Tag Archives: tank

Inspiration: Warm Weather

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It’s been absolutely gorgeous in Seattle for the last week- sunny and around 70.  (Unfortunately, the fact that I’m typing this out means that the rain will start up again in the next 15 minutes.  That’s just how good weather in Seattle works- it turns cold and damp as soon as you acknowledge that the sun is out.)  The windows have been open, the dog has been snoozing in the sun on the back porch, and I’ve been wearing fewer sweaters (I’ve still been wearing some, because I’m me and constantly feel like it’s 20 degrees colder than it actually is).

Which made me think about warm-weather knitwear.  I start thinking about it every year about this time.  What can I knit, or what can I wear, that would be comfortable in 70+ degree weather.  I always feels a little silly thinking about knitting up tank tops and shorts, skirts and t-shirts.  But people do it- heck, I even designed a tank top a couple years ago (which I think turned out pretty cute, if I say so myself).

I’ve dug through Ravelry, and picked out three (non-ugly) summery tank tops just for you.  (And, I guess, for me too, in the off chance that the sun sticks around a little longer.)

(I was going to look up an assortment of summery clothing instead of just tank tops, but I defy any of you to find a not-terrible pair of knit shorts for anyone older than in infant.  I don’t think they exist.)

I really like this top (I guess it’s got a tiny little sleeve, so it’s not really a tank). It’s feminine and pretty, with an interesting neckline.  I love that it’s made with stretch cotton-a perfect yarn for summery tops- and it’s a lovely, flattering shape.

Tee Top in Lace Daisy by Ekaterina ArndtThis tank top is totally adorable, too.  It’s so simple and such a classic shape.  And, anything with mini stripes is OK by me.

#02 Simple Tank by Debbie BlissSome (most?) knit tank tops end up having a weirdly ’90s vibe about them, but I love how modern this one feels.  I love the racer back, combined with the wide neckline and loose, draped silhouette.  I might actually have a go at knitting up this one… some day… when I have time…

Flying Buttress Tank by Andrea RangelDo you have any warm-weather knitwear?  What do you knit when it gets warm outside?

Summertime, and the living is… muggy

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It’s officially been summer for about a week, and it is officially summer.  It’s hot and muggy and there isn’t even a breeze.

(OK, fair enough, it’s “Seattle Hot”, so it’s in the mid-to-upper 70s.  But I’m officially a hot-weather weenie, so it’s hot to me.)

Ollie agrees- he needs a haircut, and is impatient for us to fill up his kiddie pool.13495497_10106435157559480_5717683599402702824_o (1)I’m currently working on a big cabled sweater (a Christmas gift for someone, so I can’t tell you about it) which is just too much to be knitting right now.  All that wool!

What I’d like to be working on is something light and breezy.  Something at a tiny lace gauge.  A lovely, summery tank top.

This tank is simple, drapey and lovely.  If I worked in an office, it would be super cute to wear with a blazer or a light cardigan.

Bonny by tincanknitsIMG_4731-ed-sm_medium2[1]I love the little details on this top- the tiny cap sleeves, the delicate lace at the hem, the split sides.  So cute!

22.2 Top with lace edges by Karen Noe22.1-Top-m_medium2[1]I love the all-over lace and the flattering, swing-y shape.  I would totally wear the heck out of this tank.

Just a Wisp by Pamela SchwabDSC_6755_medium2[1]I can’t wait to finish the big sweater so that I can make myself a new tank top or two.

What summery projects do you like to make?

Pattern: Split Back Tank

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As promised!  Another brand new free pattern!  This one’s a little different than my usual knits.  You know I love bulky yarn, and anything with wool.  I love big winter sweaters, cozy socks and fluffy blankets.  Basically, I like anything that you would hibernate in.

This pattern, on the other hand, is a definite departure.  It is light and summery, drapey and girly.

It’s the Split Back Tank!55759220_mediumKnit in a lovely washable cotton-linen blend at a nice big gauge, this tank top is both fast-knitting and lightweight.  The Split Back Tank is worked from the bottom up in a single piece with literally no sewing-up!  (A three-needle bind-off finishes the straps and a row of single crochet closes up the neckline and arm holes.)  And, the A-line shape and open back makes it flattering on just about everyone, yet incredibly comfortable.  I like to wear mine with jeans and sandals for a cute-yet-put-together look!55759220_5_medium2Get the free pattern here!