Behind the Yarn: Apricity by TL Yarn Crafts

Apricity is the newest addition to our Happy Place yarn family, created in collaboration with Toni of TL Yarn Crafts! We asked Toni eight questions about this versatile yarn that will brighten up any project—read her answers here!

Guess what? We've once again teamed up with the incredible Toni Lipsey of TL Yarn Crafts to bring you something truly special! 🧶✨ This time, we're expanding the Happy Place yarn family with Apricity—Toni’s brand-new yarn that's the perfect ray of sunshine on a chilly autumn day! 🌞🍁

So, what's all the buzz about Apricity? Well, it's not just any yarn—it's a dreamy, lightweight alpaca blend that's fluffy as a cloud and oh-so-versatile! Perfect for countless projects, whether you're knitting a cozy scarf or crocheting a snuggly sweater. And the color palette? Simply stunning! Handpicked by Toni herself, so you know it's going to be fabulous!! 🎨💖

Want to know more? We chatted with Toni and asked her eight questions about the inspiration behind Apricity, its unique features, and the gorgeous patterns she's designed just for this yarn. So cozy up with a warm cup of something warm, and let's dive into all the details!

1. Why is it called Apricity?

“I live in the state of Michigan. Winter here can get very brutal. Cold, whipping winds, heavy snow days, and gray skies that last for weeks. Every now and then, the clouds part, and we get a glimpse of the warm sun as a reminder that spring is coming. The moment is Apricity—the feeling of the sun on a cold winter day. I called this Happy Place yarn Apricity because of the serenity and comfort I feel when I use it.”

2. In your opinion, what is the most unique aspect of Apricity?

“The most unique feature of Apricity is that it is a blown yarn. Luxurious alpaca is blended with soft and durable wool, then the mixture is blown into a gossamer thin casing and dyed the most glorious colors. The resulting yarn is flexible, pillowy soft, and surprisingly light for being such a chunky yarn.“

3. What inspired you to select these specific fibers for the yarn?

“All makers, regardless of skill level or budget, should have a chance to experience luxury yarns. Apricity expertly blends these high-end animal fibers in a way that is economical for the everyday crafter to incorporate into their projects. The 50g skein makes it easy to try every color in the palette!“

4. What do you love about tube yarns like Apricity?

“Tube yarns open a whole new world of opportunity for crocheters and knitters. Tube yarns like Apricity are lightweight because the fiber inside is allowed to stay fluffy, as opposed to being compacted by the plying process. As such, these yarns create volume and drape without being heavy. Tube yarns are versatile and work well in every kind of project, from garments to home decor and cold-weather accessories.”

5. What inspired you in choosing the color palette for Apricity?

“I wanted to develop a color palette as unique and striking as this yarn. I started with a list of goals—moody shades appropriate for the peak of autumn, a few bright colors that would work well in spring, and a wide range of neutrals to help create an endless number of cohesive color palettes. From there, I referenced one of my Pinterest boards with hundreds of inspiring colors. I initially narrowed the palette down to 40 colors, then condensed it again to the winning collection of 25 colors. Even with so much meticulous planning, I was pleasantly surprised by how the colors looked on the yarn. It was even better than I expected.“

6. Could you walk us through the new patterns you've designed for Apricity?

“Apricity allowed me to stretch out of my comfort zone as a designer to explore new themes, silhouettes, and colors with this newest collection.

Accessories like the OMG Hooded Scarf, the Pulse Bucket Hat, and the Metro Hat & Scarf are both quick makes that highlight the wide range of available colors through the use of simple stitches and unexpected construction elements."

"The Noah Baby Blanket and the Demeter Beaded Shawl are voluminous projects, allowing the user to wrap themselves in the softness and warmth that Apricity offers."

"The Sage Cardigan is a classic open-front sweater made with an eye-catching Tunisian crochet stitch. Conversely, the Sweetheart Cape is my most eclectic design to date, taking my love for granny squares and the color Pink to a new extreme."

"The crown jewel of the collection is the Maple Sweater. This is the perfect My-First-Sweater pattern for crocheters who are apprehensive about making garments. It acts as a canvas for your own creativity—make it with one color, in playful stripes, or bold color blocking. You can’t go wrong!”

7. What tips do you have for knitters or crocheters working with Apricity for the first time?

“Here are some top tips for using Apricity for the first time:

Stitch Definition: Look for patterns with simpler stitch patterns, as intricate textures can get lost in the yarn’s bulk.

Check your Tension: Gauge with a tube yarn can vary from that of a plied yarn. Make a gauge swatch with your preferred hook or needles before jumping into the project.

Frogging: Be careful when frogging Apricity. The loose fibers of the yarn can stick together, making it a bit of a challenge. Take your time when unraveling your stitches to keep your yarn looking pristine.

Blocking and Care: Animal fibers have a tendency to felt and pill, and alpaca is known to grow exponentially when submerged in water. I recommend steam blocking to finish your projects and spot cleaning to keep them looking fresh. A pilling stone or shaver will help with any fuzzy fibers.”

8. Finally, what makes this yarn great for both crocheters and knitters?

“Crocheters and knitters alike will appreciate that you need much less of this tube yarn to complete projects in comparison to the same gauge in a plied yarn. Also, garments and blankets will be lighter weight but still hold that cozy warmth you’re looking for. And, despite its bulky gauge, items made with Apricity have surprisingly beautiful drape.“

Start crafting with Apricity: Free patterns available now

Feeling inspired and can't wait to get those needles or hooks moving? We've got fantastic news for you! 🎉

You can download Toni's 8 FREE Apricity crochet patterns exclusively on the Hobbii website. Whether you're eager to start the cozy OMG Hooded Scarf, the stylish Pulse Bucket Hat, or the beginner-friendly Maple Sweater, there's a pattern just waiting for you. 💛

Try Apricity out for yourself and experience the fluffy, cloud-like softness everyone is raving about! Explore all 25 stunning colors handpicked by Toni and find your new favorites. 🎨 Have a look here!

Happy stitching! 🌞🧶💖