Apr 27 2010
Warm Weather Knits
By and large, the average (non-knitting) person automatically thinks of wool as the go-to fiber for knitting. And while I could extoll wool for many a-blog post, I can also say that wool just is not suited for warm weather knits in my “neck of the woods” where it gets hot and steamy and sticky in the humid summer. While we seem to be in a bit of a cool spell after a little heat wave earlier in the week, my mind is racing thinking about all of the spring/summer knits for those 90+ degree days!
I made a tank top – so simple and fast to complete – out of some leftover yarns (stashbusting continues!) and I am nearing completion on a simple spring pullover next…
This is the A-Line tank from the Spring/Summer 2007 issue of Knit Simple. I used leftover Classic Elite Classic Silk yarn in this lovely perwinkle color. The tank is knit bottom-up, flared at the bottom with small decreases all the way up along these faux princess seams – then a small ribbing in the middle to gather the stitches. I modified it to knit in the round,
adding an edge stitch to each side. The pattern only goes up to a 36″ bust, and since I wanted a little ease, I went up a needle size (size US 8 and 9s) to make it more of a 37/38″ bust. My plan worked, for the most part. It isn’t the most “flattering” knit I have ever made, but it is cute and it will be worn.
If I made this again, I would add some more length to it. I often forget that my torso is longer than I think it is, and I tend to like my tops and tanks to be longer – around the top of the hip. Luckily, I have a periwinkle camisole that is nearly the same color underneath to give the illusion of a bit more length.
This pattern page on Ravelry has some lovely projects by other knitters, but none of the other knitters have my body shape – so I wasn’t quite sure how this one would out since I have a larger bust and wider hips. Jury is still out if it is a success or not!
My newest knit – which is nearly done after lots of weekend knitting! – is another version of the Forrest Pulli top 
that I made last March. This time, I am using a different fiber to get a more relaxed shape with some more ease. This RYC Natural Silk Aran reeled me in hook. line. sinker. at the LYS awhile back. The steeley blue/gray with little color flecks was just too much for me to turn down. I didn’t have a pattern in mind when I bought it, so I was quite happy to match this pattern to this yarn. The picture shows the knit as it looked late last week… you can now imagine a completed back and a front left panel. Now onto the right and the sleeves, and it will be good! I didn’t expect to motor through this knit so quickly, but now that I have, it seems almost possible that it could be done by the weekend – for Maryland Sheep and Wool festival 
I am analyzing many garment shapes in my Ravelry queue to see if this is really the best style and knit shape for my body… luckily, I have Amy’s *amazing* new series of blog posts called “Fit to Flatter” to help me determine this kind of thing. Amy has put together two amazing tutorials (so far) with lots of visuals, drawings, models, etc. to aid the knitters/crocheters out there on the search for the perfect garment for your body shape. Check it out. You will definitely learn something.
Right now, I am particularly drawn to long tunic-style tanks and shifts – and while it’s a lot of knitting, it’s also a nice stashbuster too. Some of the patterns that have caught my eye:
- Berroco’s Moska
- Interweave’s Summertime Tunic
- Purl Bee’s Leah Tunic
- Pegboard Lace Tunic
- Bottoms Up Tank
- Rebecca Yoked Lace Pulli
…and the list could go on and on! Wonder how many I will realistically make this summer…
The tank is cute!!! I am excited to read the “Fit to Flatter” info — thanks for the link. I am also excited to see another version of the Forrest Pulli. As you know, your first one inspired me to knit the same. Did you notice the facing this time around? I found that it looked much better without it. (Here’s the in-progress post about the neckline: http://morewithles.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/thoughts-on-a-nearly-fo-plus-some-new-yarns/)
Totally cute, babe! I don’t know if I have actually favourited it on Rav, but that tank has been on my inspiration list for a while – I love the shape, and the angled lines in the fake seams are so flattering to our bodies! I’d need to do a fair amount of bust shaping, and would probably add more width in the centre bodice to keep things properly in check.. but it looks great on you!
Off to check out all of your links – the Leah tunic is another one I have fav’d already
I really like the faux seaming details on your new tank! I’ve been reading Amy’s posts on fit and wow, I am learning so much. Oh and pssst, I’ll be at MDSW on Saturday – we should meet up!
I’m definitely feeling the need for some warm weather knits. I’ve always been sort of intimidated by cotton yarns, mostly just from ignorance. This year, though, that’s going to change. I’ve got several tanks and shells on the agenda.
By the way, I love your gray pullover. That’s a lovely yarn.
Thanks for linking to those Fit to Flatter articles! Exactly the type of thing I need to learn so I don’t waste my time on knitting projects that will disappear in my dresser…
Selkie on Ravelry
I think the tank looks great! As a busy gal myself, you’ve made me start to wonder if I’ve got any appropriate yarn for this pattern in the stash…
Oooh you are cute! I like those pleats on the front. I need to see if I can find a flattering tank for a pregnant lady like myself! I’m not due till october, but I’m thinking a flowy tank would be perfect to wear with a cardigan to work! Thanks for the links to those other patterns too!
Thanks for this post! So ironic, as today I was chatting with my LYS owner about the need for wearable summer patterns – here in St. Louis we also have super hot super humid days, and cool tanks are a must! I loved your links for pattern ideas. And thanks also for the Fit to Flatter link – can’t wait to devour that information. I have been looking at a lot of camis and tanks, but my fairly tall not so skinny anymore body doesn’t always look so great in some of the styles. Now I can figure out ones that will work for me!
The tank is really cute on you! Perfect for summer! Thank you for listing the other patterns you are considering – I’ve added one to my queue… and then found other patterns to add when I went on Ravelry to check it out and queue it. I must pick up my needles again!
Thanks so much for the mention, Lolly. I think the tank looks super-cute on you, at least based on that picture in front of the tree! You look utterly adorable.
I LOVE Moska, thanks for all the links!
Lol, I love the Moska or the Leah. Your tank is cute and look very good with a light sweater or jacket. xxoo
I love the tank – I think it looks really cute! And I hear you about wanting to knit a gazillion things for summer. Except all I’ve been doing lately is sewing…
I love the tank and the way you have used the vest top underneath to imply length. I like the layered look anyway.
i love the blue tank and think it is really flattering on you and you’re right it is cute but i’m with you on the length. if you have extra yarn i’d want to add length. love your list of summer tanks too. i’m making the summertime tunic now and although all the stockinette is boring me to tears it will be cute when it’s done!
Very cute top! I think it’s actually more flattering than you think it is, and the color is fantastic. I’m excited to see your new pulli, too – you are a speed demon! Thanks for posting the link on that Fit to Flatter series – what a treasure! Now I’ll have to look through all of my patterns to see if they fit the bill. My roommate got a book called “The Science of Sexy” from the library; it uses info on your proportions, height, etc to inform you about what types of clothing work for your body type. Very handy! I’ll be seeing your pretty face soon!!!
The Fit to Flatter series is such a great resource! Thanks so much for sharing.
The tank looks great! I have a similar shape to yours & its so hard to decided what will work when you never see anyone with your shape wearing it. You did a great job picking out that pattern!
I was checking out that fit to flatter series just yesterday – what an amazing resource.
Thanks for pointing out this series which will be such a fantastic resource while planning future projects. The tank looks so feminine and summery and looks great by itself or layered! Cute!!
That is SUCH a pretty top! It’s looks so light and fluttery and looks fantastic on you (very cute with the cardi, too). For some reason, I always underestimate the length of my torso, too! It drives me nuts…even when I make a point to measure carefully, things often end up shorter than I want. So I do the cami trick, too.
OH I love that Tank…and such a pretty color blue.
i think it’s a lovely tank top, sweet colour, too! i love the shape, it’s kind of hourglassy, very flattering. i’m very bottom heavy, and dresses in that shape are the best thing ever…
Such lovely knits, as always. And WOW, thank you for the link to the “Fit to Flatter” project. What a goldmine of information.