Pattern Scout
It’s Getting Hot in Here (Sorta)
The temperature is starting to climb here in Nashville, which means two things: stronger deodorant and warm weather knits!
As soon as January is done and the holiday fog starts to clear, I lose all motivation to knit with wool. I always turn my attention to the summer fibers—cotton, linen, flax, and any combination thereof. I am and will always be a sucker for Creative Linen.
With that said, I went scouting for some warm weather patterns to quench my cottony-linen thirst.
First up, I laid mine eyes upon the Grape Tee by Anne Ventzel and fell in love. This pattern was fresh-squeezed into our spring cup only last month. The simple slip-stitch motif is the perfect amount of interest in knitting and wearing.
Of course, I’d switch up the yarn to something more warm-weather-appropriate, but this one is a non-winter winner in my book.
Next up is the PLI by Olga Buraya-Kefelian. We had the absolute pleasure of hosting an MDK workshop with Olga a few years ago, and I was in awe not only of how her brain works in 3-D, but how excellent a communicator she is of these principles to the knitter.
I have had the PLI saved in my library for a while—the multiple options of how one can don this genius frock are nothing short of incredible. I love how this could translate for warm weather, as you could wear it as a sweater if the nights are cool, but you can transition it to be more of a wrap, shawl, or cape if you want a little less coverage.
Also on my warm-weather watch list is the MagicDots Raglan by Hinterm Stein.
Stein’s designs are refined and graceful, elements that make me think of the soft skies that emerge as the air gets warmer. The contrast detailing is the right amount of interest to keep this design soft and easygoing. Not to mention, I am a sucker for a raglan sleeve.
Last but not least! This final design is my current project—the Ingrid Summer Sweater by Gregoria Fibers.
I so enjoyed knitting the Velvetty (oversized) Sweater last year that I was looking forward to knitting another pattern by Gregoria Fibers. I found it easy to follow, and the concepts are interesting enough to keep my brain busy. I am using Creative Linen (duh) in Straw for this warm weather beauty, but I am, of course, taking some creative license with a couple of features.
I am going to go with a short sleeve instead of a long sleeve because I am hot 99% of the time, all the time, no matter what time.
Additionally, I’ve been marinating on the idea of knitting a cropped sweater and adding lengthy fringe to the hem that would hit somewhere below my natural waist. Because of the hole-y texture of the Ingrid Summer Sweater, I thought fringe would be the perfect match of openness for the blustery evenings here in the South.
Let me know what warm weather projects you have on the horizon!
Thanks so much for all the inspiration, Ashley! Here in Maine, just a couple of days ago we cheered when the temps hit 60, and we’re in the “South”! But I’m always *hot* too, so your warm-weather picks are perfect – if only I could knit half as fast as you!
I’m finally making Ranunculus—doing my part keeping it in the Ravelry HRN top 10 for 8 years straight.
Love your sassy fringe mod, Ashley!
Thank you, Ashley. Great suggestions. I’m working on a summer top – Hey Sailor by Andrea Mowry using Knitting for Olive Cotton Merino.
I’m inspired! Next up: cotton tee.
I plan on kintting the Shakerag top in rowan summerlite.
It appears that there are some WordPress errors with this post… the images disappear near the last comments and on down and then there is an alert in red text by WP about it.
In summer I knit dishcloths, socks, mittens, and hats. All smaller projects
Thanks Ashley. I love your writing style. I have always liked Anne Ventzel’s designs, and have contemplated the Ingrid Summmer Sweater for a while, It may be between that and “Summer” by Ankestrick which I came across recently. Looks very basic but has an interesting construction. It even seems to lend itself to stripes as I discovered in its Projects section on Ravelry. Looking forward to seeing other suggestions!
When might Creative Linen colors be restocked? That first pattern choice was a wow moment. Like wow I need another project?!!
Contour Tee by Purl Soho. I used their recommended yarn, Santolina – cotton, rayon, hemp. The pattern caught my eye because of the visual decreases that create subtle design lines. The yarn is very soft with a lovely drape. Started last year, it got set aside for some reason. I’m almost finished with it now. Pattern was very easy to follow. Has some short rows, so I learned a new technique also!
Currently knitting “Sommerknus” by Elsebeth Judith in Creative Linen! Since I’m a loose knitter, I had to go down three needle sizes to make gauge, but I think this yarn is very adaptable and the fabric looks fine. Love these patterns, Ashley!