Simple yet striking, Konti’szig-zagging lace pattern calls to mind rippling currents in a swift-moving stream. Worked seamlessly from the top down, this pullover’s exceptionally clean construction and minimal finishing allow the lace motif and Quince & Co Kestrel’s fluid drape to take centre stage. Shown here in colourway Lira, a warm and neutral earth tone, we think Konti would look equally stunning in a bright jewel tone like Rosehip or Bordeaux.
Construction
Sweater is worked from the top down, worked flat through the neckline and upper body shaping, then worked in the round for the lower body. Sleeves are picked up around the armholes, shaped with German short rows, and worked in the round.
Long-tail cast on, cable cast on, backward loop cast on, picking up stitches, German short rows, Jeny’s surprisingly stretchy bind off (links provided); increasing, decreasing, knitting in the round. Charts and line-by-line instructions included (see our knitting techniques page for curated tutorials).
Holderness
Cassie LaFollette’s Holderness elevates a simple summer tank into a work of art! Knit in the round from the bottom up, Holderness begins with a deep, folded hem and features a tidy i-cord bind off at the underarms and neckline. Easy-to-work cables create charming braided straps for a delicate and polished finish. Holderness’s thoughtful construction combined with Kestrel’s fluid drape create a timeless piece that is breezy and effortless to wear. You’ll reach for this tank again and again.
Construction
Tank is worked in the round from the bottom up, then separated at the underarms. The body includes a folded hem. Underarms and neckline are shaped by a staggered i-cord bind off. The braided straps are achieved using simple 2-over-2 cables.
Long-tail cast on, invisible provisional cast on, cables with and without a cable needle, Meg Swansen’s speedy i-cord bind off, grafting (Kitchener stitch), (links provided); decreasing, knitting in the round (see our knitting techniques page for curated tutorials).
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:
Last week was baby week, and this week is brought to you by kids. When my niece and nephew were babies they were so cute and loveable that I thought I never wanted them to grow up. What I didn’t realizes was that the best thing about babies was that they grow up to be kids; interesting, cool, funny, silly, beautiful little people. Kids love a hand knit, as long as it’s soft, and in a colour they like. It doesn’t matter how obnoxious the colour is, just go with it – they’ll wear it until they can’t squeeze themselves into it anymore. Kids LOVE colour.
By the way, all of these knits are also available for adults, so you & the kid in your life kid can match. If you love the idea of a family of matching knits, check out the patterns by Tin Can Knits, they often designed with a FULL range of sizes, from newborn baby to adult 6XL.
Amari
Amariis a seamless tee that begins at the neck and is worked down. Easy eyelet stitches shape the yoke and add decoration to the neckline at the same time. Derecho is worked in one piece from the neck down. Neck and lower edges are shaped using short rows. For an adult version of this top see Derecho.
Berroco Remix Light is a multi-seasonal yarn that’s so comfortable you’ll find the garments made with it become some of your favourites (you know, the one you wear over and over and over again, until you get tired of the colour so you make another in a new colour … etc). It’s super soft, light, breathable, machine washable, and it’s made in France from an eco-friendly blend of 100% recycled fibres.
Lawrence is a simple pullover with garter stitch texture, that’s cute for boys and girls. It is knit in a conventional way in 4 pieces and seamed together (a great option for beginners if working in the round is a bit daunting). The drop-shoulder construction makes it super easy to seam the sleeves, which is usually the scariest part of finishing. For an adult version of this pullover see Larry.
For the yarn, we’ve substituted the ultra wearable and very affordable Berroco Vintage – a soft, worsted weight machine washable wool/synthetic blend. A knitting store staple, it features a wide color range, an incredibly soft feel and yardage that goes on and on. Its unique fiber blend makes laundering a breeze and perfectly suited for easy-care garments for both children and adults.
Skill Level: Advanced-Beginner to Intermediate
Size
2(4, 6, 8, 10, 12)
To fit Chest Size: 23(24-25-26-27-28)˝
Finished Chest: 25(26-27-28-29-30)˝
Finished Length: 16(16½-17½-18-19-20)˝
This garment was designed with approximately 2˝ of ease. Please take this into consideration when selecting your size.
Jemison is an adorable vintage-inspired cardigan. It’s perfect for layering on a chilly day, and has cute pockets for kids to hold all the little treasures they pick up in their adventures. This sweater is worked flat in pieces and seamed. We’re pairing Jemison with Berroco Vintage, our go-to yarn for sweaters kids love to wear. For a grown-up version of this sweater check-out Headland.
While trolling for inspiration I found this really need little capsule collection for Fibre Co. Meadow by Japanese designer michiyo. I was really impressed, the designer clearly understands the fabric and makes the most of it’s natural lightness and drape. Meadow is a gorgeous yarn, a heavy lace-weight made with a very yummy blend of baby llama, silk, linen and merino wool. It’s great for layering pieces, light sweaters, and shaws and wraps.
Photos by Tommy Martin, shown in colour Fennel
Tsumuzikaze
Besides that fact that it’s a great combination of interesting, different and beautiful, I that this top looks really good on lots of people (see the finished projects HERE)! Tsumuzikazeis a Japanese word that means whirlwind, the design inspiration for this lovely pattern with an asymmetrical ‘whirling’ hem. This pullover is worked from the top down in the round. An eyelet pattern on the shoulders are worked as increases. The sleeves are worked separately, then in the round from the armhole. The lower edge is shaped with short rows.
Photos by michiyo, shown in colour Indigo
Size
To Fit Actual Bust Circumference up to: S 83(32¾), M 92(36¼), L 103(40½), XL 113(44½)
Finished bust: 102 (110, 120, 146) cm 40 (43¼, 47¼, 57¼) in
Finished Length: 62 (65.5, 70.5, 74) cm 24½ (25¾, 27¾, 29¼) in
Finished Hem circumference: 76 (80, 88, 99) cm 30 (31½, 34¾, 39)in
Photos by CozySunny Day, shown in colour Bellflower
Photos by Tommy Martin, shown in colour Gentian VioletPhotos by Tommy Martin, shown in colour Gentian Violet
Kagerou
When I first saw this project I didn’t realize that it was a vest! It’s like a cross between a tank and a vest … a Vank Top? A Test Top? Is it a waistcoat? Feel free to throw in your two cents! Whatever it’s called, it is worked from the bottom up; the fronts and back are worked together back and forth up to the armhole, then the yokes are worked separately. Short rows are then worked to make the back longer than the front. The back, left front and right front of the upper body are worked separately on smaller needles in a rib pattern. Finally the shoulders are joined and the piece is finished by adding buttons and blocking gently.
Photos by Handknitlife, shown in colour Pokeweed
Size
To Fit Actual Bust Circumference up to : S 83cm(32¾), M 92cm(36¼), L 103cm(40½), XL 113cm(44½)
Finished Bust: 90 (92, 102, 113) cm or 35½ (36¼, 40, 44) in
Finished Length (back): 70 (71, 73.5, 77) cm or 27½ (28, 29, 30¼) in
Finished Shoulder width: 32 (33, 36, 38) cm or 12½ (13, 14¼, 15) in
Finished Hem circumference: 142 (146, 162.5, 178.5) cm or 56 (57½, 64, 70¼) in
Photos by Tommy Martin, shown in Larkspur for MC and Pennyroyal for CC
Kinomi
Kinomi is a light top designed with minimal shaping and lots of flow. The pattern is written for two lengths; the shorter version is illustrated, whilst the longer version is designed to cover the hip. Kinomi is worked in pieces separately from the bottom up. The neck band is made in two pieces in a contrasting colour with the ends grafted and then sewn onto the body. Ribbing is added to the armholes and the piece is finishing with light steaming.
Photos by roko, show in Bedstraw for MC and Queen Annes Lace for CC
Size
To Fit Actual Bust Circumference up to: S 83(32¾), M 92(36¼), L 103(40½), XL 113(44½)
Finished bust: 115 (124, 133, 142.5) cm 45¼ (48¾, 52¼, 56) in
Short length: 53.5 (54.5, 56, 57.5) cm 21 (21½, 22, 22½) in
Long length: 71.5 (72, 76.5, 78) cm 28 (28¼, 30, 30¾) in
Centre back neck to cuff: 35 (37, 39, 41.5) cm 13¾ (14½, 15¼, 16¼) in
Hem circumference: 152.5 (163.5, 174.5, 185) cm 60 (64¼, 68¾, 72¾) in
Light and romantic, this cardigan is the perfect topper for sunny spring days and cool summer nights. It can be worn as a cardigan or a cape/shawl. This pattern is worked from the top down seamlessly and the lace is charted.
Photos by LilyLilyLily, shown in colour Prairie
Size
To Fit Actual Bust Circumference up to: S 83(32¾), M 92(36¼), L 103(40½), XL 113(44½)
Finished bust: 99 (105, 116, 128) cm 39 (41¼, 45¾, 50½) in
Finished Length: 44.5 (45.5, 47.5, 50) cm 17½ (18, 18¾, 19¾) in
Finished Centre back neck to cuff: 70 (72, 74.5, 77) cm 27½ (28¼, 29¼, 30¼) in
Finished Hem circumference: 155.5 (166, 182.5, 204) cm 61¼ (65¼, 71¾, 80¼) in
Photos by Tommy Martin, shown in colour Ladyslipper
Rourou
Rourou is a Japanese word that means hazy light, the kind that filters through the leaves of trees on a sunny summer day. The front and back of Rourou are worked in pieces separately from the bottom up creating the sleeves at the same time with side increases.
Photo by cosysunnyday, show in colour Queen Anne’s Lace
Size
To Fit Actual Bust Circumference up to: S 83(32¾), M 92(36¼), L 103(40½), XL 113(44½)
Finished bust: 110 (120, 130, 140) cm 43¼ (47¼, 51¼, 55) in
Length: 58.5 (60, 61.5, 62.5) cm 23 (23¾, 24¼, 24½) in
Centre back neck to cuff: 38.5 (41, 43, 46) cm 15¼ (16¼, 17, 18¼) in
We just received our first restock of Kelbourne Mojave, and it’s got me thinking about summer tops. Kelbourne Mojave is a super soft and light blend of cotton & linen. It comes in some really beautiful muted colours and also some awesomely bright colours. Happily, Kebourne has introduced several great new colours this year, my favourites include the Electric Blue and Fuchsia!
Availability
Mojave’s availability is a bit limited this year. It is manufactured in Peru and they have been hard-hit by COVID (the mills there have either been shut down or running at minimal capacity for the last year). We have only received half of the colours in our order, the rest is expected in May (fingers crossed). I think this is going to be the story for a lot of products this summer, especially those milled in South America.
From my perspective, I’m grateful, I’m enjoying what I can get my hands on and am not worrying about what isn’t. The world is full of abundance and opportunity, you just have to receive it when life brings it to you. When you let go and follow the flow the results are even better than if you had gone with your original plan.
Accessibility
Unfortunately, we are still closed for in-store shopping and based on both reason (research) and intuition, I don’t think it’s going to be safe to do so until May. I know the government seems to think it’s safe for retailers to allow customers inside, but everything I read from researchers, scientists and doctors says otherwise. We’re already going into a third wave, and the case counts are expected to be much higher than before. So one more push – the vaccines are starting to roll out, so hopefully this time will be shorter, and the weather is getting warmer so we can get out and enjoy nature more!
Photo: PetiteKnit
Ankler’s Summer Shirt
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.
Size
XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL
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.
When I came across this project it immediately struck me as a great little summer tee … an it would be PERFECT made with Quince & Co Sparrow. Treit is a light tee, worked bottom up, with a cropped length and leafy lace yoke. After a few rounds of twisted rib at the collar, the cropped body (which can be knit longer if desired) is knitted to the underarms. Two sleeve caps are knitted, body and sleeves are joined, and the yoke is worked from a lace chart to the neck. There are optional instruction to raise the back of the neck neck with short rows (a nice feature for more experienced knitters, and great that it isn’t necessary for those who need to keep thins KISSasble (you remember K.I.S.S., right? I refer to the sage life advice, “Keep It Simple Stupid”, not the 70’s band with the black & white getups.)
A. If you want to reproduce the ‘tweedy’ texture, use one of ‘Marled’ colours (they are marked in the drop-down menu of colours on our site). If you aren’t so keen on it, that’s cool too, just use one of the regular colours for a more refined finish.
B. I would DEFINITELY suggest the use a lifeline when knitting this project. Linen is slippey, and lace is lace, so do yourself a favour and give yourself a safety-net. If you are not already familiar with this concept, now’s the time to add this very, very handy little hack to your “I wish I knew that BEFORE ….” life list.
The pattern recommends you choose the next size up from your normal bust size, but linen is very stretchy, so if you plan to wear this top over a tank or cami you may want to take that into consideration and not size-up.
To make life easier, here’s a list of colours that we have in relevant sweater quantities … well, at least at the time of publishing … once it goes live it’s in the hands of a higher power (the yarn gods?):
A client showed me this gorgeous, diaphinous top and I thought how great would it look knitted up with Handmaiden Flyss or Quince & Co Sparrow?! Both are sublime summer yarns; Flyss is a soft, summery blend of % silk and 35% linen, and comes with lots of yardage, and Sparrow is 100% organic linen. And since it knits up on 6mm/US10 needles it will go FAST!
I saw this and thought of you! But seriously, I love things that are both simple and pretty, especially if they can work in some texture and colour. Yume is made in one piece (no seams!) from the top-down, so you should have it done in time to actually wear it. The depth of colour is created by working with 2 strands of lace weight yarn held together, which is also a great way to negotiate colour distribution and pooling issues in hand-dyed yarn. I think it would be PERFECT made with Malabrigo Lace Baby Merino (ON SALE NOW!). It has a beautiful hand and it’s soft halo ensure the strands will do their job, stick together and look more like they’re a single strand of yarn. Plus, it’s just so soft!
Taking a look at the shelf, here are some colour combos in Malabrigo Lace Baby Merino that will blend well together (these pairs are based on the actual dye lots, not the images):
Size
XS (S, M1, M2, L, XL, XXL)
finished bust circumference: 35.75 (38.5, 41.5, 43.75, 45.75, 48.75, 52) inches or 89 (96.5, 103.5, 109, 114.5, 122, 130) cm
The sample is worn with 3.25” (8.5 cm) positive ease at bust.
Materials
Malabrigo Lace Baby Merino: Short Sleeve Version 2(2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4) skeins in each of TWO colours, Long Sleeve Version 3( 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) skeins in each of TWO colours
With only one week left in our Summer Sale, I thought this might be a nice change of pace from linen and cotton … a fun, colourful top made with Urth Uneek Fingering (ON SALE UNTIL THE END OF JULY). The pattern shows off this stunning self-striping yarn, which I think it definitely deserves. Urth Uneek Fingering is a hand-dyed, self-striping, super smooth and soft merino superwash yarn. It’s made by an environmentally conscious and compassionate family company in Turkey, and straight up, it’s happy yarn.
My friend Reney brought this little number to my attention, and I’m super grateful she did because I think this tank is going to be a great addition to your summer wardrobe. It’s made with Handmaiden Flyss (ON SALE NOW), a soft, summery blend of 65% silk and 35% linen. Flyss also comes with lots of yardage, so if you’re an average size you’ll only need a couple skeins (if you’ve been blessed with a petite frame you only can get away with ONE). Both linen and silk are fibres that tend to grow so there will be extra drape and ease in your garment. As always, make a swatch first and see what the textile can do for you. Plus, Handmaiden is made in Canada.
Size
Finished bust: 30 (34, 38¼, 42½, 46, 50, 53½)” or 76 (86, 97, 108, 117,127, 136) cm
To be worn with 0-5 cm/ 0-2” positive ease
Sample shown is in size 2 with approx 5 cm/ 2” positive ease on model
