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.
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.
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!
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 magazine. 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!
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.
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!)
We love a good funnel neck sweater.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
“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!
The Amaranth Hat takes its name from the amaranth plant, with its gorgeous red spikes.
Image: rareseeds.com. This is definitely going in the garden this year.
In addition to being colorful, amaranth is useful, as a dye, a grain, a leafy green… there’s a lot going on with this showy beauty. And there’s a lot to love about this pattern, too.
Cables, ribbing, texture, and more… all in a piece that takes just one skein of Wool Pop! It’s everything you could want in one package. Rachel Brockman really outdid herself with this design.
We hope you have a fantastic weekend, full of beautiful things.
Big, beautiful, and oh so warm! This set uses 1×1 rib for a thick fabric that’s fun and functional.
The pattern calls for Deluxe Bulky Superwash 100% wool, a yarn I have a special fondness for. I made my daughter a Sequoia sweater (free pattern link) in it a little over a year ago and she still loves it. That sweater has gone through the washer and dryer repeatedly since then, and has held up beautifully.
The main shade here is 332 Icy Grey, with a few rows in 314 Petrol Blue worked at the beginning and end of the project for contrast. There are plenty of ways to make this garment pop, just by changing that border color.
The entire set is worked on circular needles, or use whatever method you prefer when you’re making garments in the round. Knitted on a US size 10 (6mm), it goes pretty fast!
I’m a sucker for something fast, easy, and beautiful. This ticks all those boxes.
Next week we’ll be back with a beautiful accessory in a lighter yarn. We’ll bet you could finish an entire Winter Rib Set before then!
Today I’d like to highlight one of our more recent pattern collections, Still Life (link). It’s always fun to put together a pattern collection. This one is especially close to my heart because this is the last collaborative collection between our former creative director, the amazing Amy Gunderson, and myself. That means this collection has also been a long time in the making. Originally, these patterns were developed for another yarn, but sometimes things just don’t work out the way you originally planned. When we had to say goodbye to the intended yarn, we didn’t want to say goodbye to this collection. How could we? The pieces are all so beautiful. That’s why we reimagined them in our Deluxe Worsted Superwash and Deluxe Worsted Tweed. Today I’m going to share each of these projects with you and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
The first pattern in the collection is a contribution by Amy Gunderson. The show-stopping Chiaroscuro (pattern link). This seamless, top-down pattern features a bold slip-stitch colorwork motif across the circular yoke. I’ve always been a fan of mock-neck and turtle neck sweaters. As someone who is perpetually chilly, they maximize my comfort during the winter months. So, the high, ribbed neckband of Chiaroscuro is perfect for me. I also love the contrast color rolled stockinette trim that decorates the hem and sleeve cuffs. This is a casual piece that is begging to be knit. Our sample uses Deluxe Worsted Tweed which gives it a rustic appeal. However, if tweedy nubs aren’t your thing, simply use Deluxe Worsted Superwash instead – the yarns are totally interchangeable!
Chiaroscuro by Amy Gunderson in Deluxe Worsted Tweed
Next, we have Delft (pattern link), knit in Deluxe Worsted Superwash. This is my design, and while I don’t mean to boast, I have to say I just love it! I’ve worn the original sample of this design so much! It’s the perfect layering piece. The raglan shaping ensures a great fit. Twisted ribbing pops along with the hem and button bands, but what I love most are the horizontal bars created by using slipped stitches. Delft is another seamless pattern and is knit from the bottom up. You work the body and sleeves separately and join them at the underarms and complete the sweater in one piece.
Delft by Rachel Brockman in Deluxe Worsted Superwash
Those who love a good sampler project will enjoy Leyster (pattern link), designed by Amy Gunderson. This lengthy scarf is perfect for wrapping around your shoulders during the cool months of autumn and winter. The design is loaded with textural motifs that are a blast to knit, and you won’t get bored because the motifs alternate frequently. Leyster is an excellent project for a beginner knitter ready to tackle something more interesting than garter stitch.
Leyster by Amy Gunderson in Deluxe Worsted Superwash
Although I always say I favor knitting sweaters and hats, shawls are also high on the list of my favorite things to knit. They come in all shapes and sizes with varied construction methods. I’ve never really been bored with a shawl. Angular, asymmetrical triangles are a popular shawl shape, likely because of their modern design appeal. Verdigris (pattern link) falls into the asymmetrical triangle category, but with a twist. Stitches are actually increased on two sides of a cable panel, breaking this pattern up into beautiful and interesting sections.
Verdigris by Amy Gunderson in Deluxe Worsted Tweed
The final piece in the collection is another pullover: Vermillion (pattern link) in Deluxe Worsted Tweed. This pullover features bracelet length sleeves, slip stitches, cables, and a sweet split hem on the front. I designed the hem so that the ribbing shifts neatly into the center panels. I’m pretty sure this piece is going to be a favorite of mine to wear during the transitional seasons!
Vermillion by Rachel Brockman in Deluxe Worsted Tweed
I hope you’ve enjoyed taking a look at the patterns in the Still Life collection! We’re so happy with how this collection turned out. Which projects do you plan to put on your knitting needles? Do you have a favorite piece in the collection? We’d love to know in the comments!
