I’ll be honest, I think I fell in love with the Dumpling Bag because of it’s name … I might have been hungry at the time. Still, the FREE pattern is a great little one-skein summer project. It’s portable, perfect for short trips, not a big investment of time or money, and it’s SO CUTE! Plus, it makes a great project bag to take your knitting along (ya know, for those long walks in the park so you can knit on the go). It’s also super giftable, so you can make up a few of them and give them away as the occasion arises.
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
XS (S, SM, M, ML, L, XL, XXL)
To Fit Bust: 76 (82, 88, 93, 99, 105, 112, 120) cm / 30 (32, 34.5, 36.5, 39, 41, 44, 47) inches
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.
To fit a bust circumference of 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 cm [31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39¼) 39¼-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ inches].
Total length: 52 (54) 56 (60) 62 (62) 64 cm [20½ (21¼) 22 (23½) 24½ (24½) 25¼ inches]
Ease: The shirt is designed to have approx. 0-5 cm – [0-2 inches] – of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be 0-5 cm – [0-2 inches] larger in circumference than your widest upper body measurement.
Measurements: The measurements for the finished garment are on the front page of the pattern (note that these measurements are only achieved if the correct gauge is kept). Before beginning your project, measure yourself with a measuring tape around your bust (or your widest upper body part) to determine which size will fit you the best. For example, if you measure 95 cm [37½ inches] you should knit a size M. A size M shirt has a finished circumference of 96 cm [37¾ inches], which in the given example would mean 1 cm [½ inches] of positive ease.
The Stripe Hype Sweater is a great stash busting project where you can use up scrap yarns or combine your favourite colors in just the way you want. Also, knitting stripes makes this one a really quick project to complete because the curiosity of seeing how every next stripe will affect the overall look is highly addictive, and a lot of fun.The work begins by working the back flat, then stitches are picked up for the left and right front separately and worked flat. The back and front are then joined together and the body is worked in the round. Stitches are picked up for the sleeves and worked in the round and lastly stitches are picked up around the neckline and the collar is worked in a twisted rib stitch.
Length from back neck (excluding collar) to hem: 59 cm / 23.25” all sizes.
Sweater is designed to have 20-30 cm / 8-12” of positive ease. Choose a size that is 20-30 cm / 8-12” bigger than your bust circumference for a relaxed and slightly oversized look.
Sample in size M, model has a bust of approx. 87 cm / 34.25” and is 171 cm/ 5’6” tall.
If you’re between two sizes, I recommend choosing the bigger size.
The Stripe Hype dress is a relaxed dress that is the absolute perfect “just-throw-it-on” garment for any season. The dress has a dropped shoulder and a boxy fit which makes it modern and easy to knit.
You can customize it to your exact preferences by choosing your favourite colours: go all in and use multiple colours for a really fun and playful vibe (a great option for using up scrap yarns in your stash), or choose just a few colours in a more toned down colour palette for a more classical look. You can also knit it all in one colour.
The dress is worked top down. The work begins by working the back flat, then stitches are picked up for the left and right front separately and worked flat. The back and front are then joined together and the body is worked in the round while increasing stitches along both side seams around the waist and hips for a slight A-line shape. Stitches are picked up for the sleeves and worked in the round and lastly stitches are picked up around the neckline and the collar is worked in a rib stitch.
Satawal is cropped tee with lace pattern around the boat neck, which looks a bit like Macramé texture. You can use various weights of yarn, from fingering weight for airy and transparent texture to worsted weight yarn for mid season garment (I think Berroco Modern Cotton would be perfect).
The pattern is worked seamlessly from the top down. Lace pattern for yoke is worked in the round with increases at the both right and left shoulders, then the body is divided into the front and the back and worked flat separately to the underarm, where they are joined again. The lower body is knitted in one piece in the round. Sleeve stitches are picked up along armholes and worked in the round.
The Audrey Top is worked bottom-up. The body is worked in the round in stockinette stitch, then the work is divided for front and back, and each section is worked back and forth in stockinette stitch with decreases along the sides. The straps are worked as an i-cord. The pattern calls for a tension is 20 sts, perfect for a soft, silky summer cotton blend like Berroco Modern Cotton.
designed to have approx. 0-5 cm [0-2 inches] of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be approx. 0-5 cm [0-2 inches] larger in circumference than your bust measurement. Measure yourself before beginning your project, to determine which size will fit you the best. For example, if you measure 89 cm [35 inches] around your bust (or around the widest part of your upper body) you should knit a size S. A size S top has a bust circumference of 90 cm 35½ inches which in the given example would give you 1 cm ½ inch of positive ease.
The model in the photos is wearing a size XXS and has a bust circumference of 78 cm [30¾ inches] and is 164 cm [approx. 5 feet 4 inches] tall.
The top in the photo has 2 cm ¾ inch of positive ease.
Havin was originally designed without sleeves, as a slip over … just a great companion for those lovely summer nights. While working on the second sample, the designer thought she would like to try out short sleeves … and yay! it worked well and she really liked the look. This little success was leading to her third sample and LONG sleeves all in one. Havin will make a beautiful summer top, a super cute tee or a cool pullover … a pattern to use all year round.
Havin is worked seamlessly from the top down. Firstly, increases are worked on both RS and WS rows to the final shoulder width. Then both the front and the back are worked (separately) flat to underarm. At underarm both front and back are joined to work the tapered body top down in the round to the bottom. There are two finishing options (ribbing or I-Cord) for the body to choose from. Optional short or long sleeves can be worked by picking up stitches around the arm opening and working them top down in rounds. Optional neck finishing is worked last.
Soho Top is a classic sleeveless summer top with a boatneck style neckline. It is constructed from the top down giving it an advantage for adjusting the length of the body. Simple garter stitch is used throughout the pattern. It is worked flat and in the round. Neckline, waist and armhole openings are framed with an i-cord edging and body features decorative “seams” on both sides. Soho Top is meant to be worn with 0 to 7 cm (0” to 3”) of positive ease.
Any time a pattern calls for a bunch of need sizes I recommend looking into Interchangeable needles, either as a set or getting them individually (we carry the Knitters Pride and Addi tips as individual pairs).
I love holes, I love mesh, I love me some BIG lace!
#LookAtMyHoles is a top down, seamless raglan crop top with a simple lace repeat creating large holes all around the garment. The combination of large needles and the lace motif make this an incredibly low yardage pattern. Perfect for layering, this top is designed to be worn with coordinating tank top, #AsFriendsTank by Jessie Mae Martinson. Look at My Holes also looks cool on its own, but for the full effect of the#LookAtMyHolesAsFriendsSet you need to make both!
I love Ship Shape , it’s such a perfect spring/summer knit. The navy stripes are classic, and the neck-line and shoulder detail are simple and elegant. I have a friend who says navy blue is a neutral, but I think that’s bull. Navy is just unassuming, it’s a spy embedded in colour society, it lives under the radar.
Ship Shape is knit seamlessly, top down, beginning with 2 separate pieces for the shoulder gussets. The yoke is a drop shoulder / raglan hybrid, making it perfect for playing with stripes, self striping yarn, or colour blocking! Body and sleeves are knit in the round.
Intended to fit with approximately 10-17 cm (4-7 inches) of positive ease around the chest. The body length is slightly cropped and the sleeves are 3/4 length, but both can easily be modified as they are knit top down. Just make sure you have enough yarn if you plan to lengthen anything.
Sample shown in size S2 with about 15 cm (6 inches) of positive ease.
Simple, stylish and modern, the Sagebrush Tank Top is perfect for summer! This easy ribbed tank top features a flattering round neck and comes in cropped and normal length. This summer crochet top will be a staple piece in your handmade wardrobe with its incredible drape and a knit-like look. The Sagebrush Tank Top is so versatile and quick to make, you’ll want one in every colour!
The crochet tank top only uses back-loop half double crochets and slip stitches and is made up of 2 identical pieces (the front and back are the same) that are worked lengthways, so the foundation chain runs the length of the top not the width.
For a summer yarn with a little more texture, try using Berroco Remix Light: cropped length 1(1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2) skeins, full length 2(2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3) balls (use a 4mm crochet hook).
For a cotton yarn with colour and texture, try Berroco Vivo: cropped version 2(2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3), full version 2(2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4) skeins
Crochet has been gaining ground over the last few years, which lots of new crocheters coming taking it up during the pandemic, so I thought I’d share a few simple crochet projects for spring & summer!
Kyrie
Kyrie is the perfect cardigan for spring. Crocheted in a simple allover lace pattern, this has built-in air conditioning. Fronts and back are worked separately with curved front hems and seamed together. Pattern includes both charts and written instructions.
The Yarn
Berroco Remix Light is a multi-seasonal yarn that’s so comfortable you’ll find yourself wearing your garments made with it become some of your favorites. It’s super soft, light, breathable, machine washable, and it’s made in France from an eco-friendly blend of 100% recycled fibres (10% silk, 9% linen, 27% cotton, 30% nylon, 24% acrylic). Read more about how Berroco Remix and Remix Light are made HERE. 100g/400m (432 yds), machine wash, lay flat to dry.
You can also make this project with Berroco Vintage Sock (it requires the same number of balls).
Size
Bust: (34½, 39, 41) [45½, 48, 52½, 55] {59½, 64, 66½}” / (87.5, 99, 104) [115.5, 122, 133.5, 139.5] {151, 162.5, 169} cm. This includes (5¾, 5¾, 5¾) [5¾, 5¾, 5¾, 6¾] {6¾, 6¾, 6¾}” / (14.5, 14.5, 14.5) [14.5, 14.5, 14.5, 17] {17, 17, 17} cm gap in front
These kits as a special-order, but we stock the yarn, Berroco Remix Light, seasonally, so you can check to see if the colour you want is in stock. You have the option to order this kit at any time, and we will order the yarn if it is not currently in the store. Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible. It normally takes one to two weeks to get stock, as long as it is in stock with the distributor. If we think it will take longer to get your yarn we will contact you to confirm.
Zelie is a boxy, loose-fitting, simple summer crochet top that lets the yarn do all the work! The back and front are worked separately and seamed.
The Yarn
Berroco Summer Sesame is a soft, light, and comfortable summer yarn with texture and colour. Its bright, happy shades of colors ebb and flow to make this self-striping worsted weight yarn a perfect summer choice. This cotton blend yarn is light to the touch, breathable, easy to work with, and machine washable. 100g/270 m (295 yds). 47% Cotton, 44% Acrylic, 9 % Nylon. Machine wash separately in cold water on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry. Made in Italy.
You can also make Zelie in a solid colour with Berroco Modern Cotton (swatch first to check your tension, you may need to go down a size in the pattern and up a hook size).
These kits are a special-order but we are stocking this yarn in the store on a regular basis through the spring and summer – you have the option to order it any time (it will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible.
We worked up this little top (Ranunculus) as an experiment to see how far we could stretch one skein of Berroco Remix Light – it turns out it can go the distance! Remix Light is a very popular little sprig and summer yarn that ticks a lot of boxes:
it’s very light and has double the yardage of an average cotton summer yarn (100g/400m)
it’s machine washable
it’s soft and comfortable to wear
it’s comfortable and easy to work with
it’s eco-friendly, and made from a blend of recycled fibres: Cotton, Linen, Silk, Acrylic, and Nylon.
it’s made in the first world (France), so no slave labour involved, just unionized, properly paid EU workers
it’s affordable and only costs $16.47/ball
We made the smallest size in the short sleeve and it only took ONE ball. Most of the sizes, long and short sleeved, use two balls … making it a VERY affordable project. The pattern has instructions for both a short and a long sleeve version, and it is knit from the top-down, so you can make your sleeves any length you want.
Size
We made the short-sleeved version in Size 1 on 5.5mm/US9 & 4.5mm/US7 needles, and the combination of the needle size and the unique qualities of the yarn’s fibres made ours come out smaller than the pattern. Our tension was 18 sts & 26 rows = 4″/10cm (un-stretched) – this is a big difference to the pattern, which is a gauge of 14 sts & 20 rows = 4″/10cm.
Our garment ended up smaller than the pattern specifications: it measures 18″ across the chest (36″ bust) and 16″ high from the back of the neck to the bottom ribbing … a big drop from the pattern’s 46″ bust circumference. That said, I’m extremely happy with the finished project! It’s am amazing little top, and the size is just right for someone who wears a size XS or S. The fit is cropped, and after trying it on I’d say it’s a roomy fitting size small, or oversized XS. The fabric is very stretchy, it has a lot of give and a surprising amount of memory! It is very light and doesn’t have a ton of drape. We used the majority of 1 skein of yarn, and only had about 3g left (we used approx. 375m, or 5m more than the pattern suggested).
If you choose to follow our lead and use the yarn & needle combo we did (and your tension is the same) you can probably estimate the size will come out 20% smaller than the pattern recommends (ours was 22% smaller), so multiply the finished size by 0.78 got get a good idea of where yours will end up (see the measurements in bold below, I did the math for you).
We used Berroco Remix Light, a very light and airy bend of recycled plant and synthetic fibres – perfect for warm weather! Because we used up a good amount of our yarn, I have factored that into the yardage suggestions below and leaned on the side of caution so you won’t run out.
The pattern is written to be knit in a variety of yarn weights, from Lace to Worsted. Ideally, you want a solid or semi-solid coloured yarn, or a yarn that knits up in a very long, gradual ombre colourway, so you can see the details in the lace and textured stitches. The thinner the yarn, the lacier the sweater will be (yarn thickness goes from the thinnest at lace weight, then fingering, then DK, then worsted).
I’m needed by my family this weekend for an 80th birthday party, followed by my sister-in-law’s departure for her first academic conference (we’re so proud of her!), so I’m taking an extra day off this Saturday. The last weekend of the summer is not traditionally a busy one in the yarn store, so I don’t think you’ll miss me too, too much. I adore it when you come by, but I also love it when people are out taking advantage of beautiful weather and just enjoying life.
Friday: 12 pm to 6 pm
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 12 pm to 6 pm
My current reading suggestion is A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. You can read it on paper, digitally download it, or get it as an audiobook (which is read by the author), so you can knit/crochet/wash dishes/walk/run/get your nails done while you read. It is also accompanied by a chapter-by-chapter podcast with Oprah (stream free online or on any podcast service, including Spotify), so you can test the water and see if it’s for you, and if it is, you can read along with the author, lady-O, and regular people asking really good questions. I feel kind of silly having come so late to the Tolle party (especially after seeing Oprah’s podcast was recorded in early 2019), but I guess I wasn’t ready. Now that I’m here I see exactly why Oprah has been such a fan. Tolle isn’t just talking about spiritual life, he’s talking about LIFE (or to the point, spiritual life IS life).
If you’re at a place where you want to change yourself, your life and our world for the better, this book is a great point of reference to help you level up. Just one caveat – people who are negative and aren’t ready to leave that state won’t get this book (and judging by the reviews online it seems to make them really angry). If you have a negative person in your life, giving them this book won’t ‘fix’ them – they have to be open to healing themselves. People who aren’t quite ready, but are getting there, might read a chapter or two but it won’t stick, it’ll sort of go through them – if this is you or a loved one it’s a good sign, hold on to the book, it’ll be there for you when it’s needed next. Anyway, the best books are always the ones you can read over and over and get something new from each time.
Effortless Cardigan
Get your fall off to a great start with a simple cardie you can wear everywhere, all the time. The Effortless Cardigan is made with a simple worsted weight yarn and ONE pair of 4.5mm – 32″ circular needles. It’s knit from the top-down in one piece (the underside of the sleeves are seamed, but if you prefer you can knit them in the round). The pattern is free, and there are a range of affordable yarn options, so if you end up loving your sweater you can keep making them and fill your wardrobe!
Finished Bust (not including front bands) 34 (38.5, 42, 45.5, 49.5)” in.” or (86.5 (98, 106.5, 115.5, 125.5) cm)
Yarn Options
Berroco Vintage: Super soft, machine washable, blend of wool & synthetic. ($10.47 ea.) – 4 (5, 5, 6, 6) balls
Drops Air: Cozy and light – super soft baby alpaca blown in an airy nylon core. ($10.97 ea) – 6 (7, 7, 8, 8) balls
Cascade 220 Superwash: Soft, machine washable, 100% Peruvian wool at a very affordable price (go up a size in the pattern). ($13.97 ea.) – 4 (5, 5, 6, 6) balls
Berroco Summer Sesame: Great for warm climates … light, machine-washable, colourful and slightly textured (go up a size in the pattern). SALE $14.98 (Reg. $19.97) – 3 (4, 4, 5, 5) balls
Cascade 220 Superwash Merino: Super soft, machine washable, 100% Merino wool at a very affordable price (go up a size in the pattern). ($15.97 ea.) – 4 (5, 5, 6, 6) balls
Malabrigo Rios: Super soft, hand-dyed, machine washable, 100% Merino wool. We suggest alternating skeins to get the best colour distribution. ($23.97 ea) – 4 (5, 5, 6, 6) balls
Our SUMMER SALEis ending Sept 5th! Select products (including some clearance items and craft kits!) are now 25% OFF. 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 – you won’t be able to use another discount code when you check-out).
Our SUMMER SALECONTINUES! Select products (including some clearance items and craft kits!) are now 25% OFF until September 5th, 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 – you won’t be able to use another discount code when you check-out).
I came across these sunny hand towels a few times and felt like they were full of YUP! They’re a good size, 22″ wide x 37″ long, but of course you are welcome to up or downscale them – they’re just rectangles, after all. They’re made with a simple linen stitch that creates a woven look on one side and a nubbly texture on the other. And the pattern’s free – sweet!
The Yarn
Cascade Ultra Pimais a silky soft, light cotton. It’s easy to work with on both knitting needles or crochet hook. I often recommend it for baby blankets or afghans because it’s so soft and machine washable, and it doesn’t have the hardness or lack of give that’s common in so many cotton yarns.
I was so eager to share this project with you that I rephotographed the Cascade Ultra Pima (it was time). All the new images have been colour corrected, so they’re as close to the original as was possible … not an easy task with cotton, the light reflected off the surface makes it really tricky! Any old photos left are colours that were out of stock and couldn’t be photographed.
Photo: Purl Soho
Materials
Cascade Ultra Pima: 4 skeins in main colour, 1 skein in contrast colour (makes 2 hand towels, recommend 3718 Cream for main colour and 3764 Sunshine for contrast colour)
The following colours of Cascade Ultra Pima are all smashing combined with colour 3718 Cream:
3755 Tomato
3764 Sunshine
3833 Antique Moss
3845 Robin’s Egg Blue
3772 Cornflower
3759 Taupe
Alternate Yarns
Berroco Remix Light is also a great option! Because of it’s generous yardage You’ll need half as much yarn: 2 skeins of the main colour and 1 of the contrast will make two hand towels)
Photo: Purl Soho
Farmhouse Towels (Knit)
Make some towels that are so beautiful you’ll never want to use them! That’s ok, some things you use until they’re shredded, and some you keep out to please the eye. Both have their roles in our lives. The pattern is a FREEBIE, and makes for some simple, elegant summer knitting.
Quince & Co Sparrowis my favourite yarn for this project, I love how this linen looks, the silky feels after being washed, and also how resilient it is (it gets better going through the wash) . My second personal choice would be
Berroco Remix Light is the budget friendly, earth friendly, use-friendly option – it has so much yardage, two skeins of the main colour will make 3 towels, and 3 skeins will make 5. Plus it’s recycled, has a neat texture, is easy to knit with and wash.
Cascade Ultra Pima is the last on the list, but not the least. This silky smooth pima cotton is a staple, and is always a joy to knit with and wear. If you like a plain, flat aesthetic, this is your yarn of choice.
ALL OF THE YARN SUGGESTED ARE ON SALE TO AUG 14th!
Note: the pattern seems to have neglected to explain how to make an I-Cord (the loop at the tops of the cloth), so here is an I-cord tutorial for those of you who are not familiar with the technique. Alternately, you can skip the I-cord, make your cloth loop-free and just weave in your ends – there’s no rule that says a cloth must have a loop.
Size
Approximately 10 x 10 inches
Yarn Options
Main Colour: 100m required per washcloth. Contrast Colour: 24m required per washcloth.
