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 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 3, 2023February 2, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Cotton Candy Shawl

Picture this: you’re at a baseball game, and you pass by the Cotton Candy cart. This isn’t a treat you get to have often, so the memory of seeing the fun colors and the sugary sweet taste stays with you for years to come. Believe it or not, things like this can often serve as inspiration for design, and that is exactly what inspired today’s Free Pattern.

Sometimes our sugar rush leads us to look for a new pattern, and today, you’re in luck. The Cotton Candy Shawl is now permanently free to download. This beautiful asymmetric shawl uses our soft and woolly Donnina yarn to create an accessory that you will want to wear all year long.

The Cotton Candy Shawl is the perfect accessory for this upcoming spring season!

The Cotton Candy Shawl is knit with a modular construction, starting with a mitered square. Simple garter stitch is worked throughout so that you can focus on the construction of this pattern. Watch this shawl come to life as you knit one color at a time, resulting in a color-blocked appearance that shows off our bold Donnina yarn. The colors 224 Navy, 210 Sweet Pea, and 201 Vanilla are used in this project. As an added bonus, Donnina is a sport-weight yarn, meaning you can wear this shawl year-round.

The Cotton Candy Shawl can be styled in many different ways

Sumptuous and smooth Donnina is the perfect complement to the Cotton Candy Shawl. Each 50g skein contains 180 yards of yarn that will leave you in awe. Donnina has 25 available colors, and you are more than welcome to substitute colors to create your own personalized Cotton Candy Shawl. It’s the perfect time to shop this yarn, as it recently went on sale for 40% off, and with this weekend’s sale, you can purchase Donnina for an extra 20% off. There are so many great patterns in this yarn, which you can see at this link.

Donnina is 100% superwash extra fine merino

I hope you enjoyed reading more about the Cotton Candy Shawl and our woolly Donnina yarn, and who knows, maybe you’re inspired to head to the grocery store for some Cotton Candy (no shame in that). We encourage you to share all your finished Universal Yarn projects with us at #universalyarn on Instagram.

Thanks for stopping by! – Robert

January 5, 2023January 5, 2023

Tutorial – Magic Circle

Sample Swatches of crochet stitches lay in an arrangement next to three crochet hooks. The heading "AJ's Crochet Corner, Tips and Tricks" is present.

Crocheting into a magic circle makes evenly placing your starting stitches a snap! This technique offers a way to place as many stitches as you need into a perfectly circular shape with the tug of some yarn.

Using a magic circle takes away the guesswork involved with a different method of creating a circular base, where you create a chain, then slip stitch to form a ring. Because this other method with a starting chain has a fixed circumference, it may leave a gap in the center if you make it too big, or be impossible to work into if it’s too small. With the magic circle being adjustable, these sizing problems while starting a project magically disappear!

One thing that can be a bit tricky is that not everyone calls this method a “magic circle” as seen in the Paradise Pouch. When getting started with a pattern, you may also read “adjustable ring,” as seen in the Cotton Candy Swirl, or a blend of both called a “magic ring.” It can also be called a loop, as in “magic loop” or “adjustable loop.” Lastly, you may see it represented visually in a chart, denoted by a swirled shape before any stitches start, like in the Spice Market Shawl. Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a look at how to do it! There are just 6 simple steps to do to create a magic circle.

Step 1: Create the circle.

*Create an initial loop by laying flat, if it helps, or held in your hand.* Place the tail behind the working yarn, and pointed to the left.

*Pinch yarn where it overlaps to hold the loop in place while you work.*

Step 2: Insert hook.

*Reach your crochet hook into the loop.*

Step 3: Yarn over.

*It may feel strange to tension the yarn while pinching the circle. You may try ho*lding it as seen above or switch to holding the circle with your thumb and middle finger to tension with your pointer finger. I have a habit of starting like this then switching my grip when I begin chaining and stitching as normal (as shown, beginning in step 5).

Step 4: Pull through.

Pull the working yarn through the loop with your crochet hook.

Step 5: Chain, then stitch into the middle of the circle. The pattern you are following will indicate how many chains, then stitches to create.

*Here I chain 3, then double crochet 4 times into the loop to demonstrate the technique. But you can do this with any number of, or type of stitches!*

Step 6: Close the circle.

*Release your hold on the circle, and pinch the tail of the yarn.*

*Pull the tail of the yarn until the circle is completely closed.*

It’s as easy as that! From here, you continue following the pattern as normal, and will weave in the tail along with any other ends as a finishing step. I hope you find this tutorial helpful, and that you feel inspired to try a new project in the round!

That’s all for now, and Happy Stitching!
Ashley Jane

December 28, 2022December 28, 2022

Color Of The Year 2023 – Viva Magenta

With this year coming to a close, we’re all wondering what is next for 2023. You might be thinking about your resolutions and goals for the year ahead, or perhaps a new project you’d like to get started on.

Every year, Pantone releases their ‘Color Of The Year’, which influences industries around the globe from things like paint manufacturers, to fashion brands, and all the way to yarn. The Color Of The Year is meant to be a forecast of the general mood for the year ahead, give direction to companies for product development, and serve as inspiration to all of us. The color for 2023 is Viva Magenta. So, lets dive into the Magentaverse!

Image sourced from Pantone’s Color Of The Year Report

Viva Magenta is a vibrant and bold shade that is a hybrid of red and pink. It immediately feels like a strong, expressive color, and is deeply rooted in nature. It has an almost rebellious tone to it, and is a fearless hue you can proudly sport in amounts both great and small.

Although Viva Magenta feels a bit futuristic to look at, this color has ancient roots, being directly derived from Cochineal. These are scaly insects, which have been used for centuries to create powder dyes and colorants used for textiles, cosmetics, food, and more. If you’d like to read more about this interesting and historical process, please check out this article from the Smithsonian.

With the roots of this color being its use for natural dyes, it is no surprise that we can find Viva Magenta in so many yarns! From solids to multis, many of the yarns in our line feature this strong color. As Viva Magenta is a blend of pink and red, I’ve included some options for yarns that lean toward both sides of the hue, and hopefully will provide great inspiration for your next project!

The Crimson Tee, a free pattern in Bamboo Pop Sock

Speaking of projects, I’ve selected some patterns that I think are perfect solutions for the 2023 Color Of The Year inspiration. First, I wanted to share the Crimson Tee. This free pattern was designed by Aubrey Busek (that’s me!) and uses our Bamboo Pop Sock yarn in the color 608 Pomegranate. This simple knit tee is sized from XS-5X, and has a relaxed silhouette that works for any occasion. The touches of lace are worked along the hemline of the body and sleeves, and panels of lace decorate the body. The Crimson Tee is a bold, fearless use of the Viva Magenta color, perfect for entering the new year with a bang.

For the crochet enthusiast, try the Parlamak Shawl! Designed by Brittany Garber, this sophisticated shawl is made using our Noelle yarn in the color 303 Pixie. I love that this shawl is simple and chic, so the vibrant red and pink colors in the yarn are really the focal point of the piece. Noelle has different shades that flow from one to the next throughout the skein, and its metallic core makes it extra special. This yarn is currently on sale, so don’t miss out on a great deal before its gone!

The Rose Garden Sweater in self-striping Offbeat

If you have a little one in your life to knit for, try the Rose Garden Sweater! Sized from 1-10 years old, this sweater is great for school days and fun outings. The cabled pattern on the body is easy to memorize, and adds just enough textural interest to not distract from the bold stripes created by the yarn. Offbeat is a blend of 90% acrylic and 10% alpaca that has been a hit since its launch in 2022. And it’s no question why: with a luxurious feel, bold colors, and 586 yards per skein, it is a great choice for all projects from blankets to sweaters. The color used for the Rose Garden sweater is 102 Tubular, and I love how the bold pops of red look with the soft neutral tones in this shade.

Pairing Viva Magenta with soft neutral colors as seen in our Offbeat yarn (above) is exactly what is suggested by Pantone. The soft and dusty shades shown in their Color Of The Year report compliment Viva Magenta, but never take away from it being the focal point. However, if you prefer bright shades, do your thing! I think Viva Magenta would look wonderful paired with bright purple or hot pink. As with anything, you should do what speaks to YOU. Colors are personal, and a great way to express yourself.

The last pattern I wanted to highlight was the Pomegranate Path set, designed by Rachel Brockman. New from our 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, Series 6, this cabled hat and scarf set is perfect for just about anyone on your ‘to-knit-for’ list. The color of Deluxe Worsted Tweed used for this pattern is 921 Beet, but the pattern itself was named after the delicious fruit that also boasts the same color. When I was looking for inspiration for Viva Magenta on Pinterest, tons of photos of pomegranates immediately came up. They are my favorite fruit, so I knew I had to include this pattern!

No matter how you want to explore the ‘Magentaverse‘, I can imagine that there is a shade of Viva Magenta that speaks to you. Personally, I think this color sets a wonderful tone for 2023. The past couple of years have been a rollercoaster for everyone on Earth in ways both great and small, and we can all benefit from the sense of inner strength that this type of bold color projects. I hope you get inspired, and have fun picking out some Magenta yarn for your next project!

Happy Crafting,

Aubrey

December 14, 2022December 14, 2022

12 Days of Winter – Series 6 Edition, Part III

This is part 3 in a four-part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 6 edition.

Hey everyone! Another year has flown by, and it’s time for our annual 12 Days of Winter blog celebration. I’m a big fan of the winter season. This time of year brings with it an ethereal sense of happiness that is quite unique. The days are short and often dark, plants are dying, the weather is cold, and yet – things like delicious warm comfort foods, sparkling holiday lights, parties, and (if you’re lucky enough) gorgeous falling snow fill the air. It’s a time of endings and beginnings, and a perfect opportunity to start a brand new project to welcome the new year.

A person wearing a white top, silver pants, and a hand knit blue shawl — Frozen Pond Shawl

A person standing sideways holding a mug and has a hand knit blanket wrapped around their shoulders. — Frozen Pond Shawl

Speaking of brand new projects, I have some inspiration for you! Today, I’ll be sharing three of the projects from our 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, Series 6. The Frozen Pond shawl, Keepsake Cover, and Snow Dust stole. All of these kits were designed by Rachel Brockman, our Creative Lead. Rachel has a way of creating unique designs that cater to a variety of skill levels, while always having thoughtful details that make them special. The thing that ties all three of these designs together? Lace stitches.

A close up image of a person facing away from the camera and looking down. They are wearing a hand knit shawl in a dark blue color on their shoulders. — The Frozen Pond shawl is perfect to drape over your shoulders on a chilly day.

Lace knit stitches result in some of the most gorgeous patterns you can imagine, and they are actually what first drew me to taking up knitting as a hobby. I remember seeing a book full of patterns for Victorian inspired lace shawls, and I was instantly intrigued. The eyelets, twists, and turns created by lace stitch patterns are lovely, and they are a perfect match for the winter season, as they often share the same sense of delicate and ethereal beauty.

A close up image of the details of a hand knit blue shawl with lace stitches. — The Frozen Pond shawl lace detail, doesn’t it look like pretty trees?

Frozen Pond is an asymmetrical shawl knit using our sinfully soft Nymph yarn. Nymph is a DK weight blend of cotton and polyamide, with a soft, fuzzy halo that adds dimension to any project. Boomerang shaped shawls like this one have great drape, and are easy to style in a variety of ways. The Frozen Pond shawl’s name was inspired by the dark blue colors of iced over water in the winter. I love the way the diamond pattern of the lace has shapes that look like trees, and I imagine they’d line the perimeter of the aforementioned frozen pond.

The lace pattern worked in this shawl will require some attention on your part while knitting. However, in between the sections of lace you’ll get to relax with some garter stitch, perfect for when you want to knit while watching TV in the evening. We’ve included both written instructions and charts for this pattern, so you are able to utilize what works best for you.

A person stands holding up a large hand knit blanket in a blue, magenta, and green striped colorway. — The Keepsake Cover has candy colored stripes, making this a perfect holiday gift project.

The Keepsake Cover is a joyful blanket pattern knit using three colors of our Uptown Worsted yarn. This 100% anti-pilling acrylic yarn is a workhorse, perfect for projects like blankets that will get a lot of wear and tear. A combination of ribbing, cables, and lace make up the motif that is worked throughout the Keepsake Cover. The diamond shape in this pattern reminds me of Christmas tree ornaments, with the eyelets created by the lace resembling the light bouncing off the ornaments as they hang on the tree.

A close up image of the details of a hand knit striped blanket with lace and cable details. — The Keepsake Cover is perfect for getting cozy with a cup of hot cocoa!

This pattern also includes written instructions, as well as a chart to help you visualize the cable and lace motif. If you’re not familiar with how to read knitting charts, a pattern like this one is the perfect way to learn. It may seem intimidating at first, since this pattern has both cable and lace stitches, but after your Keepsake Cover is complete, you’ll be a chart reading expert! Here is a link to a blog post where we discuss more on how to read knitting charts, which might be particularly helpful to those of you who are brand new to the skill.

A person stands facing the camera. They are wearing a black dress and have a hand knit wrap draped over their shoulders. — The Snow Dust stole is perfect for your next party!

The Snow Dust stole (or wrap!) is an excellent example of the delicate, cobweb quality you can achieve by knitting lace stitch patterns. This accessory is practically the winter season as a wearable item, and you’re sure to look like a snowy dream while you wear it! Snow Dust is knit using our Cotton Gold yarn, which is a laceweight cotton thread yarn, with small sequins and metallic fiber strung throughout. It looks gorgeous worked on its own as you can see from Snow Dust, but also makes an excellent carry-along yarn to add sparkle to other projects.

Snow Dust features simple stitches like knits and purls, as well as yarn overs and basic decreases (‘slip, slip, knit’ – ssk and ‘knit two together’ – k2tog) to create the lace repeat. This would be a great project choice for someone who wants to get really comfortable with knitting lace, because the rectangular shape of the wrap means they can simply focus on the knitting. The end result of the lace stitch pattern reminds me of the quiet, sparkling beauty of the outdoors right after a snow fall. This wrap would be perfect for a night out to the theater, or a fun dinner with friends.

A close up image of a person standing away from the camera and looking down. They have a hand knit wrap in a white color with lace stitches draped over their shoulders. — The lace details in Snow Dust look like little bird tracks in fresh fallen snow!

No matter which of these projects you want to create, the lace stitches in these patterns add texture, delicate details, and depth to the overall result. Don’t fret if you’re still a beginner when it comes to lace patterns. Practice makes perfect, and once you master all the basic stitches, you can apply them to the Frozen Pond shawl, the Keepsake Cover, or the Snow Dust wrap!

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, and a printed version of the pattern. Use our store locator to find your nearest Universal Yarn retailer!

Tune in tomorrow for the final installment of our 12 Days of Winter, series 6 blogs!

Happy Crafting,

Aubrey

November 25, 2022November 22, 2022

Flash Pattern Friday – Ardenne

A woman wearing a glittering dress wears a handknit shawl knitted with Universal Yarn Noelle and Universe.

Can you believe November is already coming to a close? It’s Flash Pattern Friday!

A woman with a glittering long-sleeved dress is shown wearing a hand knitted shawl made from Universal Yarn Noelle and Universe. She has her arms folded across her waist, and smiles slightly. — Our model, Bette, wears the Ardenne Shawl wrapped cozily around her shoulders. Her outfit is glittering and joyful – perfect for the holiday season!

On the last Friday of the month, we temporarily make one of our paid patterns free! Today, we’re *sparkling* joy with the Ardenne shawl in Noelle and Universe (Ravelry link here).

Ardenne was originally published in 2021 as part of the ebook, Subtle Glow. This collection celebrates all things sparkly, with its focus on our soft, luxurious Noelle yarn. For Ardenne, I amped up the glow by adding stripes of our beloved Universe yarn. Mixing yarns is a fantastic way to incorporate interesting visual and textural effects into your craft. In some ways, Noelle and Universe seem opposite – Noelle features a chainette construction with baby alpaca and merino wool fibers blown through, creating a lightweight, fluffy, and airy yarn that is super warm and soft – perfect for winter. On the other hand, Universe is a sturdy yarn made from a blend of cotton and linen, making it especially ideal for the warmer seasons. Although both yarns are gorgeously glittery, their textures are so different that you might not expect them to pair well with one another. And yet – they work so well together, as demonstrated in Ardenne.

The original version of this shawl features Noelle in #304 Calypso as the main color, and Universe in #10-01 Paper as the contrast color. The palette in both yarns offers some beautiful alternatives, and I thought it would be nice to share my favorites. Pictured above is “Pretty in Pink,” an option that is monochromatic but with excellent contrast. I think this would be especially cute for Valentine’s Day! For a lower-contrast, yet playful take on the shawl, I recommend my “Warm & Whimsical” option. This option feels a bit more unexpected, and that’s what I love about it.

A detail shot over the Ardenne shawl, knit with Universal Yarn Universe and Noelle. — This detailed shot of Ardenne illustrates the scalloped edge of the lace border, the lovely drape of the fabric, and the eyelet rows that open up the body of the shawl.

With the holiday season and winter just around the corner, what better way to celebrate than with a shimmering pattern? Warm and cozy, yet drapey and lightweight, Ardenne is the perfect piece to wear over your holiday ensemble. Amplify the sparkle factor, as shown on our model, Bette, or dress up an otherwise understated outfit.

A woman stands while wearing the Ardenne Shawl, hand knitted with Universal Yarn Noelle and Universe. She is shown from the back, and glances down to the left. — The asymmetrical shape of Ardenne is visible when worn draped over the back of the shoulders.

I love knitting shawls on the bias. The spiral of the draped fabric always looks so elegant, and they tend to be long enough to wrap around your shoulders easily. Plus, the asymmetrical shape adds a touch of modernity to them that I love. Ardenne features alternating stripes of Noelle and Universe, broken up with eyelet rows. It’s a rhythmic and enjoyable knit. It’s finished off with a decorative garter lace border – a lovely final touch.

To get Ardenne free, use the “buy it now” or “add to cart” links on the Ravelry pattern page. Then enter the coupon code FLASH where you see the “use a coupon code” links that appear during purchase, and click “apply”. Not a Ravelry user? No problem! Simply drop us a line by emailing patterns@universalyarn.com by the end of Sunday, 11/27, and we’ll get you taken care of the week of 11/28. (Note – our offices are closed today, 11/25/22).

Before I wrap up, I’d like to share a couple of special things with you that are relevant for this extended weekend. First – not only are we offering Ardenne for free, but we’re having a pattern sale on Ravelry through Monday, 11/28! That’s right, ALL of the patterns in our Ravelry store are 50% off, no code needed!

Finally, tomorrow is Small Business Saturday! If you’re doing holiday shopping, it’s a great time to visit your local yarn store (LYS) and stock up on your favorites from Universal Yarn. It’s the perfect compliment to our Ravelry pattern sale. You can find our stockists at this link.

We know some people don’t have a local yarn store nearby. If that’s the case, don’t worry, we’re also hosting a sale on our website. There are plenty of ways to stock up on yarns, patterns, and more this weekend!

We hope you enjoy this holiday weekend! Happy crafting!
-Rachel

November 11, 2022November 11, 2022

Free Pattern Friday! – Spice Market Shawl

It’s Free Pattern Friday!

Woman crouched on one knee wearing Spice Market Shawl crocheted in Uni Merino

Today, the Spice Market Shawl crocheted in Uni Merino (pattern link here).

This morning, our Design Team was discussing this week’s free pattern, and our Creative Lead mentioned how much she loves a pretty blanket shawl. This one is very pretty indeed!

Rear view of woman wearing Spice Market Shawl crocheted in Uni Merino.

Designer Ashley Jane McIntyre chimed in that she loves this stitch pattern. She combines a unique blend of double crochet and a double extended single crochet stitch in a four row repeat, for a project that’s interesting to make, but also rhythmic and relaxing.

Standing woman wearing Spice Market Shawl crocheted in Uni Merino.

It’s easy to find a comfortable groove to get into as you make this beautiful accessory. Ashley Jane cleverly uses rows that overlap each other, to create bands of color interrupted by the solid background. The result is a striking and harmonious fabric.

For this design, she chose one of our newest yarns, Uni Merino. We love it for socks, but it’s also divine in bigger projects like this week’s shawl. The palette of colors is designed to play well together, making it ideal for colorwork, in knitting, crochet, and weaving. Superwash Uni Merino is superfine weight, working up on a US Size F/5 (3.75 mm) in this project. It makes a shawl that’s drapey, but still very cozy!

Woman wearing Spice Market Shawl crocheted in Uni Merino

We hope you enjoy this week’s free pattern, with its autumnal open-air market feel. Have a fantastic weekend, and be sure to treat yourself well – maybe by starting something new and wonderful!

Happy crafting!

-Heather Hill

October 28, 2022October 28, 2022

Flash Pattern Friday – Branscombe

It’s Flash Pattern Friday!

Woman wearing Branscombe shawl crocheted in Kingston Tweed

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 Branscombe, crocheted in Kingston Tweed (Ravelry link here).

Woman in knitted vest. Text reads, Kingston Tweed: Seven Modern Classics to Knit and Crochet in Kingston Tweed

This design by Edie Eckman was originally released as part of Kingston Tweed Vol. 1, a collection of seven beautiful projects in sophisticated Kingston Tweed.

In her design, Edie very cleverly created a shaped top edge that sits comfortably on the shoulders, avoiding bunching and letting the contrasting colorwork show.

Seated woman wearing Branscombe shawl crocheted in Kingston Tweed

A V stitch, along with graceful shells along the border, give this shawl an open, drapey feel.

Kingston Tweed works beautifully here. Its alpaca content gives an oh-so-subtle halo to the finished piece, softening the spaces between stitches.

Alternative color options for Branscombe

Friends, we are awfully low on the dark gray Basalt color shown in the model. Fortunately, the entire palette is harmonious, drawn from nature to look beautiful together. We’ve put together some alternative color combinations to consider above.

As always, I’m all about the cool tones. Maybe some combination of 106, 109, and 111? So soothing.

To get Brnascombe free, use the buy it now or add to cart links on the Ravelry pattern page linked here. Then enter coupon code FLASH where you see the “use a coupon code” links that appear during purchase, and click “apply.”

Not a Ravelry user? Drop us a line by the end of Sunday 10/30 and we’ll get you taken care of.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Happy crafting!

-Heather