer collection!
And there you have it, folks, our favorite summer yarns! I hope you’ve enjoyed hearing a little bit about what makes each of these yarns special to us, and why we love working with them. What are your favorite summer yarns? Let us know in the comments!
Lightweight, lacy, and perfect for summer, Delilah is a linen luxury that’s tailor-made for warm weather.
This design comes to us from Aubrey Busek. If you know her work, it’s easy to see her creative touches: she always brings a certain flair to her designs, as with the bohemian tassels adorning this asymmetrical triangular shawl.
Aubrey chose Flax 100% linen yarn for this design, and no wonder: when it comes to summer fashion and comfort, you really can’t go wrong with linen.
Delilah is a perfect topper to any outfit you choose. We’ve paired it with a long summer dress here, but it’s simple to style any number of ways. Its 50″ length looks great wrapped over the bodice, draped loosely at your neck, or artfully thrown over one shoulder.
Delilah’s lace repeat is easy to memorize, and a great match for its soothing stockinette center. This shawl is just as fun to work up as it is to wear.
This is definitely a design to bump to the top of the queue.
Hello crafters! I wanted to start this week off by discussing a really fun topic: design inspiration. In particular, the growing Cottagecore trend, and how it inspired the Homestead Tank free pattern.
It is no secret that the past year has been tough on every single one of us. From spending way more time at home than we’re used to, to the general effects of the pandemic on society, we’re all searching for bright spots in our day-to-day. Over the last year, many people have either picked up or returned to their knitting hobby, as it is mindful and often quite stress relieving. I find myself consistently drawn to simple silhouettes and rhythmic stitch patterns for new designs, as I feel these elements are well suited to the needs of today’s knitter.
Homestead Tank in Flax color 12 Tarragon
When I set out to design a tank top pattern using our Flax yarn, I knew I would use lacy stitches, and a breezy, oversized silhouette. The color Tarragon (12) was my first choice for the design, as it is a beautiful shade of green that I think would flatter anyone. Combining these ideas with the inspiration of the Cottagecore trend, the Homestead Tank was born.
So, what is Cottagecore? It is an aesthetic I have always been drawn to, rather unknowingly, because I love feminine and romantic styles inspired by nature. Over the last couple years, we have seen it blossom into a widespread trend for both fashion and homewares. And what a lovely trend it is! Cottagecore is rooted in an idealized view of countryside living. It is an excuse to ‘escape’ our chaotic modern reality, and be inspired by a slower, more thoughtful way of life that is enriched with the beauty of nature and handmade things.
Image from Good Housekeeping article ‘What is Cottagecore?’
Homestead Tank in Flax color 12 Tarragon
The Homestead Tank embraces the idyllic beauty of the Cottagecore inspiration. A breezy and boxy silhouette allows you to easily layer this tank top over a flowy dress and run through a field of wildflowers. The stitch pattern is reminiscent of a checkerboard plaid, but with eyelets worked throughout. Although the pattern does use lace stitches, it is a simple and easy-to-memorize repeat. A v-shaped neckline is perfect for catching some warm rays of sunshine on your skin as you enjoy a relaxing afternoon by a lake.
Our Fibra Natura Flax yarn is made of 100% linen fiber that softens every time you wash it. This yarn’s gentle and natural beauty is suited to both textured and lace stitches. Wonderful for garments and accessories for warm weather, there are 34 colors of Flax to choose from. Even if the Tarragon green color (12) isn’t your favorite, I am sure you’ll find a shade that you love. I think Lilac (07) would be a great alternative color choice for this pattern, because it reminds me of a bouquet of Lavender from an herb garden; just perfect for the Cottagecore inspiration.
The Homestead Tank is a seamed top, so you’ll make the front and two back pieces separately. I am especially fond of seamed knitted garments, as they add strength and structure to the finished piece, ensuring it’ll keep its shape through many years of wash and wear. Part of the Cottagecore trend is embracing a slower way of life, and making handmade garments falls perfectly into that. When you knit something for yourself, you’ll treasure it in a way you never would something store bought!
My favorite part of this design is the button up back. Pick up and knit the placket after you seam the pieces together, and hand sew the buttons on upon completion. We chose handcrafted wooden buttons from Katrinkles for this design. I alternated the buttons between the Sunburst and Palm designs down the placket, to add a bit of whimsy to the overall look.
Image from Pinterest
Whether you love being outside, making delicious treats to eat, or crafting something for yourself like the Homestead Tank, the Cottagecore trend has something for you. In a high stress world like ours, it is an invitation to indulge in all things slow, mindful, and natural. Try baking bread, plant lovely flowers on your patio, or take some time to knit or crochet outdoors. Even these small things can give you a little bit of the ‘escapism’ that Cottagecore encourages.
What would you do to bring this aesthetic into your day-to-day life? Tell us in the comments!
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!
It’s Free Pattern Friday!
Today, Halfway There in Flax (pattern link here).
This gorgeous crochet shawl was originally a pay pattern, part of the Contrarian Shawls 2 collection.
So many pretty patterns…
Now, we’re setting it free!
This is a triangular shawl, but not in traditionally shaped. If you remember your geometry, it’s a scalene right angle triangle – one 90 degree angle, but sides of differing lengths.
The geometric theme is repeated in the stepped triangles along the border. Crocheted in 100% linen Flax, this is a great design for warm weather!
Written and charted, for your convenience.
A delicate, yet modern, design. It’s a delight to share it.
We hope you have a great weekend. Happy crafting!
Cool and light, 100% linen Flax is a great choice for summer projects.
Red, White, and Blue for Independence Day.
Knit front and back pieces from side to side, then join.
Add a few stockinette rows for a rolled edge. Presto, a lightweight top perfect for a day out, or a night watching fireworks. This would look awfully cute any other day of the year, too, in whatever colors you like.
We hope you have a fantastic Independence Day. And if you’re going to spend it outdoors, don’t forget your sunscreen – and a hat!
100% linen in DK and laceweight. I feel cooler just looking at it.
The Zephyr Tank has a body knit in Flax. It flares out at the hips for a nice silhouette. The Flax Lace edging at the hem is knitted on the same size needle as the body, giving it a nice drape.
Knit it in pieces, then whipstitch the contrasting edging to the wrong side of the hem afterward. Lovely.
The pattern runs from bust size 35¼ to 51¼. It’s written, and contains a schematic for assembly.
We hope you have a fantastic weekend, and that you enjoy this free pattern.
