Pattern – Page 24 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

May 11, 2020May 11, 2020

Iluvia Shawl – A Dona Color Kit

We’re introducing a new Dona Color Kit in the Soothe colorway, the Iluvia Shawl. Our Dona Color Kits include a pattern and a curated selection of colors of Fibra Natura Dona. Dona is a 100% superwash extra fine merino yarn that gives beautiful stitch definition. We offer 5 different color kits, each one comprised of 6 colors that all look fantastic as a group.

When I was prompted to design a shawl for the Soothe Kit, I knew I wanted to design something that felt gentle and graceful. Upon receiving the skeins of Dona to work with, the soft blue and green shades immediately made me think of nature. It has always been a big source of inspiration for me as designer, and I wanted to take that and roll with it.

The pitter-patter of rain on a rooftop is a sound that most people find calming. I love to see water wash over rocks in a river or stream, and droplets of dew on the grass during my morning walk is a visual pleasure of the simplest kind. These tiny marvels of the world were my inspiration when I chose stitch patterns for the Iluvia Shawl.

This sampler-style shawl features 5 different stitch patterns in sections that use up the bulk of one ball of each color in the kit, with the grey (130 Steely) breaking up each section in gentle garter stitch. In general, the stitch patterns are fairly simple, focused on creating the rain-inspired textures. The shawl decreases on one edge, and pretty tassels adorn each corner.

tassels on a knit shawl — The tassels enhance the flowing water feeling. And they’re just too cute!

Because each stitch pattern is simple and easy to memorize, this becomes quite the meditative knit. Perfect for being worked in the ‘Soothe’ colorway, don’t you think? I hope this becomes a fun and soothing project for many, just as it was for me.

A flat photo of a knit shawl — I snapped this photo for Instagram as I was working on the shawl. I love the way the light hits those stitches!

Many LYS stores stock our Dona Color Kits, contact yours to get the Soothe Kit today!

Happy Crafting!

March 2, 2020March 2, 2020

Perfect Pairs – Girl Scout Cookies and Yarn

I’m not gonna lie – this post is basically an excuse to join two of my favorite things together and claim it’s work-related. Because not only do we have access to a warehouse full of gorgeous yarn, we also have a Girl Scout leader on staff!

Everybody say hi to René, seen here finishing a blanket in Bella Chenille Big, and saying, “wait, you’re not taking my picture are you?” (Sorry, René!) René is our local ~~dealer~~ supplier of Girl Scout Cookies and with so many fabulous choices, we got to thinking about what cookie we would pair with what yarn. So let’s get started!

Thin Mints and Uptown Worsted

Why? Uptown Worsted has consistently been near the top of our bestsellers since its introduction – just like Thin Mints remain at the top for Girl Scout cookies. It’s machine washable (the yarn, not the cookie), resists pilling, and has a broad range of options to appeal to everyone.

The most delicious photo I’ve ever taken.

What to make? This is a tough one. There are adorable kid-friendly projects like these crocheted monster hats, fashion forward projects like this free Chevron Wrap, and gorgeous kits like the Colorbloom Afghan.

However, the nod goes to Amy Gunderson’s Illusion Throw, an offering from Series 2 of the 12 Days of Winter patterns. It’s simple, versatile, and easy to customize to your own tastes. Something for everyone, just like Uptown Worsted and Thin Mints.

Yes, that is my Girl Scout sash from the 1980s.

2. S’Mores and Uptown DK Colors

Why? Stripes for DAYS.

Uptown DK Colors 70321, aptly named Rainbowz

Uptown DK Colors has the same anti-pilling acrylic that Uptown Worsted does, but in a lighter weight with crisp stripes. Just like the vanilla/chocolate filling sandwiched between two wafers in the S’Mores, these layers are smooth.

Color 70308 Campsite seemed appropriate.

What to make? That’s a toughie. The free Magical Mystery Throw is stunning, but we just featured a throw. So how about the simple Paprika Seed Cowl?

It’s a one-skein pattern that could not be easier – Cast on, then seed stitch all the way around until you’re out of yarn. Boom. You’ve got a cowl. It’s the beauty of self-striping yarn – you can work a very simple pattern and let the yarn do the work.

3. Trefoils and Deluxe Chunky

Why? Deluxe Chunky is the ultimate high-quality workhorse, and it’s been with us since the beginning. Just as trefoils are a classic shortbread that you keep reaching for, Deluxe is the beautiful wool you’ll go for again and again.

What to make? There are so many options here. Knitters should cast an eye toward a pullover that I still can’t believe is free, Valentina. However, for those who crochet and love home decor, the Hearth Rug is an underappreciated gem.

Each motif in this felted rug is crocheted separately, making it a great on-the-go project. Any Senior Girl Scout going for her Textile Artist badge will get to use several techniques in this project. A fun project for a group or an individual!

4. Samoas and Revolutions

Why? Samoas have cookies, caramel, coconut, chocolate… a little bit of everything. It makes for a delicious combination. Revolutions has wool, mohair, alpaca, acrylic, and nylon, all of which blend to make a lofty and beautiful yarn. Good things, coming together to make something better than their parts!

What to make? Revolutions is a big yarn with a lot of yardage, so there are plenty of options. Crocheters might like the free Allium Shawl, a big and beautiful piece that shows off the self-shading yarn beautifully.

Knitters might prefer the free Warmth Stole, a large and luscious wrap that takes just one wheel of Revolutions. Doesn’t this color remind you of a campfire?

5. Tagalongs and Ricorumi

Why? When I hear the word “tagalong” I think of a little friend coming along on an adventure. And that’s the perfect description for the mini-skeins of Ricorumi DK cotton.

These tiny skeins are designed for amigurumi crochet, although they’re also perfect for colorwork and small projects. We’ve seen some very cute and inventive things made in Ricorumi!

What to make? Well, wouldn’t one of these little friends look awfully cute – especially with a tiny Girl Scout uniform? They can be found in the book Crazy Cute Family, or you can get them as kits (hook included!)

There were more cookie/yarn pairings we could do, but I probably shouldn’t eat that many more cookies. At least, not right now.

Hungry? Patronize your local Girl Scout cookie booth! If you can’t find one, there’s an app for that. And if you think of other pairings you’d like to see, let us know!

February 12, 2020February 12, 2020

Romance in Ravello: The Ciri Shawl

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I thought I’d make a confession. I have a new love in my life, and it’s Fibra Natura Ravello. One of our new spring yarns, this is quickly becoming a favorite (I know, I shouldn’t pick favorites!). It’s a blend of cotton, extra-fine merino wool, and recycled cashmere, making it a fabulous yarn for multi-season garments and accessories. Ravello is soft, drapey, and has a subtle halo. These qualities are pretty irresistible!

A ball of Fibra Natura Ravello placed on top of a shawl. — Ravello in 104 Soft Clay

I’ve been having so much fun designing with this yarn. So, just in time for Valentine’s Day, we’re introducing the Ciri shawl. This is a large, asymmetrical shawl knit in two coordinating colors that nod towards Valentine’s Day without being obvious.

A woman holding a striped and lace shawl knit in Fibra Natura Ravello

The main color is 108 Tuscan Pepper, a rich burgundy that shows off the lace beautifully. It is paired with 104 Soft Clay as the contrast color. After years of resisting pink, I’ve recently become more and more drawn to warm, less saturated shades of pink. Swaths of lace in the main color are interrupted by garter stitch stripes that are worked with the contrast color. It is finished with a crochet picot bind-off that adds a touch of romance.

A woman wearing a striped and lace shawl knit out of Fibra Natura Ravello.

Ciri is knit on the bias, creating an asymmetrical shape. It begins at the tip and slowly increases to the widest edge. The shape and loose gauge make a drapey fabric you’ll love to wear. Each end of the shawl gently spirals downward when you place it over your shoulders.

A woman wearing a lace and striped shawl wrapped twice around her shoulders.

This shawl is quite large. You can wrap it around your neck multiple times for maximum coziness.

A shawl draped over a wood side table. — Just look at that picot trim and gorgeous drape – we’re smitten!

Whether you’re knitting this for your Galentine, Valentine, or yourself, the Ciri shawl is the perfect cast-on this week.

A woman wearing a white cable and lace hat knit in Fibra Natura Ravello. — Gardenia is knit is 101 Ocean Fog.

Oh, and just in case you’re looking for a little more Ravello inspiration, don’t forget about Gardenia. Lace and delicate cables would make this sweet little hat another lovely Valentine’s Day project, especially knit up in 106 Malbec or 107 Balet Slipper.

Three balls of Fibra Natura Ravello in shades of pink and red. — Top: 106 Malbec
Bottom, left to right: 107 Balet Slipper and 104 Soft Clay

We hope you have a wonderful holiday – filled with chocolate, yarn, and your favorite people!

December 17, 2019December 17, 2019

Ricorumi Spotlight: The Child Projects

I don’t know about you, but I often pair my crafting time with binge-watching my favorite shows and movies. Lately, like pretty much everyone else I know, I’ve been watching the Mandalorian. Everyone who has been watching this show is pretty much obsessed with the child – and how can you not be? He’s sooo cute! Knitters and crocheters alike have clearly been inspired, and there are already loads of patterns on making a baby alien of your own. When I laid eyes on the Baby Keychain Ornament, designed by Vivianne Russo, I couldn’t resist joining the fun and making one. Luckily we’ve started carrying the perfect yarn for it!

A flat lay of three skeins of Ricorumi yarn, Ricorumi notions, and a small crochet project. — Ricorrumi DK yarn skeins from left to right: 058 Silver Grey, 054 Ecru, & 047 Pistachio. Also pictured: button eyes and 3.00 mm crochet hook, along with the Baby Keychain Ornament.

We recently became a distributor of Rico Design’s adorable Ricorumi line. We’ve all been completely smitten with the adorable kits and mini-skeins. They’re simply irresistible. Plus, notions such as the button eyes and crochet hooks are available, so you can easily grab everything you need.

An ornament featuring a baby yoda figure, crocheted from Ricorumi Cotton DK yarn. — Are you just melting from the cuteness? I know we are!

When it came to my attention that the little skeins of yarn would be great for making all the green baby patterns around, I immediately grabbed some yarn and notions to get started. I’ve picked out several colors that would be perfect for creating one of your own – and want to share some of the other great patterns to choose from.

For the project I crocheted, I used 058 Silver Grey for the carriage, 047 Pistachio for the body, and 054 Ecru for the collar. Below are some of the other color options that would work equally well.

Several skeins of Ricorumi DK yarn in a row, pictured with a crochet hook. — Ricorumi DK yarn skeins from left to right: 051 Mastic, 054 Ecru, 057 Chocolate, 058 Silver Grey, 047 Pistachio.

If you prefer a stand-up figure, Vivianne Russo also designed The Child – Green Baby. We’re also loving Yazmina Nieblas‘ version, which includes the little bowl of bone broth. She created two versions so you can play around a bit more with the colors shown above.

For this version we suggest 051 Mastic for the collar, 054 Ecru for the main garment, 057 Chocolate for the bowl, and 047 Pistachio for the body.

Even if you’re new to crochet (like me), these patterns are really simple. They’re mostly comprised of single crochet and simple increases. Plus, being so small, you can create them in no time at all. If you’re still reluctant to crochet, there are knit versions, too. Plus, Ricorumi DK works equally well with knit projects.

Lucky for us, KnitHacker has already created a comprehensive list of both knit and crochet patterns that are perfect for making a child of your own. Find the crochet list here (link) and the knit list here (link).

Head to your local yarn store to grab your skeins of Ricorumi DK!

December 10, 2019December 10, 2019

Color Of The Year 2020

Blue yarn and color of the year banner above

New years bring a lot of good things with them. Things like resolutions, new knitting projects, and of course: Pantone’s Color of the Year.

Pantone researches trends in media, fashion, culture, entertainment, art, and more to forecast what color will be best for the coming year. This color decision will then trickle into products created in many industries like fashion, interiors, and yes, yarn! What is the color of the year, you ask? Well, it is 19-4052 – Classic Blue!

Skeins of blue yarn laid on a table — “*Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.* ” – Pantone.com

With a lot of things in nature being blue, and it’s inherent quality as a calming color, blue appeals to everyone. The shade chosen, Classic Blue, is a strong foundation color that is suggestive of the sky at dusk. As you can see with the yarns above, we have an abundance of blue to choose from in our yarn offerings, and plenty that mix blue with other stunning shades.

Some of our yarns that offer this rich blue shade are Bella Chenille in Indigo, and Fibra Natura Flax in Fierce Blue. Blue yarn for all seasons!

Dona and Donnina, which are both 100% extrafine superwash merino wool yarn, offer great stitch definition have some fabulous blue shades. Below we’ve featured a couple of the patterns available in our Dona Color Kit – Blues.

Blue hat and fingerless mittens — The Color Shift Hat and Mittens from our Dona Kit in Blues

A hand-knit shawl in shades of blue — The Staccato Shawl from our Dona Color Kit in Blues

Deluxe Worsted and Deluxe Chunky are great staple yarns to stock up on for future projects throughout the year. Colbalt is the blue shade available that best matches the Pantone Classic Blue. The Switcback Cardigan (below) from our Deluxe Men Collection features gorgeous blue colorwork!

Man wearing a hand knit cardigan — The Switchback Cardigan from our Deluxe Men Collection using Deluxe Worsted

Major , Bamboo Bloom, and Uptown DK Colors are all yarns that have beautiful multi-colored blue shades. Any pattern you knit or crochet with these yarns is sure to be rich with color and texture.

A crochet blanket in blues and grays — Flying V crochet blanket using Uptown Worsted

Luxor, our new mercerized Egyptian cotton yarn, is perfect for lightweight knit and crochet projects and comes in a wide array of colors including Royal Blue. Knit the Navona Wrap shown below and add a Color of the Year accessory to your closet!

A hand knit lace shawl in blue — The Navona Wrap in Luxor 105-02 Royal Blue

These are just some of the patterns we’ve designed that feature the Classic Blue shade. Remember, you can knit any pattern in any color you want! We hope you are just as excited as we are about the color of the year for 2020 and are ready to fill your stash with blue yarn. Happy knitting!

March 14, 2019March 12, 2020

Luck ‘O The Hat

St. Patrick’s Day is nearly upon us, my fiber friends! For most folks celebrating this Irish holiday, this is going to mean green, green, and more green!

I can remember showing up to elementary school one day (yes, a very long time ago) on March 17th sans green. I quickly learned that this was quite dangerous, as anyone who noticed was pinching me relentlessly! I found a green marker and made several green shamrocks on my hands, arms, and face so that I could avoid the torture of the pinch.

If you’re finding yourself with nothing green to wear this year, why not crank out a knitted green hat? Patty’s Hatty is knit in extrafine superwash merino DK weight Dona. Dona is soft and squishy and feels great on the skin.

You’ve got a few days left – what are you waiting for?

December 20, 2018April 6, 2021

Holiday Crafting – Don’t Panic!

How’s everybody doing? All caught up on your handmade gifts?

If you are, then good for you! If you’re not… join the club! Fortunately, there are still some quick, good-looking projects that you (and I) can make at the last minute. And if you still can’t quite finish, well… we have some options at the end of this post.

When I’m in a pinch, I go big! Take a look at the Coffee Beans and Sugar Cubes hats.

Coffee Beans and Sugarcubes hats in Uptown Super Bulky

What I like about them:

Knit in Uptown Super Bulky on size 11 needles, they go really fast.
They’re designed to take one ball each of two colors – and you can get two hats out of those two skeins!
Did I mention they were really fast?

I’ve made more than a few of these, and they’ve always been popular. My most recent set were super bright for two friends, who loved them.

These are also available as a kit from your LYS.

Are you a crocheter? How about the Racing Cowl?

This takes just one skein of self-striping Uptown Super Bulky Amplify on a size N-15 (10mm) hook.

striped crochet cowl in Uptown Super Bulky Amplify yarn — Just half double crochet all the way around. Easy peasy.

If you want to knit something bulky but not super-bulky, try the Latta Park Hat and Mittens from e-book Colorful Commute.

I made one of these myself, and it was fun and easy. The Classic Shades Frenzy is a smart choice because it lends visual interest without extra work – always a consideration when you’re on a deadline.

As a little holiday gift, we’re running a giveaway of the Latta Park Hat and Mittens. (Also, consider signing up for our newsletter. Subscribers already heard about this!)

You can enter this coupon code by going to the Latta Park Hat and Mittens page on Ravelry, and entering FRENZY at the “use a coupon code” link that appears during purchase. Use it by 12/23.

Finally, if you’re just not gonna make it, we still have some options. How about a card to let your giftee know that their gift is on the way? We made a few printable options for you.

Regardless of how your holiday gifting turns out, we hope you’ll be able to make time to slow down and enjoy the season as best you can.

Happy crafting!

December 14, 2018April 6, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Magical Mystery Throw

Image of brightly colored throw knitted in Uptown DK Colors

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

colorful striped square knitted throw draped over chair

Today the Magical Mystery Throw in Uptown DK Colors (pattern link).

We designed this throw to show off one of our three new colors in Uptown DK Colors, a soft, cottony anti-pilling acrylic.

The stripes that work up so evenly in a fixed-width piece do some amazing things when the rows start to grow, as in this center-out throw.

The longer the row, the narrower the band of color.

Until by the end, you’ll end up with multiple colors per row. Such a great effect! Of course, you could go with a less varied palette…

….or really pull out all the stops with a rainbow-themed throw to display with pride.

No matter what you choose, it’s great fun to see the design emerge as you knit this kaleidoscope of color.

Have a great weekend, and happy crafting!

Image of folded tropical-colored afghan knit in Uptown DK Colors.

December 7, 2018April 6, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Beyond the Sea Cowl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Beyond the Sea Cowl in Revolutions and Cotton Gold (pattern link here).

This cowl is named for the Bobby Darin song, that talks about how the singer’s true love is waiting across the waves. But it also hearkens to song’s original French inspiration, La Mer, with its visions of the sea dancing along the shore, shimmering under the rain.

Mixing the warmth of Revolutions‘ alpaca and mohair halo with the glitter in sequined Cotton Gold captures the feel of the light sparkling on the waves.

The main pattern is a three row repeat using very basic crochet stitches, making this a suitable project for an adventurous beginner.

The finished product has a warm and relaxed fabric, both dressy and practical. It’s easy enough to widen this cowl, if desired. It uses an 8 stitch repeat, so just start with more stitches in that 8 stitch increment and you’re set.

We wish you a warm and bright weekend.

Happy crafting!

November 30, 2018April 6, 2021

Free Pattern Friday – Checkerboard Pullover

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Today, the Checkerboard Pullover in Dona (pattern link here).

Things to love about this pullover:

It’s sized from 3-6 months all the way up to 10 years. Whether your little one is “ooh, look at the tiny toes!” or “I can’t believe they’re growing up so fast!” you can still make them a fun sweater.

The stranding is very predictable. If you like to do Fair Isle without having to constantly refer back to the pattern, you’re set. Put on an episode of This Is Us and knit away without missing the juicy bits.

It would be really easy to customize. Fibra Natura Dona has a range of bold colors, both dark and light. Blue and white for a gingham look? Red and black for a classic checkerboard? Team colors for the little fan? There are a lot of possibilities!

We hope you have a fantastic weekend.

Happy crafting!