Five Favorites in Bamboo Pop

March 18, 2021March 18, 2021

Five Favorites in Bamboo Pop

If you follow us on social media you might have noticed that this week we’re putting the spotlight on one of our most beloved yarns, Bamboo Pop! Knitters, crocheters, and weavers alike love working with this yarn and it’s easy to see why. Bamboo Pop is a beautifully balanced blend of 50% bamboo and 50% cotton with a broad palette of solids, multis, and speckles. The yarn itself features the subtlest heather, gentle sheen, and creates fabric that is smooth, soft, and perfectly drapey.

Bamboo Pop in #117 Emerald and #114 Super Pink.

We have an array of patterns available to support this yarn: accessories, garments, and more! With so many options available, sometimes it can be hard to pick the perfect pattern for your next project. So, today we thought we’d kindle some inspiration by sharing our five best-selling patterns in Bamboo Pop over the last year. Let’s get started!

#5 Areca

Coming in at #5 on our list is Areca (pattern link), designed by our amazing managing director, Yonca Ozbelli. Yonca has a knack for creating designs with simple silhouettes that really stand-out, and Areca is no exception. I love how this top casually caps the shoulders but isn’t a true cap-sleeve. It’s somewhere between a cap-sleeve tee and a tank, and it’s perfect for warm spring and summer days. The timeless color combination of black and white makes it so easy to pair this top with anything. Areca features graphic mosaic motifs that are offset by solid side panels. Knit flat from the bottom-up, there is actually no seaming involved! Instead, a three-needle bind-off joins the shoulders and side seams.

#4 Palmetto

Looking for an absolute show-stopper? Look no further than Palmetto (pattern link). I am so glad that Aubrey joined our design team back in 2019. She has such a thirst for learning new things, taking creative risks, making bold design decisions, and letting the “extra” in her shine through. Although by design Palmetto is a rectangular stole, Aubrey opted for a variety of engaging stitch patterns to make this eye-catching accessory. You’ll be a mosaic knitting expert by the time you finish. While the mosaic portions decorating each end demand a bit of your attention, you’ll be rewarded with rest during the garter stripes and slipped-stitch sections in the center of the wrap. Finish this piece with fun tassels on each corner, wrap it around your shoulders, and show it off to all your friends!

By the way, both Areca and Palmetto are part of the Modern Mosaic ebook (link), published in Fall, 2020. This collection as a whole tied with Palmetto for #4 on the list. The ebook compiles four delightful designs featuring mosaic knitting. Don’t miss the other amazing designs in this collection! Buy just one pattern, or get Areca, Dypsis, Palmetto, and Sabal together when you purchase the ebook!

Staggered Shawl designed by Amy Gunderson

#3 Staggered Shawl

Next up is the Staggered Shawl (pattern link). Playing with color is just so fun with Bamboo Pop. The palette is broad and the variegated colorways were designed to pair perfectly with the solids. Designer Amy Gunderson loves adventurous designs and she knows how to transform simple knits and purls into something truly special. In this case, she used intarsia to create an exhilarating effect in this otherwise simple triangular shawl. It’s primarily garter stitch, so this accessory will fly off your needles, too. The Staggered Shawl has been a hit since we first published it, so much so that our customers demanded a kit (link) with options for different colors!

No. 1 Pullover designed by Amy Gunderson

#2 No. 1 Pullover

At #2 on our list, we have yet another genius design by Amy Gunderson. I remember when we first received this sweater from our sample knitter. I fell in love immediately and was so thrilled to see the Bamboo Pop multis used in such a clever way (plus, it reminds me of Fruit Stripes gum). The multi creates short blips of color breaking up the thick graphite stripes and each edge is trimmed with a tidy, stripey I-cord. Nope – you don’t need to change colors mid-row for this effect – the multis do all the work! I love the oversized and boxy shape of the body with fitted, 3/4 length sleeves. The silhouette perfectly illustrates the drape of Bamboo Pop. It’s breezy, lightweight, and perfect for springtime. The No. 1 Pullover has been a hit at shows and we’ve seen many interpretations of the design. No matter what color combination you choose, it’s sure to yield exciting results!

#1 Kukui

Finally, at #1, our best-selling Bamboo Pop design is Kukui (pattern link), designed by Tori Gurbisz! I’m pretty sure I’ve seen someone wearing a wonderful iteration of the Kukui shawl at every Stitches show I’ve attended, and I swear I’m not exaggerating. Our local yarn stores routinely ask to borrow our sample for their trunk shows. It’s a clear favorite among all of our customers and it’s easy to see why. The slipped stitches are striking next to the blocks of solid color. It’s a boomerang-shaped shawl, meaning that it’s knit on the bias. Personally, this is my favorite shawl shape because they’re fun to knit, easy to style, and they have a more modern appeal than traditional triangular shawls (don’t get me wrong, I also really love classic triangular shawls!).

There you have it – our five best-selling patterns in our best-selling yarn, Bamboo Pop! Have you made any of these great patterns, or are you planning to add them to your queue? We’d love to know!

Oh, and one more thing – we’re sharing more Bamboo Pop inspiration on our Instagram and Facebook pages this week and next week. Be sure to follow us so you can see it all!

Happy crafting, folks!

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.

March 5, 2021March 5, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Sashay Cowl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the S ashay Cowl in Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash (pattern link here).

This pattern was originally part of e-book Rustic and Refined, a collection of 13 patterns that are down-home yet sophisticated.

E-book cover featuring man and woman in gray Fair Isle sweaters

The collection really does have something for everyone – from glorious shawls like Drifting Hap…

…to warm socks with beautiful shaping like Traverse.

Today, we’re setting one of the collection’s patterns free! Say hello to the Sashay Cowl.

Sashay, like all the items in the collection, uses Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash.

Ball of red Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash yarn

The tweedy flecks coordinate with each yarn, and give a nice rustic feel to projects. Here’s a closer look showing how well this works to give a softer look to the Fair Isle in Sashay.

Just peeking around the edges of the Fair Isle, in the solid bands of 418 Terracotta, you can see 3×3 cables that mimic the diagonals in the Fair Isle. It’s a great design element from creator Rachel Brockman.

Sashay starts with a provisional cast-on and is worked in the round (my favorite way to knit Fair Isle). Work it from one end to the other as a tube, then graft the ends together for a seamless, cozy cowl.

We hope you enjoy this gratifying project. Stay safe, and have a great weekend.

Happy crafting!

February 26, 2021February 26, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Anemone Shawl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Rear view of woman wearing triangular shawl knit in Major

Today, the Anemone Shawl knit in Major (pattern link here).

Here at Universal, this time of year always leaves us feeling torn. On the one hand, the chill in the air lets us keep knitting with warm yarns, which is one of the joys of wintertime. On the other hand… we’re ready for spring! And spring is exactly what designer Aubrey Busek was thinking of when she created the Anemone Shawl.

Field of anemone flowers — Photo via https://www.dutchgrown.com/

The anemone shawl is named after the delicate anemone wildflowers that bloom spring and fall. What a wonderful way to bring some color inside!

This lovely triangular lace shawl is knit from the top down, starting with a garter tab. The lace sections are both written and charted for your convenience. The entire project will take just two balls of Major.

While Aubrey chose color 136 Caladium to mimic the spring greens and purples of the anemones, there are other floral tones you could use.

135 Toile has beautiful peach/apricot vibes with seafoam accents…

…while 128 Valentine is a glorious array of roses.

Regardless of your choice, this floral-inspired shawl is a perfect bridge between the seasons. We hope you enjoy it.

Happy crafting!

February 24, 2021February 25, 2021

Texture, Color, Blocks

Just before the start of 2012 (when I made a New Year’s Resolution to learn to knit), I can recall a moment when I was shopping and suddenly thought “I want to learn to make a sweater.” I can’t recall if it was a particular sweater that inspired me, or if it was simply the notion of creating something both beautiful and functional. Either way, to this day I often find myself inspired by ready-to-wear (RTW) apparel. I think the inspiration goes both ways: RTW designers are inspired by handcrafters, too. When I’m on the go, I snap photos of interesting details, save pins, admire silhouettes, stitch patterns, and more. I’m confident that I’m not alone, too. I can’t say I know a maker who hasn’t been inspired by something they’ve spotted in the wild, whether it’s a specific garment or a current trend.

That seed of inspiration eventually sprouts into unique and interesting designs. Today, I wanted to spotlight a ready-to-wear trend that truly nods to the homegrown handmade items: patchwork and texture blocking. This style lends itself to scrappy projects, playful samplings of stitches, and a lot of room for creative expression. These garments are statement knits and don’t necessarily need to be polished, but they certainly can be. Here are just a few examples from ready-to-wear fashion.

Left to Right: High Snobiety scarf; J. Press cardigan, Line & Dot sweater/skirt set

Perhaps the most notorious textural, patchwork sweater was designed by J.W. Anderson and donned by Harry Styles. This sweater took social media by storm with many fiber artists creating their own versions of it. It was so popular, in fact, that the designer published the pattern (link) so you can make your own. Might I suggest Deluxe Bulky Superwash if you’re so inclined to make your own?

The now iconic J.W. Anderson sweater that has been recreated by thousands of knitters and crocheters!

Today I’m going to spotlight several sweaters using our yarns that tick all of those boxes. Get ready for a healthy dose of inspiration!

The Street Art Vest is knit using five colors of Dona: #130 Steely (MC), #103 Amber (CC1), #132 Alabaster (CC2), #125 Navy (CC3), & #131 Onyx.

We’ve been seeing knitted vests left and right – so what could be more on point than a color and texture blocked vest? Add an off-centered zipper and the result is truly a statement knit. The Street Art Vest (pattern link) is just the kind of zest design you’d expect from designer Amy Gunderson. In fact – you’ll notice that most of the patterns I’m sharing today are her designs!

One of the most exciting things about these patchwork projects is that they’re essentially sampler projects. It’s hard to get bored! This vest utilizes a combination of intarsia, twisted stitches, cables, and knit-purl textures. Thanks to the superior stitch definition of 100% superwash extra fine merino yarn Dona, the motifs stand out – even in the darkest colors. I love the industrial palette of this project with a dash of yellow to add just the right amount of zest.

Our theme today isn’t strictly about multi-color projects. In fact, monochromatic texture-blocking can look rather elegant. For those who aren’t comfortable sporting boldly colored garments, the single-color variations of this trend are an excellent option. Just take a look at #07 Lace Pullover (pattern link), designed by Amy Gunderson and published in the Fall, 2019 issue of Vogue Knitting m agazine. This design also uses Dona and the results are stunning. A breath-taking sampling of lace and twisted ribbing for the trim make this sweater as polished as can be.

*Ainsley is knit using four colors of Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash: #912 Ebony (A), #910 Porcelain (B), #913 Smoke (C), & #905 Pine (D).*

Ainsley (pattern link) is another exciting design by Amy Gunderson. Much like the Street Art Vest, this design features intarsia and a variety of rich textures. It is knit using Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash – a tweedy, woolly yarn that adds a rustic quality to any project. The relaxed fit gives this piece an androgynous appearance. It’s easy to wear with anything, and the v-neck lends itself to a bit of layering.

Soiree uses Deluxe DK Superwash in colors #861 Blue Rustic, #818 Dusty Blue, 860 Twilight Rustic, & #838 Twilight.

In the Fall, 2020 issue of Vogue Knitting, the patchwork inspiration was in full display in #7 Soiree. We love the cool shades of Deluxe DK Superwash. Bishop sleeves and a funnel neck make this piece especially cozy. Designer Laura Zukaite made bold textural choices for this design. It includes intarsia, chunky cables, fisherman’s rib, garter stitch, classic K2, P2 Ribbing, and lace. You’ll get to exercise all of your knitting skills with this pullover.

My own contribution to this selection of patterns is Lollipop (pattern link), knit in Donnina. This design is perfect if you want to play with color blocking and texture blocking, but it doesn’t fully step into patchwork territory. This candy-colored cutie features two different twisted stitch motifs and a pop of cherry twisted ribbing along the neckline. It’s lightweight, making it perfect for the spring weather we’re all dreaming of.

Those are my picks for patterns that use color, texture, and blocks to create a visually stunning product. How do you feel about this patchwork trend? Do any of these patterns speak to you? We’d love to know!

Happy crafting!

February 19, 2021February 19, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Frame

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Frame mitts in Rozetti Yarns Cinema (pattern link here).

Frame is named in part as a nod to the yarn used, and in part because it was originally a pattern in the “In The Spotlight” collection of designs in Cinema.

They’re all gorgeous – I really covet the Director sweater – but Frame was chosen to be set free because it’s a great first mitts project in a beautiful yarn.

Cinema is a bulky-weight single with wool, nylon, and just enough cashmere to give it maximum “squeezability,” which is a technical term that I just made up. Cinema comes in both multis and solids, so you can easily mix and match. I did this with the free Hoarfrost Scarf, and was very pleased with the results.

With Frame, though, you won’t need to mix and match, since it’s a one-skein pattern! Worked on US9 (5.5mm) needles, these twisted stockinette mitts are perfect for keeping your fingers free. Maybe free for more knitting? Hmm…

We hope you have a great weekend, and stay warm and dry.

Happy crafting!

February 10, 2021

Design Spotlight: Galentine

How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? Some people aren’t a fan of those “Hallmark Holidays,” but personally, I enjoy them. It’s frivolous fun, whether you celebrate by yourself or with someone special. Love it or hate it, we’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy the surprise free pattern we’re sharing just in time for Valentine’s Day. Say hello to Galentine (pattern link)!

You can wear the sleeve with the cuffs folded up, or not. Whatever makes you happy!

So, why Galentine? Well, first, how could we not choose a Valentine-related name for such a happy pink sweater? But more importantly, this sweater was designed by our managing director, Yonca, for her daughter, Talya. Mother, daughter, sister, friend – who wouldn’t want to treat their favorite gal-pal to a hand-knit sweater? (Side note: this isn’t the first sweater Yonca has knit for Talya. You might recall the Flouncy Fringe Tank from last year, another cute design!)

Talya requested a cozy, oversized pullover with a funnel neck and roomy sleeves that she could scrunch up or fold at the cuffs. And, as you can see, Galentine is just that. We love the funnel neck featured in this design. It’s perfect for keeping you extra warm on these chilly February days.

Dona comes in a variety of beautiful colors, many of which are perfect for Valentine’s Day! Here, Aubrey is holding balls of Dona in colors #108 Red Delicious, #111 Sweet Pea, and #114 Camellia.

Galentine is knit using staff-favorite, Fibra Natura Dona. It’s a dk-weight, 100% extra fine superwash merino wool yarn that is a dream to knit (or crochet). Its plump, smooth, and round texture give it unbeatable stitch definition. Although this pattern is mostly stockinette, the ribbing pops in Dona. Yonca used color #114 Camellia for the design, but Dona boasts a palette of 38 colors so there is truly something for everyone. Personally, if I was opting for a pink version I’d go with #112 Smoky Peach…but my top choice would be #105 Gingerbread – a burnt orange hue I can never resist!

This sweater is knit flat in pieces from the bottom up and seamed. After assembling the body, the neckband stitches are picked up and knit in the round. This is an easy pattern and would make a great first sweater. It’s excellent for virtual knit nights when you might find yourself a little distracted while chatting away with your friends.

So you might be thinking, “there is no way I can knit this before Valentine’s Day”. Of course not, but if you did we’d be super impressed! We primarily named it Galentine because of the delightful pink and its purpose as a gift. This sweater is great no matter when you choose to knit or wear it! However, if you are looking for a Valentine’s Day present, may we suggest the Stavanger project bag (pictured above) by muud? It would make a great last-minute treat for yourself or a loved one.

Stavanger is a crossbody project bag great for taking your WIPs on the go. The top opens with two zippers and inside there is room for yarn, notions, and your project. Earlier I mentioned that Galentine is knit in pieces. This makes the project more portable and there is plenty of room in Stavanger to store your yarn and the piece of the sweater you’re working on. It’s also great for shawl projects and other small accessories. Stavanger comes two colors: black (as shown) and whisky (a lovely brown).

Stavanger features several pockets for storing notions and the inside has plenty of space for your yarn and project.

So what will you treat yourself to this Valentine’s Day? A cozy new sweater? Decadent Dona? Or a nifty new project bag? We’d love to know!

P.S. For more Valentine’s Day inspiration, be sure to check our Instagram feed (link) this week, where we’re highlighting some seasonal favorites!

Happy crafting!

February 5, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Bouquet Scarf

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Bouquet Scarf in Deluxe Worsted Superwash (pattern link here).

You probably heard – the groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter.

Bleak, Bill. Bleak. We prefer to think of it as six more weeks of working with beautiful cozy wool, while still looking with hope toward brighter days. Enter, the Bouquet Scarf.

This bright and beautiful scarf has has enough substance to keep you warm – especially in Deluxe Worsted Superwash wool – but also acts as a harbinger of spring. Check out the blossoms in the lace!

They remind me of tulips, which start to bloom in our area in mid-March. That’s just about the time the groundhog says we should be emerging from winter.

Multicolored field of tulips — Via https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/

The scarf uses 1×3 cable crosses and increase/decrease combinations to create definition around the lace elements. We’re classing this as an intermediate pattern. You’ll probably want to use markers around the repeats, just to help keep track. The final result will be well worth the effort.

We hope you have a fantastic weekend, staying safe and warm, and doing things that you love.

Happy crafting!

February 3, 2021

Design Spotlight: Wheel of Life in Deluxe DK Superwash and Penna

Confession: I’m a ‘Winter person’. Don’t get me wrong, Summer is great and all, but there is something about brisk days, warm beverages, and the cozy feeling of Winter that makes me happy. Plus, cold weather calls for great sweaters to knit and wear! Here at Universal Yarn, we have plenty of lovely winter appropriate yarns to choose from, but there is always fun in adding something new to the family. When we first received samples of Penna last year, I immediately fell in love.

Penna is a laceweight blend of 50% baby suri alpaca, 28% extra fine merino, and 22% nylon. This yarn feels like a little puff of cloud in your hands, and adds an ethereal quality to any project. The color palette we created for Penna spans both muted and saturated shades, and all carry a romantic, indulgent feeling well suited to the yarn. Penna works well on its own for loose and airy projects. When held together with another yarn, it adds texture and dimension, which is what I chose to do for Wheel of Life.

Deluxe DK Superwash is our 100% superwash wool DK weight yarn. A fantastic choice for garments and accessories for cool weather, this is a stash staple you’ll love working with. I chose matching colors of Deluxe DK Superwash and Penna for my Wheel of Life sweater, and they are held together throughout. The result is a hazy, buttery soft fabric that feels amazing to wear and keeps you warm.

Published in the Winter 2020 issue of Knitty , the Wheel of Life sweater was inspired by the cycle of life. Something that always stuck with me that I was told when I was younger is: the only inevitable thing in life is change, and you don’t want to get stuck in the wheel as it turns. We can all agree that 2020 was a year like no other, so I think going with the flow and accepting the changing tides of life is something I’m really willing to do in this new year. This sweater feels like a good way to embrace that.

When I first swatched the two yarns together, I was immediately taken by the idea of designing a sweater inspired by art. Something about the hazy texture of the yarns held together made me think of brush strokes in a painting. Visual symbolism in art is something that I have always been enthralled by. Painters use imagery of food and other ordinary objects to place meaning in their works, and we (the viewer) love dissecting the art and attempting to ‘figure out’ all of the hidden gems. I wanted to play with some symbolism in this sweater design, and tell a story with simple imagery in a colorwork pattern.

You can really see the lovely haze of Penna peeking out of the sweater in this closeup. Thank you for the great photos Rachel!

This sweater is knit from the bottom up in the round. The sleeves are worked separately, and joined with the body of the sweater at the yoke. I chose 828 Pulp (Deluxe) and 106 Eggshell (Penna) to be the background color, because Ivory is a classic Winter shade that anyone can wear. After you work the ribbed hem, you move into the lower colorwork section.

The fleur de lis represents the lily flower, which also symbolizes birth or the beginning of life. I chose the darkest colors, 846 Mulberry Heather (Deluxe), and 115 Dusk (Penna) for the fleur de lis and other parts of the colorwork so that they would really ‘lift off’ of the cream background. Above that, the design looks like the infinity symbol, or strands of DNA knit in colors 824 Starfish (Deluxe) and 111 Whisper (Penna). This represents the ‘wheel’ of life, always turning.

The yoke of the sweater features more colorwork pattern symbols. Stars are a fascinating thing. Our sun is considered an average size star in the universe, there are some 100 times bigger! It can take millions to billions of years for stars to die, and some explode when they do, creating a beautiful Supernova. I chose the moon and star design to represent death, because a Supernova is really a beautiful way to go. Thus completing our ‘cycle of life’ in the sweater.

My main goals to achieve with this free pattern were a graphic colorwork design that tells a story, and to showcase these very different yarns working together in harmony. I also wanted this to be a classic design that many people would love to wear. The color palette I chose is intentionally very soft, and a ‘classic’ combination of shades. I know the selection may not be for everyone, so I put together a few more color ideas for those of you who might like something different! Something about knitting that I absolutely love is the ability to take a pattern and choose colors of yarn that make it completely your own. Here are my selections below.

I’d love to hear which color combination you’d choose for your Wheel of Life sweater! I hope you enjoyed hearing more about this design and what inspired it. You can also find this free pattern on Ravelry here .

Happy Knitting!

January 29, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Ambrosia Cowl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Ambrosia Cowl in Odette (pattern link here).

“Subtle” is the name of the game here. Knitted in the round lengthwise from one edge to the other, two colors of Odette are worked in a simple slipped stitch rib to create vertical stripes on one side, and horizontal bands of color on the other.

The secret to the beautiful blending is in the yarn. Odette is a mix of alpaca and superwash fine merino, blown into a nylon tube for strength. The result is a set of tones that seem rimed with frost, like a kiss of ice on flowers or stones.

The special construction means you get loft and warmth without extra weight. A great way to stay warm without sweltering!

The Ambrosia Cowl is a simple, easy-to-knit design that only takes one skein each of the main color and contrast color. What would you pick?

We hope you have a fantastic weekend, full of warmth and cheer. Happy crafting!