Summer Knit List

Eight new up-and-coming projects for my needles.

One of my least favorite feelings is finishing a project and having nothing to cast on next. When that happens, I know it’ll be awhile before I start something new because I spend so much time looking up patterns, choosing yarns, and pairing them together.

This is exactly what happened to me after I finished the last project on my Spring Knit List. I bound off my Novice Slipover, washed and blocked it, and while it was drying—the point where I’d normally cast on something new—I realized I had no idea what to make next.

So I spent an afternoon last week putting together my Summer Knit List. Though when I say summer knitting, I don’t mean cotton and linen. My warm-weather knitting looks much the same as the rest of the year: mostly wool.

Most of these projects are inspired by my yarn stash as I continue my quest to whittle it down. I’ve matched yarns to patterns already sitting in my queue, and ended up with eight up-and-coming projects for my needles. Realistically, this list may take me clear through fall or even winter, but we’ll see.

I’m trying not to overthink my knitting these days. If something catches my eye, into the queue it goes. If I want to make the same garment in multiple colors, I get on with it. I often spend too much time thinking about what to knit, and not nearly enough time just knitting.

A habit I’m trying to break.

So without further ado, my Summer (and Fall, and possibly Winter) Knit List:

1. The Novice Slipover by PetiteKnit

I finished this project, but realized too late that I had picked up too many stitches in the arms. I’m taking a breather to finish my September Slipover (below) before I work up the nerve to unpick my Italian bind-off and redo it.

2. The September Slipover by PetiteKnit

For this, I’m using yarn I frogged from my Felix Cardigan last month, which is Lettlopi in the Moor colorway. Aside from the fact that the yarn color is delicious, I figure Lettlopi will make a perfect rustic outer layer.

3. Gib I by Andrea Mowry

For this, I’m using a new-to-me yarn: Knit Picks High Desert Tweed Yarn in the Pinyon Pine colorway. I’ve been eyeing this pattern for awhile, and love the knit-purl texture and the subtle cables. I can only hope the details don’t get too lost in the tweed, and it all comes together in a cohesive tweedy, textural stew.

4. Terra by Melody Hoffman

The original sample is knit with Rosa Pomar Mungo, a beautiful cotton-wool blend. Although I find the yarn tempting, I’ll be using Knit Picks Simply Wool in the Wallace colorway—another stash yarn. This will be my first knitted t-shirt. I was instantly drawn to the neckline and the shaped sleeves.

5. Maggie Vest by PetiteKnit

This is yet another vest by PetiteKnit, but this one will have buttons going down the front. I’m planning to use Rauma Strikkegarn in a cool-toned brown color.

6. Solstice Spenser by Mandy Julie

Next is yet another vest designed by Mandy Julie. I’m planning to knit this one using the yarn and color in the original sample, which is Retrosaria Vovó in 10 (Rust Brown). This might be my first time knitting something with both the yarn and color called for in the original, but I couldn’t resist. I’m trying to add more warm browns to my wardrobe.

7. Nisselue by Skeindeer Knits

This pattern has been in my queue for years, and every time Christmas rolls around I regret we don’t have our Christmas hats, so I’m determined to make at least one this year. Knowing me, though, one will easily lead to two, and three, and hopefully four.

For this, I’ll be using my stashed Knit Picks Palette yarn. I’m hoping it’ll make good travel knitting.

8. Roomy Raglan Light by Julie Efterfield

Every time I see this project I go to bookmark it only to find I already have it saved. I like it because it’s got that oversized, boxy look without the drop-shoulders, which I think suits my broad shoulders better.

Luckily, I have loads of Knit Picks Simply Wool in the Wordsworth colorway, which I think will work perfectly for this. I can’t even remember what my original intention for this yarn was back when I bought it, but it’s been staring at me for years. It’s time.

Oh, and I’ll be knitting these socks, as usual.

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