Inspiration
Dana’s Edit: Spring Has Sprung
Based on my allergies, spring is in full bloom in Maryland.
The trees on my walks are full of blooms and the bees are buzzing, but still I knit on.
I will knit wool in August (because there is AC) but I often start to transition to more cotton based fibers and lighter yarns (hello, silk!) when the temps start to pick up.
I absolutely love knitting and making for spring and summer. Plus, without sleeves, these things always work up so quickly! So I thought this month I might share some of the warmer weather knits I’m thinking about this spring.
Anjou Tank by Skeinny Dippin
When I saw the Anjou Sweater in the 2023 issue of Pom Pom magazine, I added it to my list of sweaters I wanted to make—but it just never got on my needles.
I love slipped stitch patterns (I mean I did make two Pressed Flowers cardigans and a pullover).
This fun basketweave is perfect for playing with color, but it just became one more sweater on my endless list. Then Skeinny Dipping took the same slipped stitch pattern and put it into a tank top.
A perfect project for warmer months and will take me less time because there aren’t any sleeves! I have a stash of cotton yarns I’ve been pulling to figure out what color palette I want to go with but this one is definitely on my list.
Seagrass Tank by Samantha Guerin
Somewhere along the way I finally embraced fingering weight yarns and the light and lovely fabrics they make.
For the early transitional period where the weather is up and down, hot or cold, I think the Seagrass Tank would be perfect in a wool and cotton blend yarn. The lace detail at the shoulder and down the sides is just enough to keep me interested while knitting. It’ll make a great layer too for the fall.
Aire Tee by Esti Juango
Lace is perfect for summer knits. The details on this sleeveless top with a mix of cables and lace is such a striking combination. It’s perfect to dress up for dinner or to throw over my bathing suit at the beach (cause I wear my knits everywhere). Plus the projects I looked through have some of the prettiest bright pops of color like cobalt blue and hot pink that make this really a stand-out piece.
Tanny Tank Top by Ainur Berkimbayeva
l cannot resist a sideways construction or stripes. I’ve had the Tanny Tank top on my mind since the first time I saw it. I want to make it in either a fun black-and-white and then embroider some flowers on top or knit myself a fun rainbow palette. The options are endless with this one and it could be a lot of fun.
My needles ready for all the warm weather knitting. Tell me: what are some of your favorite patterns to knit when the temperatures are rising?
Come Shop With Us
Thanks, Dana! I love your “Edits”; and that Aire Tee – it’s stunning!
I always enjoy your “Edits” and have added quite a few patterns from your posts to my Ravelry library. My summer “go to” knit is the Shakerag top with a bit of sleeve added.
thank you for the great patterns suggestions!
Once again, thank you for inspiring me to knit summer patterns! I usually dread thinking about drapey silks or linens but these patterns are so cute and modern! Good point that the absence of sleeves makes the knitting go faster!
I especially like the Tanny tank. I would add a few inches to the length though; I don’t like cropped tops for me. I have a lot of sport weight silk from Darn Good Yarn which I suspect would look fantastic in the sideways construction of Tanny. I might need to adjust gauge and make a smaller size but it would be worth it to use stash yarn.
I cannot wait to see what you choose to knit first. I might try the Seaglass Tank. I like the drape and the lace. I am definitely past the age of tanks with negative ease. I have to agree allergies are the worst part of spring.
Yes! Your last one got me to knitting something I never would have found or considered: the Rota Sleeveless Top. It is a bit of a challenge for me but thank god for lifelines and it is so fun! Can’t put it down! And the no-knitting-sleeves part makes me happy! Doing it in a deep teal cotton/modal/silk blend and feels so nice in the hand and joyful to the eyes. Thank you for the inspiration. I just might have to try one of these too.
Thanks for these suggestions Dana, its so fun to look at new (to me) patterns. That Anjou tank caught my eye and I added it to my favorites. I like knitting with warm weather fibers and I’m sure I can find some in my stash for it.
Always a wonderful way to start the week with one of your “Edits.” Love all of your pattern suggestions!
Love these!
Love the Seaglass Tank. And the Aire tank is beautiful, but I am not sure I have the skills for it! Thanks for a great list of projects!
Love these, but as someone who was 5’9″ at the age of 12 cropped tops feel like all the clothes that never fit right! I’d have to add length to that Tanny Top.
Always look forward to your posts! You knocked it out of the park with this one!!! Now I have several tanks for this season. Thank you!
Dana, you always bring energy and wonderful ideas. Thank you so much!
I have an old Rowan magazine (Number 29) that has the best spring & summer projects in it. The one I’ve enjoyed knitting is Essence by Kim Hargreaves, a sleeveless sweater originally shown in the now discontinued Rowan Linen Drape. I’ve used silk blends and hang onto this magazine because the patterns are timeless.
Great inspiration for me, as your columns always are. thank you for sharing your ideas and some favorites
I love a Dana’s Edit, lots of inspiration! My summer knit contribution is Izu by Ayako Monier, a pleasing project in linen.
Dana, your choices of summer knits are beautiful. Thank you for choosing such lovely designs. Immediately (before forgetting) I went on YouTube and subscribed.