Summer Knitting

As I write this I am sitting in my office/studio wearing a long-sleeved top with a cashmere cardigan over it. My fingers and toes are cold (and yes, I did already turn up the heat). Here in San Francisco summer is different than anyplace else so we need sweaters, do not have air conditioning, and we keep knitting. I know many knitters get busy with other things, and may not embrace working on large knitting projects when the weather is warm and sticky, but I don’t think anyone should abandon their knitting during the summer. Let’s look at some summer knitting options. Those are Meath Mitts.

Summer Knitting: Small Projects

I get the heat and humidity, but there are warm weather fibers to be knit, and there is air conditioning, so maybe it is just that the heat is enervating? If so, then look for smaller projects which don’t sit in your lap adding to the heat. Think of them as gift knitting cache if you need motivation: something for those people you want to do something nice for, but you don’t want to knit a full-blown project for.  How about an Italian Market bag? Knit in Flax it will be just right for summer knitting, and if you start now, it should be ready to carry melons and produce home from the farmer’s market.

Tatio and Bubble Whirl (these are the same project but Bubble Whirl uses a carry-along yarn with pre-strung felt balls from Be Sweet and Tatio uses a sock yarn) are good small projects, and have felt balls! Use leftover sock yarn and kill two birds with one stone–gift knitting (or something new for you) and using up yarn! Use buttons if you don’t want to do felt balls.

Saloon Scarf is very fun to knit and I think would be well-suited to a non-wool yarn, although I love Cody. Looking for something really small? Raspberry Mitts! Best in wool, they could be fun in cotton or linen too. Personally, I love face cloths, soap sacks, bath mitts–I have several patterns which are not currently available, but perhaps if there was interest I could make them available.
Email me!.

Summer Knitting: Jill Wolcott Knits Knit along

Linda suggested this free pattern as our next knit along and she and I are working out the final details, which will be announced next Tuesday here, on Ravelry, Facebook, and in my Newsletter (be sure to sign up here). We have worked out a schedule to get through this before Labor Day, I am working on a planning worksheet specifically for the knit along, available to those who create a project page or ask to join the Facebook group. We will have weekly prizes, and I’m working on a grand prize or two. I will be available to give assistance, encouragement, and cheerleading, while Linda will knit along using the CoBaSi from Skacel (available multiple places online, and hopefully at your LYS), who provided her with sample yarn.  Yay Skacel! This yarn is very well priced so this is an affordable project and will be perfect for wearing in late summer and early fall–and of course, next year.

Forgot to hit the publish button on Tuesday.