This is the 4th Friday of the month, so it’s Flash Pattern Friday, meaning that we give a normally paid pattern away for free for the weekend! Starting today, Friday, 7/26, you can get the Tempera Socks pattern for free on Ravelry with the code FLASH. This offer runs through Sunday, 7/28!
These vibrant socks use three colors of Uni Merino, a super fine 75% superwash merino wool and 25% nylon blend. This yarn comes in over 50 colors in a 100g put up, and its counterpart Uni Merino Mini is available in the same shades, but in smaller 25g skeins, making this yarn an ideal choice for colorwork projects! This family of yarn also includes Uni Merino Neons and Uni Merino Mini Neons, each with 5 brilliant hues to choose from. For this weekend only (7/26-7/28), take 20% off of any of these yarns – no code needed!
The Tempera Socks are knit from the cuff down in the round and feature a heel flap and gusset. There is also a fun zig-zaggy lace motif adorning the front side of these socks, along with some criss-crossed colorwork at the cuff. Altogether, this is a punchy project that will keep you excited the whole way through!
Which colors of Uni Merino do you think you’ll try out for the Tempera Socks? We can’t wait to see all of the variations that are made! That’s all for today, happy stitching! Ashley Jane
It’s the first Friday of May, and we have the perfect pattern for you! Today, the formerly paid-for Speck Cowl is now free forever! Originally featured in the Soft Simplicity E-Book, this accessory uses Uni Merino and Minou. There are two versions of the Speck Cowl, and both are free, so stick around as we learn more about this exciting freebie!
Version AVersion B
Uni Merino is a soft blend of superwash merino wool and nylon, while Minou is an eyelash yarn made from a blend of baby alpaca, merino wool, and nylon. When these two yarns collide, the result is an impressive texture that feels comfortable close to the skin. Plus, designer Rachel Brockman included two versions: Version A (left) uses two skeins of Minou for a fluffier texture, and Version B (right) uses just one skein of Minou.
One of the most exciting parts of any project is picking out the hues you plan to use! Uni Merino has a wide color palette, and we want you to get creative! Below, we have a few ideas of color combinations that have you stepping out of your comfort zone but don’t worry, we think these would look breathtaking.
This weekend, we’re offering 20% off the entire Uni Merino Family! Plus, get an additional 20% off Minou and Minou Bag Quantities. These offers expire Sunday, May 5th, at 11:59 PM EST, so shop with us today and make your own Speck Cowl for less!
Let us know in the comments which of these color combinations you would choose!
We love seeing Universal Yarn featured in the spotlight! Three designs using your favorite yarns from our brand are available and we’re so excited to show them off. The Coral Canopy Cardigan (right), designed by Nazanin S Ford, using Uni Merino, the Sunny Bloom Blanket (middle), designed by Willow Crochet, using Uptown Worsted, and the Lattice Cloche Hat, designed by Sheila Pfeiffer, using Bamboo Pop. Let’s learn more about these gorgeous patterns!
Featured in “I Like Crochet” Magazine’s April 2024 issue, the Coral Canopy Cardigan is stunning! This piece is perfect for spring, with a breathtaking leaves pattern, a v-neckline, and three-quarter length sleeves. The soft, superwash merino wool and nylon blend of Uni Merino will make this cardigan a summer staple, whether you’re at the beach or relaxing at home!
Next, we’ll look at Willow Crochet’s beautiful Sunny Bloom Blanket! Using stash staple Uptown Worsted, this homeware is full of color and is as soft as can be with 100% anti-pilling acrylic fibers. This graphgan uses seven hues of Uptown Worsted, so you can practice transitioning colors like never before. To get this pattern for free, visit Knitty!
The Lattice Cloche Hat is available on Ravelry using customer-favorite Bamboo Pop! An engaging slip-stitch technique creates a lovely lattice overlay effect that will have you receiving compliments left and right. Bamboo Pop’s color palette is vast, so you can choose the hues that best match your personality and make a hat for you and a friend!
We hope you enjoyed hearing about these exciting designs! We invite you to share all of your projects with us by tagging us @universal_yarn on Instagram. Stay tuned for next month’s publication spotlight!
What do you think of when you see pink? Whether it’s Barbie, Mean Girls, Breast Cancer Awareness, or your old highlighter set from elementary school, the point is that pink makes a statement! This Friday, we have a bright, bold, and beautiful set that will bring joy to your wardrobe. The Seeded Scarflette and Beret, designed by Rachel Brockman, is this week’s freebie. Let’s learn more about this pair!
Whenever you combine Rico Design Essentials Super Kid Mohair Loves Silk and any of our Uni Merino yarns, expect breathtaking results! The soft and warm merino wool base of Uni Merino is a perfect match for the ethereal halo of Mohair Loves Silk. If you’re not a fan of neon, don’t worry; these two yarns have many complimentary colors; see below for inspiration!
Hinted upon in the name, this set features a stunning seed stitch pattern. Plus, you’ll notice the gorgeous spiral decreases in the beret, giving it elevated elegance!
There’s no better time to knit the Seeded Scarflette and Beret. This weekend only, Rico Design Essentials Super Kid Mohair Loves Silk and our Uni Merino family of yarns are 20% off! The mohair and silk blend of Mohair Loves Silk makes it an excellent partner in crime for the superwash merino and nylon blend of Uni Merino. This offer expires on Sunday, February 11th, at 11:59 PM EST, so shop today or use it as an excuse to shop on Super Bowl Sunday (if you REALLY don’t want to watch the game)!
Happy Wednesday, fiber friends! Have you ever wanted to customize your yarn for the next project on your hook or needles? If the answer is yes, this post is for you! Today we’re spotlighting some of our favorite carry-along yarns.
First things first – what exactly makes a yarn a carry-along yarn? Well, the truth is any yarn can be one if you’re holding at least two strands together at once. But more precisely, I would consider a carry-along to be a thread to laceweight yarn with an interesting characteristic that transforms a “base” yarn into something totally new. It could be that the yarn adds a lofty halo, touch of texture, pop of color, or glitz and glam. A “base” yarn is often a stash staple, such as a smooth, solid 4-ply yarn. But that’s not a rule! You can use ANY yarn as a base, and the more playful you get, the more exciting the results.
Today we’re going to talk about some brand new options, as well as some old favorites. From neon and glittery threads to classic silk-mohair, let’s take a look at some of our favorite carry-along yarns based on the characteristic you want to add.
Yarn for a Lofty Halo
Loves Silk PrintLoves SilkPenna
One of the most commonly seen carry-along yarns are mohair/silk blends. They’ve been incredibly trendy over the past few years, and we don’t see their popularity slowing down. This blend adds a fluffy halo and the subtlest ethereal sheen. We offer two options: Rico Design Essentials Loves Silk and Essentials Love Silk Print. Loves Silk is great for pairing solids in coordinating colors. Choosing Loves Silk Print will yield interesting results thanks to the slow fade from one color to another. Both of these yarns are a combination of 70% mohair and 30% silk. These luxury yarns are warm and insulating, take dye beautifully, and are durable and hard-wearing.
Ola, knit in Deluxe Worsted held together with Penna
Although mohair/silk blends are the perfect choice for many fiber artists, there are some who may find their skin is a bit sensitive to the high proportion of mohair. If you love the look and feel of those yarns, but are looking for a mohair-free alternative, we can’t recommend Penna enough! Penna is a blend of 50% baby suri alpaca, 28% extra-fine merino, and 22% nylon that offers a light, fluffy texture, but unlike the Loves Silk line, it has more of a matte finish. When held with other yarns, such as Deluxe Worsted (pictured in the classic Ola sweater, designed by Adrienne Larsen, above), it contributes a feathery halo that’s kitten soft.
Yarn for Glimmer and Glamour
Rico Design Metallic No. 40Cotton Gold
Whether you’re knitting for a wedding, evening out, or just to enjoy a bit of sparkle, we’ve made it easy to make your favorite projects twinkle like stars in the night sky. Let’s take a closer look at a brand new yarn and an irresistible fan favorite.
Midnight TopGlisten Cowl
First, a longtime favorite for jaw-dropping impact: Cotton Gold. Cotton Gold is a laceweight yarn comprised of 65% cotton, 27% payette (sequins), and 8% metallic. If dramatic sparkle is what you’re aiming for, you cannot go wrong with this yarn. We’ve been using this yarn as a carry-along for a long time, and customers are always drawn to it when we attend festivals and shows. It’s softer than you might imagine for a sequinned yarn, and it’s especially pleasant to work with when held together with another yarn. The free Midnight Top, designed by Aubrey Busek, is an outstanding example of the level of glamour this yarn provides. Knit with Cotton Supreme DK (on sale!), it’s a fast and easy top to get you through the end of summer. Preparing for autumn and winter? Try the Glisten Cowl, designed by yours truly. Here, it’s paired with glittering Noelle (also on sale!) for maximum impact. As you can see in both projects, this yarn doesn’t impede the stitch patterns – in fact, we think it enhances them!
Next, a brand new addition: Rico Design Metallic No. 40! This embroidery thread is a blend of 70% polyamide, and 30% polyester available in nine colors. I wouldn’t necessarily suggest knitting or crocheting with this yarn by itself (it’s great for embroidery and hand sewing), but the results are impressive when used as a carry-along. This yarn is excellent for understated shimmer. In the swatch pictured above, I’ve held Uni Merino together with Metallic No. 40 to show how it appears in a superfine yarn with light and dark coordinating colors. I love the subtle marl in the lighter stripes (#107 Conch) and the subdued sparkle in the darker stripes (#138 Black Cherry). Although we don’t have any patterns for this yarn just yet, I can assure you this little swatch will grow up into something beautiful. The best thing about this yarn? The impact on gauge is minimal. I suggest trying it out in your winter sweater pattern!
Yarn for a Pop of Color
To put the icing on the cake, we’ve also introduced a soft, smooth thread in brilliant neon shades to add a zing of vibrant color to your next project. Say hello to Rico Design Creative Make it Neon! This thread is comprised of several loosely spun plies, so it’s soft to the touch and pleasant to work with. Its construction also gives it a touch of bounce that more closely matches yarns such as the new Essentials Merino Plus DK. It is 100% polyester and comes in three lively neon shades: Orange, Pink, and Green. Unlike the carry-alongs where you have the option to coordinate similar shades for new textures or sparkle, Creative Make it Neon is designed to introduce a marled fabric. Keep in mind that the neon could easily be lost if you choose a similar color to your base yarn. Contrast is key for working with this one.
I was so smitten with this yarn that I immediately cast on a new design. In the coming weeks, you’ll get to combine Essentials Merino Plus DK with Creative Make it Neon for a squishy cabled hat. Perfect for welcoming autumn, so stay tuned!
A new free pattern is coming your way soon!
There you have it: five of our favorite carry-along yarns! Remember, any yarn can be a carry-along: just take a look at Pattern 1020 by Rico Design for another example. Get creative and go crazy with color and texture. Consider mixing several of these carry-alongs together in the same project. The options are truly limitless and inspiring. Let us know what you would create with these yarns in the comment section below!
Twice a year, Universal Yarn launches lots of exciting new yarns, colors, and patterns to our customers. We bring our sales reps together for the first look, and shortly after we present you with all of these sweet surprises! (By the way, if you want some insight on a day in the life of a yarn sales rep, check out this blog post featuring one of our reps.) You may have noticed some new colors of some of our staple yarns at your local yarn store, or on our website. To go with these lovely new colors we’ve published some wonderful free patterns. Shall we dive in and explore these goodies?
Our bestselling yarn, Bamboo Pop, features six gorgeous neutrals inspired by the diversity of our skin tones. These colors were created for doll projects, as seen in our Bamboo Pop Dolls released last week, and for Knitted Knockers, which are soft, comfortable knit prosthetics for breast cancer survivors. Bamboo Pop is one of our approved yarns for these prosthetics. However, it’s a super versatile yarn that’s great for garments and accessories, too. These new neutral hues work well individually or paired with our other solids and multis. To demonstrate this, Ashley Jane McIntyre designed the Espresso Bandana, shown below.
This asymmetrical bandana is lightweight and perfect for warm weather thanks to Bamboo Pop’s smooth 50/50 blend of bamboo and cotton. It is crocheted flat, beginning at the tip and increasing to the widest edge. Slanting clusters and extended single crochet come together to create the richly textured Boxed Bead Stitch used throughout the fabric. We recommend wearing this accessory on your next trip to the café – you’ll enjoy your latte while receiving compliments from all around!
If neutrals aren’t your favorite, but colors make you sing, you’ll love our fresh new shade of Colorburst. This self-shading yarn features a variety of fun colors, but 120 Lollipop might be my new favorite. This colorway features creamy white as well as vibrant red, yellow, and turquoise.
We have plenty of patterns to support this yarn (check them out here), but how could I resist a sugary sweet new sweater? Ceres is a relaxed turtleneck that will keep you cozy and warm when chilly weather approaches. It features thoughtful details like a rolled hemline, texture on the lower body, and plush ribbing on the sleeve cuffs and neckband. The construction is bottom up, in the round, with options for seamed or seamless sleeves. It’s a great pattern for a first sweater, or any knitter looking for a satisfyingly simple project.
Kingston Tweed, our soft yet rustic blend of 50% wool, 25% alpaca, and 25% viscose has long been one of my favorites. I love the subtle tweed and earthy palette, inspired by minerals and gemstones. It’s also the yarn featured in one of our most popular patterns: the Jay Sweater. This yarn is well suited to a variety of techniques including colorwork, lace, and textural motifs.
Starling SetBlake
To celebrate new colors of Kingston Tweed, we’ve published two brand-new patterns. For those craving a coordinating accessory set, look no further than the Starling Set, designed by Aubrey Busek. This beginner-friendly project is knit using soothing slipped stitches and a touch of ribbing for tidiness. The hat and cowl are each knit seamlessly in the round from the bottom up. This project makes great use of yarn, requiring just one skein of each color!
Blake is a wardrobe essential. Classic, squishy Shaker Rib and colorful stripes make this an easy layering piece whether your office is perpetually frigid, or you want something ideal for autumn and winter. The knitting in this pattern is pretty simple throughout – the body is knit flat from the bottom up in one piece, and the sleeves are also knit flat. There is minimal shaping, except a little increasing at the sleeve cuffs to create the bishop sleeve effect. The stripes make it potato-chippy, so you’ll want to keep stitching away for the next color, and the next!
Next, we have another bestseller: Major! This plush, soft acrylic yarn is self-shading and each colorway is sensational. Like Bamboo Pop, Major has been a staple of the Universal Yarn line for years and nearly 900 people have projects featuring this yarn in their Ravelry notebooks. We have loads of patterns that use this yarn, from the ever-popular Pineapple Peacock Shawl to the entrelac Woven Sky Throw and many more – we know you’ll find something you love. For the launch of our six new shades we’ve introduced two new patterns: the knitted Hedgerow wrap and crocheted Loch scarf, shown below.
LochHedgerow
Crocheted in 145 Feather and designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, Loch is warm and cozy. Beginners looking to elevate their skills will relish the Herringbone Half Double Crochet motif throughout the fabric. This one-skein project is gentle on your wallet with impressive results. It’s also a quick project, making it great for a last-minute gift (well, as last-minute as you can handle with something handmade!).
Aubrey Busek pairs the popular neutral 115 Stonewall with 141 Greenhouse in Hedgerow to create another stunning slip stitch pattern. My favorite element of this piece is how lavishly textured the fabric is. It delicately balances subtle drape with a fabric dense enough to ward off frosty winter air. Thoughtfully placed tassels make this wrap a statement piece that is guaranteed to win you major style points!
Bonus! Fans of Uni Merino will love this new shade of green: 151 Pistachio. A blend of soft superwash merino and sturdy nylon make Uni Merino an excellent match for sock knitters, but it’s also ideal for fingering-weight sweaters, shawls, hats, and more. We don’t have a sample to show this color off yet, but we promise we will soon and your patience will pay off. In the meantime, find inspiration in projects like the crocheted Spice Market Shawl and the knitted Party Flag Socks.
Now that you’ve seen our selection of new colors and patterns, let us know which ones inspire you. Will you make one of our designs, or try something different? It’s always exciting to see what our customers create with our yarns, so stay in touch. You can always email us at patterns@universalyarn.com and we encourage you to tag us on Instagram (@universal_yarn).
This is part 4 in a four-part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 6 Edition.
The features from our annual 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, may be coming to a close, but with so much inspiration, hopefully your project planning is just beginning. It’s always so thrilling to review comments on this blog, or see projects line up in queues on Ravelry. From the looks of it, we may see some beautiful holiday projects in the works! Before you commit though, check out our final three days from the 12 Days of Winter, Series 6 Edition, the Holiday Stroll hat and scarf set, the Snow Globe Stocking, and the Holiday Elf Socks.
This year’s crochet project was designed by me, Ashley Jane McIntyre. Once I saw our mood board, I knew I had to use Bamboo Bloom Handpaints in the color #324 Steven Befabulous. It even has “fabulous” in its name! It’s made of a blend of 44% wool, 48% rayon from bamboo, and 8% acrylic. This is all spun together for a unique thick and thin, matte and shiny quality that stands out in any piece. I paired it with complimenting solids in Deluxe Bulky Superwash, made of 100% superwash wool, to create a warm and cozy project for the season. The vibrant combination inspired the perfect set for taking a stroll to look at holiday lights.
The Holiday Stroll Set livens up any outfit, whether you stick to neutrals, bright colors, or both!
The best thing about the scarf is that it has pockets! It’s made modularly from the bottom up in sections, alternating between rows of a granny stitch stripes pattern with granny squares that are seamed together. Once the whole scarf is complete, the edges are folded up, then seamed to create pockets. The hat is also constructed modularly: you create a ring by sewing granny squares together, then you work directly into them for the crown and brim. The hat is finished with a nice fluffy pom pom for a final touch of fun! In case you need some tips with a pom pom maker, we have a great pom pom video tutorial on our Tik Tok, found here, and a wonderful photo-tutorial on our blog, found here.
Pockets on the Holiday Stroll scarf.Pom pom on the Holiday Stroll hat.
The Snow Globe Stocking, designed by Aubrey Busek, is a quirky take on a holiday classic. Rico Design Creative Bubble, and Rico Design Creative Bubble Print, both made of 100% polyester, are used as carry-along yarns to add some extra sparkle to the base yarn, Deluxe Bulky Superwash, made of 100% superwash wool. Can you just imagine how sweet it will look on your mantle filled with treats? You’ll find new special details each time you look at it. With the twinkle throughout, the overall effect is truly just as magical as a snow globe!
The sparkle from Rico Design Creative Bubble adds some magic to the Snow Globe Stocking.
I really enjoy the color combinations in this stocking. The cuff blends from red to a cool minty green, then to a creamy white with dots of stranded colorwork that look like sprinkles. Then, there are wonderful pops of color at the heel and toe. The heel is added after the rest of the sock is complete using a technique called an “afterthought heel,” which sounds complicated, but it’s actually not so bad! If you are in doubt, there is a helpful photo-tutorial blog post about the method, which you can review to feel prepared to make this fantastic stocking.
Whether you fill it with treats, or simply hang it for decoration, the Snow Globe Stocking is sure to spice up your mantle this season!
The last kit in this year’s collection is the Holiday Elf Socks, designed by Rachel Brockman. These socks just tickle me! I love the way that they mirror each other with their bright colors. It’s just what I imagine a jolly North Pole Elf would wear – a bit mischievous, and dazzlingly bright, with tiny festive trees. They are made with Uni Merino, a blend of superwash merino wool and nylon, perfect for a snuggly and soft pair of socks.
These happy socks are “sisters, not twins,” although they can be made to match instead of mirror, if you prefer!
They are made cuff-down with a heel-flap, and use stranded colorwork to make the adorable mini trees and surrounding design. The toe is seamless, using a Kitchener stitch to graft the live stitches together. I have recently started making socks, and have been using this method on every pair so far. At first I found it intimidating, but now I love it. The end results are so worth it, and we have a tutorial at this blog post which includes step-by-step photos that is incredibly helpful. Once you finish, you’ll have a pair of wacky holiday socks without any pesky toe seams to comfortably wear for years to come!
If you look closely, you can see where the toes are completely seamless!
I hope you have enjoyed looking at patterns from the 12 Days of Winter, Series 6 with me today. If you missed Part I, Part II, or Part III be sure to go read through them! You’ll hear thoughts from the other designers of the collection, Aubrey and Rachel, and get more tips and tricks for techniques that you’ll encounter in the designs!
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 a printed version of the pattern, the yarn required to make itn. Use our store locator to find your nearest Universal Yarn retailer!
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!
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.
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!
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!
Autumn is a wonderful season for yarn crafting. The air is cooling down, and we’re ready to work on a brand-new sweater or shawl for the season. What could be better to pair with your crafting than a tasty fall treat? From pie to Halloween candy or warm apple cider, everyone has a favorite autumn treat to enjoy while they work on a project. We wanted to combine this love of yarn and treats into a photo contest that you can participate in on social media!
Photo of Ravello in 113 Nori and 105 HoneyPot with some pumpkin cookies – Petal Shawl in Ravello (free pattern) – Wooden stitch markers made by Katrinkles Knitting Jewelry
What is a photo contest? The idea of our photo contests is to let people show their creativity by taking pictures of our yarn, a WIP, or a finished product using our yarn. In July of this year, we held a photo contest featuring our yarns and projects that used our yarns. We were very happy with the results, so we decided to bring on another one! This time with a fall theme! If you are wondering what this is all about, or you’re looking to learn more, read below to hear more about the Textures & Treats Photo Contest.
When does it start and how do I enter? Starting today (October 10th), we are giving everyone on Instagram the opportunity to participate in a fun, fall-themed photo contest. We can’t forget to mention, there is a great prize for the winner! If you don’t yet have Instagram, feel free to create an account (it’s quick, easy, and free!) and follow us @universal_yarn for more details about the contest. Now time for the details!
What are the rules? First, grab your Universal Yarn, WIP, or FO (finished object), along with your favorite autumn treat. Then snap a picture! The setting is your choice – be creative! Once you do that, post the photo to your Instagram, tag us in it @universal_yarn, and use the hashtag #UYtexturesandtreatsphotocontest. You must be following us on Instagram to be officially entered, and we ask that you also DM (Direct Message) us a jpg image of your entry. Please note, by using the hashtag, you are allowing us to repost your content. The deadline to enter is November 9th!
Rules for the Textures & Treats Photo Contest – Truva WIP is Yonca Ozbelli’s – Gold stitch markers made by Erin Fisher (https://www.instagram.com/onfishershook/)
How do I win? After the November 9th deadline, our staff will vote and select the top 5 photos of those who have entered. On November 10, we will post the Top 5 as a carousel post on our Instagram, and you will vote for the winner through comments on the post. The winner will then be announced on November 15th, and a great prize will be on its’ way! Now, let’s think of some inspiration!
Inspiration? We hope the photos within this blog provide inspiration but let’s take some time to go through what we are looking for! There are so many amazing things about the fall season, whether that be the leaves turning colors, or pumpkin spice anything. So, what would make a good photo? How about a sweater with fall leaves, a pumpkin in the background, and a warm apple cider? That sounds like a great idea. If you’re not a big fan of pumpkins or apple cider, do not worry. One more idea could be your favorite Universal Yarn with a tasty Pecan Pie on the side, perhaps throw in some leaves or acorns as well. The options are endless, and there’s no telling what great yarn photos you can come up with!
139 Masquerade in Uni Merino with candy apples
We hope you decide to join us this autumn for our Textures & Treats Photo Contest!
Questions? If you have any questions, please email rferrel@universalyarn.com and I will be happy to assist!
We’re so thrilled to announce that we’re hosting a fresh knitalong featuring a fabulous new pattern! Join us from October 3rd to November 4th for the Party Flag Socks KAL!
Say “hello” to the Party Flag Socks in Uni Merino!
Why Join a KAL (Knitalong)?
There are lots of reasons to join a knitalong! It’s a great way to join other crafters and bond over the experience of working on the same project together. We’ll cheer one another on, share tips and tricks, offer support, and generally keep one another motivated. Plus, what could be more fun than gushing over your new favorite project with fellow fiber friends?
How to Join the KAL
It’s simple! Grab your yarn and the pattern, snap and share photos of your WIP (work in progress) and share them using the hashtag #PartyFlagSocksKAL on social media. We’ll predominantly be hosting this KAL on Instagram and Ravelry. Here is how you can join in:
Follow along on Instagram! Tag us @universal_yarn and the designer, Allison Lutes @fieldwonderful, and don’t forget to use the hashtag we mentioned above. Every Wednesday during the KAL, we’ll share your progress!
Join our Ravelry Group! We’ll open a Ravelry thread with information about the KAL, where you can chat, ask questions, and share photos with other participants and our staff throughout the KAL.
You can share on Facebook, too! Tag us @universalyarn and use the hashtag above.
We’ll be posting our progress periodically here on our blog, too.
Important Note: By tagging us and using the hashtag #PartyFlagSocksKAL, you are consenting to us sharing those photos on our Instagram and/or blog.
How Long is the KAL?
This KAL lasts from 10/3/22 – 11/4/22. That’s a little over one month to knock out a pair of socks. To be eligible for a special “sur-prize” you’ll need to share your FO (finished object) with us, but you don’t need to finish to join in on the fun. All are welcome and encouraged to participate!
Tell Me About the Pattern!
We’ve collaborated with the talented Allison Lutes for this design! As soon as we saw her concept, we simply fell in love. While there are many exciting sock patterns out there, we were just so charmed by the simple but unique motif decorating the entire sock. Plus, the contrasting heels, toes, and cuffs are irresistible! This pattern was specifically designed for our new yarn, Uni Merino & Uni Merino Mini. This 75/25 blend of superwash merino and nylon is perfect for cozy, soft, and durable socks. The palette features fifty colors, so you can mix and match to your heart’s delight!
Ready to prepare? Here is what you’ll need to get started!
Materials
YARN
You’ll need five different colors to make a version like those pictured in our sample. Does that sound like too much for you? No worries! Allison cleverly created four Party Flag motif charts for you to get your creative juices flowing – one chart that reflects the sample socks, two 2-color options (one dark background, one light background), and a color-your-own version! We recommend choosing two to five colors, but the truth is you could get playful and add as many colors as you wish!
Do you need to use Uni Merino? We recommend it, but you don’t have to use it to participate! Bamboo Pop Sock Solids and Multis are a great choice if you prefer a wool-free sock yarn. Feel free to reach out to us if you’d like guidance in choosing a different yarn from our offerings. We’re always happy to help!
To make socks that match our sample you’ll need the following:
131 Nautical (MC) – 2 mini skeins
114 Honeycomb (CC1) – 1 mini skein*
142 Romance (CC2) – 1 mini skein
132 Lighthouse (CC3) – 1 mini skein
112 Carrot (CC4) – 1 mini skein*
*Please note: due to supply chain issues, we currently do not have mini-skeins in stock for colors 114 Honeycomb and 112 Carrot. These colors are available in 100-gram skeins. If you prefer to use the mini skeins, we recommend substituting 113 Sundial for CC1, and 111 Oriole for CC4. We are also always happy to help you choose colors. Never hesitate to reach out to us!
NEEDLES
US Size 1 (2.25 mm) DPNs or your preferred needles for knitting small circumferences in the round or size needed to obtain gauge
US Size 2 (2.75 mm) DPNs or your preferred needles for knitting small circumferences in the round or size needed to obtain gauge
Remember, needle sizes are always a suggestion as every knitter’s tension is unique!
NOTIONS
Stitch markers (plus one unique marker to denote the beginning of each round)
Tapestry needle (for Kitchener stitch and weaving in ends)
Waste yarn (for the afterthought heel)
Anything Else?
The pattern will be available to download for free from our website on Monday, October 3rd. We’ll make this announcement publicly, so if you follow us, you won’t miss it!
