The Cumulus Tee from Petite Knit is a super simple and elegant top that’s great for summer knitting & wearing. It’s worked in stockinette stitch and has a rounded V-neck in the front. The sleeves are elbow length, and all edges are finished in i-cord. The Cumulus Tee is made in one piece from the top-down and requires no finishing work at the end, so chances are you’ll actually finish it THIS summer. It’s worked at a tight enough tension that you won’t need to wear a cami underneath – another summer bonus. Since it’s made from the top, you can make it as long or cropped as you like, and modify the length of the sleeves to suit your taste.
NOTE: technique tutorials for this project are available from the designer’s website HERE
I suggest using Quince & Co Sparrow for this project – a high-quality 100% organic linen from Italy. Sparrow is the nicest linen I’ve ever come across, and since I found it I’ve never been able (or inclined) to back. It knits up beautifully, wears beautifully, and washes beautifully and easily – it’s the base for my summer uniform (Gillespie).
The Cumulus Tee is designed to have approx. 3-9 cm [1¼-3½ inches] of positive ease. Before beginning your project, measure yourself to determine which size will fit you the best.
XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL
Finished Bust circumference: 89 (94) 99 (104) 113 (123) 134 cm OR 35 (37) 39 (41) 44½ (48½) 52¾ inches
To fit bust circumference: 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 cm OR 31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39½) 39½-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ inches
Sleeve circumference: 30 (32) 34 (36) 38 (41) 41 cm OR 11¾ (12½) 13½ (14¼) 15 (16¼) 16¼ inches
Total length: 51 (52) 54 (57) 59 (60) 62 cm OR 20 (20½) 21¼ (22½) 23¼ (23½) 24½ inches
Coloree is a fantastic blend of bold color blocks and sweet little details. Knit with fingering weight Quince & Co Sparrow, knitters of all levels will enjoy the luxurious drape and softness of this summer-ready tank. We envision a multitude of color combinations for Coloree—from bold and energetic to soft and soothing, and everything in between!
Tank is worked in one piece, flat, from top-down. Yoke is shaped with side increases. Lower body is worked flat and buttons down the left side. I-cord edges worked at the armholes and neckline create delicate finishing. Shoulders are cast on using a provisional cast on and then front and back necklines are shaped by increasing sts with the cable cast on.
Fresia is a classic summer staple that’s sure to fly off your needles! Fresia’s understated silhouette gives way to intricate side panels, for the perfect everyday tank you’ll be reaching for to layer with outfits. Knit in handkerchief-soft Quince & Co Sparrow, we can’t wait to see which color you choose for your Fresia!
The hem of the tank is worked flat in two pieces from the bottom up and then joined to work the body in the round to the armholes. The body is then split and the front and back are worked flat, shaping the armholes and the neck, and then the shoulders are seamed using kitchener stitch.
German twisted cast on, knitted and cable cast on, wrap-and-turn short rows, picking up sts, Kitchener stitch, sewn bind off (links provided); increasing, decreasing, working in the round. Charts and line-by-line instructions included.
Delicate and flowing, this camisole balances meditative stockinette with compelling stitchwork. Knit in Quince & Co Kestrel , we love how this design leans into this linen yarn’s best qualities: its incredible drape, soothing sheen, and unique texture. Looking for a pattern that knits up quickly and is perfect for layering? Kama has you covered!
Yarn
Quince & Co Kestrel is a new take on a simple linen yarn. Quince and Co. took the same Belgium-grown organic linen that they use in their little Sparrow and spun it this time in a ribbon structure (actually its a ‘chainette’ – a small knitted tube). Its flat surface adds a slight texture to simple knit and purl stitches. But we think the best thing about it is its incredible drape. Like all things linen, woven or knitted, Kestrel only gets better as you wash and wear it.
This camisole is worked in one piece from the bottom-up. Body is shaped first by changing needle sizes, then with side decreases. I-cord edges worked at the armholes and neckline create delicate straps.
German twisted cast on, i-cord, kitchener stitch (links provided); increasing, decreasing, working in the round. Charts and line-by-line instructions included.
Hankering for a project that’s a bit more challenging? The Cloverdale tee features a classic A-line silhouette brought to life by easy slip-stitches, cap-sleeves, and a lovely Latvian braid at the neckline. The result? A bold, graphic hand-knit tee that’s warm weather-ready. All you have to do is choose your two favorite contrasting colorways and you’re good to go!
Cloverdale is designed with Quince & Co Sparrow, my go-to summer yarn – my summer “store uniform” is made with Sparrow. Sparrow is the best linen I’ve ever come across – its machine washable (I put it in the dryer on low heat), soft, comfortable durable, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the sweaters I’ve made with it. This top is worked on small needles, so the tension is tight enough that you won’t have to wear a cami under it.
Construction
Tee is worked flat from the bottom up. A-line shaping decreases are worked up to the underarm, and then increases are worked for the sleeve caps. Front and back are seamed at the sides and shoulders. Sleeve openings feature a built-in i-cord edge. Neckline is finished with a Latvian braid.
Petaluma is an elegant and versatile top-down tee, an instant classic for your summer wardrobe. I love the sweet little details of this boxy tee: from its tailored shoulder shaping to its generous neckline. This top will be your go-to summer garment!
Petaluma is designed with Quince & Co Sparrow (which is re-stocked), my go-to summer yarn – my summer “store uniform” is made with Sparrow. Sparrow is the best linen I’ve ever come across – its machine washable (I put it in the dryer on low heat), soft, comfortable durable, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the sweaters I’ve made with it. This top is worked on small needles, so the tension is tight enough that you won’t have to wear a cami under it.
Tee is worked seamlessly from the top-down, beginning with the upper back and front, worked flat, and then joined in the round below the armholes. Sleeve stitches are picked up around the armhole and sleeves are worked in the round. The shoulders and sleeve caps are shaped using German short rows. This design features tailored shoulder shaping, in which the shoulder ‘seams’ are shifted towards the back of the body.
I’m in the Dominican Republic this week … but I promise I’m still thinking of you! While I’m gone, here’s a popular favourite ….. the four points blanket is a great project all year round. It’s available in both knit and crochet, and you can make it in a baby blanket size or as a throw. It’s a simple composition and can be made in a number of different yarn options. The patterns are free, so you can read them over and see if they work for you without committing. If you want something a bit more jazzy, try the Easy Puzzle Blanket, which uses 6 colours.
MODIFICATIONS
use 3.75mm/US5 to 4mm/US6 needles
for a crib (throw) size cast on approximately 140(204) sitches. You will pick up & knit the same number of stitches.
Berroco Vintage Baby is a new yarn that just cam out this spring. It’s very similar to it’s sibling Vintage DK, but it has a slightly silkier texture and comes in 50g balls. It’s soft, easy to work with, machine washable, reliable and is generally great on both the skin and the wallet. The yarns in the Vintage line are a blend of wool and synthetic, and generally work well for people with sensitive skin. We carry this yarn all year.
KNIT 4 Points Baby: 3 skeins in each of 4 colours ($59.64)
KNIT 4 Points Throw: 5 skeins in each of 4 colours ($99.40)
CROCHET 4 Points Baby: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours ($79.52)
CROCHET 4 Points Throw: 7 skeins in each of 4 colours ($139.16)
Berroco Vintage DK is a staple around here, we sell tons of it for every kind of project for babies, grown-ups, and everything in-between. It’s soft, easy to work with, machine washable, reliable and is generally great on both the skin and the wallet. The yarns in the Vintage line are a blend of wool and synthetic, and generally work well for people with sensitive skin. We carry this yarn all year.
KNIT 4 Points Baby Blanket: 2 skeins in each of 4 colours ($79.76)
KNIT 4 Points Throw Blanket: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours ($159.52)
CROCHET 4 Points Baby Blanket: 2 skeins in each of 4 colours ($79.76)
CROCHET 4 Points Throw Blanket: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours ($159.52)
For several years Cascade Ultra Pima has been the go-to yarn for these projects. Its silky soft texture is seductive, and it’s ideal for babies as it’s machine washable, allergy-friendly and excellent for warm climates (no animal fibres in it), and comes in a bunch of great colours.
KNIT 4 Points Baby Blanket: 2 skeins in each of 4 colours ($95.76)
KNIT 4 Points Throw Blanket: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours ($191.52)
CROCHET 4 Points Baby Blanket: 2 skeins in each of 4 colours ($95.76)
CROCHET 4 Points Throw Blanket: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours ($191.52)
Our Summer Sale is ending soon, September 6th is the last day to get 25% Off! Take advantage now, before it goes away!
Labour Day Long Weekend Store Hours
Friday Sept 3: 11 am to 5 pm
Saturday Sept 4: CLOSED
Sunday Sept 5: CLOSED
Monday Sept: CLOSED
LONG WEEKEND PROJECTS
I was thinking wouldn’t it be great to have a small project that’s for the long weekend? Something small, portable, not too challenging. I settled on cloths: face cloths, dish cloths, etc. I know I cherish the little linen cloths I’ve made with Quince & Co Sparrow (they’re like the energizer bunny of textiles, they just keep going …) and I figured you might feel inspired to make something pretty for yourself. There are lots of patterns on Ravely for cloths, but here are a few I found that sparked some joy, and my absolute favourites follow below:
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 to have a loop.
Size
Approximately 10 x 10 inches
Yarn Options
Main Colour: 100m required per washcloth. Contrast Colour: 24m required per washcloth.
The four points blanket is a project we have a lot of clients coming in to get yarn for all year round. It’s available in both knit and crochet (see below), and you can make it in a baby blanket size or as a grown-up throw. The pattern is all knitting in garter stitch, and they provide a video tutorial for the single ‘fancy’ technique, picking up stitches. We’ve got lots of suitable yarns included in our SUMMER SALE, there are lots of options to advantage of for a baby or an adult blanket.
Berroco Remix Light is soft, easy to work with, machine washable, eco-friendly (it’s recycled), allergy friendly and great for warm climates (no animal fibres in it), comes in a bunch of great colours, and is ever so affordable (especially on sale)!
Kelbourne Mojave is soft, easy to work with, machine washable, allergy friendly and great for warm climates (no animal fibres in it), comes in a bunch of stunning colours, especially baby friendly brights, and is a great deal on sale! Use 3.
Quince & Co Sparrow is a linen that turns silky smooth once it’s washed. It’s eco firendly (100% organic linen), machine wash and dryable, allergy friendly and excellent for warm climates (no animal fibres in it), comes in a bunch of great colours, and is a great deal on sale! If you live in a hot climate or are making a blanket for someone who does, this yarn is remarkable, as it has something of a cooling effect. This yarn would make a very special blanket.
Quince & Co Sparrow: 4 Points Blanket CombosQuince & Co Sparrow: 4 Points Blanket CombosQuince & Co Sparrow: 4 Points Blanket Combos
KNIT 4 Points Baby: 2 skeins in each of 4 colours (SALE PRICE $89.82, Reg. $119.76)
KNIT 4 Points Throw: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours (SALE PRICE $179.64, Reg. $239.52)
CROCHET 4 Points Baby: 3 skeins in each of 4 colours (SALE PRICE $134.73, Reg. $179.64)
CROCHET 4 Points Throw: 6 skeins in each of 4 colours (SALE PRICE $269.46, Reg. $359.28)
BC Garn Bio Balance is soft, a pleasure to work with, eco-friendly (it’s GOTS certified organic), and comes in a bunch of great colours. It is NOT machine washable, but would make a stunning throw! It;s unique blend of wool & cotton make it great for temperate climates or people to run a bit warm.
BC Garn Bio Balance: 4 Points Blanket CombosBC Garn Bio Balance: 4 Points Blanket CombosBC Garn Bio Balance: 4 Points Blanket Combos
KNIT 4 Points Baby Blanket: 2 skeins in each of 4 colours (SALE PRICE $77.82, Reg. $103.76)
KNIT 4 Points Throw Blanket: 3 skeins in each of 4 colours (SALE PRICE $116.73, Reg. $155.64)
CROCHET 4 Points Baby Blanket: 2 skeins in each of 4 colours (SALE PRICE $77.82, Reg. $103.76)
CROCHET 4 Points Throw Blanket: 4 skeins in each of 4 colours (SALE PRICE $155.64, Reg. $207.52)
I just came across Posy and I knew it would make for a stunning pairing with Quince & Co Sparrow, which by the way is ON SALE TO AUG 4! It has a pretty and simple lace detail at the bottom and then the rest is knit on cruise control in stocking stitch. It’s knit from the bottom up in the round, and then the front and back are knit flat once you get to underarms. I especially like the shoulder strap detail with the ties made with iCord, it’s a really pretty tie-in (no pun intended) with the lace, but it also address the issues of fit, since they’re are adjustable. A variation for wider straps is also included at the end of the pattern. I also like that the pattern is extremely size inclusive and goes up to a 67″ bust, and the fit is one that will look great on any body.
Photo: Along Avec Anna
Sparrow
If you’ve already heard me go on about how much I adore Quince & Co Sparrow then please feel free to skip over the rest of this blurb. I love Sparrow SOOOOOOOOOO much. It just makes the perfect summer garments. When you see it in the skein it looks a bit matte and feels stiff, but once it goes in the wash it acquires a gorgeous lustre and loosens up COMPLETELY. The resulting fabric flows like water, and it feels cool on the skin (cooler than cotton). Linen is also one of the most eco friendly fibres in the world, and this one is also organic and milled in Italy. I don’t really think of this yarn as a luxury, it’s more of an investment. For me, the cost per use is extremely low; I wear my garments constantly and have for years (never have I ever retired a Sparrow garment).
A few notes:
Linen is very stretchy, so if in doubt DO NOT go up a size.
I don’t think the marled colours will have the same lustre as the solids, their texture is slightly different, but they’re lovely in their own special way.
Sparrow is machine washable, just pop it in a delicate bag and it’s good to go. I think this makes so much sense for summer garments – who are we kidding, we sweat.
I usually dry garments made with Sparrow on low in the delicate bag, but if you want to get a little structure back into it leave it to air dry flat.
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
Kelbourne Mojave – their colours make me so happy, and the I love the the subtle texture of the fibre.
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.
We just received a restock of one of our favourite summer yarns, Quince & Co Sparrow. Quince debuted their 2021 Sparrow designs this week, adding an extra 5 designs to their already abundant catalogue of projects. Sparrow has drape, coolness, texture, colour. Eco friendly and lustrous, linen is the ultimate summer fibre to work with and wear. With excellent stitch definition and a fluid drape that only gets better with continued wear, I always look forward to working with one of my favourite fibres in the warmer weather.
Lätta by Frances Othen-Wales is a wonderfully versatile addition for your summer wardrobe. Shown here in our colorway Conch, Lätta can be worn with its signature twist in the front or the back, and it is constructed by knitting two long pieces that are then folded around each other to create an elegant, chignon-style knot. Quince & Co Sparrow gives this garment its graceful drape for a top that is both timeless and dramatic.
Construction
This cool pullover is constructed by knitting two long pieces which are then folded round each other and seamed to create two interconnected loops. The flat ends of each seamed piece create the sides of the back piece. The front piece is worked flat and front and back pieces are seamed at the shoulders and sides. The sleeves are picked up from the armholes and worked in the round. Pullover is reversible and can be worn with the twist in the front or the back.
Long-tail cast on, picking up stitches, mattress stitch (links provided); knitting in the round, decreasing.
Laureline
Delicate and breezy, Audrey Borrego’s Laureline is named after the Laurus Nobilis, or Laurel plant – inspired by this top’s intricately cabled trim resembling graceful, twisting leaves. Quince & Co Sparrow, shown here in colorway Fen, is an ideal choice to show off Laureline’s sophisticated stitchwork. It is knit from the bottom up with front and back hems crafted flat separately and then joined to work in the round. Elegant texturing, a scooped back and a hi-lo hemline turn an otherwise basic staple into a refined statement piece.
Construction
Laureline is worked from the bottom up, starting with back and front hems which are knitted flat separately. The hems are joined and the body is worked in the round to the armholes. Front and Back are separated at the armholes and worked flat separately, decreasing on the neck edge to the shoulder straps. A double knitted edge is worked both along the armhole and neckline. These edges then form the shoulder straps which are joined together to complete the top. Charts and line-by-line instructions included in the pattern. Note: the tension is worked fairly tight in this top so you likely will not need to wear a cami under it to mitigate peek-a-boos.
German twisted cast on, cables with and without a cable needle, three-needle bind off (links provided); knitting in the round, decreasing. Charts and line-by-line instructions included.
Strala
Strala is a simple knit tee in fresh summer colours is the ideal piece for all your warm weather fun. Strala, by Frances Othen-Wales, stands out with a modern mosaic colourwork pattern that stretches all the way to the sleeves. Shown here in Quince & Co Sparrowcolorways Moon and Sans, it’s perfect for a simple barbeque outing or worn over a dress for an elegant twilight stroll. Choose your own special combination of colours to create your personal getaway look!
Construction
Tee is worked flat in two pieces from the bottom up with a slip-stitch mosaic colorwork detail on the front yoke. It is seamed at the shoulders using Kitchener stitch and at the sides using mattress stitch. Applied i-cord edging is added around the sleeve openings. Both charts and line-by-line instructions are included in pattern.
Colour
Need a few colour suggestions for your Strala? Try the following:
Long-tail cast on, cable cast on, picking up stitches, mattress stitch, Kitchener stitch, applied i-cord (links provided); decreasing, slip-stitch colorwork, working in the round. Charts and line-by-line instructions included.
Affinitee
Affinitee is defined as a spontaneous liking for something, and that’s exactly how we felt when we first saw Rebekah Berkompas’ splendid knit tee. Shown here in colorway Frond and worked from the top down, an elegant silhouette and delicate stitchwork become the star of the show. Affinitee’s beautiful lace hem showcases the lustrous glow of Quince & Co Sparrow’s organic linen fiber, as wonderful to wear as it is to knit!
Construction
Tee is worked from the top-down in the round, with raglan sleeve shaping and a simple lace stitch at the hem. The neckline and hi-lo hem are shaped with German short rows. The hem, sleeve, and neckline edges are finished with an i-cord bind off. Instructions for a seamed or seamless i-cord bind off are provided. Charts and line-by-line instructions included.
Long-tail cast on, cable cast on, backwards loop cast on, crochet provisional cast on, picking up stitches, knitting in the round with magic loop method (optional), Kitchener stitch, German short rows, i-cord bind off (links provided); increasing, decreasing, knitting in the round. Charts and line-by-line instructions included.
Yembe
Do you dream in color? We do! Yembe, by Valentina Consalvi, is a bright summer go-to piece with sophisticated stitchwork that is pleasantly straightforward to do. Knitted sideways, Yembe’s combination of texture, lace, and colorful stripes transform a simple sleeveless tee into a dazzling modern top. Shown here in Quince & Co Sparrow colorways Penny, Sans and Truffle, this is the kind of satisfying project that flies off the needles – a joy to knit and effortless to wear.
Construction
Tee is worked flat, from side-to-side, in one piece in garter stitch, in three colors of stripes alternated with eyelet rows. An i-cord border is worked across the bottom edge to carry the different colors of yarn throughout the work. Shoulders are joined together with an i-cord bind off. Neck and sleeve openings are finished with an i-cord bind off.
Colour
Need a few colour suggestions for your Yembe? Try the following:
Knit-o-Matic Yarns 