Tag: Lace

Posted on

Collection Spotlight – Spring Magic

Happy Spring, everyone! Are you ready for spring and summer projects, ready to wear as the weather warms up? If so, we have a treat for you! Today, I’m sharing projects from our latest pattern collection: Spring Magic.

A pile of garments hand knit and crocheted using Vireo yarn.

When we think of spring, we can’t help but feel like magic is in the air. With every fresh blossom, warm breeze, and longer, sunnier days, we get more and more excited for projects on our hooks and needles that reflect the season. We invite you to bask in these sweet projects, featuring everything from drop stitches to cables, lace, ruffles, and fringe. We’re certain you’ll find something you love in this collection featuring a new spring favorite yarn, Vireo. 

First up, we have our one and only accessory in this garment-heavy collection. Yet, it might be one of my favorite pieces. Say hello to Aard. This unique wrap is open and airy thanks to the wide columns of dropped stitches. Although we usually fear dropped stitches in knitting, there is something a bit magical about dropping them intentionally for a decorative effect. Frame those dropped stitches with reversible cables and you have the perfect stole for spring and summer!

Next up: Elixir. For my contributions to the collection, I was especially drawn to openwork stitch patterns. Those that keep Vireo feeling light and breezy. Like Aard, Elixir is a great example of openwork, but this time you work with yarnover eyelets instead. The shoulders on the front and back are decorated with an eyelet motif that’s simple to memorize. Even when knitted in our 104 Black Caviar colorway, the stitch definition of Vireo is crisp and clear. My favorite detail of this design, though, is the mini fringe that decorates the hem and armholes. It adds just the right touch of interest and finesse to the pattern and is sure to draw attention.

Another example of the gorgeous stitch definition of Vireo is Gust: an adorable tee with ruffled sleeves and a keyhole opening at the back neck. It’s precious! What I love about this design is how well it shows off the drape of the yarn. The drape is all thanks to the 80% Tencel of Vireo, blended with 20% wool. It has a touch of bounce and memory, making it a pleasure to knit or crochet with. These characteristics all come together to form your new favorite top for Spring.

Designer Aubrey Busek has a knack for creating the most interesting designs. Such is the case with Mythos. In this design, she uses ruffles to create a peplum-esque silhouette with exciting stripes and a decorative motif that can either be hand embroidered or worked directly into the knitting. Who doesn’t love options? The high contrast colors (108 Marmelade & 101 Fluff) truly make the design pop.

Saddle shoulders and split hems are two design details I never tire of, and they are just two of the features that make Runestone special. Gorgeous lace and cables decorate the front of the sweater, which pop from a background of Reverse Stockinette stitch. The v-neck and three-quarter sleeves make this piece perfect for the season, too.

This collection wouldn’t be complete without a crochet design, and that’s where Soothsayer comes into play. I don’t consider myself an expert at crochet, but I always enjoy the opportunity to design crochet patterns. Since I’m still new at it, I like simpler patterns, and I think this cap-sleeved tee is perfect for a first crochet garment. It is designed in half double crochet and features an edging around the armholes and hem with single crochet and double crochet shells – all very basic stitches welcoming to crocheters of every skill level.

Finally, we have Triskelion. Another design by Aubrey Busek, Triskelion is as feminine as they come. Gorgeous lace, cropped sleeves, and dramatic ruffles make this cardigan truly special. Get ready to practice your lace skills, too. Although the lace motif isn’t overly complex, you won’t have any rest rows during that section as you work the lace on both the right and wrong sides of the work. The shaping is simple though, so your concentration is rewarded with soothing stockinette after you finish those beautiful motifs.

There you have it: all seven pieces in our brand new pattern collection in our Vireo yarn. To grab your copy of the Spring Magic ebook or patterns, head to our website here (link). Which project is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Happy stitching,
Rachel

Posted on

Flash Pattern Friday – Bijou

It‘s Flash Pattern Friday!

On the last Friday of the month, we take a beautiful paid pattern and set it free for a limited time through Ravelry. Today it’s Bijou in Universal Yarn Penna (Ravelry link here).

What a stunner! Aubrey Busek’s Bijou is light, lacy, and loaded with details.

The lace center panel graces both front and back, a fitting accent to the puffed cuffs, and the ruffles where the shoulders meet the sleeves.

The fabric made by Penna is the perfect backdrop for this design. Although the yarn is laceweight, the suri alpaca content creates a halo that fills in the stitches, for a soft, delicate look and feel. It also lets you work this up on US 6 (4mm) needles and still get a very lightweight garment!

To get Bijou 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 the end of Sunday 2/27 and we’ll get you taken care of.

We hope you have a delightful weekend.

Happy crafting!

-Heather

Posted on

Fibertinis: Old Fashioned Meets Tweed

Hi Fiber Friends!
I’m so excited to introduce you to a new blog segment I’ve been dreaming up called “Fibertinis” where I match popular cocktails with our yarn for a perfect pairing! For my first segment, I’m matching up our Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash with an Old Fashioned.

Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash and an Old Fashioned (Image Credit Taste.com)

Both of these classics have a long and rich history. According to Clan, by Scotsweb, Tweed as a name was first used in 1826 when a London cloth merchant clerk received a misspelled invoice which was meant to read “tweel,” the Scottish name for the fabric twill. Legend says that he presumed it was meant to be a brand name for the woolen fabrics hailing from the Tweed River region so they advertised them as such, and it stuck! Regardless of the nomenclature, tweed has always held an iconic and polished status since the woolen fabric elevated from a Scottish practical peasant garb, to a symbol of wealth and royalty with the rise of Estate Tweed in 1835.

Pilger designed by Rachel Brockman

Nowadays, tweed is still coveted both as a symbol of refinement, or its casual and cool rustic appeal. In a word, it’s a classic. It is for this reason that Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash is the perfect pairing with an Old Fashioned – a timeless, classic cocktail. According to a ranking of the 50 Most Popular Cocktails in the World in 2021, the Old Fashioned was the number one most popular cocktail in the world. The Old Fashioned’s beginnings are a bit hazy as its namesake has also been used as a catchall for any cocktails including bourbon or whiskey, which were considered old fashioned before the art of cocktail making was refined. As far as I can tell though, the general recipe of spirits, bitters, water, sugar, and citrus have been around and in demand since the 1880s. Even the origins of this pair land on a relatively similar timeline!

Drifting Hap designed by Rachel Brockman

Just as tweed has always been a blend of practicality and posh, our Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash is made from 90% superwash wool, 3% viscose, and 7% acrylic, making it both easy to care for and sophisticated. The soft and springy feel of the wool and beautiful stitch definition are the things I love most about this yarn. With 20 colors to choose from, and plenty of pattern support, there’s no reason not to make something perfectly classic for yourself or a loved one! Some of my favorite designs to try come from our collection Rustic and Refined, including Pilger and the Drifting Hap, featured in photos above. This robust collection has 13 total patterns, so you are sure to find quite a few things you won’t be able to live without. In addition to those I’ve already named, I also really like the Traverse Socks, and Sojourn Tunic, seen below.

Traverse Socks, designed by Rachel Brockman and Sojourn Tunic designed by Amy Gunderson

Now that I’ve researched a bit about the origins of my chosen cocktail and fiber, I truly feel they are a match made in heaven! I can picture it now – curled up in a booth of a cozy tavern sipping some citrusy bourbon goodness and stitching along on my next make. Won’t you join me?! I hope you’ve enjoyed this first edition of our Fibertinis Series! Let us know in the comments what tweed project you’d make, or what cocktail & yarn we should pair up next!
Happy Stitching!
Ashley Jane

Posted on

Free Pattern Friday – Moor Hat

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

woman wearing green and light blue knitted hat

Today, the Moor Hat in Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash (pattern link here).

This week, a clever, reversible design from Rachel Brockman!

As a nature lover, Rachel took her design cue from the great outdoors. Inspired by the mossy, grassy vegetation of moorland habitats, the Moor Hat is cushiony, warm, and versatile. Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash is a fitting choice of yarn. Its tweedy flecks of color fit the natural vibe of this pattern.

Woman wearing knitted lace hat. The lace is light blue, and the brim is forest green.
Brim and interior: 405 Pine (MC) – 1 skein, Lace: 415 Cloud Blue (CC) – 1 skein

Worked as a tube, this hat can be worn with the decorative lace on the outside, featuring a contrast rib that mimics a horizon line dividing the treeless landscape and cloud blue skies.

Rear view of woman wearing forest green knitted hat
Like a walk in an evergreen forest.

For more casual outings, simply turn the work inside out and show off the tweedy nubs of Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash on a background of Stockinette stitch.

Want a more autumnal feel? Consider incorporating color 419 Merlot.

Simple, versatile, and beautiful. The perfect accessory project.

We hope you have a warm and wonderful weekend.

Happy crafting!

Posted on

Flash Pattern Friday – A Universe of Snowflakes

It’s Flash Pattern Friday!

On the last Friday of the month, we take a beautiful paid pattern and set it free for a limited time on Ravelry. Today, it’s A Universe of Snowflakes in Universe (Ravelry link here).

Snowflake #6, in Universe color 10-06 Candy

We originally designed these as part of a LYS Yarn Crawl here in the Charlotte, NC area. Participants could go to each of eleven shops and get a different snowflake pattern. Personally, I feel like just getting to go to multiple local yarn shops is awesome. Adding a free pattern to it is the icing on the cake!

Snowflake #3 in Universe 10-03 Crystal Ball

We chose Universe for the designs, because its cotton-linen structure works well for ornaments. They don’t need a wooly “bounce” as much as they need to keep their shape. For that, we used fabric starch to stiffen them during blocking. The beautiful metallic thread that gives Universe its sparkle isn’t affected, continuing to shine through beautifully!

If you’re looking for other ways to stiffen your snowflakes, Irarott Designs has good tips here. We’ve used the thinned glue technique with good results.

Snowflake #2 in Universe color #10-02 Cotton

This weekend, we’re offering this entire set of 11 snowflakes in Universe for free!

To get the Universe of Snowflakes 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 the end of 1/2 and we’ll get you taken care of.

We wish you a happy New Year. May 2022 be your best and brightest year yet!
Happy Crafting!

Posted on

Three Glowing Favorites

Oh man, let me just start by saying this whole post will be a not-so-subtly glowing review of our new collection! I am absolutely in love with our new yarn, Noelle, and these pieces which show it off beautifully. Made from a blend of 26% merino wool, 26% alpaca, 29% polyester and 19% nylon, it feels like a dream – and with its light shimmer and gentle color changes it looks like a dream too!

Noelle

Our collection, Subtle Glow, features five projects that reveal the versatility of Noelle, by showing it off on its own, as well as blending it with other staple yarns. My favorite piece in the collection is the Carina sweater, by Rachel Brockman, which pairs Noelle with our Deluxe DK Superwash. The 100% superwash wool pairs brilliantly because it is still so soft to the touch, so you don’t feel like there is a strange blend when you hold or wear it. It also adds contrast in the colorwork, both because of the selection of colors used, as well as its pairing of flat and glistening fibers.

Carina sweater, in Noelle and Deluxe DK Superwash, designed by Rachel Brockman

My next favorite is our revamped Glisten Cowl, originally designed for our 12 Days of Winter Collection of 2018. We couldn’t let this stunning pattern fade when the original yarn was discontinued, so we gave it new life. This is another piece that blends Noelle with another yarn, Rozetti Yarns Cotton Gold, which adds an extra special sparkle with its sequins. This yarn is made of 65% cotton, 8% metallic, and 27% Payette. Its super-fine weight is perfect for carrying along with any yarn, but adds a twinkling magical effect to the already shining Noelle.

Glisten Cowl, with Noelle and Cotton Gold held together.

Last, but not least, I adore the Parlamak shawl, designed by Brittany Garber. The word ‘parlamak” translates as “to shine” in Turkish, and I can’t help but feel like it’s namesake captures its essence perfectly! Made from Noelle alone, this shimmering shawl features a beautiful crochet cable along one edge, while letting the blending of colors speak for itself through the rest of the fabric. The overall effect is an enchanting design that can pair with anything in your wardrobe – it’s soft, sophisticated, and stunning.

Parlamak, in Noelle, designed by Brittany Garber.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 3 favorites from our Subtle Glow Collection! Tell me in the comments, which design is your favorite?
That’s all for now – Happy Stitching!
Ashley Jane

Posted on

Day 12 of Winter – Series 5 Edition

This is part 12 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, series 5 Edition.

Can you believe it’s already December 12th, and this is our final blog post highlighting our 12 Days of Winter Kit collection? Time flies when you’re having fun! Some of these projects are short and sweet, so I’m sure you can tackle them as a last-minute gift that’s handmade with love, such as Marshmallow, the Sleigh Ride Set, or the Gingersnap Hats. Or, as a time saver and perfect gift for fellow fiber artists – simply pick up a kit and give it as is!

Today, I’m going to highlight the final accessory in the collection: the Snowfall Shawl. I shouldn’t choose favorites, and this is, in my opinion, perhaps our best ever 12 Days of Winter Collection (though I say that every year!). Of my own designs, I think I’m most smitten with Snowfall. It’s sparkly, hazy, and features such a lovely lace motif. It’s hard to think of a more perfect shawl for the season!

The tonal shades of Noelle and surprisingly crisp stitch definition makes for some truly dreamy lace knitting.

Snowfall is a semi-triangular shawl that’s worked from the top-down. However, unlike your traditional triangular shawl, it starts with a large amount of cast-on stitches to ensure a perfect fit over your neck and shoulders, making it especially easy to style.

You’ll get to indulge in the following techniques for this pattern:

  • basic decreases
  • yarnovers
  • knitting flat
  • garter stitch
  • creating tassels
I love styling my shawls with a point at the front in a “bandana” fashion. It keeps them looking modern, fresh, and oh-so-cozy!

For Snowfall, I chose Noelle for the yarn. Noelle is a DK-weight blend of merino wool, baby alpaca, polyester, and nylon. It features a tubular construction, with the softest fibers blown through the tube to create an exquisite halo. The color 301 Elida, used in the pattern, is a tonal grey with a dazzling silver sparkle.

The glimmer of Noelle perfectly complements the crystalline qualities of snowflakes.

Our 12 Days of Winter collections always lean into wintry themes: snow, coniferous trees, delicious holiday treats, and colors that vibe with the season. I really wanted to create an elegant shawl with lacy snowflakes, so I looked to close-up images of the icy natural phenomena.

How beautiful are the ice crystals in snowflakes? I’m inspired to make even more lace patterns that reflect them!

I thought about the different types of snowfall, which is why I opted for both a small and large motif. The upper portion featuring smaller flakes nods to gentle flurries, a sight that always fills me with joy. The final portion of larger, more dramatic snowflakes reminds me of heavy snowfall – the type with large flakes that tempted you to catch them with your tongue as a child. Finally, the tassels that drop down from each tip echo the movement of snow falling from the sky. Oh, how nature is so inspiring and magical!

I hope you’ve enjoyed hearing a bit about my inspiration for the Snowfall Shawl, and that you’ve had fun reading each of our posts over the past two weeks. It’s always such a pleasure to share this collection every year. Our team truly puts our heart into it – it’s a large collection and lots of work. We hope you enjoy every stitch!

Remember, these exclusive kits can be purchased at local yarn store retailers near you. Not in stock at your local shop? Ask them about drop shipping – order through them, and we ship to you! Each kit comes with the pattern, the yarn required to make it, a mini Universal Yarn project bag, and stitch marker. Use our store locator to find your nearest Universal Yarn retailer!

Happy crafting!

Posted on

Day 10 of Winter – Series 5 Edition

This is part 10 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, series 5 Edition.

Are you new to lace knitting, or are you already a fan? Either way, you’re in for a treat today as we take a closer look at the oversized, extra cozy Evergreen Shawl!

Beautiful and oversized, you’ll be so cozy in the blanket-y shawl.

First, though, let’s chat about this lovely design and all the special details. When I wear shawls, I love an oversized one, especially in the winter. You can wrap them around your neck and shoulders a couple of times – and you can’t have too many layers, wouldn’t you agree? 😉 I chose Deluxe Worsted, our classic, 100% non-superwash wool yarn, in the color 12296 Green Leaf for this piece. Since the shawl is covered in lacy fir trees, the color seemed like the perfect fit.

Just take a look at how large, yet still elegant, this Everygreen Shawl is!

In this pattern, you’ll get to indulge in the following techniques:

  • yarnovers
  • basic increases and decreases
  • right and left twists
  • knitting flat

This shawl does indeed have perhaps the simplest of shapes: a right triangle with decreases along one edge. The straight edge of the shawl has a gorgeous lace diamond motif, which although beautiful, does cause stitch counts to fluctuate throughout the pattern. So, as you’re decreasing along one edge to shape the shawl, you’ll also need to ensure that you maintain the stitch patterns as established. It’s a nice balance of rhythm and engagement, perfect for someone who wants to stay focused through a knitting pattern.

Although I’d consider this pattern Intermediate level, don’t fret if you’re a beginner who’s craving a challenge.  I’m the very last person to discourage someone from trying something new. So, if you have little or no lace experience, or even if you have a bunch, I have a few handy tips for knitting lace that will get you started on the right foot.

The lacy tree motif makes this shawl perfect for winter. Just imagine yourself in a snowy forest with those pops of green peeking out beneath the piles of snow atop the boughs.

My first tip is to sharpen your chart reading skills. This pattern includes helpful charts and written instructions, but I find that charts are a great way to visualize exactly what you’re doing. Back in our first series of the 12 Days of Winter Kit collection, before we even knew it would be a tradition, I shared some tips for reading charts. You can find that blog post at this link.

My next tip is to use sharp needles. I have so many favorite needles that it’s hard to choose a brand. I’m a bit of a needle nerd and I love everything from Addi Lace Tips to any of the ChiaoGoo lines and have had great experiences with Hiya Hiya Sharps. But in truth, your favorite needle brand probably has an option for sharp tips and that’s what you really want. Why? Simply because it makes working those decreases much easier! In this pattern, usually, you’ll only work two stitches together; however, some lace patterns have you work more than that – three, even four together (as in the Dusk Poncho). And if you must do a purl decrease through the back loop, you’ll thank yourself for the investment, trust me!

Insert lifelines as you knit to give you a safety zone if you make a mistake and must rip back your work.

My final tip for lace knitting is a lifeline – because it’s a lifesaver! I feel like a pro whenever it comes to correcting mistakes in cable knitting or most textured stitches, however, I always find correcting mistakes in lace to be a bit more tricky. As a result, I often tink back (knit backward – get it?) my work or simply rip back until I get to the row where I made the mistake. When you have lots of decreases and yarnover increases, it’s really easy to lose your place. My suggestion is to insert a lifeline. What’s a lifeline? It’s simply a strand of yarn to place through your stitches as a safe spot to unravel your work if needed because all of those stitches will be secure with a strand of scrap yarn threaded through.

Option 1: This is probably the most preferred method, especially if you’re knitting lace. Before you start knitting your row, thread a piece of scrap yarn that’s about six to eight inches wider than your work and simply glide the tapestry needle through each live stitch without removing the needles. You’ll work just below the knitting needle, as pictured in the example photo above. The ideal place for a lifeline is before a fresh row repeat – this way you know exactly where to start once you unravel your work.

You can always insert a lifeline after you work your rows, too.

The second option is great for moments when you’ve forgotten to insert a lifeline…or if you were overly confident only to find out you made a mistake later. Oops! And I have to say, I’m GUILTY! Have no fear, though, because you can still insert a lifeline any amount of rows below (see above photo). This time, all you’ll do is thread the tapestry needle the same way you did in the first option I described. Then, carefully thread the needle through one leg of each stitch across the row. Picking up each leg of the stitch from below is a bit trickier, but if you take your time you’ll be good to go, I promise. Then you can rip back all the way to the lifeline and your stitches will remain secure.

The tip detail shows how the tree motif transforms into a chevron lace motif, and the final shaping is just so pretty!

That’s it for my lace knitting tips and I hope you find them to be very useful. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to us because we’re always happy to help. Do you have any lace tips you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below!

Remember, these exclusive kits can be purchased at local yarn store retailers near you. Each kit comes with the pattern, the yarn required to make it, a mini Universal Yarn project bag, and stitch marker. Use our store locator to find your nearest Universal Yarn retailer!

Happy crafting!

Posted on

Free Pattern Friday – Autumn Oak

Happy Free Pattern Friday!

Aubrey looking spectacular in the new Autumn Oak Hat!

It’s September, which means the official end of summer is mere weeks away and the season of all things woolly is upon us. For me, that means hats, hats, and more hats! I’m sure I’ve said this before, but hats are one of my favorite things to design and knit. I love everything about the process – they’re an excellent playground for a variety of techniques, quick to work up, and make wonderful gifts. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my latest design with you: the Autumn Oak Hat (pattern link).

The large leaf motif nods to the rounded lobes of White Oak leaves.

Autumn Oak is knit using plush and cozy Posh Alpaca, a blend of wool, superfine alpaca, and acrylic. This single-ply yarn is a super bulky weight but feels surprisingly light and springy. The palette is full of gorgeous neutrals and autumnal hues, and the colorway that simply sings to my heart is #112 Carotene, used in the Autumn Oak Hat. Orange, especially burnt orange, is perhaps my most favorite color, so I knew I needed to design something with it. This autumnal orange immediately conjured images of brilliant fall foliage, especially that of oak trees.

Fiery, red-orange leaves of a White Oak tree.

The Autumn Oak hat features a singular, large leaf motif that simply pops off the background of reverse stockinette stitch. It is complemented by twiggy lace motifs around the rest of the hat. These elements make this an engaging pattern that offers a bit of a challenge in a small package – again, hats are a perfect playground for learning new skills!

The lace motifs flow elegantly into the crown shaping, making this piece look great at every angle. It’s topped with a fluffy pom pom, and let me tell you, Posh Alpaca makes a really plush and fluffy pom pom!

Even though Posh Alpaca only contains 98 yards, it goes a long way. This hat is just a one-ball project, even with the pom pom. It works up fast, so you can knit one for yourself and for your friends and family in no time! It would look gorgeous knit up in any of the other colors, but I’d love to see versions of it using the colors inspired by trees: #101 Birch, #102, Oak, and #111 Hemlock. Whatever color you choose, you simply can’t go wrong!



I hope you love this hat as much as I loved designing it. Let me know which color you’d choose in the comments!

Until next time, happy crafting!

Posted on

Homestead Tank – Musings on the ‘Cottagecore’ trend

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.

Image from : The Spruce article on Cottagecore

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!

Happy Crafting!