Cool Summer Tops

Debi was in this week with yet another adorable pattern she'd found. This one is the Tulip Tank from Purl Soho. It's a fun and interesting construction that uses short rows to create back sections that gently curve across one another. It's a very stylish little tank.

The pattern calls for 100% linen which is nice to wear, but to knit, not so much. A nice compromise is lovely Zooey, a blend of cotton and linen that's nicer on the hands, but very cool and comfortable to wear. Zooey has a slightly thick and thin spin which adds textural interest to all that stockinette - plus Zooey comes in those juicy equatorial colors I talked about last week. Depending on the size, the Tulip tank takes just 3 or 4 skeins of Zooey.

If you like the idea of a cool summer top, but prefer something with a little sleeve, you might like Buttercup by Heidi Kirrmaier.

This pretty little top has so many things going for it. First, it has an A-line shape which is not only super flattering but breezy and comfortable to wear. Next, it has a sleeve which you can easily make as long or short as you like. And finally, the lace pattern at the neck gives you a lovely scalloped neckline without any effort at all. It's like magic. Oh, and did I mention, it's a free pattern.  The pattern calls for Hempathy, which is very nice to knit (especially at this gauge), machine washes like a dream, and wears like iron. Ginni and I both have Hempathy sweaters we've been wearing for years and years, that still look brand new. Gotta love that.

So, come by and get started on your summer top. Because summer is the best time to knit!