My name’s Ashley Jane, also known as AJ here at Universal Yarn. I’m avid crocheter, lover of dogs and all things outdoors, drinker of teas, and the newest member to the design team! My first few weeks here have been a whirlwind of learning our product line, organizing and revamping our Trunk Show Program, and making the cutest ever sample of our Ricorumi Kits!
Ricorumi Kit, Neptune
While settling into my new role, I have had the chance to stitch and swatch a few of our yarns to get to know them. I narrowed down my selection to Bella Cash, Ravello, and Penna. I wanted a chance to play around with some of our softer yarns while seeing what types of texture and feel I could produce with crochet. I loved my results – keep reading on to see my take on these fabulous fibers.
Sample Pennants in Bella Cash 116, Ravello 115 and Penna 106Bella 123
Bella Cash: Grippy on the hook, and springy to the touch. Using a 3.75 mm hook, I tried out the Lemon Peel stitch to see what type of texture I could get while working with it and wasn’t disappointed. Made from 60% Superwash Merino, 10% Cashmere, and 30% Nylon, this fine-weight yarn has great structure and stitch definition. Plus it feels nice and soft, and the hook size I used created a thick but malleable fabric. Bella Cash is easily one of my favorites to work with so far and would be fantastic in a full sweater with some texture and fine detailing, like the Bellissima Cardi, or the Holiday Lights Shawl.
Bella Cash 116Ravello 111
Ravello: Smooth to work with, and wonderful for making textures that have a nice light fluff to the finished piece. Using a 3.75mm hook for this fine weight yarn, the fabric has a delightful drape, and a soft airy quality to it. I played around with petal and reverse petal stitches for the pennant below. I loved it so much that I’ve decided to make my first Universal Yarn pattern from it, so be on the lookout for the Petal Shawl, coming soon! With a blend of 75% Cotton, 16% Extra Fine Merino and 9% Recycled Cashmere this yarn is lovely for summery tops like the Riviette Tank or the Lorelei sweater.
Ravello 115Penna 106
Lastly, Penna: Fluffy and Fun! This lace weight yarn is quite fine with lots of airy soft fibers, made from 50% Suri Baby Aplaca, 28% Extra Fine Merino, and 22% Nylon, so the stitches stand out in almost a ghostly fashion. Each twist and turn of your stitch can be seen through the fluff which I find looks beautiful with basic stitches, so I chose to whip up a simple pennant of Half Double Crochet’s using a 3.75 mm hook. An easy way to incorporate Penna into a piece is to hold it with another yarn like the Ariosa pattern suggests. This adds just the right amount of softness for that cozy, can’t-stop-touching feel. By itself, this is a standout yarn for lacework as seen in the Pluma stole.
Penna 106
All in all, these yarns are unbeatable for their quality and price points. I look forward to experimenting with more yarns and trying them out with crochet and other crafts.
It’s World Ocean Day! The ocean is our planet’s life source. Covering about 70% of the Earth’s surface, our oceans produce more than half of the world’s oxygen, absorb carbon from the atmosphere, and are home to at least a million species, though we don’t really know the true number. We can all agree that a resource so vital to our well-being should be cared for and celebrated. So, in honor of World Ocean Day, we’re sharing some sen-sea-tional patterns inspired by our oceans and a few tips on simple actions you can take to help preserve this precious resource.
Seastar in Cotton Supreme
Did you know that sea stars can live up to 35 years? Amazing! These colorful invertebrates are one of the most recognizable sea creatures, so it’s no surprise that so many designers have created patterns inspired by them. In fact, we have three super cute patterns where starfish are the star of the show.
Our own Aubrey Busek took inspiration from these aquatic creatures when she designed Seastar (pattern link) for our Seaside Supreme ebook. This graphic sweater is a statement knit featuring intarsia and lace. It is knit using our popular Cotton Supreme yarn. I love that this pattern is written with both long and short sleeve options, making it easier to personalize.
As fiber artists, we have the power to create many long-lasting, durable items that are inherently less wasteful. For example, that handmade sweater is destined to last much longer than any sweater you buy in a department store. It’s an heirloom piece that you can wear for years and pass down, minimizing some of the waste created by fast fashion. Is there a sweater in your wardrobe you don’t wear often anymore, or perhaps that doesn’t fit the way you imagined? Instead of taking that sweater to the thrift store, consider unraveling it and recycling the yarn for another project. You can even make dryer balls from old sweaters and non-superwash yarn, like our Deluxe Worsted.
If you want something a little more whimsical that’s a nice complement to your collection of seashells, consider making the cute and free Seahorse and Starfish set (pattern link) by Michele Wilcox. Like Seastar, this pattern uses Cotton Supreme. One skein will take you very far with this pattern. I think it would be adorable to string several of them together to create a garland or mobile to decorate your home, reminding you of the ocean even if you live far from it!
Looking for a cute scrubby pattern for yourself or a loved one? Look no further than the Starfish and Shell patterns (link) by Rico Design using Creative Bubble. This yarn is perfect for creating scrubbies that are more durable and eco-friendly than disposable rags or sponges. They work as well for scrubbing your countertops as they will for exfoiliating your skin. Plus, your little one will love these projects as bath toys!
Narwhal & Seal from the Ricorumi Wild Wild Animals book.
I’ve always been fascinated by the Arctic. It amazes me that life can exist in parts of the world so frigid and seemingly barren. Yet, some creatures have evolved to be perfectly equipped to brave the harsh climate. With a knack for creating charming patterns, Rico Design pays homage to polar-dwelling seals and narwhals in the Wild Wild Animals pattern book (link). Both of these crochet amigurumi projects use Ricorumi Cotton DK. The Narwhal pattern is even available as a kit! Eco-conscious tip: instead of using poly-fil for your stuffed animal projects, try using scrap yarns and fabric instead!
The Betta Swetta Set
One of my favorite books as a young child was The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister. This cute storybook about sharing mesmerized me with its beautiful illustrations. Perhaps thanks to that book, I’ve always been excited to spot a fish in any body of water and had a fishtank of my own growing up. I still love visiting the aquarium to marvel at their colors, shapes, and sizes. With that inspiration in mind, I designed the free Betta Swetta Set (pattern link) in Adore. This duo was inspired by all of the fishies in the ocean.
The Atlantic Ocean, as seen on a rainy November day at Daytona Beach. If you want to learn more about World Ocean Day, you can explore the website here (link).
Many of the species these patterns celebrate are threatened, and it’s our responsibility to do what we can to preserve the health of the ocean. You can create reusable bags for carrying the grocery items that will allow you to say “goodbye” to plastic bags for good. As I mentioned earlier, many of the handmade washcloths, towels, and other home items are more durable than store-bought or disposable options. Plus, you probably have the skills to mend your handmade items (and store-bought items) on your own, making them last even longer! If you’re looking for more inspiration, don’t miss my recent blog post about our most eco-friendly yarns and accompanying patterns.
I hope you’re feeling inspired to honor the ocean today, and every day! Do you have any tips you’d like to share on how to make your crafting more environmentally friendly? Do you have a favorite type of project that helps eliminate waste? We’d love to know!
It’s early June, which means that summer is here (in my book, even if not officially!). And while there are numerous things I love about summer, one thing that’s always exciting is the introduction of new yarns for the upcoming Fall season! For the next few weeks, I’ll be highlighting some of our great new offerings, starting this week with Bamboo Pop Sock – Solids.
Yep, you heard me correctly – solids! We’ve had lots of requests from customers who fell in love with our self-shading version of Bamboo Pop Sock. When we introduced the yarn with eight splashy, self-striping colors in 2019 it was an instant hit, so we swiftly added another eight colors in solid, gradually shifting stripes. This yarn has become beloved for being a wool-free alternative to other sock yarns, so it’s great for vegan knitters or those with sensitivities to animal fibers. This yarn blends bamboo, cotton, and PBT to create a cool, comfortable, and elastic yarn. While it’s fantastic for socks, we’ve fallen in love with it for baby projects, garments, accessories, and more! To celebrate the introduction of our 22 solid colors (20 of which are available now), I want to highlight some beautiful free patterns featuring Bamboo Pop Sock solids.
Fairway in #614 Celestial, #612 Sky, & #616 Fern
I mentioned that people began to love Bamboo Pop Sock for baby projects, like the popular Playtime Dress in color #404 Wildflowers. Aubrey simply couldn’t resist adding to the collection of baby patterns using this yarn, so she designed Fairway (pattern link). This cute little sweater features bold blocks of color and texture using colors that remind me of a sunny day playing Par 3 golf with my dad. It’s perfect! Fairway is sized from 0-6 months through 4 years, and only takes one ball of each color across all sizes.
Crimson Tee in #608 Pomegranate
With an eye for feminine details, Aubrey perfectly finds the balance between elegant and casual apparel in the Crimson Tee (pattern link). It features a botanically-inspired lace motif along the hem, sleeves, and in the panels featured on the front and back. We love it styled with a French tuck (as pictured), allowing the scalloped hem to show along the sides and back.
Lace details on the Crimson Tee.
Looking for an accessory instead? Try the lovely Serendipity shawl (pattern link), also designed by Aubrey. This asymmetrical triangular shawl is knit flat on the bias, and it only takes one ball of yarn! The fabric is covered in a lovely little lace motif. The design illustrates how magical the drape of this Bamboo Pop Sock is. It creates a silky, smooth effect that perfectly hugs your neck and shoulders. Toss this shawl over your favorite summer tank or dress and you’re good to go!
I hope you’ve enjoyed a peek at new patterns in Bamboo Pop Sock! Which of these do you plan to knit first? The yarn and patterns are available now, so be sure to head to your local yarn store or our website to start your new favorite project!
Earth Day is a week away – and that’s something we should all be celebrating. We are just one of the estimated 1 trillion species on Earth…and we are also the life form that arguably has the greatest impact on the natural world. Recently, I listened to David Attenborough’s reading of his book, Life on Earth, originally published in 1979. In the last couple of chapters, he wrote about our impact on the planet, and this quote truly strikes a chord:
“The fact remains that man has unprecedented control over the world and everything in it. And so, whether he likes it or not, what happens next is very largely up to him.”
There is so much information available about how to ease our environmental impact. It can be very overwhelming at times! These conversations can often be heated, controversial, and even lead to confusion about what we can do. Ultimately, though, we can all take small steps to help preserve this remarkable place we call home. So, what does that have to do with yarn? Well, today I wanted to highlight some of the yarns we can use to minimize our footprints and create practical, reusable projects.
Our Java yarn is made with 100% hemp fibers. What’s so great about hemp? Well, for one thing, it requires significantly less water to grow and process! It’s an incredibly strong and durable fiber and is also very colorfast. Java has a rustic hand and is well-suited for projects such as washcloths and home décor.
Sunfire Bag in Java
An easy step for reducing your carbon footprint is to swap plastic shopping bags with reusable bags. At this point, several states have banned the use of plastic shopping bags altogether. And while your state may not have taken those measures, toting (pun intended) your own shopping bag is a great idea! Stroll to your local farmer’s market in style with the Sunfire Bag (pattern link). This crochet project is worked modularly and boasts plenty of space. I’d love to make several of these bags in an assortment of the 12 colors in the Java palette.
Stitch Sampler Cloths
Forget paper towels and disposable wipes! The Stitch Sampler Cloths (pattern link) are great reusable projects that work as well for spa days and personal hygiene as they do for scrubbing your dishes. Taking care of these cloths is a snap because they are machine washable and dryable. Each cloth in the pattern features a unique stitch motif, so you won’t get bored while knitting. Plus, they have a loop that’s convenient for hanging!
Most people first learn about the benefits of recycling in elementary school. I know I did! I’ve been known to unravel thrift store sweaters to recycle the yarn, but we’ve made the process even simpler with our Clean Cotton and Clean Cotton Multi yarns. Both yarns are made entirely of reclaimed fiber. Our mill gathered waste yarn scraps and bits of fluff from other yarns to give it new life as a soft, durable, and practical yarn at an impressively economical price point. Each yarn in the Clean Cotton family (which also includes Clean Cotton Big) is comprised of 85% recycled cotton and 15% recycled polyester. While we created this yarn with projects like cozies, washcloths, dish towels, and bags in mind, it’s surprisingly soft. We’ve had several customers (myself included) create breezy garments, too!
Mosaic Dish Towels
The Mosaic Dish Towels (pattern link) are a coordinating set of kitchen towels that are absorbent and can be used to wipe up a spill here and there, dry your hands, hold hot plates, and more. All it takes is two skeins of each color and you’ll get at least two towels (as shown above). This straightforward pattern features a pretty motif along the bottom edge and garter stitch throughout the rest of the fabric. An I-cord loop is convenient for hanging these pieces in your kitchen, but you can just as easily drape them over your oven door handle. This design is an excellent choice for beginners interested in dipping their toes into a more exciting project.
Fresh Air Washcloths
Great for your kitchen or your bathroom, the Fresh Air Washcloths (pattern link) are just as practical as the Stitch Sampler Cloths I mentioned earlier. The saturated hues of Clean Cotton make it easy to add a pop of color to your home. These washcloths are knit flat from the bottom up in a broken garter stitch pattern. After you finish the square portion, an I-cord edging is worked around the edge using a contrast color. I think these would be great in Clean Cotton Multi, too!
Perhaps the most versatile eco-friendly yarn we offer is Cottonwood. Cottonwood is a GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton yarn. It is soft, smooth, and boasts excellent stitch definition. We’ve used this yarn for garments, accessories, and the same functional home products similar to others I’ve highlighted in this post. Last Friday, Heather gushed about the Sandbar shawl on the blog (link). In addition to an ebook, Cottonwood Arboretum, we have a plethora of free patterns to support this yarn, too.
Macaron Cloths
In keeping with our theme, though, let’s take a look at the Macaron Cloths (pattern link). With yarn this soft, we truly had your skincare routine in mind. They are gentle on the skin, yet highly absorbent, making them a terrific choice for your next spa day. The construction of these cloths is extremely similar to the Fresh Air Washcloths I mentioned earlier, but where they really shine is the array of stunning stitch patterns. Featuring long stitches, twisted stitches, lace, and I-cords, you’ll expand your knitting skill set and there is certainly no risk of boredom. Because each cloth is different, this is like getting five patterns in one!
Today I focused on some of the eco-friendly yarns we offer that use plant fibers. However, if you’re looking for some luxurious animal fiber yarns that are Earth-friendly, don’t miss Ravello and Cashmere Lusso – which both contain recycled cashmere, or Deluxe Worsted – a non-superwash wool yarn with a handful of natural, undyed colors.
So, this Earth Day, celebrate our planet and our craft with some beautiful, environmentally friendly yarns and patterns. Take a walk outside, plant a tree, clean up trash in your neighborhood, and take some time to show gratitude for our amazing home.
If you follow us, you might know that we carry a fantastic line of yarn created with amigurumi projects in mind: Ricorumi DK Cotton. I’m such a fan of these cute mini-skeins that come in a vast range of colors. The Rico Design Team has created an adorable assortment of crochet patterns, kits, and books for the yarn. In fact, they’re even hosting a ridiculously cute Spring Crochet-Along right now. We’ve been sharing their patterns in our newsletter and on social media regularly. However, since we started sharing them more often, I’ve been getting emails from knitters requesting similar projects for those who don’t crochet. With those customers in mind, and with Easter well on its way, I felt some inspiration creep in.
The skeins of Ricorumi DK Cotton remind us of colorful Easter eggs!
Last week I started brainstorming with our other in-house designer, Aubrey, about ideas for Easter. A cute stuffed toy was the obvious choice. However, we already have patterns for a bunny (Coco pattern link) and a sheep (Sheldon the Sheep pattern link). What were we missing? A cute little chick! And just like that, Easter Earl (pattern link) was born!
I’m just going to say it. I love him. He was such a joy to design. I can’t get over his plump little body and all of the fun details – from the tufts of “feathers” on his head, to his bowtie, plush wings, and silly little feet. He’s a real cutie! Honestly, designing toys is so much fun. It’s a bit of a free form and play-as-you-go process, but it’s also a puzzle that requires no shortage of problem-solving. I re-knit some features several times to try and get the right shapes and proportions. Watching Earl evolve from a weird yellow snowman shape into a Spring chick was a blast. There were moments of anxiety along the way because I really wanted to make sure the finished project reflected my vision. Is it an exact match? Nope – but I couldn’t be happier with it!
I wrapped the upper corners of his eyes to create an eyelid effect. It’s one of my favorite details.
With the exception of the bowtie, each piece is knit in the round. That makes it a no-purl project, too! Some of the pieces, like the feet and the beak, are quite small so they can feel a little fiddly and tedious to knit, but it’s well worth the effort. You’ll get to indulge in a variety of techniques for this project. It involves an adjustable ring cast-on, 2-stitch I-cord, and basic increases and decreases. The body is worked in one piece. Then the wings, feet, beak, and bowtie are knit separately. During finishing, each piece is assembled together. The pattern includes written instructions for where to attach each piece, but I think the photos are even more helpful.
Just look at those precious toes!
It only took me two days to make Easter Earl, so he makes a great last-minute gift to place in an Easter basket. He’ll certainly be finding his way into my husband’s Easter basket this year!
Today the sun is shining bright and the temperature is reminding me that spring is well on its way. Here in North Carolina, some of the spring flowers are starting to emerge and I can see buds beginning to appear on the maple tree in my front yard. The days are getting longer and I couldn’t be more thrilled. This early spring weather has me tempted to pull out my warm-weather knits. Or, at the very least, it has me tempted to cast on something perfect for when the weather is consistently warm! I’m not quite ready to say hello to linen, but a nice blend of plant and animal fibers should do the trick!
Ravello in #112 Sage Leaf.
Last year we introduced Ravello, and I immediately fell in love. It is a blend of cotton, extra-fine merino, and recycled cashmere. This blend is the perfect companion for spring weather, keeping you warm during the chilly mornings yet remaining lightweight enough to keep you comfortable when the sun is shining high. This plied yarn features a subtle halo and the palette ranges from soft pastels to rich heathers.
When I saw the submission call for the Spring 2021 issue of Interweave Knits, I knew I had to propose a design that uses Ravello. The mood board features botanical motifs and soft colors. Ravello is beautiful in a variety of stitch patterns, but it excels in lace. So, with my graph-paper notebook and knitting needles in hand, I began brainstorming and playing with some ideas.
Left: My preliminary swatch for Subtle Spring. Right: My digital sketch that was included in the proposal.
A yoke tee seemed like the perfect playground for a lace design. The motif could grow in size – starting small around the neckline and sprouting into something larger and even more beautiful. I looked to leaves and vines for inspiration. Initially, I suggested Sage Leaf for the design – a literal interpretation of sprouting spring plants. As you can see from the swatch pictured above, I thought about using a contrasting color for the hem, neckline, and sleeve cuffs for an added element of interest. Additionally, each sleeve would feature a row of eyelets before the crisp twisted ribbing.
Subtle Spring Tee, image courtesy of Interweave Knits.
Eventually, my swatches and sketches grew up to be the Subtle Spring Tee. The final design stayed remarkably true to my vision. Collaboratively, the editor and I opted to pass on the idea of contrast color ribbing, thinking it might distract a little from the lace motif that decorates the yoke. Instead of using Sage Leaf, we decided to lean towards warmth and romance by choosing 104 Soft Clay instead.
Rows of eyelets border the ribbing along each edge. Image courtesy of Interweave Knits.
I opted to include the row of eyelets to the bottom hem and around the neckband instead of just the sleeves. This sweater begins with a provisional cast-on and is knit from the top-down. During finishing you unpick the provisional cast-on and work the neckband from the bottom-up. I’m so glad I wrote the pattern this way because, in the original draft of the pattern, I didn’t include eyelets around the neckband. When I received the garment from my sample knitter, I decided there needed to be more continuity between the lace yoke and the neckband. So, I unraveled the neckband and added the row of eyelets. Sometimes it’s the little details that bring a design together.
Yoke details on the Subtle Sprint Tee. Image courtesy of Interweave Knits.
I love when a design comes together just the way I envisioned. I hope you enjoyed this peek into my design process.
Just before the start of 2012 (when I made a New Year’s Resolution to learn to knit), I can recall a moment when I was shopping and suddenly thought “I want to learn to make a sweater.” I can’t recall if it was a particular sweater that inspired me, or if it was simply the notion of creating something both beautiful and functional. Either way, to this day I often find myself inspired by ready-to-wear (RTW) apparel. I think the inspiration goes both ways: RTW designers are inspired by handcrafters, too. When I’m on the go, I snap photos of interesting details, save pins, admire silhouettes, stitch patterns, and more. I’m confident that I’m not alone, too. I can’t say I know a maker who hasn’t been inspired by something they’ve spotted in the wild, whether it’s a specific garment or a current trend.
That seed of inspiration eventually sprouts into unique and interesting designs. Today, I wanted to spotlight a ready-to-wear trend that truly nods to the homegrown handmade items: patchwork and texture blocking. This style lends itself to scrappy projects, playful samplings of stitches, and a lot of room for creative expression. These garments are statement knits and don’t necessarily need to be polished, but they certainly can be. Here are just a few examples from ready-to-wear fashion.
Left to Right: High Snobiety scarf; J. Press cardigan, Line & Dot sweater/skirt set
Perhaps the most notorious textural, patchwork sweater was designed by J.W. Anderson and donned by Harry Styles. This sweater took social media by storm with many fiber artists creating their own versions of it. It was so popular, in fact, that the designer published the pattern (link) so you can make your own. Might I suggest Deluxe Bulky Superwash if you’re so inclined to make your own?
The now iconic J.W. Anderson sweater that has been recreated by thousands of knitters and crocheters!
The now iconic J.W. Anderson sweater that has been recreated by thousands of knitters and crocheters!
Today I’m going to spotlight several sweaters using our yarns that tick all of those boxes. Get ready for a healthy dose of inspiration!
The Street Art Vest is knit using five colors of Dona: #130 Steely (MC), #103 Amber (CC1), #132 Alabaster (CC2), #125 Navy (CC3), & #131 Onyx.
We’ve been seeing knitted vests left and right – so what could be more on point than a color and texture blocked vest? Add an off-centered zipper and the result is truly a statement knit. The Street Art Vest (pattern link) is just the kind of zest design you’d expect from designer Amy Gunderson. In fact – you’ll notice that most of the patterns I’m sharing today are her designs!
One of the most exciting things about these patchwork projects is that they’re essentially sampler projects. It’s hard to get bored! This vest utilizes a combination of intarsia, twisted stitches, cables, and knit-purl textures. Thanks to the superior stitch definition of 100% superwash extra fine merino yarn Dona, the motifs stand out – even in the darkest colors. I love the industrial palette of this project with a dash of yellow to add just the right amount of zest.
Our theme today isn’t strictly about multi-color projects. In fact, monochromatic texture-blocking can look rather elegant. For those who aren’t comfortable sporting boldly colored garments, the single-color variations of this trend are an excellent option. Just take a look at #07 Lace Pullover (pattern link), designed by Amy Gunderson and published in the Fall, 2019 issue of Vogue Knitting magazine. This design also uses Dona and the results are stunning. A breath-taking sampling of lace and twisted ribbing for the trim make this sweater as polished as can be.
Ainsley is knit using four colors of Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash: #912 Ebony (A), #910 Porcelain (B), #913 Smoke (C), & #905 Pine (D).
Ainsley (pattern link) is another exciting design by Amy Gunderson. Much like the Street Art Vest, this design features intarsia and a variety of rich textures. It is knit using Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash – a tweedy, woolly yarn that adds a rustic quality to any project. The relaxed fit gives this piece an androgynous appearance. It’s easy to wear with anything, and the v-neck lends itself to a bit of layering.
Soiree uses Deluxe DK Superwash in colors #861 Blue Rustic, #818 Dusty Blue, 860 Twilight Rustic, & #838 Twilight.
In the Fall, 2020 issue of Vogue Knitting, the patchwork inspiration was in full display in #7 Soiree. We love the cool shades of Deluxe DK Superwash. Bishop sleeves and a funnel neck make this piece especially cozy. Designer Laura Zukaite made bold textural choices for this design. It includes intarsia, chunky cables, fisherman’s rib, garter stitch, classic K2, P2 Ribbing, and lace. You’ll get to exercise all of your knitting skills with this pullover.
My own contribution to this selection of patterns is Lollipop (pattern link), knit in Donnina. This design is perfect if you want to play with color blocking and texture blocking, but it doesn’t fully step into patchwork territory. This candy-colored cutie features two different twisted stitch motifs and a pop of cherry twisted ribbing along the neckline. It’s lightweight, making it perfect for the spring weather we’re all dreaming of.
Those are my picks for patterns that use color, texture, and blocks to create a visually stunning product. How do you feel about this patchwork trend? Do any of these patterns speak to you? We’d love to know!
How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? Some people aren’t a fan of those “Hallmark Holidays,” but personally, I enjoy them. It’s frivolous fun, whether you celebrate by yourself or with someone special. Love it or hate it, we’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy the surprise free pattern we’re sharing just in time for Valentine’s Day. Say hello to Galentine (pattern link)!
You can wear the sleeve with the cuffs folded up, or not. Whatever makes you happy!
So, why Galentine? Well, first, how could we not choose a Valentine-related name for such a happy pink sweater? But more importantly, this sweater was designed by our managing director, Yonca, for her daughter, Talya. Mother, daughter, sister, friend – who wouldn’t want to treat their favorite gal-pal to a hand-knit sweater? (Side note: this isn’t the first sweater Yonca has knit for Talya. You might recall the Flouncy Fringe Tank from last year, another cute design!)
We love a good funnel neck sweater.
Talya requested a cozy, oversized pullover with a funnel neck and roomy sleeves that she could scrunch up or fold at the cuffs. And, as you can see, Galentine is just that. We love the funnel neck featured in this design. It’s perfect for keeping you extra warm on these chilly February days.
Dona comes in a variety of beautiful colors, many of which are perfect for Valentine’s Day! Here, Aubrey is holding balls of Dona in colors #108 Red Delicious, #111 Sweet Pea, and #114 Camellia.
Galentine is knit using staff-favorite, Fibra Natura Dona. It’s a dk-weight, 100% extra fine superwash merino wool yarn that is a dream to knit (or crochet). Its plump, smooth, and round texture give it unbeatable stitch definition. Although this pattern is mostly stockinette, the ribbing pops in Dona. Yonca used color #114 Camellia for the design, but Dona boasts a palette of 38 colors so there is truly something for everyone. Personally, if I was opting for a pink version I’d go with #112 Smoky Peach…but my top choice would be #105 Gingerbread – a burnt orange hue I can never resist!
This sweater is knit flat in pieces from the bottom up and seamed. After assembling the body, the neckband stitches are picked up and knit in the round. This is an easy pattern and would make a great first sweater. It’s excellent for virtual knit nights when you might find yourself a little distracted while chatting away with your friends.
So you might be thinking, “there is no way I can knit this before Valentine’s Day”. Of course not, but if you did we’d be super impressed! We primarily named it Galentine because of the delightful pink and its purpose as a gift. This sweater is great no matter when you choose to knit or wear it! However, if you are looking for a Valentine’s Day present, may we suggest the Stavanger project bag (pictured above) by muud? It would make a great last-minute treat for yourself or a loved one.
Stavanger is a crossbody project bag great for taking your WIPs on the go. The top opens with two zippers and inside there is room for yarn, notions, and your project. Earlier I mentioned that Galentine is knit in pieces. This makes the project more portable and there is plenty of room in Stavanger to store your yarn and the piece of the sweater you’re working on. It’s also great for shawl projects and other small accessories. Stavanger comes two colors: black (as shown) and whisky (a lovely brown).
Stavanger features several pockets for storing notions and the inside has plenty of space for your yarn and project.
Today I’d like to highlight one of our more recent pattern collections, Still Life (link). It’s always fun to put together a pattern collection. This one is especially close to my heart because this is the last collaborative collection between our former creative director, the amazing Amy Gunderson, and myself. That means this collection has also been a long time in the making. Originally, these patterns were developed for another yarn, but sometimes things just don’t work out the way you originally planned. When we had to say goodbye to the intended yarn, we didn’t want to say goodbye to this collection. How could we? The pieces are all so beautiful. That’s why we reimagined them in our Deluxe Worsted Superwash and Deluxe Worsted Tweed. Today I’m going to share each of these projects with you and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
The first pattern in the collection is a contribution by Amy Gunderson. The show-stopping Chiaroscuro (pattern link). This seamless, top-down pattern features a bold slip-stitch colorwork motif across the circular yoke. I’ve always been a fan of mock-neck and turtle neck sweaters. As someone who is perpetually chilly, they maximize my comfort during the winter months. So, the high, ribbed neckband of Chiaroscuro is perfect for me. I also love the contrast color rolled stockinette trim that decorates the hem and sleeve cuffs. This is a casual piece that is begging to be knit. Our sample uses Deluxe Worsted Tweed which gives it a rustic appeal. However, if tweedy nubs aren’t your thing, simply use Deluxe Worsted Superwash instead – the yarns are totally interchangeable!
Chiaroscuro by Amy Gunderson in Deluxe Worsted Tweed
Next, we have Delft (pattern link), knit in Deluxe Worsted Superwash. This is my design, and while I don’t mean to boast, I have to say I just love it! I’ve worn the original sample of this design so much! It’s the perfect layering piece. The raglan shaping ensures a great fit. Twisted ribbing pops along with the hem and button bands, but what I love most are the horizontal bars created by using slipped stitches. Delft is another seamless pattern and is knit from the bottom up. You work the body and sleeves separately and join them at the underarms and complete the sweater in one piece.
Delft by Rachel Brockman in Deluxe Worsted Superwash
Those who love a good sampler project will enjoy Leyster (pattern link), designed by Amy Gunderson. This lengthy scarf is perfect for wrapping around your shoulders during the cool months of autumn and winter. The design is loaded with textural motifs that are a blast to knit, and you won’t get bored because the motifs alternate frequently. Leyster is an excellent project for a beginner knitter ready to tackle something more interesting than garter stitch.
Leyster by Amy Gunderson in Deluxe Worsted Superwash
Another project that uses Deluxe Worsted Superwash is the cozy shawl, Pointillé (pattern link). Like all of the designs in this collection, Pointillé is richly textured. It features three lovely colors. I love the crescent-shape of this shawl and find that it drapes around the neck and shoulders so easily. The stitch patterns are easily memorized and addictive to knit. The finishing touch is a crocheted picot trim – admittedly a design feature I can’t get enough of!
Pointillé by Rachel Brockman in Deluxe Worsted Superwash
Although I always say I favor knitting sweaters and hats, shawls are also high on the list of my favorite things to knit. They come in all shapes and sizes with varied construction methods. I’ve never really been bored with a shawl. Angular, asymmetrical triangles are a popular shawl shape, likely because of their modern design appeal. Verdigris (pattern link) falls into the asymmetrical triangle category, but with a twist. Stitches are actually increased on two sides of a cable panel, breaking this pattern up into beautiful and interesting sections.
Verdigris by Amy Gunderson in Deluxe Worsted Tweed
The final piece in the collection is another pullover: Vermillion (pattern link) in Deluxe Worsted Tweed. This pullover features bracelet length sleeves, slip stitches, cables, and a sweet split hem on the front. I designed the hem so that the ribbing shifts neatly into the center panels. I’m pretty sure this piece is going to be a favorite of mine to wear during the transitional seasons!
Vermillion by Rachel Brockman in Deluxe Worsted Tweed
I hope you’ve enjoyed taking a look at the patterns in the Still Life collection! We’re so happy with how this collection turned out. Which projects do you plan to put on your knitting needles? Do you have a favorite piece in the collection? We’d love to know in the comments!
This is part 12 in a 12 part series highlighting designs from our 12 Days of Winter, Series 4 Edition.
Well, somehow it’s already Day 12 of the 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection! We’ve had so much fun sharing our annual collection of wintry kits with you, and we’re finishing things off with a fabulous little cowl designed by the wonderful Edie Eckman. To sweeten the deal, this kit comes with a pattern for both a knit version and a crochet version, too! You heard me right – whether you’re a knitter, crocheter, or both – this kit is perfection!
Left: Crochet Sugarplum Cowl; Right: Knit Sugarplum Cowl
The Sugarplum Cowls are created using lavish Fibra Natura Dona in colors #130 Steely, #111 Sweet Pea, and #134 Glacier. Dona is a yarn comprised of 100% extra fine superwash merino wool. This yarn boasts superb stitch definition and is an absolute joy to work with.
Crochet Sugarplum Cowl
If you’ve been following us for a while, you may recall that we asked for Edie’s contribution to our 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection last year, too. Her Forest Garland also featured a knit and crochet version and was a hit. This year, I presented her with a similar challenge and asked her to share a bit about her design process with me. Here is what she had to say:
“Little design challenges can be good. If we let them, they can stretch our thinking and spark creativity.
A little design challenge is what Universal Yarn presented me with when preparing for this year’s 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection:
· Use three colors · Use no more than one ball each color · Create an accessory with both a knitted version and a crocheted version · Keep it to advanced beginner level skills
Knit Sugarplum Cowl
Having parameters like this makes me have to think more carefully. How can I incorporate and balance the colors, when I can use no more than one ball each? How can I make both a knitted and crocheted version so that they look similar? How do I keep it simple enough for beginners, but interesting enough for more experienced crafters? And maybe most importantly, how I can I make it attractive and wearable?
Left: Crochet Sugarplum Cowl; Right: Knit Sugarplum Cowl
Of course, having a beautiful yarn like Dona helps a lot. Those icy-winter colors and the smooth texture of the yarn enhance stitch definition, no matter what stitch you use. It’s such a great choice for so many types of projects!
For these Sugarplum Cowls, I settled on a chevron pattern, a classic for both crocheters and knitters. The increases and decreases that make the zig-zag pattern keep you on your toes just enough to maintain your interest, but not so much to cause frustration once you get the pattern established. And because it’s made in the round, there are no annoying seams to deal with!
Whether you choose to knit or crochet, I hope you enjoy making your Sugarplum Cowls. I certainly enjoyed the little design challenge.”
Crochet Sugarplum Cowl
I hope you enjoyed hearing about Edie’s design. We love working with her, and you can find even more of her patterns in some of our other yarns on our website.
We sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed following along as we’ve highlighted each kit in the collection. Remember, you can find the Sugarplum Cowls and the rest of the 12 Days of Winter kits at your local yarn store. Click here to find a shop that carries our yarn near you.
