Although it is still technically mid-spring, the hot, humid weather has hit us hard here in Philadelphia. (It was 95 here yesterday! Wowza.) We’re feeling torn in many directions – finalizing collections for fall, dreaming of winter designs, yet all we want to do is knit and wear breezy, light summer garments.
As always, when daydreaming about things I’d love to knit, I turn to Polyvore and play around a little bit. The end result is a lovely little grouping of summer sweaters and shawls paired with some easy summer outfits.
1) Lillydale by Grace Anna Farrow is the perfect summer shawl. A great size to wrap around your shoulders when you meet an unexpected chill, it is light enough to throw into a bag when the breeze has subsided or you escape the air conditioning into the sunlight. Paired with a long printed skirt (want to make your own? Check out the Sewaholic Gabriola here), chambray top, classic Hasbeens and accessorized with a straw hat, basket in lieu of a bag, and chunky accessories, the floral motifs on the shawl are complimented but not overdone.
2) We recently published a Summer Sweaters Collection, and Sonora, a sweet little t-shirt by Courtney, has been incredibly popular. Knit in the round with minimal finishing, the textured vertical panels add the illusion of length for a slimming and flattering fit. Sonora would be perfect worn with a rayon knee-length skirt, comfy sneakers and classic jean jacket.
3) The Hay Bale Tank is a recent design I published in Interweave Knits that features Meadow. Knit in two pieces, the front is knit with the yarn held singled, and the back is a classic lace pattern with the yarn held doubled. (You can see a nice photo of the back here). I went more casual with this look, and paired the tank with a pair of perfect jean shorts, leather sandals, and some gold accessories. An Ikat beach blanket readily on hand guarantees you’re all set for summer relaxation.
4) Merrigolds in Savannah, by Whitney Harmon, was one of the amazing entries into our Summer Sweater contest last year. She lives in Virginia, so her design was perfect for the warm climate. Since the color marigold is savannah is such a bright yellow, I paired it with a flowy chambray skirt and accessories in stripes and flowers in primary colors for a really cheery summer look.
Now to decide what to knit for myself first….
-Kate