The weather is FINALLY gorgeous, so it’s time to shift to our summer store hours … starting MAY 22nd we will be closed on Sundays:
May 22 to Sept 14, 2024:
Monday to Saturday: 12 pm to 6pm
Anker’s Summer Shirt is a simple summer top, worked in one piece from the top down. The yoke is worked in sections of rib with increases in the round, followed by classic raglan increases when the stockinette stitch section begins. The sleeves are worked at the end, either on double-pointed needles or on circular needles using the Magic Loop technique. Anker’s Summer Shirt has no finishing other than weaving in ends.
Anker’s Summer Shirt is make with a Double Knitting weight yarn, we recommend Sandnes Garn Line for a light blend of cotton, linen and viscose.
Because there are several needles length required, this project is a good candidate for Interchangeable knitting needles. Also, if you aren’t great with double pointed needles you can substitute Chiaogoo 12″ circular needles or Addi Easy Knit 10″ needles.
The Felix sweaters by Amy Christoffers are great options for transitional seasons! They knit up fast on larger needles, and you can use a cotton or cotton blend to make them for end of summer/beginning of fall days that are a little warm but also a little chilly.
My favourite yarn would be the Berroco Remix Light, because it has a soft, tweedy texture, but no wool.
Try any of the following machine-washable yarns:
The Felix Pullover is a cropped, top-down raglan with an eyelet motif incorporated into the raglan increases. This was designed to be the perfect sweater to wear layered over tunics and dresses though I find it is well suited to high waisted pants as well. I suggest putting all the stitches on waste yarn and trying the sweater on before you begin the ribbing to be sure you have a length you will like and will enjoy wearing.
Notes
I found the neckline is a bit wider than a traditional crew neck. If you want to eye-ball it as you go, try casting on with a provisional cast-on, skip over the ribbing, start with the stocking stitch, and then go back and try it on before you complete the neck ribbing. If you want to make the neck-opening smaller, you can do a round or two of decreases to reduce the neckline, then finish the neck ribbing.
I don’t think you need to do a tubular cast-on for this sweater, unless you really love an extra stretchy neck-line. The neck is wide enough that it doesn’t need a stretchy cast on.
Size
Selecting the correct amount of ease is a very personal, please choose a size based on your own preferences, a range between 2 to 10” of ease is suggested for this garment.
If choosing to knit this with less ease for a more fitted look please review the measurements on the schematic and consider adding more length to the body and plan your yarn purchasing accordingly.*
Gauge
14 stitches x 20 rows = 4” in Stockinette stitch on larger needles
Yarn Options
You’ll need 600 (640, 775, 865,960) metres or 650 (700, 850, 950,1050) yards of a yarn that knits at 14 to 15 sts/4″ in stocking stitch.
You can alternatively use 1200 (1280, 1550, 1730,1920) metres of a DK weight yarn (2 strands held together).
Try any of the following yarns:
For a soft & fuzzy version, try holding together one strand of Drops Air AND one strand of Drops Kid-Silk:
Other Materials
Construction
The Felix Cardigan cropped top down raglan cardigan with an eyelet motif incorporated into the raglan increases. This was designed to be the perfect sweater to wear layered over tunics and dresses, I like it with waisted pants as well. I suggest putting all the stitches on waste yarn and trying the sweater on before you begin the ribbing to be sure you have a length you will like and will enjoy wearing.
The cardigan version is written to be worked back and forth in rows, the neck is shaped with short rows, the body and sleeves are divided after the yoke shaping. The body is worked back and forth in rows, the sleeves are worked in the round. The body of the cardigan is 1” longer than that of the Felix Pullover – please note the body can be made any length but plan to purchase more yarn.
Notes
I found the neckline is a bit wider than a traditional crew neck. If you want to eye-ball it as you go, try casting on with a provisional cast-on, skip over the ribbing, start with the stocking stitch, and then go back and try it on before you complete the neck ribbing. If you want to make the neck-opening smaller, you can do a round or two of decreases to reduce the neckline, then finish the neck ribbing.
I don’t think you need to do a tubular cast-on for this sweater, unless you really love an extra stretchy neck-line. The neck is wide enough that it doesn’t need a stretchy cast on.
Size
Selecting the correct amount of ease is a very personal, please choose a size based on your own preferences, a range between 2 to 10” of ease is suggested for this garment.
If choosing to knit this with less ease for a more fitted look please review the measurements on the last page and consider adding more length to the body and plan your yarn purchasing accordingly.*
Gauge
14 stitches x 20 rows = 4” in Stockinette stitch on larger needles
Yarn Options
You’ll need 640 (730, 820, 915, 1000) m or 700 (800, 900, 1000, 1100) yards of a yarn that knits at 14 to 15 sts/4″ in stocking stitch.
You can alternatively use 1280 (1460, 1640,1830, 2000) metres of a DK weight yarn (2 strands held together).
Try any of the following yarns:
For a soft & fuzzy version, try holding together one strand of Drops Air AND one strand of Drops Kid-Silk:
Other Materials
Our SUMMER SALE is ending soon! Select products (including some clearance items) are 20% OFF until August 30, 2025, 11:59pm.
The discount is online and in-store, and it will be automatically be added at check-out, so you don’t have to jump through any extra hoops or remember to put in a discount code (this discount can NOT be combined with any other offers or discounts, including free shipping – you won’t be able to use another discount code when you check-out).
The Carbeth sweaters are great options for transitional seasons! They knit up fast on larger needles, and you can use a cotton or cotton blend to make them for end of summer/beginning of fall days that are a little warm but also a little chilly.
My favourite yarn would be the Berroco Remix Light, because it has a soft, tweedy texture, but no wool.
Try any of the following machine-washable yarns:
Carbeth is a wide, cropped sweater with simple lines and a deep roll neck. It’s swift and straightforward to knit, and a great sweater for beginners.
Construction
The sweater is knitted from the bottom up, and begins with an inch of rib, after which it is worked straight to the underarms (length can be added here to make the sweater less cropped, if required). Two sleeves are worked, then body and sleeves are joined together to be worked in the round. The yoke is shaped by decreasing stitches at an even rate from the body only, and, when the correct depth is reached, the stitch count is reduced further for the neck. A deep ribbed roll neck is then worked to complete the sweater.
Size
This sweater is intended to be wide, cropped, and to hang slightly bell-like from the shoulders. To fit as shown, it should be knitted with at least 10cm / 4in positive ease at the bust. Pick the size at least 10cm /4in above your actual bust measurement, and if in doubt, select the next size up. Length can easily be added to the sweater to make it less cropped. Shown in the first size with 12.5cm / 5in positive ease.
Yarn Options
You’ll need 990(1100, 1210, 1320, 1430, 1540, 1650, 1760)m of DK yarn (2 strands held together), OR 495(550, 605, 660, 715, 770, 825, 880)m of bulky weight yarn.
See this tutorial about calculating yarn quantities when adding extra length
Try any of the following yarns:
Other Materials
Carbeth Cardigan is a cropped cardigan with simple lines and a structured ribbed collar.
Construction
The cardigan is knitted from the bottom up, and begins with an inch of rib, after which it is worked straight to the underarms (length can be added here to make the cardigan less cropped, if required). Two sleeves are worked, then body and sleeves are joined together to be worked in one piece. The yoke is shaped by decreasing stitches at an even rate from the body only, and, when the correct depth is reached, the stitch count is reduced further for the neck. Button bands are worked, then the neck rib is picked up, folded over and joined to the inside of the garment. Finally, an i-cord bind off and i-cord buttonholes add a neat finish to the front edges. Where one number is given this applies to all sizes.
Size
This cardigan is intended to be wide, cropped, and to hang bell-like from the shoulders. To fit as shown, it should be knitted with at least 10cm / 4in positive ease at the bust. Pick the size at least 10cm / 4in above your actual bust measurement, and if in doubt, select the next size up. Length can easily be added to the sweater to make it less cropped. Shown in the first size with 16.5cm / 6½in positive ease.
Yarn Options
You’ll need 1100(1210, 1320, 1430, 1650, 1760, 1870, 1980)m of DK yarn (2 strands held together), OR 550(605, 660, 715, 825, 880, 935, 990)m of bulky weight yarn.
See this tutorial about calculating yarn quantities when adding extra length
Try any of the following yarns:
Other Materials
Our SUMMER SALE starts Saturday July 12, 2025! Select products (including some clearance items) are 20% OFF until August 30, 2025, 11:59pm.
The discount is online and in-store, and it will be automatically be added at check-out, so you don’t have to jump through any extra hoops or remember to put in a discount code (this discount can NOT be combined with any other offers or discounts, including free shipping – you won’t be able to use another discount code when you check-out).
One of the most popular summer sweaters this year has been Pyramid! Pyramid is a SEAMLESS tee (no sewing) worked from the top down. You can easily adjust the length of the body to make it cropped or longer, and the sleeves can also be made longer if you want them 3/4 or full length. It comes with a finished bust size from 86.5 cm / 34 inches to 158.5 cm / 62.5 inches, and is designed to be worn with 10-12 cm / 4-4.75 inches positive ease.
NOTE: The tension of this pattern is a bit loose, so if you make it with Berroco Modern Cotton you might want to wear it with a cami under it. If you want to go down needles size and knit it at the yarn’s normal tension I suggest making a size larger in the pattern.
You can also make it using 2 strands of Berroco Remix Light held togehter, which will give you the exact tension and no holes. The Berroco Remix Light would also make for a pullover for transitional seasons, perfect for the cooler end of summer/start of fall, and also spring. Remix Light does not contain any animal fibre, so it’s a great all-season option, or just wonderful if you are allergic to wool, or your body runs warm.
See Finished Projects
Size
Yarn Options
This pattern will be great made with Berroco Modern Cotton, it will have a loose, summery tension that’s a bit open. I also did some swatching and found that it’s also perfect to use 2 strands of Berroco Remix Light held togehter, which will give you the pretty tweedy texture, and a more conventional tension so you won’t need to wear a cami under your top.
Materials
Our SUMMER SALE is on now! Select products (including some clearance items) are 20% OFF until August 30, 2025, 11:59pm.
The discount is online and in-store, and it will be automatically be added at check-out, so you don’t have to jump through any extra hoops or remember to put in a discount code (this discount can NOT be combined with any other offers or discounts, including free shipping – you won’t be able to use another discount code when you check-out).
Summer is the perfect time to make and use crochet bags! Crochet bags are beautiful, stylish, sturdy, and versatile. They’re fun to make, and make fast little projects which are also very portable (so great for plane/train/car trips to the city/country/beach/cottage). They’re made with cotton, which is perfect for humid summer weather (most animal fibres except silk hold humidity, which is less fun in hot weather). The Portofino bag set is crocheted with Berroco Modern Cotton and the Costa Market Bag is made with Berroco Modern Cotton DK (both are ON SALE until the end of August).
The Portofino bag set is the ultimate duo in accessories! A roomy tote for market scores, beach day essentials, or picnic must-haves in addition to a chic bottle bag to ensure you are always hydrated make the perfect pair this season. These quick projects are stylish, quick, and functional – the best combo!
I made the Portofino Bottle Bag for myself this weekend (picture below), and I’m sold, it’s a great one and I want to make the larger bag now too! I added one row to the body to make mine a little taller to accommodate some of my big bottles, and I only put on 160 sts for the strap. The bag fits my big, wide bottle perfectly, the mesh of the body of the bag is stretchy but also sturdy. The strap is extremely sturdy, and I don’t think it’s inclined to stretch out.
I used 1 skein of Berroco Modern Cotton (on SALE until the end of August) and it was ideal – it’s strong, sturdy, but also has a gorgeous sheen and luster, giving the finished bag some polish.
The instructions were clear and easy to follow. The pattern is free on the designer’s blog, or you can purchase a printable PDF that’s probably more concise (you know how blogs are these days, lots of ads and pictures).
Size
Skill Level: Intermediate
Skills: Single crochet, Double crochet, Slip stitch, Chaining and skipping stitches (my favourite crochet skill tutorials are from Bella Coco on Youtube)
Tote all of your beach essentials or market finds in the Costa Bag, available in three sizes to ensure it will work for any occasion. A simple stitch mixed with a unique construction makes this classic net bag look polished and professional! The Costa Market Bag is a refinement of the very popular French Market Bag, which we made a few years ago, so I know it’s going to be a great one.
Skills Level: Intermediate
Skills: Single crochet, Single crochet decreases, Half double crochet, Half double crochet decreases, Working into chain spaces, Working flat and in the round, Crocheting into the sides of a row. (my favourite crochet skill tutorials are from Bella Coco on Youtube)
Sizes
Materials
Our SUMMER SALE is on now! Select products (including some clearance items) are 20% OFF until August 30, 2025, 11:59pm.
The discount is online and in-store, and it will be automatically be added at check-out, so you don’t have to jump through any extra hoops or remember to put in a discount code (this discount can NOT be combined with any other offers or discounts, including free shipping – you won’t be able to use another discount code when you check-out).
Our SUMMER SALE is on now! Select products (including some clearance items) are 20% OFF until August 30, 2025, 11:59pm.
The discount is online and in-store, and it will be automatically be added at check-out, so you don’t have to jump through any extra hoops or remember to put in a discount code (this discount can NOT be combined with any other offers or discounts, including free shipping – you won’t be able to use another discount code when you check-out).
While I was away on vacation I finished a project I was working on for myself, the Zeme (Earth) Sweater by Linda Skuja! I’m sorry it took me so long, I don’t seem to be fast these days, but I got it done and I’m enjoying wearing it in the store.
Observations
I’m really happy with this sweater. It’s pretty and light and interesting. The instructions were clear and the pattern well written. It is not a beginner crochet sweater, but it’s a good intermediate place. I used a summer yarn, Berroco Remix Light, but it would be just as lovely in a merino wool like Sandnes Garn Double Sunday.
Modifications
I made some modifications as I’ve gone along, and I included everything in my Ravelry notes.
Hacks
I learned to count my stitches at the end of each round. When the count is off it make a big difference moving forward, and I’d rather rip out one round than several. Locking stitch markers have always been my friend, but became especially close on this project. I used them to count my stitches, and the two colours helped me keep track of which stitches are which.
Before I started the sleeves I tried it on and I gotta say, if you like to knit or crochet tees it works perfectly without the sleeves, you could skip them completely.
When I started I was feeling a little overwhelmed by the techniques in the pattern, but they really weren’t a problem. I initially made a youtube playlist for the skills I was a bit iffy on, but the pattern has good written instructions and the only video I’ve ended up using was the first, the foundation single crochet (which I’ve honestly always needed a video to do, I can never remember how to do it without instructions). If you feel like you want to make something similar but need more video support, the designer has a different sweater she teaches in her online Madara Domestika Sweater course.
Does anything say Canada to Canadians more than the iconic Hudson Bay Blanket? It’s simple design is timeless and a hand-knit version would make for a super-special baby gift. The pattern is beginner-friendly (it’s just straight knitting), and makes a great low-brain activity, summer project. And it’s FREE, so that’s a bonus too!
Size
Skills
See our curated list of skills & techniques
The Hudson Bay Inspired Baby Blanket is made with worsted weight yarn, so you’ve got several great options to choose from! I’ve colour combined and art-directed the colours, so you don’t have to worry about which shades match and balance together – I’ve got you covered! Working with the palates available from each yarn line, I tired to create as many combinations that looked good as possible. I also tried to go for different aesthetics, the classics are closest to the iconic blankets sold by the Hudson Bay Company, and feature clearer, brighter colours. The subdued combos are a more modern, grown-up take on the hues, and are darker.
Cascade 220 Superwash is an affordably priced, machine washable Peruvian wool yarn. It’s soft enough for baby garments and blankets, knits easily, and has been a staple around here for a LONG time. If you aren’t into synthetics this is a great choice!
Berroco Vintage is a super soft, machine washable blend of wool, acrylic and nylon. It’s easy on the hands and the pocketbook, and is another very popular choice for babies and kids. This yarn is also a longstanding resident around here.
Berroco Vintage Chunky is a slightly thicker version of Berroco Vintage (above), and knits on 6mm/US10 needles. Because this yarn is thicker you’ll need to cast on about 25% fewer stitches (119 sts).
classic colours: six skeins of 6101 Mochi 0r6100 Snow Day, and one skein each of 6152 Mistletoe, 6151 Cardinal, 6121 Sunny, 61182 Indigo Heather.
You can also use Estelle Breeze to make a Cotton version in sorbet baby colours. Breeze is also thicker and works up on 6mm/US10 needles, so you’ll want to cast on 119 stitches.
sorbet colours: 01 Natural (6 skeins), 09 Aqua (1 skein), 06 Peach (1 skein), 07 Lemon (1 skein), 11 Sky (1 skein)
This FREE tank top is designed to be an easy summer knit, and is the perfect simple project for warmer weather. The deep V neck is flattering to wear without being too revealing, and the straps are wide enough to hide your bra straps (hello practical!). Throw it on with shorts or a breezy skirt on a hot day, pair it with jeans in Autumn, or even make up a woolly version to wear as a vest over shirts in the cooler months.
The pattern includes instructions to knit it flat on straight needles, as well as in the round on circulars (woohoo no seams!). And with clear and simple instructions, both options would be suitable for first-time garment knitters who have tackled the basics of knitting and purling, and are up for learning some fun new techniques! The body is knit from the bottom up, and the length is easily customizable with suggestions for a cute crop as well as a longer version, making it a fantastic wardrobe staple.
Size
Yarn
Other Materials
I figured we can all use something to look forward to, and the seasons’ changing is one of those things you can always bank on (at least in Canada – we have A LOT of weather). Anker’s Summer Shirt is a simple summer top, worked in one piece from the top down. The yoke is worked in sections of rib with increases in the round, followed by classic raglan increases when the stockinette stitch section begins. The sleeves are worked at the end, either on double-pointed needles or on circular needles using the Magic Loop technique. Anker’s Summer Shirt has no finishing other than weaving in ends.
Anker’s Summer Shirt is make with a Double Knitting weight yarn, and any of the following are all great choices, depending on what kind of garment you want.
Because there are several needles length required, this project is a good candidate for Interchangeable knitting needles. Also, if you aren’t great with double pointed needles you can substitute Chiaogoo 12″ circular needles or Addi Easy Knit 10″ needles.
The Simple Summer Tweed sweater is a great, simple all-season pullover for beginner knitters. Berroco Remix Light holding 2 strands together on 5.5mm/US9 needles (I tested the tension on one of my little sweater-swatches in the store). The pattern is written as a women’s v-neck, but it also has instructions for a crew neck and adjustments for men’s sizing.
Berroco Remix Light is a soft, machine-washable, eco-friendly yarn. It doesn’t contain any animal fibres, so it’s great for wearing all year, and perfect for people who are allergic to wool. For this project you should hold 2 strands together, which is actually pretty easy, you just take 1 strand from each ball. Because remix light has a light, tweedy texture, the strands blend together almost seamlessly and you can’t see them. Berroco Remix Light also has EXTREMELY good yardage (twice the average yardge for similar weight yarns), so you won’t need an absolute ton of it.
Description
Simple Summer Tweed is a very basic, top-down raglan with almost no seaming required. Includes sizing/shaping for both men and women, and (despite its name) a crew-neck variation as well. It is designed to be a casual, loose fit, but could easily be made more fitted by increasing the waist shaping rows and choosing a size that fits more closely. The neck trim can also be left off for a more open v-neck.
Notes
The pattern is Free, but it’s low on frills, and you need to keep track of your raglan increases at the same time as your v-neck increases, so you might want to put the instructions into a spreadsheet before you cast-on (or write it out in long-hand).
Size
Materials
Note
