Spring Shawls Just For You

April 18, 2023April 19, 2023

Spring Shawls Just For You

Spring has truly sprung here in North Carolina. If you sit outside, you hear birds chirping and see squirrels bickering and chasing each other. The trees are a lush, vibrant green, and the temperature is a balmy, low 70-something. It’s downright dreamy! While everyone is itching to get outside and experience the weather, they are also showing off new trends of the season. It has us thinking about our own accessory choices, and what we want to make next. Our team has taken some time to curate a selection of their top picks for spring shawls just for you!

*Painted Sunset, designed by Lana J*ois.

Our first pick comes from our Creative Lead, Rachel Brockman. “Knit in soft, summery Magnolia and designed by Lana Jois, Painted Sunset blends everything I love about a shawl. Featuring vibrant orange and red hues with geometric lace, slipped stitches, and soothing stripes, there is so much to love about this crescent shawl! Magnolia is a fingering weight blend of modal and cashmere that offers incredible drape that lends itself so well to projects like Painted Sunset.” This yarn is available in a dazzling 15 colors – which ones will you try out when making this shawl?

Next up is a pick from our newest designer, Afifa Sayeed. She selected Aard, designed by Rachel Brockman, saying how “I love the airiness in this stole created by the dropped stitches, perfect for just a touch of warmth and definitely a statement piece to elevate any outfit! Added bonus – it’s reversible!” The dramatic cabling of this shawl is shown off quite well thanks to the magnificent stitch definition of the yarn, Vireo. Available in 16 vibrant colors, this blend of Tencel and wool was designed with transitional weather in mind, making it a great choice for accessories and garments alike.

*Gradiate Shawl, designed by Amy Gunderson.*

Our Managing Director, Yonca Ozbelli, shares her number one pick next. “Mine is the Gradiate Shawl by Amy Gunderson. Timeless Flax makes this shawl crisp yet cozy, and it gets softer and more cozy over time. I loved this shawl so much that we had to turn it into a tank top! – Gradiate Tank.” Flaxes palette of 34 colors ranges from earthy neutrals to brilliant brights, and it’s made from 100% linen, which blooms and softens after each wash.

*Rosewood Shawl with color 107 Cotton Candy facing out.*

Robert shared his pick, a reversible shawl designed by me, Ashley Jane McIntyre, saying “I would have to say my favorite spring shawl is the Rosewood Shawl. This piece features incredible texture and has a soft, and squishy feel to it, which makes it very comfortable. Using Cobblestone, this shawl isn’t going to be overwhelmingly warm either, and it’s always a plus when you have a reversible accessory.” This yarn is a lovely sport weight featuring 2-plys of yarn, one which is solid and one which is variegated, to create an interesting handspun appearance. There are 16 colors to mix and match with. Which two will you try for this crocheted creation?

Aubrey, our Marketing Lead and Designer, shares her favorite pick, Eden. “This oversized shawl has various textured stitch patterns worked throughout, which I think stand out in our Truva yarn. Because the yarn has both marled and heathered qualities to each of the colors, it can be difficult to get stitch patterns to stand out. Eden reminds me of bas-relief art, with the shadows from the stitches creating the geometric patterns that ‘pop’ away from the base. The elongated triangle shape lends to a variety of styling options, and the cashmere/cotton blend of Truva exudes timeless elegance.” This yarn is available in a bespoke palette of 8 sophisticated colors.

Last, but not least, is my own pick for spring! I adore our recently released Foxglove and Snapdragon wraps. This set of free patterns are meant to be sisters, not twins, which both offer similar zig-zagging patterns across the long color changes of Offbeat. This yarn is a dk weight blend of 90% acrylic and 10% alpaca. It’s cozy enough for the days that still carry some crisp chill in the air, but light-weight enough in the featured lace stitches to be worn on a warmer day too. Offbeat comes in 8 self-striping colors, each designed to let your personality shine.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this review of spring shawls, and that you feel inspired to add some of these to your queue! Which one do you like the most? Share which one is your favorite with us here in the comments, or on social media!
That’s all for now, happy stitching!
Ashley Jane McIntyre

March 31, 2023March 30, 2023

Flash Pattern Friday – Wylie

The final Friday of March is upon us, meaning today, we will make a previously paid-for pattern free for the weekend. With warmer weather approaching, we decided to feature the Wylie tee for Flash Pattern Friday, designed by Aubrey Busek, and knit with our Cotton Supreme yarn. Let’s learn more about this exciting piece!

The Wylie tee is one of the many patterns first introduced in our Seaside Supreme collection in the Spring of 2021. Reverse stockinette stitch is used throughout the body, with a textured checkerboard motif along the front and back in the center. The reverse stockinette stitch allows the knit and purl stitches of the checkerboard to stand out even more, creating a garment you will cherish for years to come.

The body and the trim use a coordinating color, and with 45 different colors to choose from, you can customize it to your liking. This 100% cotton yarn is buttery soft, making it the perfect option for garments like the Wylie tee. The breathability of the cotton fibers will allow you to wear this piece throughout the summer’s hottest months and into fall. This weekend only – save 20% off our Cotton Supreme yarn, so what are you waiting for?

To get Wylie for free, please head to Ravelry and search for the pattern. Next, you will want to select the “buy it now” option to add it to your cart. Once added to your cart, you will add a coupon code to get the pattern for free. At checkout, enter the code “FLASH” to get this pattern. This offer is valid through Sunday, April 2nd!

Don’t forget to shop Cotton Supreme this weekend, and make sure to share all your finished projects with us on social media by using #universalyarn!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

March 17, 2023March 16, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Shamrock Dishcloths

It’s Friday, and it’s St. Patrick’s Day! Hopefully you’re wearing green, avoiding pinches, and feeling extra lucky! It’s in this festive spirit that we bring to you this week’s Free Pattern Friday, the Shamrock Dishcloths!

These cute, clover cloths are made primarily with intarsia colorwork, and with a bit of stranded colorwork in the center of the motif. The pattern calls for 2 hanks of Cotton Supreme in colors 502 White, and 612 Emerald. One of each color is enough for you to make both cloths, so make one for yourself and a friend to spread some extra cheer!

Cotton Supreme is a 100% cotton, worsted weight yarn that’s undeniably smooth and soft. It’s wonderful for garments and accessories, but versatile enough for home wares as it’s machine washable and dryable. It comes in 100g/180 yard hanks, and is available in 45 brilliant colors for you to mix and match. You even can pair Cotton Supreme with the recently released Cotton Supreme Speckles for some pops of color, perfect for spring!

I hope you enjoy this charming pattern and have fun making it for St. Patrick’s Day. Share your work with us by tagging us on social media, we love sharing the joy of your creations!

Happy Stitching, y’all!
Ashley Jane

March 8, 2023March 7, 2023

Yarns You Need this Spring

Buds are forming on branches, birds are building nests, and the earth is being greeted by more and more sunlight, thawing and reemerging from the cold. Spring is upon us! With every fresh season comes the desire to freshen up our stashes. Here are the yarns you won’t want to miss.

Ravello is one of three yarns making their debut as Web Exclusives on our site with brand-new, lower pricing! This luxurious, Italian yarn is a blend of cotton, extra-fine merino, and cashmere. In keeping with the “new life” theme of the season, it’s fitting to point out that the cashmere content is made from recycled sweaters, lending an eco-friendly characteristic to the lush composition. Beyond its metaphorical qualities, this yarn also has practical reasons to covet it during warmer months. It’s fine weight, and predominantly cotton base make for light, airy garments, like the Riviette Tank – a showstopper for the season!

Cotton Supreme Waves is a soft, high-quality 100% cotton yarn that’s wonderful for garments and accessories. It’s one of our Oeko-Tex certified yarns, which are tested for 350+ harmful substances to keep you and loved ones safe. Available in 18 self-striping colors, this DK weight, self-striping yarn is ready to add splashes of color to your warm weather lineup. Check out some of our adult garments, like the popular Fresh Berries tee, or pieces from our Seaside Supreme collection for inspiration!

Bamboo Pop Sock, and Bamboo Pop Sock Solids are classic, warm-weather options. With a combined total of 46 colors, you have endless combinations to choose from! This super fine yarn is a blend of 55% bamboo, 37% cotton, and 8% PBT for a bit of stretch. The blend is intended for socks, as the name implies, but we adore using this yarn for garments like the vibrant Crimson Tee, or soothing accessories, like the Edisto Shawl.

One last luxurious item that you absolutely don’t want to miss is the 50/50 cotton and cashmere, Truva. Available in a sophisticated palette of 8 color options, this yarn makes even the simplest of stitch patterns shine with an exquisite finesse. Dive into the 5 polished patterns of our On The Line collection, or explore free patterns like the Spearmint Tee, to craft yourself something magnificent to embrace the new warmth of the year.

*Rico Design yarn selections for spring.*

In addition to our own wonderful yarns, Rico Design has a beautiful variety, which we distribute here in the US. Nestled amongst them are a few perfect choices for this time of year. Baby Dream DK , made of 50% polyacrylic and 50% polyamide, is an excellent choice when making projects for little ones. It’s incredibly soft, easy to care for, and comes in 15 dreamy multi-colored shades. Pair it with the 21 complimentary solids of Baby Dream DK Uni for even more options!

Creative Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton DK is an exciting yarn to add to your stash! Each base color is spun with a vibrant variegated ply to add depth and dimension to each make. Select from 18 colors that span from deep earth tones, to rich jewel tones and even dusty pastels. This blend of 49% cotton, 46% acrylic and 5% polyester is versatile and wears well, ensuring your makes will last for years to come.

Fashion Cotton Light and Long Tweed DK captures the quintessential pastel shades of spring in its palette of 16 colors. The subtle color shifts blend like water color paintings with dashes of tweed adding a dose of refinement. It’s made of 47% cotton, 43% acrylic, 7% polyamide and 3% viscose and constructed with a tubular chainette for a lightweight, springy feel.

Last, but not least, Superba Merino Linen Silk, deserves some time to shine from our wide array of Rico Design yarns. Six self-shading colors captured in favored warm-weather fibers makes for a happy crafter, indeed! This yarn is unique and vibrant, like a gorgeous bouquet of spring flowers. It’s designed with socks in mind, but would make fabulous garments or accessories as well!

Share your work with us by tagging us on social media, we love sharing the joy of your creations!

Happy Stitching, y’all!
Ashley Jane

March 1, 2023February 28, 2023

Yarn Spotlight: Cassatt

5 balls of yarn called Cassatt are arranged to showcase their color and texture. Knitting needles are placed next to them with text reading "Yarn Spotlight with Cassatt."

Hey fiber friends! If you’re like me, one of your favorite parts of a new season is finding new projects to line up along with new yarn to play with. Last fall, we created Cassatt, and while there is still a chill in the air, it’s the perfect time to try it out!

*Cassatt colors clockwise from left: Water Lilies, Luncheon, Impasto.*

Made in Italy, Cassatt is a lush blend of 35% baby alpaca, 35% wool, 20% nylon, and 10% viscose. It features a hollow core with fine fibers blown through, creating a halo that is ethereal to look at, and a soft texture that’s a dream to work with. With such enchanting characteristics, it’s no wonder that this yarn’s name is inspired by American Impressionist painter, Mary Cassatt. Furthermore, each of the eight colors are named after famous works of art, from equally impactful artists. You’ll find “Water Lilies” by Claude Monet, and “Haystacks” by Van Gogh, to name a few. Can you identify the other six?

*Crochet hat, Wavelength, in the color 604 Water Lilies.*

It’s fitting that this yarn carries the theme of “a work of art,” considering anything you make using it will be just that! Whether you knit or crochet, you’ll find your stitches will come to life. They’ll be popping with definition from the plumpness of the yarn, and dancing from the speckles found in the colors. The tweedy nubs make each piece all the more magical, like the small visible brushstrokes of an impressionist painting.

*Knit accessory, the Painterly Shawl, in the color 602 Haystacks.*

As with any fine art, you will want to treat this yarn with care. With 70% of this special blend being quality fibers, you’ll need to hand wash your work and lay it flat to dry. The effort is well worth the reward, though, as each item made will be a timeless treasure. Take, for instance, the Emma vest (below) by Rachel Brockman. The simple lace stitch pattern and stripes ensure that Cassatt remains the focal point, and the combination comes together to create a layering piece that you’ll celebrate wearing year after year.

*Knit garment, the Emma vest, in colors 606 Opera and 603 Dancer.*

I hope you have enjoyed this look at our beautiful yarn, Cassatt, and I can’t wait to see all of the inspired pieces that you create with it! What do you think you’ll try out?

Happy Stitching, friends!
Ashley Jane

February 10, 2023February 9, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Broomstick Lace Scarf

It’s Friday, so you know what that means – it’s time for a free pattern! This week, we have the Broomstick Lace Scarf, an elegant crochet scarf with eye-catching Broomstick Lace detailing.

*Broomstick Lace Scarf using Noelle in the color 304 Calypso*

Broomstick Lace is a unique type of lace that requires a large crochet hook, which you pull loops of yarn onto across an entire row, with the use of your smaller hook. These loops are gently pulled off the large hook in sets, then single crochet is worked through them to go back across the row again. These single crochet stitches twist the loops so they lay flat, creating the swirled effect of the lace. It’s a technique that seems intimidating at first, but is actually quite simple, and even repetitive, once you get the hang of it. The resulting pattern is stunning and well worth the effort!

*Close-up view of the Broomstick Lace detailing in the scarf.*

The lace and simple half double crochet fabric in this week’s pattern accentuates the glistening properties of the yarn, Noelle. This DK weight, Italian yarn features a shimmering hollow core with fibers blown through, creating an ethereal effect. It is available in 50g skeins, in four bespoke colors, and is composed of baby alpaca, merino wool, polyester, and nylon. To make sure your shimmering stitches last, hand wash your work in cold water and lay it flat to dry.

I hope you feel inclined to make the enchanting Broomstick Lace Scarf, or to stock your stash with beautiful Noelle. If crochet isn’t for you, you might find other inspiration browsing the Subtle Glow collection, featuring 5 scintillating patterns to knit or crochet. Share your work with us by tagging us on social media, we love sharing the joy of your creations!

Happy Stitching, y’all!
Ashley Jane

February 2, 2023February 2, 2023

Universal Yarn Presents Yarn Vibes!

Whether you have visited in person, or only experienced it through photographs, no one can doubt the natural beauty of Ireland. Starting today, we’re bringing a touch of Ireland to your yarn stash – with Yarn Vibes.

Photo of the Cliffs of Moher in western Ireland — Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland

We are now offering three beautiful yarns from Yarn Vibes, and I can’t wait to tell you more about these exciting yarns!

Before I begin talking about the yarns, let’s take a closer look at the Yarn Vibes brand. Each hank of yarn starts in Kildare with ninth-generation farmers; after the shearing, the fleece begins processing at Donegal Yarn in Ireland. Donegal Yarn is an authentic mill that produces beautiful Tweed and Irish yarns, including Yarn Vibes’ 100% Irish yarns. All of their yarns feature a variety of dyed and un-dyed options.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the yarn from Yarn Vibes, starting with Cliffs of Moher. Tradition and the roots of Ireland can be seen in this beautiful, nature-inspired yarn, named after the iconic cliffs of western Ireland. This worsted weight yarn is a blend of 60% Irish wool and 40% virgin wool. Cliffs of Moher is soft to the touch, with stitch definition that makes it perfect for any knitting or crochet project, from garments to accessories. With 16 color options, you can add a touch of your personality to your next project!

Organic Worsted yarn from Yarn Vibes — Organic – Worsted from Yarn Vibes

Next up is the Organic Yarn from Yarn Vibes. As we know, wool is lovable for so many reasons: insulating fibers, natural water resistance, breathability. With Yarn Vibes 100% Irish organic wool yarns, it is now environmentally conscious as well! Just another reason to fall in love with wool. These fibers have been thoughtfully handled to ensure you have the best knitting experience possible. Make a sweater for a loved one with peace of mind knowing you and your family will be safe from any harmful chemicals since their yarn uses GOTS-certified dyes (Global Organic Textile Standard). This organic yarn is found in both worsted and sport weight and features 19 different color options, including four undyed choices.

Pattern inspiration is something we all need, and Yarn Vibes has more than enough to spare. Let’s take a look at some projects you can start with!

Collage featuring patterns from Yarn Vibes and Universal Yarn

Whether you’re looking to knit a winter garment or accessory, here you’ll find the perfect pattern to add to your queue. The Orla Lattice Hat Knitting Pattern (top left) features a gorgeous textured design and includes multiple different sizing options in the Organic Worsted yarn. If you are more interested in knitting a garment, you might want to start with the Fia Cabled Cardigan (bottom left). Buttons and cables give this cardigan a classic look, and the 100% Irish organic wool will keep you warm on the coldest days of winter and spring. This project uses the Organic Worsted and allows you room to pick the color you prefer.

Our in-house design team was also inspired to create a pattern for Yarn Vibes! The Freya Scarf (bottom right) combines two different colors of Cliffs of Moher to create a classic Irish look with a soft and woolly texture. You can download it for free today!

Thank you for reading, and we can’t wait for you to try Yarn Vibes. Make sure to share all your Yarn Vibes projects with us on Instagram by using #universalyarn.

If you would like to learn even more about Yarn Vibes, please watch this YouTube video about their brand, which can be found at this link.

Thanks for stopping by! – Robert

January 27, 2023January 26, 2023

Flash Pattern Friday – Middlefield

Our first Flash Pattern Friday of 2023 is finally here! This weekend only, grab a free copy of this gorgeous knitting pattern!

*Middlefield is the perfect layering piece for the coldest days of winter*

On the last Friday of every month, we take a beautiful paid pattern and make it free for the weekend! Today, we’re making the Middlefield (Ravelry link) free to you, a timeless cabled design in our Deluxe Bulky Superwash yarn.

*This piece can be worn with the cabel panels horizontal or vertical, whichever you prefer!*

Middlefield was first published in 2017 as part of the Ethereal Knits ebook. This collection features seven garments and accessories that are perfect multi-season options for your wardrobe. However, Middlefield is a great challenge for those looking to grow their knitting skillset. This knitted poncho has cabled panels that can be worn horizontally or vertically, depending on your preference. The two sides are identical rectangles, knit sideways and then seamed together to complete this garment. While this outwear piece uses the color 930 Steel Cut Oats, there are plenty of options for those looking to go a different direction.

Here are some alternative color options that I would like to suggest. Jadestone brings a beautiful earthy tone that would be perfect for springtime (warm weather, we miss you). Pantone just released their 2023 Color Of The Year, Viva Magenta, and Rosy Mauve would make a great choice if you want to go that route. While winter is still here, Ice Rustic and Summer Sky present two frosty colors that would match the season perfectly. No matter what shade sparks your creativity, I know you will find inspiration from our 50+ color options in Deluxe Bulky Superwash.

*This poncho will keep you warm year-round thanks to the 100% superwash wool and bulky yarn weight of Deluxe Bulky Superwash!*

To get Middlefield for free, head to Ravelry and click “buy it now” or “add to cart” after searching for this pattern. When you reach the checkout, enter the code “FLASH” to get this pattern for free. Not a Ravelry user? Email us at pattern@universalyarn.com by Sunday, January 29th, and we will take care of you when we return to the office next week.

We hope that you enjoy this limited-time free pattern, and make sure to shop Deluxe Bulky Superwash this weekend to save 20% off, no code necessary (1/27 – 1/29).

Thanks for stopping by! -Robert

January 20, 2023January 20, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Elijah

Happy Friday, friends! Our newest free pattern is a sweet, small piece designed with little ones in mind. This week, we bring you the Elijah cardigan made with Deluxe Worsted Superwash!

*Elijah cardigan in Deluxe Worsted Superwash colors 709 Lime Tree, 718 Dusty Blue, and 760 Indigo.*

Deluxe Worsted Superwash is a wonderful yarn for a child’s garment. It’s made of 100% superwash wool, so you can machine wash it in cold water, and even tumble dry it on a low setting. It comes in 67 different colors, so there are endless combinations you can create to express the perfect palette for a budding personality. This pattern calls for (1) skein each of #709 Lime Tree, #718 Dusty Blue, and #760 Indigo for all sizes. You could opt for more rosy hues, something adventurous, or even go off pattern and get multiple colors to rainbow your way through each striped section! No matter what you choose, this cardigan will be a treasured gift for someone else, or a little one of your own.

Another detail that adds room for whimsy, quirk, polished-ness or pizazz is buttons! We love getting to add a touch of personality to top off any project with a good button. For this sample, we used the Prism buttons by Katrinkles, which kind of resemble a compass. It’s a touch of adventure that reminds us of those magical moments where kids will play outside imagining that they are explorers trekking through trees and bushes to fantasized lands.

Elijah cardigan, featuring Prism Buttons by Katrinkles

This easy-rated pattern is worked from the bottom-up in one piece using a subtly textured stripe-sequence. The body is worked flat, then the fronts and back are separated at the armholes and worked separately. The shoulders are joined using the three-needle method, then the sleeves are picked up and worked in the round. The button bands and neck edging are picked up and worked flat to wrap the whole thing up. The pattern has schematics to help guide you through the assembly. This is a great project if you’re looking to try a garment for the first time, or want a quick make between other complex pieces, and have a little one in your life to celebrate.

Elijah cardigan, in Deluxe Worsted Superwash is ready for wearing!

We can’t wait to see your version of the Elijah cardigan! Be sure to share it with us on social media. Follow & tag us on Instagram at @Universal_Yarn and use the hashtag #UniversalYarn, or find and follow us on TikTok or Facebook at @UniversalYarn.

That’s all for now, happy stitching friends!

January 13, 2023January 12, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Classic Cap

Happy Friday everyone! Our newest pattern is not only perfect for the weather outside, but it can be whipped up in a matter of hours. Yes, please! This week’s free pattern is the Classic Cap, knit using Posh Alpaca.

Robert is wearing the Classic Cap shown with the brim folded up; an on-trend styling option.

The Classic Cap is all the things you need for a knit ‘palette cleanser’. Soothing stitch work and a simple, clean silhouette make this pattern perfect for all skill levels. You can work one up in between big projects, or cast it on for your first-ever knit hat – any reason to knit is a good one!

Our Managing Director, Yonca Ozbelli, originally made this hat as a gift request from her daughter Talya, and then made 4 more of them in the span of two weeks! So as you can see, you’ll get this project done in no time, and probably get asked for a few more from your friends or family as well.

Posh Alpaca in 101 Birch, 105 Cinder, and 107 Sparrow

Posh Alpaca is a luxuriously soft, single-ply roving style yarn that is spun in Italy. This blend of wool, acrylic, and superfine alpaca looks beautiful in all types of stitch patterns, both simple and textural. Posh Alpaca has a sophisticated look and feel that makes it a great choice for unisex projects like the Classic Cap.

The Classic Cap can be worn with the brim down for a slouchy look

We chose color 101 Birch for the first sample (pictured above), but the mature color palette in this yarn offers options from soft neutrals to saturated jewel tones. Yonca ended up making a couple more Classic Caps in colors 108 Velveteen and 109 Mulled Wine that are pictured below. I love the way these juicy colors elevate a simple beanie!

The Classic Cap in 108 Velveteen (left) and 109 Mulled Wine (Right)

Since I know you’re ready to cast on, here’s some more information about the Classic Cap pattern. It is sized from Baby – Adult Large (shown in Adult Small/Medium), and features a Twisted Rib brim, Stockinette stitch body, and spiral crown shaping. I love the look of a twisted rib brim on a hat. It adds a polished element to the finished project that elevates an otherwise simple pattern.

Don’t fret if you’re an absolute beginner. Although Twisted Rib may seem complex, it is quite easy to work once you get the hang of knitting and purling into the back loops. If you want to make sure the brim is able to be worn folded up or down, be sure to work Twisted Rib, not Half Twisted Rib so that the brim is fully reversible. With the rest of the hat worked in soothing Stockinette stitch and simple decreases, this is a perfect project to work on while hanging out with friends, or watching your favorite show. This pattern does feature different crown shaping instructions for each size, so just be mindful that you are working the instructions indicated for your chosen size.

Sometimes the simple things in life are the best things. The Classic Cap is an accessory you can sport with any outfit, or make it and gift it to someone special in your life. Either way, I’m sure it will become a well-worn hat in no time at all!

You can download the Classic Cap pattern, knit using Posh Alpaca at this link. Shop our luxuriously soft Posh Alpaca yarn here.

Happy Crafting,

Aubrey