Inspiration
Dana’s Edit: Inspired by Nash Yarn Fest
My girlfriends and I are coming to Nash Yarn Fest and I couldn’t be more excited.
I have talked about our trips to Rhinebeck before and how they’re just as much about knitting and yarn as they are about community and relationships. This year, in lieu of Rhinebeck in the fall, Nash Yarn Fest will be our trip. But Tennessee in the spring has a totally different average temperature than New York in the fall. I realized I would need to reevaluate which knits I was bringing—or if I was going to knit myself something new.
Here’s the thing: I don’t ever want anyone to feel obligated to knit a new thing just for a yarn festival. I wore something I knit a year before to Rhinebeck last year because I just didn’t feel like knitting a new sweater and I was nursing a hand injury. But sometimes it is fun with your friend group to have a mini KAL based around a trip.
In honor of Nash Yarn Fest, I thought I’d share a few Nashville-appropriate knits you may want to add to your queue. You might see one or two at the event next weekend.
(Headlines below are links to the patterns’ Ravelry pages.)
Rota Sleeveless Top by Irene Lin
Two of my friends have been knitting the Rota Sleeveless Top. It’s so cute!
They’re both knitting it to wear over a thin layer, like a vest, but it would be a lovely summer top, too. It is a worsted-weight pattern and the lace is fairly easy to follow (according to our group chats). I’m adding this one to my list for the future.
Elixir Pleated Top by Arianna Frasca
I don’t know what it is about a box pleat but they are always so cute. If I don’t finish this in time for NYF, it will definitely be what’s on my needles if you see me. I love that you work the sleeves and upper body from the top down, put the stitches on hold, and then knit the lower half from the bottom up. A three-needle bind-off brings it together.
Aika by Megumi Shinagawa
This was another pattern that I considered making as a light and fun layer. It’s an all-over lace sweater (a favorite of mine to make) knit with fingering weight but with a larger needle for a bigger gauge. It’ll be quick to knit and super light to throw on as the day gets chillier. I might not make it for Nash Yarn Fest, but I definitely want to knit it in a bright color for my spring wardrobe.
Round Top Bandana by Martha Wissing
Of course I’ve been thinking about what I’ll be knitting on the plane (you’ve always got to have a travel project). I know that tiny scarves and bandanas are all the rage. Plus, I love wearing them in the spring. Why not make this really graphic mosaic knit bandana your travel WIP, too?
It doesn’t require a lot of yardage—and since it’s a mosaic stitch pattern, you only ever work one color per row. Sounds pretty great in my book.
So that’s what I’m thinking about for my trip to Nashville. I hope I get to meet so many of you while I’m there!
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I am so excited you will be coming to NYF. Please stop by our booth, and please excuse me if I’m a little star struck when we meet- I am a big fan of yours and have been reading your blog since it started!
Thanks Dana, you’re the best with wardrobe inspo, I always love your suggestions. And the pleated top pattern is definitely going home with me – and it’s free! Thanks Hobbii, from my native land Dk, . I can see this top really mixing it up with different co-ords. Have so much fun at NYF, Dana, but check yourself as far as the midnight oil knitting, lady!
Jej elsker dej. Gitte
Dana, love your choices for Nash fest. I will try to add some of these to my list this year. Unfortunately have to miss the fest THIS year, but hoping they will do it again and again. d
Love your suggestions–thank you!! I’m so inspired by Elixir Pleated Top–pattern has been downloaded. So many knits, so little time 🙂
These are all wonderful suggestions! I’m putting the Elixir Pleated Top in my queue right now! I’ll be at NYF with my hubby, wearing my new Bolin cardigan! Can’t wait for this wonderful event!
Thanks for this inspiring post!
All the designs are beautiful! Hope to see you and your friends at Nash Fest!
Thank you!
Lots of great inspiration and have fun at NYF!
Juicy suggestions!
Your suggestions are always so inspiring! Thanks for showing us that wonderful pleated sweater. Have fun in Nashville-wish I could be there too.
You are pure inspiration & joy! Love your suggestions!
So coool Keep us updated about your phenomenal trip!
These knits are awesome, they really grab you. Thanks for the inspiration.