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.
Last month we shared our Beach Wrap made with Berroco Vivo in the blues (3533 & 3541), my good friend Rosie whipped one up in another colour combo, and it was so pretty (patting myself on the back) that I thought it should be shared! Rosie wanted an easy, quick wrap for warm weather and used colours 3547 & 3525. I love the bright colours, they’re so Miami Vice!
The Beach Wrap always makes a great project to use for experimenting with yarns and colours. Last year we tried combining two colours of the same yarn and it turned out really beautifully (you can see that project HERE), so we tired it again and it worked … again! I held two strands of complementary colourways of Berroco Vivo together, and just let them do their thing. You can also try holding two strands of the same colour but starting at different parts of the colourway.
The Project
The Beach Wrap has been a super popular project since its debut, and it makes a great canvas to paint on. It was created with accessibility in mind – I wanted it to be simple to knit, and incredibly wearable. The simple welted texture is random, completely reversible, and creates a classic, timeless look. The pattern is knitted on the bias, increasing in width as you go, so you can make it any size you like and you never have to worry about running out of yarn. To keep the texture looking random the pattern repeat is a log one, so I wrote the pattern with a line-by-line chart to help you keep track of your rows (a beneficial thing for everyone, but especially helpful for people with learning disabilities, brain fog, mommy brain, long COVID brain, messy brain, hectic brain, etc). And the final bonus – it’s a relatively fast knit on 5.5mm/US10 needles (think quick gift)!
If you prefer a rectangular wrap experience and a shape that you can have more control over, you can also try out this yarn combo in our Cottage Wrap.
Notes
On our version we did five full pattern repeats. Our goal was to work until we ran out of yarn, which we did.
When you choose your yarn, try to choose skeins that start at or around the same point in the colourway – this can help keep your colour distribution more consistent throughout the shawl. This isn’t crucial, just helpful.
When you start your project note whether you are taking the yarn from the inside or the outside of the skein, so you can do the same with the second ball.
Because the yarn is 100% cotton, you can play around with the tension and use larger needles for a looser knit. You can also really give it a good stretch when blocking.
Size
The Beach Wrap is a big, cozy shawl, but if you want yours HUGE, like a gigantic hug or a massive towel, then you should get an extra ball of yarn in each colour.
100”/250cm long (from tip to tip)
22”/55cm deep (at longest point)
Materials
Berroco Vivo: 4 skeins (2 in each of 2 colours: shown in 3533 & 3541).
To take some of the uncertainty out of deciding which other colourways compliment each other I lined them up in the natural light and gave them a very strong eye-balling …. the colour combinations are all Haley approved. A few insights about combining colours:.
To tone down a colour, hold it with another colour that’s darker or more muted. Our Blue wrap used one colour that’s bright and one that is darker and a bit more sedate.
Two bright colours will usually make each other pop! Rosie’s Beach Wrap used two colourwyas that are equally bright.
If you don’t love the way the colours are combining or pooling you can apply some creative license and break the yarn and skip ahead in the colour way.
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.
Erica just finished a new iteration of our Beach Wrap, it’s always a great project to use for experimenting with yarns and colours. Last year we tried combining two colours of the same yarn and it turned out really beautifully (you can see that project HERE), so we tired it again and it worked … again! I held two strands of complementary colourways of Berroco Vivo together, and just let them do their thing. You can also try holding two strands of the same colour but starting at different parts of the colourway.
The Project
The Beach Wrap has been a super popular project since its debut, and it makes a great canvas to paint on. It was created with accessibility in mind – I wanted it to be simple to knit, and incredibly wearable. The simple welted texture is random, completely reversible, and creates a classic, timeless look. The pattern is knitted on the bias, increasing in width as you go, so you can make it any size you like and you never have to worry about running out of yarn. To keep the texture looking random the pattern repeat is a log one, so I wrote the pattern with a line-by-line chart to help you keep track of your rows (a beneficial thing for everyone, but especially helpful for people with learning disabilities, brain fog, mommy brain, long COVID brain, messy brain, hectic brain, etc). And the final bonus – it’s a relatively fast knit on 5.5mm/US10 needles (think quick gift)!
If you prefer a rectangular wrap experience and a shape that you can have more control over, you can also try out this yarn combo in our Cottage Wrap.
Notes
On this version we did five full pattern repeats. Our goal was to work until we ran out of yarn, which we did.
When you choose your yarn, try to choose skeins that start at or around the same point in the colourway – this can help keep your colour distribution more consistent throughout the shawl. This isn’t crucial, just helpful.
When you start your project note whether you are taking the yarn from the inside or the outside of the skein, so you can do the same with the second ball.
Size
The Beach Wrap is a big, cozy shawl, but if you want yours huge, like a gigantic hug or a massive towel, then you should get an extra ball of yarn in each colour.
100”/250cm long (from tip to tip)
22”/55cm deep (at longest point)
Materials
Pairing blue with a blue is an easy task, it’s like the Canadian Tuxedo of colour combinations. To take some of the uncertainty out of deciding which other colourways compliment each other I lined them up in the natural light and gave them a very strong eye-balling …. the colour combinations above are all Haley approved.
Berroco Vivo: 4 skeins (2 in each of 2 colours: shown in 3533 & 3541).
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).
Sophie is a simple shawl that’s knit horizontally, from tip-to-tip. It’s a quick, easy knit thats great for little projects …. perfect for travelling or patio season. It calls for a worsted eight yarn, but we tried it out with Berroco Vivo, a textured, DK weight, 100% cotton, just to play around and see what would happen. What happened was a really pretty, light little spring/summer wrap!
Size
We made a size medium and I feel like it turned out as more of a scarf than a wrap (I had an uncertain amount of yarn on hand and I wasn’t sure how far it would go). We only used 1.22 balls (or 330m) of Berroco Vivo, and I feel like it turned out a bit small as far as wraps go, so if I made another I’d go up to the largest size. If you are using Berroco Vivo you will likely not use as much yarn as is recommended in the pattern, it seems to have gone further than expected.
Our Finished Sample: Size Medium – 11″ (27.5cm) deep, 80″ (200cm) long
Pattern Size: S (M) L
Pattern Length from tip to tip: approx. 170 (210) 240 cm or 67 (82¾) 94½ inches
Easily Change the Size
Because the pattern is knit from side-to side, its really easy to just knit until you’ve used up half of your yarn, then start the decreases. Just be sure to weigh your yarn before you start, so you know how much is you half-way mark (I use an inexpensive digital kitchen scale from Amazon). If you want you can also make your shawl larger than the largest size, you just need to start your decreases later.
Just in case you happen to be vacationing in the southern hemisphere any time soon … if you want to make a fall/winter version or something with some fuzzy, my favourite options are
Tybee is a simple, new free baby cardie pattern knit with using Berroco Vivo, a multi-colored, self-striping 100% cotton. Vivo is perfect for baby & kid knits, as it’s super soft, light, machine washable, and ever so pretty! the 100% cotton is breathable and prefect for transitional weather.
Construction
The body is worked in one piece from the bottom-up to the underarms, then divided for back and fronts. The sleeves are worked in the round to underarms, then joined to body so that yoke is worked in one piece.
Simpler Pattern Options
If you like the idea of a baby sweater in this yarn but you want something simpler, try one of the following:
Berrooc Modern Cotton is a super soft and slightly silky yarn that’s perfect for spring and summer projects. It’s a machine-washable blend of pillowy Pima cotton and silky Modal viscose/rayon, which also makes it a perfect choice for people sensitive to animal fibres and vegans. Modal is a sustainable cellulosic fibre sourced from plants (like bamboo or Lyocell), and is a bit cooler to the touch than plain cotton (a good thing if you tend to run warm, or live in a warm climate).
Modern Cotton is a Worsted weight yarn, meaning it works up on 4.5mm/US7 knitting needles or a 5mm/H crochet hook, and you can substitute it in patterns that call for a similar weight yarn.
Red Bud Isle is a pretty summer tank with a nifty cross-over in the back. The Tank is worked from the bottom front hem upwards, increasing along edges of the back body and adding a single stripe near the hem and a set of stripes at the chest. Stitches are then cast off to separate into front and back strap sections. Front body is finished first and each strap is turned into an i-cord. Back body pieces overlap and strap stitches pick up stitches to join together back body pieces to create the fixed overlap. The final stitches are worked into i-cord for each strap.
Size
Finished bust: 84 (92, 102, 112, 116, 127) cm OR 33 (36, 40, 44, 46, 50)”
To be worn with 5 cm / 2” positive ease
Model has 81.5 cm / 32” bust, stands 165 cm / 5’5” tall, and is wearing size 2.
Materials
Berroco Modern Cotton: Main Colour 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5) skeins (shown in Piper 1603), and Contrast Colour 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1) skein (shown in Point Judith 1645)
I admit, I love Norah Gaughan … her designs always engage me, they’re creative, sometimes architectural, but always different from everything else out there. Simple eyelets make a basic top both pretty and a teensy bit avant-garde. This top will be extra flattering on anyone with smaller shoulders. Plus, this particular pattern is FREE!
Misha and Puff don’t have a large repertoire of patterns, but their classic, vintage-inspired knits are simple, beautiful and fun. This easy, open little cardie is a versatile layering piece for warmer weather. Seamless, top-down construction and a hint of texture at the yoke make it a fun and satisfying knit. This classic cardigan construction is certain to be a go-to favourite. There is also a pattern for a matching Bonnet.
Size
0-6m (6-12m, 12-18m, 18-24m, 2-3y)
Finished bust: 18 (19 3⁄4, 20 1⁄2, 21 1⁄4, 22)” OR 46 (50, 52, 54, 56) cm
This simply styled FREEBIE baby blanket combines bands of colour and texture in a modern ‘sampler’. It’s available in a knit (right) as well as a crochet (left) version.
Throw Blanket
To make a larger blanket you just need to add more stitches:
CROCHET: The pattern stitch is a two-stitch repeat so you can change the stitch count at the beginning by a multiple of two stitches and the pattern will still come out right.
KNIT: The pattern is a multiple of 4 plus 2 stitches, so ass stitches in a multiple of 4 to make your blanket bigger.
For a full throw size (Crochet: 62.5″, Knit: 61″) buy twice as much yarn and start with Knit: 278 sts, or Crochet: 224 chain.
There is something very beautiful and special about this vintage-inspired baby blanket … I may be sentimental because it resembles the blanket my great-grandmother made for me. I think a fabric this simple and pretty requires a fibre with a little bit of a fancier aesthetic, like Berroco Modern Cotton (or a merino like Cascade 220 Superwash Merino). The trefoil border is a simple corchet stcrochet stitch, and the pattern comes with free youtube videos.
This mesh 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’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).
