Inspiration
Dana’s Edit: Fall Transitions
It’s August, and we are at peak summer temps in Maryland. I know: it’s hot and you’re not thinking about wool.
But I am.
I’m already thinking about fall and which cozy knits I want to snuggle up in next. Now’s the time to think about knitting that perfect transition sweater for the first cool night, when you feel like Autumn is on the way.
Kame by Aude Martin
I’m not a fingering-weight sweater kind of person, but Kame immediately went into my queue when it was released. This is my kind of transitional sweater: wear it on its own, then layer it as the weather gets cooler. The collar makes it look infinitely cooler than just a plain vest. Make it in a fun punch of color to brighten up your wardrobe staples and to make yourself smile more on a gloomy day.
Paleta by Caitlin Hunter
2019 might be remembered as the year I fell in love with mohair. People either love it or hate it and I’ve fallen madly, deeply in love. It’s a versatile fiber, and I love how it feels.
Caitlin Hunter’s Paleta is a lovely mix of colorwork and sheer mohair panels that create a light sweater with tons of interest. I want to knit this with bold shades of blue and neon green, but I could also see it in black and white with pops of pink, or an autumnal palette. It’s unexpectedly cool and not your typical knitting pattern. I can’t wait to cast this one on.
Veza by Jimenez Joseph
I love sweaters with open lace on the sleeves or body for fall. You can throw it on over a tank so it doesn’t feel too hot in those early days of fall. Veza’s open lacework down the sleeves and sides make this such a cute layering piece. I also like that it’s knit with a bulky weight yarn, so go for a cotton/ wool blend yarn in a bulky weight for a super quick knit that’s great with cooler temps.
Love Note by Tin Can Knits
When I love a sweater, I knit it multiple times. I’ve already knit two Love Note sweaters since the pattern was released, and am planning a third. I gave the first two to my sister and mom, but I think this next one will be for me.
Why is Love Note a great transitional piece? The pattern gives you options for a lightweight knit. Knit it cropped or full length, shorten the sleeves or make them long. The combination of mohair and fingering weight yarn make it feel light as air and perfect to throw over a dress or a tank. Knit it in a DK weight to give a more substantial feel to the sweater. It becomes a super versatile piece to add to your wardrobe.
I’m thinking my next version will be just DK weight without the mohair, but I also love that mohair haze, so I’ll probably make myself a cropped version in mohair too.
Cooler temps will be here before you know it. Get the perfect sweater on your needles now so you’re ready when the temps drop.
Impeccable taste as always!
Tempting, all! Thank-you for this design review. I’m especially in for Veza. But had to check every link because…sweaters!
Oh good grief. You have just added three sweaters to my must knit list. Thank you!
That big smile on your face gives all your knits anextra pop!
hey there researcher thanks so much for sorting it all out with the wonderful smile!
KAME is beyond cool I wish I could knit faster
More sweaters to love and knit! Thank you.
Now I’m picturing the matching sweaters for the dogs!
Dana is so inspiring – Sure, I can knit 3 more sweaters between now and October! Who needs to worry about that pesky day job?
I live in North Texas and most years it doesn’t get even chilly until November. Other years we are in shorts until after Christmas so in-between doesn’t mean much. I love sweaters but don’t get to wear them much. Then there is that odd year that it snows at Thanksgiving and is freezing until April. Just not enough for me. I love your love for color and how outspoken you are. I am quite that way myself. Take care of you and hubby and Jellybean. Linda
Love Love Notes, thank you !
Enjoyed meeting Dana through this post!
Oh wow! I love Love Note! I’ve already added it to my Ravelry queue.
Still too warm here on Maryland’s Eastern Shore to be thinking wool, but a nice aran weight cotton sweater is on my needles. Wearable through October & well into November. Love your style, Dana. Your previous post inspired me to get a second ball of Yowza to start a-simmetrie once the weather cools enough to work with wool again.
Dana, I love your style and your smile. You radiate joy! Thank you for your sweater suggestions today. Knit on!
Paleta and Love Note are especially stunning. I have fallen in love with mohair too, once I figured out the 40% silk yarns don’t make me itch. I’m thinking Paleta would be pretty amazing in Neighborhood Fiber Co colorways, if only so I’d get to use more Loft.
Not sure if Dana reads the comments but if so— where did you get those gorgeous pleated skirts??
Dana that has been on my mind too, I can’t wait! Thanks for sharing some patterns I had not seen Paleta before. I think I’m in love!
Fingering weight? Noooo, but, now I HAVE to make Kame ! Thank you!
Okay, Kame is totally in my wheelhouse! I had to add it to my Ravelry favourites before even finishing your column! Your Love Notes look great, and it’s still in my favourites. I work with wool all summer long, even when it’s sweltering. It’ll always get cold again (she says, despite concerns about climate change…)
Great choices all, and perfectly styled too. And like you, I love mohair, so bring it on!
Love all of these! But Kame and Love Note definitely need to be in my life. I’m still not quite ready to think seriously about wool yet…. I only just started a whack of summer sweaters because our winter was soooooo long.
Dana, I love all of your posts!! Your color choices inspire me!
Brilliant!