Tag: Pattern

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New Year’s Craftsolutions

Happy New Year! Last year flew by and we’re nearly a week into 2022 – how wild is that? When January 1st rolls around, many of us think about our goals for the new year. Personally, I don’t make a lot of resolutions and just strive to grow, always. I like silly or mini resolutions, nothing dramatic. With that said, my favorite and most successful resolutions always revolve around crafting, and that’s what I’m here to chat about today! I asked our team to dish about their crafty goals for the year. From stash busting, to building design skills, to completing old and new projects alike – we have plenty of goals to strive for this year!

Yonca – Managing Director

Top, from left to right: No. 1 Pullover, Jay Sweater, Wheel of Life.
Bottom: Snowy forest (photo by Laine Publishing).

“Every year I promise myself to use the beautiful yarns I stashed before I came on board to help my husband to run Universal Yarn, but each year they get pushed back with other irresistible yarns we introduce to Universal Yarn! This year my goal is to use at least one stash yarn in a project of my choice while finishing up all the WIPs (works in progress):

My WIPs include:

It is ambitious … so wish me luck!”

Heather – Social Media

From left to right: Sequoia, Lightning (photo by John Felgate), Heather’s artist rendering of her future Lightning Sweater.

“I’ve knitted dozens of socks, hundreds of hats, and several sweaters for other people. Most recently on the sweater front, I made the free Sequoia Sweater in Deluxe Bulky Superwash for my adult daughter, and it looked awesome!  But never have I ever made a sweater for myself. This year will be different! I’m looking at Lightning from the Fall 2021 Knitty. And because I feel like I should make a splash with my first sweater, I’m thinking Uptown Worsted in #324 Black for the body and vibrant, neon-ish 338 Living Green for the bolts of lightning.  It’ll be a statement piece, and that statement is “HECK YES I KNITTED THIS MYSELF.”  Go big or go home, I say.”

Aubrey – Design & Social Media

Left to right: Carillon, Herbal Lace Socks (photo by Victoria Galkina)

“The year 2022 brings with it some big goals for me. As well as being a knitwear designer, I am also an avid sewer and love historical textile arts like hand embroidery and beading. My main goals this year are to continue expanding my skillset as a designer and maker, complete more projects (lots of various textile interests don’t help me finish things easily!), and really push myself to learn new things each month. Here are some of those goals:

  • Learn punch needle embroidery and develop some of my own designs using Universal Yarn!
  • Learn Tablet Weaving (I’ve desired to learn this type of weaving for so many years and just never invested in a loom).
  • Once I am married in April, design and make a sweater for my husband, Nathan! He is crazy tall and has a hard time finding clothes that fit him well, so I know he would treasure a handmade sweater that fits him perfectly. (Waiting until we’re officially married due to the sweater curse, haha!) I plan to use Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash in #901 Garnet because he loves red.
  • Design a knit dress – perhaps a dress version of my design, Carillon, knit in Deluxe Worsted.
  • Knit a pair of knee or thigh high, super lacy socks, like the Herbal Lace Socks designed by Victoria Galkina.”

Ashley Jane (AJ) – Design & Trunk Show Coordinator

From left to right: Evermore Dress (photo by Stephanie Erin),
Traveler Fair Isle Sweater (photo by Briana K Designs)

“I have made up my own “Out of this World UFO” list! “UFO” meaning unfinished objects, and out-of-this-world meaning I have at least one large project bagged and tagged for each month of 2022, which is ambitious! One of the projects I am most excited about is making the Evermore Dress, designed by Stephanie Erin, for an upcoming wedding that I’ll be in! I’m also excited to make the Traveler Fair Isle Crochet Sweater this year using a beautiful earthy-toned stash of Deluxe Worsted. I’ll be sure to post pictures of my journey on my Instagram and Ravelry, so feel free to follow along!”

Rachel (That’s me!) – Creative Lead

Top, from left to right: Argil (photo by Pom Pom Publishing), Saven (photo by Hudson + West Co), my Snowy Forest WIP. Bottom: My Argil WIP.

I’m going to start by saying that this is my tenth knitting anniversary! It was my 2012 New Year’s Resolution to learn, and oh boy, I never imagined how much it would transform my life! I’ve got to say, it was my most successful resolution ever! I have so many fibery goals for this year, and I hope I can achieve most of them.

Like Yonca and AJ, I want to work from my stash and I want to complete some UFOs (unfinished objects). I have three on my list – to be honest, there are a couple more but the reality is that I’m going to frog them.

  • Snowy Forest by Midori Hirose: I’m actually super close on this one. This is the sweater that Yonca, Aubrey, and myself are knitting together. I’m ahead of them, but I also started first and convinced them to knit it with me. This ticks off a little bit of stash, too! I’m using our Deluxe Worsted in #71051 Toast and carrying it along with a mystery mohair/silk blend from my stash. If you also fancy a mohair/silk blend, don’t miss Rico Design Essentials Super Kid Mohair Loves Silk. I’ve been busy creating a few design proposals and an upcoming design for spring, so I briefly put this project on pause. However, this weekend I’ll be on sleeve island, and hopefully will finish my own Snowy Forest. You can see it in the gallery above.
  • John’s Cardi – by me!: Okay, I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve only ever knit my husband, John, one sweater, and I’m even more embarrassed that I have been working on this design for over a year. In fact, first it was meant to be his anniversary gift last year, then his birthday gift, and now I hope to have it finished in time for our 10th wedding anniversary on March 10th. Fingers crossed! I don’t have a photo to share of this design, but I am using Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash in #413 Smoke and #405 Pine. It features some simple colorwork, steeking, a shawl collar, and some inset pockets. I’ll definitely publish the pattern, so be on the lookout…someday!
  • Argil by Clare Lakewood: For this one, I sincerely hope my gauge hasn’t changed because this is a 2019 project – oof! I’m using our Ready to Dye 03 that I naturally dyed with pokeberry along with Flax Lace held double in color #116 Jungle. I made such a silly mistake on it and just set it aside for ages. It will be so perfect for our hot and humid summers, so maybe I can finish this one by May.

I have so many design goals for the year that I don’t know where to begin. I want to become more well-rounded in knitwear design and work on my crochet skillset. I’m always designing because it’s simply my passion, but I’ve really enjoyed knitting projects by other designers, too. There is always something to learn from other designers – new techniques, how to word things, and more. I’ll call this part of my goal to become more well-rounded as a designer. One of the designs I have my eye on for 2022 is Saven by the mega-talented Meghan Babin. It’s unisex, so I’ll either make it for myself or for John. If I make it myself, I’m definitely using Deluxe Worsted from my stash – in either #12281 Clay or #41795 Nectarine.

Although my list goes on, I’ll stop here because I’m being quite the chatterbox. I guess I’m just very excited for all the crafty things I expect 2022 to bring. What are your craftsolutions for the new year? We would absolutely love to hear them, and we can’t wait to share many exciting things with you, too!

Happy crafting!

-Rachel

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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!

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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

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Free Pattern Friday – Turkish Delight

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

image of woman wearing colorful shawl

Today, Turkish Delight knit in Colorburst (pattern link here).

rear view of a woman wearing a colorful striped knitted shawl
Bright but not saccarine-sweet, this is a design that marries sophistication with whimsy.

Winter doesn’t have to be drab and gray. Today’s free pattern proves that!

closeup image of ball of purple and blue Colorburst yarn color 112
Colorburst color 119 Bursa

Colorburst’s big, beautiful 660-yard “beehive” style balls make it easy to create this design with just one ball of each colorway. Designer Rachel Brockman alternated two different colors to give maximum impact. She chose one light tone – 112 Romance, and one dark – 119 Bursa, for strong contrast between the stripes.

Beautiful geometry and rhythm, offset by gentle changes within the shades.

Simple stripes are broken by mosaic-knit squares, the “Turkish Delight” confection that gives the shawl its name. They add interest to an already fascinating shawl!

imgae of Turkish Delight candy squares
Looking for a recipe?

Turkish Delight are a popular treat in the office breakroom around this time of year. They’re a sweet but sophisticated treat, just like this shawl.

Work it from tip to widest edge and watch how the color repeats change!

Have a wonderfully sweet weekend, and may your days be as merry and bright as this shawl!

Happy crafting!

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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!

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Day 11 of Winter – Series 5 Edition

This is part 11 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, Series 5.

Delicious seasonal foods are one of my favorite things about winter. From mulled wine to pot pies, most of my favorite things to eat are perfect for cold weather. Cookies are a beloved treat of most families, and baking is a great way to spend more quality time with loved ones over the holidays. I absolutely love cooking and baking, I find it to be just as therapeutic and relaxing as knitting. Homemade gingersnap cookies were my inspiration for the Gingersnap Hats kit, knit using Deluxe Worsted Tweed.

Gingersnap Hats -knit using Deluxe Worsted Tweed colors 910 Porcelain, 913 Smoke, and 920 Camel

Techniques you’ll explore in the Gingersnap Hats patterns are

  • Knitting in the round
  • Stranded Colorwork
  • Slipped stitches
  • Mosaic Knitting
  • Cables
  • Making pom poms

The Gingersnap Hats kit comes with the yarn you need and three hat patterns rolled into one (like a cookie!). One kit will make all three hats- meaning you can keep all three for yourself, or gift a couple to loved ones! Each hat is very different, so you’ll get to explore a wide variety of fun techniques in the whole pattern. I chose colors that felt warm, spicy, and worked well together. I love how the different shades don’t compete with one another in these hats, and each one shows off the tweedy nubs in Deluxe Worsted Tweed so well. This superwash wool based yarn is wonderful to work with and easy to care for.

Two-Color Plaid Hat

The Two-Color Plaid Hat features a broken rib hem in the color 920 Camel. I love ribbing stitches, and enjoyed playing with some different rib stitches for this hat trio. You’ll then work a buffalo style plaid colorwork pattern all over the body of the hat. It easily works into the crown shaping, creating a seamless look. Since this colorwork only uses 2 colors, it has a very bold, graphic look that makes a statement.

Two-Color Cable Hat

For the next part of the Gingersnap Hats, I designed the Two-Color Cable Hat. This hat features some knitting techniques that are really fun when worked together. First, you’ll work a folded brim using the color 913 Smoke, in a classic K1, P1 rib stitch. Then, you’ll immediately begin working the mosaic two-color cable texture. This type of knitting uses slipped stitches in one color and knit stitches in another to achieve the final texture. You’ll also work cables into the mosaic pattern. Although this may sound intimidating, you’ll only be using one color per row, making it easy to tackle! Mosaic knitting has a unique process and end-result appearance that you’ll love once you get the hang of it.

The Three-Color hat

The final hat in the trio is the Three-Color Hat. First, you’ll work a twisted rib hem (my favorite), then, you’ll use all three colors for a slipped stitch tweed-like pattern. From there, you’ll transition into the stranded colorwork section of the hat. This hat uses all three colors, so be extra mindful of your float tension here, and change needle sizes as indicated in the pattern. For the crown shaping, we return to the rhythmic tweed texture. Each of these hats is adorned with a pom pom that matches the color of the ribbing. So cute!

Deeeee-licious

For today’s post, I wanted to share a delicious recipe for homemade ginger cookies, which inspired the Gingersnap Hats. These cookies are soft, chewy, full of spice, and drizzled with white chocolate. If you need encouragement for baking, the office staff ate all of these cookies in about 10 minutes after I finished taking these photos!

For the cookies you will need:

  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 3/4 cup of shortening or butter (your preference)
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 egg
  • 2 1/4 cups of all purpose baking flour
  • 2 teaspoons of baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • brown sugar, cinnamon, and white sugar blend for rolling cookies before baking
  • white chocolate for drizzling (I like the Ghirardelli melting wafers)

How to make cookies

  1. Combine the sugar, molasses, shortening or butter, and egg in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium until mixture becomes light and fluffy.
  2. Add in your dry ingredients, and use a large mixing spoon or spatula and stir to combine well.
  3. Once well combined, cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge. Minimum: 1 hour
  4. While dough is chilling, preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.
  5. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Pour cinnamon, brown, and white sugar mix onto a plate.
  7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out and roll dough into 1″ balls. Roll the dough in the sugar mixture to give a light all-over coating.
  8. Place approx 12 cookies per sheet, leaving space between each cookie. (Recipe makes 24-28 cookies depending on size)
  9. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, or until they rise and fall in the oven (to retain chewy soft texture).
  10. Remove from oven and place sheet of parchment paper with cookies on counter to cool completely. If you have wire cooling racks, you may also use these. I like leaving the parchment paper underneath for easy cleanup after drizzling chocolate!
  11. Once the cookies are completely cool, heat your white chocolate per the package instructions.
  12. Using a small sandwich bag, spoon the liquid white chocolate into the bag, and ziplock closed. Cut a very small hole in one corner of the bag.
  13. Use a zig-zag motion to drizzle the white chocolate over the cookies. Make a second pass in the opposite direction.
  14. Allow to cool completely, until the chocolate becomes hard. enjoy!!!
This looks exactly like a perfect winter’s night

Knitting/crochet and baking are two hobbies that go wonderfully together. Make your yummy treats, then relax with your WIP while you get to enjoy them! The ginger cookies pair well with a spiced tea like this vanilla chai. Tell us in the comments: what is your favorite holiday treat to enjoy while you knit or crochet?

Remember, the Gingersnap Hats and our other exclusive 12 Days of Winter 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,

Aubrey

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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!

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Free Pattern Friday – Embers Hat

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Embers Hat in Be Wool and Be Wool Multi (pattern link here).

So how about it? Done with all your gift knitting this year? I’m not – I still have a single requested Towanda Sock to go. But there’s still time to squeeze in some quick handmade projects, when you choose those projects carefully!

The Embers Hat ticks all my boxes for a quick gift.

  • Thick yarn
  • Looks harder than it is (got to impress the recipient!)
  • Fun pom pom. I’m a sucker for a pom pom!
Be Wool Multis 201 Desert

Thick yarn? Check! Solid Be Wool and its color-flecked sibling Be Wool Multis are a perfect matching pair. Each is a thick, soft wool/acrylic blend that works up lightning-fast.

So cozy!

You’ll cast on with US Size 15 (10 mm) 16″ circular for the 2×2 ribbed brim, then move to US Size 17 (12 mm) needles for the body of the hat.

Big and beautiful.

The Fair Isle diamonds pattern is simple enough. The use of multi-colored yarn creates a more syncopated rhythm to the color than straight solid-on-solid, although you could certainly use a coordinating Be Wool color in place of the Multis. I’m wondering how 109 Tango, a rich red, would look!

Pom pom-tastic!

Pom pom? Check! And I do love how Be Wool Multis creates a variegated topper without any extra work on the crafter’s part. It’s literally the crowning touch!

Whether you’re looking for a last minute gift, or a fun, fast project for yourself, the Embers Hat has you covered.

We hope you have a stress-free weekend, full of joy.

Happy crafting!

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Day 9 of Winter – Series 5 Edition

This is part 9 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, series 5 Edition

Hello there! As we inch closer and closer to the end of the Holiday Season, you are likely on the go non-stop with errands like shopping, running to the post office, sprinting for groceries and more. With that in mind, this project is the perfect way to stay creative while staying moving. Winterworld is a crochet table runner (or beautiful accessory!) that is made from many small twinkling snowflake motifs assembled as a statement piece that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Winterworld Table Runner

The snowflakes are made using Bella Cash and Universe held together. I love this combination so much, the Bella Cash is made from Merino, cashmere and nylon making it ultra soft, yet very sturdy to work with. The Universe is made from cotton, linen, polyamide and glitter creating a blend that has depth and a bit of sparkle.

Some techniques you’ll explore working on this project are:

  • Working with 2 yarns held together
  • Working in the round
  • Using a picot to create a motif

The end result makes beautiful snowflakes with an understated twinkle – perfect for bringing the magic of the season into your home.

Snowflake motif up close with Bella Cash and Universe held together.

The finished piece also makes for a very fun wrap or stole if you’re looking to add some festivity to your look!

Winterworld used as a beautiful and cozy stole.

Winterworld was intentionally designed so that you can work on it anywhere and everywhere! Bella Cash and Universe are each wound into 50 g balls which are the perfect size for stashing into a small project bag with your crochet hook. With each snowflake being made individually, you only have to worry about 1 of each yarn at a time being with you, and making little snowflakes is quick and easy no matter where you are!

Individual Snowflake Motifs

For getting out and about with yarn, I’m obsessed with some of the muud handcrafted leather products that we carry! For this project specifically, I recommend the Hope crochet box or the Heaven bag. Hope is perfect for tucking in to a larger bag as it has a sleek shape, room for the 2 balls of yarn, and an elastic band for up to 6 hooks. It is compact, tidy, and just what you need for bringing a project along to any occasion.

Bella Cash and Universe in the project box, Hope

Heaven is my personal favorite. It comes with a strap to turn this project case into its own bag! Don’t worry about tucking and transferring a project bag into a tote, and just make this your all-in-one project purse! The two sides zip fully open to reveal compartments suited for small projects like Winterworld, as well as your daily essentials. With fiber in mind, the bag was designed to have holders for hooks or needles, as well as interior zip compartments and pockets.

One side of the bag, Heaven, used for the Winterworld kit
One side of the bag, Heaven, used for daily essentials

There are plenty of options for having your Winterworld project with you as you navigate holiday parties, shopping and more. Tell us in the comments, what are your favorite places to bring your on-the-go projects!?

Heaven and Hope, size comparison for on-the-go projects

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!

Warmly, Ashley Jane McIntyre

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Day 8 of Winter – Series 5 Edition

This is part 8 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, series 5 Edition.

I love the winter season because of many things; seasonal drinks and items come back, joy seems to fill the air, and I always have fun shopping for holiday gifts! Another thing that I look forward to each season is winter-themed decorations! From driving by houses that shine brightly with different lights and figurines, to seeing what special and unique decorations each person sets up or creates, it’s clear to me that you can never go wrong with adding a little bit of spice and flair into your home with decorations for the season. Our Trio of Trees designed by Aubrey Busek is the perfect way to add seasonal décor to your home!

Trio of Trees

Let’s take a closer look: the Trio of Trees are made up of three elegant and timeless patterns that can be recycled year after year (which is such a huge plus!). The trio features a Linen Stitch Tree, a Striped Tree, and a Slipped Ornaments Tree. Each tree brings its own unique character to the table and can easily become a staple decoration in your home for the season. Featuring our Cotton Gold yarn as well as our Dona yarn, these two yarns held together and worked up create some magic to get you ready to jump into the winter season!

Slipped Ornament Tree

Each tree uses a different stitch pattern, which is fun because you are getting a “stitch sampler” with each tree you make! The Slipped Ornament Tree is my personal favorite, because it reminds me so much of a classic winter tree that we so often see during this time of the year. In this pattern, a special stitch called a Long Stitch is used. The yarn is wrapped twice around the needle, giving a “draped” effect throughout the tree. The delicate sequins strung through our Cotton Gold yarn creates a gorgeous shimmer that, when incorporated with the saturated colors of Dona, will have your guests do a double take and stop to admire this miniature forest in your home!

Linen Stitch Tree

You know those winter decorations that your family brings out year after year, no matter how “old” it gets? That is exactly what I think about when I see the Linen Stitch Tree. This specific tree instantly sends me back to sweet memories in the winter seasons spent with my family, decorating our home and getting ready for the upcoming events. The minimalist Linen Stitch tree offers a mix and match vibe to your holiday décor. You simply work knit stitches and slip stitches with yarn held in front to create a woven effect and provide texture to the tree.

Striped Tree

Look at how it subtly glistens! The Striped Tree features a stockinette stitch pattern worked all the way up the body. A strand of each Dona and Cotton Gold are held together throughout the tree, and the Dona colors (Blue Hint, Balsam, Alabaster) are changed every four rows. The glimmer from Cotton Gold creates a dream-like aura of snow falling from the sky, which is fitting for the season! Although they are all effortless to make, the Striped Tree is the most minimalist pattern in my opinion because it is just stockinette stitch the whole way up! It is the perfect final addition to the Trio, because it adds the right amount of sophistication while still looking simple.

These trees are each knit in the round from the bottom up. A picot edge is picked up and worked after finishing to create ‘skirts’ on the bottom of each tree edge, and the tree tops are stuffed with poly-fill before finally placing around the Styrofoam bases. Remember to check your gauge! It is so important for accuracy and so it fits in the styrofoam cones properly. They are the perfect addition to your home for this winter season, and will be for years to come! These trees will make your friends, family, and guests feel welcomed in your home, in the holiday spirit.

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!

Cheers!

Talya Ozbelli