Knitting and crochet (although the idea is attached far more firmly to knitting) are often seen as something you do during the "off" months. Meaning, the winter months when one can't go and play outside and you are forced to stay inside and tucked away from the harsh foreboding weather. The act of knitting or crochet therefore becomes something associated with just one lonely season, possibly two (with the coming of winter people hunker down with their needles and get started on that cardigan for a chilly night).
Knitting during the summer however can be a rewarding experience. It's a great time to pick up your needles (or hooks!) and get started on that perfect summer tank top. Or maybe that cute bag you've been wanting to make. How about a teapot cozy so you can bring out your tea at night and sit under the stars enjoying the beautiful evening weather? Or a beautiful shawl to wear when the temperature doesn't quite reach thirty degrees that day (that's Celsius!)
Just because knitting and crochet uses wool, alpaca, and other warm fibres doesn't mean that's all you have to knit with. Cotton, hemp, silk, and wool blends make beautiful knitted summer garments perfect as a work in progress (so your lap doesn't get too hot while you're working) and as a finished product, not too warm to wear all year round.
A great summer patterns is the Honeymoon Cami and was created by designer Julia Trice. It's a quick and easy knit in a light yarn. With the light yarn the knitting doesn't weigh you down and it's perfect for sitting watching movies, or lounging outside on a warm summer day.
Stay tuned for the blog entry this week, where I'll be sharing with you some of my favourite summer-friendly patterns that promise not to weigh you down.
© Kelly Gilliam, text and images, 2006. Reproduction without permission is prohibited
