As the weather gets chillier outside, there’s never been a better time for a woolly Free Pattern Friday! This weekend, we are thrilled to release the Mermaid Shawl, designed by Tori Gurbisz, featuring Deluxe DK Superwash and Colorburst. This oceanic-inspired shawl is wearable year-round thanks to the wool fibers and DK-weight of the respective yarns. Let’s dive right in and learn more about this gorgeous piece!
The Mermaid Shawl DK contains a solid upper portion using solely Deluxe DK Superwash, allowing the bottom of this shawl to stand out. The lower portion shows off slip-stitch edging as you combine Deluxe DK Superwash with Colorburst, creating the gorgeous mermaid scales that make this shawl so desirable!
The Mermaid Shawl DK is knit from the top down in relaxing stockinette stitch, with increasing throughout for shaping. Deluxe DK Superwash color 834 Cream provides the perfect canvas for your favorite hue of Colorburst to shine in this pattern. With two wool yarns for the Mermaid Shawl DK, you’ll want to sport this shawl year-round!
Now through Sunday, November 12th, Deluxe DK Superwash and Colorburst are 20% off! These two yarns have teamed up before to make beautiful creations like Slant, Virtuoso, the Ruby Shawl DK, and more! The superwash wool of solid Deluxe DK Superwash is the perfect match for the superwash fine merino and acrylic blend of self-shading Colorburst. Explore the color palettes of these respective yarns and let your imagination inspire your next project.
Make sure to share your creations with us on social media for a chance to be featured in stories or even on our feed!
The New England region is an iconic place to live or visit on your travels. With beautiful scenery and delicious food, this small cluster of states has a lot to offer, including yarn! For our local yarn shop October feature, take a virtual trip with us to Windsor, Connecticut, where you will find Ewe & You Fiber Arts! This yarn shop is owned and operated by Rachel Schuster. With its fifth anniversary passing in September, it’s the perfect time to learn more about Ewe & You Fiber Arts and the story behind this sensational store!
When Rachel Schuster began learning to crochet in college from a friend, who would’ve guessed that years later, she would open a yarn shop herself. After college, Rachel married an Army officer and had the opportunity to live in many different places, including Seoul, South Korea. Eventually, she and her husband made their way to Hartford, CT. The local yarn shop in Hartford was about to close, so Rachel decided to open Ewe & You Fiber Arts. After writing a business plan and receiving funding, her shop officially debuted in September 2018!
On the shelves of Ewe & You Fiber Arts, you can find many yarns from Universal Yarn, including staples like Uptown Worsted and Bamboo Pop! Rachel shares that our collection of Uptown yarns is a favorite at her shop, and it’s clear to see why. This line of anti-pilling acrylic yarns features a robust palette and has excellent stitch definition. Their affordability and easy care make it perfect for beginners, and it looks beautiful in all projects, from baby blankets to adult sweaters. One of our new releases, Uptown Bamboo DK, can be found on the shelves of Ewe & You Fiber Arts, and we suggest you try it out! The gorgeous drape of this yarn would look incredible in a scarf or blanket for the upcoming winter season.
With so many yarns to choose from, it’s obvious why so many flock to Ewe & You to get their fibers. With all these customers, Rachel has built a supportive and encouraging fiber arts community. We often hear shop owners say that community is the most rewarding part of their job; there’s nothing like seeing one of your regular customers show off a newly finished project.
Additionally, this shop has many opportunities for knitters and crocheters to grow their skills. Plenty of beginner-friendly classes are available at Ewe & You Fiber Arts; for more information, visit their website at this link. Rachel has also offered knit-alongs and crochet-alongs for her community to engage with each other, and we love to see that!
We are so thrilled at the opportunity to learn more about Ewe & You Fiber Arts and owner Rachel Schuster. Her shop will have a brand-new online shopping experience shortly; until then, follow Ewe & You Fiber Arts on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated!
The first day of autumn is tomorrow, and we couldn’t be more excited! Today’s new free pattern is perfect for those looking to get their fall knitting on. Kerid, designed by Aubrey Busek, is a stunning accessory that uses simple stitches to allow our Bamboo Bloom Handpaints yarn to shine! Let’s read more about this gorgeous project you’ll soon add to your queue.
Kerid is a beautiful shawl with delightful qualities that will have others complimenting you left and right. Garter stitch throughout this project allows Bamboo Bloom Handpaints to be the focal point, and why not? With many color options in Bamboo Bloom Handpaints, you can knit the accessory of your dreams.
This one-of-a-kind yarn features captivating color shifts and unique thick and thin texture in each hank. Kerid is knit flat from the top down, but since the stitch pattern isn’t overwhelming, you’ll be able to focus on the increases! This crescent-shaped shawl also features drop stitches, but this pattern is perfect for beginners as they serve as a bordering accent and will give you the perfect introduction to the technique. This pattern is free to download on our website and is featured in one size only.
If we haven’t convinced you yet to try Bamboo Bloom Handpaints, let our 20% off weekend sale be the difference! This yarn is an exciting blend of wool, rayon from bamboo, and acrylic. It works perfectly for many projects, including cowls, shawls, scarves, and more. Show off Bamboo Bloom Handpaints in a beautiful sweater with some of our other favorites, like in the Hanasaku Yoke!
Our 20% savings for Bamboo Bloom Handpaints are through Sunday, September 24th.
Autumn is knocking at the door, and today, we’re letting it in! Our Fall Florals collection is here! With six patterns that capture the essence of nature’s blooming wonders, we know you’ll fall in love. So what are we waiting for? Let our journey begin as we discover each of these stunning creations!
Cardigans are often associated with autumn, so you know we had to include one in this collection! Celosia, designed by Rachel Brockman, is full of vibrant fall colors using our Deluxe DK Superwash yarn. The beautiful Daises pattern adds texture to this piece as you change between three alternating colors. This cardigan has retro features, like the polo collar and bell-shaped sleeves. A touch of crochet finishes off the edges along the hem and sleeve cuffs, giving you a staple top for the crisp fall air! This cardigan uses colors 807 Ginseng as the main color (50% off color – available in bag quantities), 851 Rhapsody, and 803 Terra Cotta. Celosia includes sizes XS through 5X, as do all the garments featured in this collection.
While Cirsium is a prickly plant in nature, in the form of a knitted accessory, it’s as soft as can be! Let the soothing stockinette stitch take you on an exciting adventure as you knit this tubular cowl. This cowl is worked in the round, using a stranded color motif, which brings to life the flowers seen throughout. Cirsium uses three heathered shades of Deluxe DK Superwash, adding even more beauty to this accessory. With the soft and plush texture of the wool fibers featured in this cowl, you’ll stay cozy all autumn! Cirsium includes a small and large size, with the sample pictured above shown in large. The colors used for this cowl are 842 Oatmeal Heather and 845 Shamrock Heather. Color 848 Coral Heather is also used, however, since this color is sold out, we suggest using 841 Pomegranate Heather.
Grow your knitting skills with the stranded colorwork of Festoon, designed by Aubrey Busek. This marvelous shawl features botanical silhouettes that adorn the entirety of this piece. The Intarsia method is used along the border, beginning, and end of the motifs within the charts, providing gorgeous color changes throughout. More stranded colorwork will be used for the motifs, but don’t fret; this is an excellent opportunity to grow your skills! Grab two of your favorite hues of Deluxe DK Superwash and get going on this shawl! The colors used in the sample above are 815 Teal Viper and 852 Bashful.
Sweater weather is almost here! That means it’s the perfect time to get started on projects like Picotee, designed by Rachel Brockman. Using Intarsia, a beautiful flower is incorporated to be the centerpiece of this garment. However, there’s so much more to love about this sweater! The set-in sleeves, A-line waistband, and folded neckband will keep you bundled up for the coldest fall mornings! Picotee is knit flat, then seamed, and it features stockinette stitch throughout. This pullover uses colors 846 Mulberry Heather, 801 Rosy Mauve (50% off and available in bag quantities), 824 Starfish, and 810 Greenery (50% off and available in bag quantities). Color 811 Jadestone is also used, but since this color is sold out, we suggest 836 Christmas Green.
Don’t think we forgot about our crochet friends! Superbloom, designed by Ashley Jane McIntyre, uses five colors of Deluxe DK Superwash to create a stole dressed with beautiful flowers. With exhilarating features like Granny Squares, a Tulip Motif, Flowers, and Leaves, this accessory will inspire you to travel to your favorite park. Superbloom shows off solid and heathered shades of Deluxe DK Superwash, but the freedom is all yours! Grab this pattern and get stitching today! This stole uses colors 841 Pomegranate Heather, 846 Mulberry Heather, 850 Heather (50% off and available in bag quantities), and 845 Shamrock Heather. Color 848 Coral Heather is also used, but since this color is sold out, we suggest using 824 Starfish.
Last but not least, we have Verbena, designed by Aubrey Busek. This stunning pullover features cables down the middle on the front and back. However, your eyes may take you to the flowers embroidered on the front and sleeves. With show-stopping qualities throughout, this garment will be a wardrobe staple! Verbena is knit flat in pieces and seamed; instructions for the embroidery sections are in the pattern notes as an illustrative schematic and stitch guide. Wear Verbena to your next dinner party and watch the compliments roll in! This pullover uses colors 834 Cream, 815 Teal Viper, and 852 Bashful.
This weekend, we can’t help but celebrate the release of our Fall Florals collection with 20% off savings! This offer includes Deluxe DK Superwash, Individual Fall Florals patterns (Ravelry), and the Fall Florals E-Book (Ravelry and Universal Yarn website). So whether you’re eyeing just one of these gorgeous projects or the whole collection, you can indulge in this sweet deal!
It’s the first Friday of August, and you know what that means! The Cloudborn Cardigan is our free pattern for today, designed by Rachel Brockman. This exciting children’s pattern uses our stunning Wool Pop yarn to create a piece you can hand down from generation to generation. Let’s learn more!
The Cloudborn Cardigan is sized from 6 months to 6 years old, so whether you have a toddler roaming around or an older child, this pattern is for you! This garment uses an exciting garter stitch throughout, including the ruffle sleeves, providing a fun challenge for any knitter. The ruffle sleeves are created by picking up stitches around the armholes as you work in the round, incorporating increases to make the ruffles.
Perhaps the most exciting part of this project is that you get to tailor it to your liking with the expressive color palette! Our Wool Pop color palette includes 30 hues that look stunning in many different stitches, like the garter stitches used in this pattern. Pick your favorite color, and add the button of your choosing today. We know your little one will love their finished cardigan!
If you’re still questioning whether you should stash Wool Pop, our 20% off weekend savings make it the perfect time to splurge! This beautiful yarn is a blend of 50% bamboo, 35% superwash wool, and 15% polyamide in a DK weight. Wool Pop looks incredible in many stitch patterns, and the sheen of this yarn is sure to make your next piece stand out!
Browsing the shelves of your local yarn store to find the perfect yarn for your next project is a favorite pastime of many fiber artists. On the week of National Yarn Store Day (Saturday, April 29th), we are thrilled to share a gem found in Cody, Wyoming. We got the opportunity to interview Karista Low, owner of Wyoming Yarn, and learn more about her exciting new store!
Let’s head inside to see all that Wyoming Yarn has!
An auto shop turned yarn store may not be the most common history behind your local yarn shop, but for Wyoming Yarn and Karista Low, that’s how it all started. Starting as an independent dyer, Karista had a wealth of experience in the fiber arts industry. When she heard that her local yarn shop of choice was closing, she got the offer to take over the inventory and open what is now Wyoming Yarn!
Known for its proximity to the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Cody, Wyoming, sees an influx of visitors in the summer months. Travelers from all around the world get their yarn fix inside the doors of Karista’s local shop. However, Wyoming Yarn has plenty of loyal customers that stick around during the frigid winter months, and their shop has plenty of events for them to pass the time.
A weekly knit group is available for customers looking to grow their skills and socialize, and the calendar of events is growing. Crochet classes are new to the offerings, as many people are learning. Karista and her staff also offer knitting technique classes, such as mosaic knitting and much more.
A weekly knit group is one of the ways Wyoming Yarn engages with the community
Inside the walls of Wyoming Yarn, you will find a host of Universal Yarn favorites. Woolly favorites like Colorburst and Cobblestone can be found on the shelves of this shop, as well as plant-based yarns perfect for summer, like Bamboo Pop and Bamboo Pop Sock, and you should too! And with blankets being a popular project at Wyoming Yarn, yarns like Major and Uptown Worsted will surely make their way into the hands of the crafters who shop there.
Nothing makes a store owner smile more than when a skein of yarn returns as a finished object. Many stores have shared with us the joy of watching the skills of their community grow, and we know that is such an exciting thing about the job. At Wyoming Yarn, you will find plenty of baby blankets, shawls, and socks, and we love to see every one of them!
Blankets are a popular project of choice at Wyoming Yarn
We are so excited to feature Karista and her store, Wyoming Yarn. With Local Yarn Store Day coming up, make sure to head to their website and support her business, which keeps our industry thriving. If you are interested in having your store featured, please email rferrel@universalyarn.com to learn more!
Friday is here, and it’s time to celebrate with a free pattern just for you! This Free Pattern Friday, we are happy to share the Tea Leaf Scarf, crocheted in our beautiful Wool Pop yarn. The designer, Ashley Jane McIntyre, wanted to create an accessory that evokes the oncoming warmth and bloom of the spring season. Let’s find out more about this gorgeous pattern!
The Tea Leaf Scarf can be styled in many different ways.A beautiful lace pattern is seen at both ends of this piece.
The construction of this scarf is perfect for any crocheter looking to grow their skillset. This accessory is made by crocheting two pieces individually, starting at each edge and working towards the center, then seaming them together in the middle. You will get the chance to put your skills to the test with a beautiful lace pattern at the beginning of each of the two separate pieces, but we know you can do it!
The Teal Leaf Scarf is free to download on our website!
Wool Pop is an all-around beauty. This DK weight yarn is perfect for all types of garments and accessories. Due to its lightweight and breathable wool fibers, you can sport this yarn throughout spring and early summer. The hallmark slight sheen of Wool Pop appears when worked up, thanks to its blend of bamboo, superwash wool, and polyamide.
Save 20% off our Wool Pop yarn this weekend only! With 30 different colors to choose from, the options are endless with this delightful yarn. No code is needed for this sale. Make sure to share all your Wool Pop creations with us on social media!
If you’re a crafter, you know that choosing the right fiber for your project is one of the most fun and sometimes most daunting parts of the creation process. As crafters ourselves, we thought that we could offer you some assistance in the process of picking the ‘Fiber For You’. Throughout this series on social media and our blog, we will walk you through some of the most popular fiber choices, including the pros and cons of using that specific fiber. Where do we start? There’s no better place to start than with 100% wool yarns. Here at Universal Yarn, we offer a variety of 100% wool options that we think you will love! Let’s walk through why this fiber is perfect for your next project!
Deluxe Worsted Superwash is one of our most popular 100% wool yarns!
Wool is very likely the first fiber most people think of when they think about yarn. It is natural, durable, and has been used to create clothing and accessories for centuries. Here are some of the many reasons to choose to work with wool:
Breathability – This may not be the quality of wool that comes to mind immediately, but it’s very beneficial, especially in the warmer months. Wool is a highly breathable fiber, so you can relax knowing that you will not be overheating in garments and accessories made with this fiber. Pockets of air form in wool fibers to allow for the release of moisture, keeping you cool all summer long.
Moisture-Wicking – One of the reasons wool is an excellent option for winter months, especially in places with snowfall, is that it absorbs moisture. That makes wool garments perfect for those who enjoy snowboarding, skiing, or hanging out in the snow. You can rest assured knowing you won’t get soaked.
Durability – We had to add a reason specific to crafters looking to use this fiber for their next project. Wool is strong and resistant to tearing and stretching due to its natural elasticity. That means it is easy on your hands while you knit and crochet, and even if you need to frog a project, the yarn will bounce back to its original shape. Wool is often notes as feeling “lofty and light,” yet the fibers are strong enough to withstand wear and tear and be handed down as heirlooms when cared for properly.
The Carillon sweater features beautiful texture in our Deluxe Worsted yarn (100% non-superwash wool)
Garments like the Carillon sweater (pictured above) are just one of the stunning knitting patterns that feature 100% wool yarns. Wool fibers allow for beautifully textured designs like this one and give you space to be a little more creative with your stitches. When picking wool yarns, it’s important to distinguish between superwash wool and non-superwash wool. Options like Deluxe Worsted Superwash make it simple to machine wash your garments and accessories without worrying about felting occurring due to the superwash coating. However, if you plan on using Deluxe Worsted or Yarn Vibes with 100% non-superwash wool, hand wash and do not tumble dry to avoid felting.
Our website has so many patterns and wool yarns to choose from!
Now that you know more about the most popular fiber in the industry, let’s take a look at some inspiration so you can get started on your next project. Crocheters will find delight in the Rosewood Shawl (top middle right), using our Cobblestone yarn. This accessory features a gorgeous textured look and feel and can be worn year-round. Cardigans make for a fun project, and with Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash, you can knit up the Sedona (top middle left), which includes pockets as well! With our widely varied selection of 100% wool yarns, you will never fall short of inspiration for your next project!
Thank you for reading more about 100% wool in our new “Fiber For You” series; we hope it was informative and exciting. Stick around for next month as we go in-depth on the popular cotton fiber.
There’s nothing quite like Friday, and for this week’s Flash Pattern Friday, we have a fun surprise. Wool combined with classic tweedy nubs makes for the most exciting sweater projects, and today through Sunday, you can download the Chiaroscuro sweater for free on Ravelry!
The Chiaroscuro sweater features beautiful colorwork throughout the yoke.
Designed by Amy Gunderson, Chiaroscuro offers so much to love, but what stands out the most is the colorwork patterns on the yoke of this sweater. Three colors combine, using rhythmic slip stitches to create a design of crosses and left and right slants. Add in a funnel neck design and a bit of added length, and you’ve got a cozy and comfortable sweater you’ll reach for time and time again. This pattern might sound intimidating but don’t worry – it’s perfect for those looking to grow their knitting skills!
The oversized design of this sweater makes it nice and cozy.
The rolled and contrasting color hem, neckline, and sleeve cuffs add another element of excitement to the construction of this garment. Worked in a contrasting color, this added detail is not overbearing, but we know it will make others take notice. This sweater is found in the Still Life pattern collection, which features six garments and accessories in Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash and Deluxe Worsted Superwash. Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash has 24 different color options, so you can make a sweater that uses your favorite colors. The Chiaroscuro is sized from Small through 5X and is free to download on Ravelry through Sunday!
This graphic will help guide you to get the Chiaroscuro sweater for free.
To get Chiaroscuro 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 patterns@universalyarn.com by Sunday, February 26th, and we will take care of you when we return to the office next week.
Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash is the perfect yarn for any sweater, including the Chiaroscuro. This blend of superwash wool, viscose, and acrylic makes for stylish garments and accessories because of the tweedy nubs. Plus, every project you make will be machine-washable, making your life easier. Your friends and family are sure to know it was hand-knit or crocheted due to the stitch definition found in Deluxe Worsted Tweed projects. Match it with Deluxe Worsted Superwash for even more fun! Check out your local yarn store to see if they have Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash in stock, and ask about drop shipping options if they don’t. If they are a Universal Yarn retailer, you can order any quantity of our yarns through your LYS for a flat shipping fee of $11. They’ll benefit from your patronage, and you’ll have the yarn shipped right to your door!
Deluxe Worsted Tweed is great for garments and accessories.
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.
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.
Cliffs of Moher yarn from Yarn Vibes
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 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!
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.
