Summer tops

It was a beautiful day today and it got me thinking about the summer tops that Mode at Rowan did for this summer.

Wilhelmine

Finished measurements: 
Chest circumference: 34( 38, 42, 45.75, 49.75, 53.75, 57.75, 61.5, 65.5)“ 86.5( 96.5, 106.5, 116.5, 126.5, 136.5, 146.5, 156.5, 166.5) cm 
Finished length: 22.75( 23.5, 24.5, 25.25, 26, 26.75, 27.25, 28, 28.25)” 58( 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 69, 71, 72) cm

Yarn used: 
Mode at Rowan Cotton DK 
Shade 019 Pistachio- 8(8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 11, 11, 12) balls

Clady

Finished measurements: 
Chest circumference: 33.25( 37.5, 42, 45.5, 49.75, 53.25, 57, 61.25, 65.25)“ 84.5( 95.5, 106.5, 115.5, 126.5, 135.5, 144.5, 155.5, 166.5) cm 
Finished length: 21.25( 22, 22.75, 23.5, 24.5, 25.25, 25.5, 26.5, 26.75)” 54( 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 65, 67, 68) cm 
Sleeve seam:5.5) 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6.25, 6.25, 6.25)“ 14( 15, 15, 15, 15, 15, 16, 16, 16) cm

Yarn used: 
Mode at Rowan Cotton DK 
Shade 016 Fossil- 7(7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 13) balls

Bridget

Finished measurements: 
Chest circumference: 39.25( 43.25, 47.25, 51.25, 55, 59, 63, 67, 70.75)“ 100( 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180) cm 
Finished length: 23.5( 24.5, 25.25, 26, 26.75, 27.5, 28, 28.75, 29.25)” 60(62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 71, 73, 74) cm

Yarn used: 
Mode at Rowan Cotton DK 
Shade 011 Macaroon - 9(9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) balls

Tage 

Finished measurements: 
Chest circumference: 42.25( 46.5, 50.5, 56, 59, 62.25, 66.25, 71.75, 74.75)“ 108( 118, 128, 142, 150, 158, 168, 182, 190) cm 
Finished length: 22.75( 23.5, 24.5, 25.25, 26, 26.75, 27.25, 28, 28.25)” 58( 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 69, 71, 72) cm 
Sleeve length: 16.25( 16.5, 16.5, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17)“ 41( 42, 42, 43, 43, 43, 43, 43, 43) cm

Yarn used: 
Mode at Rowan Cotton DK 
Shade: 011 Macaroon - 9(9, 10, 11, 11, 12, 12, 13, 13) balls

Here is a link to all the Mode at Rowan summer patterns. All the patterns that I’ve shown are knit with Cotton DK.

See all the shades

Spun from the finest natural cotton fibres, our Cotton DK is your ultimate go-to for quality cotton yarn. Luxuriously soft to the touch and exceptionally durable, your garments will remain as stunning and comfortable as the day they were made. Machine washable, this cotton is as practical as it is beautiful. This premium DK yarn is a must-have staple for your everyday yarn collection.

One last pattern. This is Else. We are out of printed copies but you can purchase the pattern on Ravelry.

Finished measurements: 
Chest circumference: 32.75( 36.5, 39.75, 43.75, 48, 52.25, 56, 60.25, 64.75)“ 83( 93, 101, 111, 122, 133, 142, 153, 162) cm 
Finished length: 20 ( 20.75, 21.75, 22.5, 23.25, 24, 24.5, 25.25, 25.5)” 51( 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 62, 64, 65) cm 
Sleeve seam: 5.5( 6, 6, 6.25, 6.25, 6.25, 6.25, 6.25, 6.25)“ 14(15, 15, 16, 16, 16, 16, 16, 16, 16) cm

Yarn used: 
Mode at Rowan Cotton DK 
Shade 013 Celeste - 7(7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 11) balls

Dad and Beth had a safe trip. The dogs were good for me but I didn’t get a lot of knitting time. I vacuumed and then spent time washing the floors. Between Jackson’s hair and slobber the floors were a disaster.

I had a visit with Trish this evening to have my hair cut. Now it’s time to concentrate on the hockey game and get a few more rows knit.

1883

It was a beautiful day and I finally took pictures of my Traveler Shawl (pattern purchased on Ravelry) knit with Dyed in the Wool (Bamboloni). I used 5 skeins and knit with 3.75mm needles.

What the Fade?! I divided the stitches to show the shawl better. A few more repeats and then I’m knitting every row.

Beth was going to come to the store to do my planter box last week. It didn’t happen so I did it today.

This flower was to go in the planter box as well but there wasn’t enough room so I planted it in the garden.

We started watching 1883 tonight. We’ve watched Yellowstone so now we’re going back to the beginning. It’s hard to knit during the show because you need to watch the TV to keep track of the characters and what is happening.

Dad and Beth are off to Peterborough tomorrow for job meetings so I’m home with the dogs. It’s another early morning - they need to be out the door by 7am. I’ll have lots of knitting time. I also need to do some website updates because we received an order of KnitPro and Lantern Moon needles.

Happy Father’s Day

Tanis Lavallee has a new pattern coming out this week. Watch for it on Ravelry.

This beautiful summer tank is a dream to wear on a warm day. The lush texture adds interest and the gorgeous neckline really draws you in. This tank is knit from the top down with zero finishing.

The tank is knit in dk weight yarn so you have many, many yarn options. 

We had a great day doing nothing but sitting in front of the tv watching the US Open. The perfect Father’s Day.

I was able to knit a lot. 

I have 4 repeats to go and then I’m onto the garter stitch. I will take my shawl to the store tomorrow for better pictures by dividing the stitches onto two needles and putting the shawl on a mannequin.

Everyone had a lazy day.

Now a bit more TV (and a few more rows) before bed.

Fresher

Brian Smith has a new pattern knit with Hedgehog Fibres Oh So Fine. 

This light as a feather shawl design uses three shades of fingering weight yarn to great effect. A modified feather and fan stitch pattern and increases down one side, create an interesting fun knit.

You can purchase the pattern for Fresher on Ravelry. 

Here are some possible colour combinations for the shawl

Wildflower, Puppy Love, Orchid

Pet Rock, Plush, Heron

Sea Glass, Monet, Blue Lobster

Wildflower, Superbloom, Compote

See all the colours of Oh So Fine

Wow - the hockey game last night was awesome. Unfortunately it ended very late. I didn’t think I was going to make it to the end.

Blood Donor

I had my shawl at the store today and took outside pictures. The colours show up so much better in natural light.

Boscoe is a blood donor. Every 3 months he goes to the vets and he’s always so good. This is his picture from yesterday.

In June of 2016 Beth and I went to Washington DC for TNNA to purchase yarns for the fall. On our way back we stopped to watch a practice round for the US Open. This is Oakmont where they are playing today. It was sweltering that day. Beth left me sitting while she walked around.

Golf is finished for the day and now it’s time for hockey. 

Marled Magic Blanket

Stephen West has a new pattern coming tomorrow.

This pattern launches Thursday 12 June 2025 at 16:00 Amsterdam time! Make sure you’re signed up to the Westknits newsletter at www.westknits.com to get special introductory pattern discounts and sneak peeks of new knit alongs and designs 

Knit the marled blanket of your dreams with this geometric modular pattern! The large rectangular shape is knitted one section at a time as you pick up stitches and attach your current section to the previously knitted sections. Always hold two strands of fingering weight yarn together to get the DK weight gauge. Instructions include marling recommendations for each section. Sometimes you can hold two colors together throughout an entire section and for other sections you can create fading marl effects by frequently changing colors throughout the section. This blanket is a big stash buster, using all kinds of fingering weight fibers together. Combine sock yarns with single ply merino yarns. Include some silk for shiny accents or add mohair and brushed suri alpaca for fluffy moments. The geometric shapes feature various stitches like garter stitch, mesh eyelets, seed stitch, and a couple brioche sections too. The generous dimensions of this blanket are ideal for a large bedspread or cuddles on the couch. Gather a big pile of yarns and knit marled memories that are sure to last a lifetime!

You can purchase the pattern on Ravelry. 

Photos © Stephen West

Yesterday I talked about Zanete Knits new pattern called the Celestia Top. Zanete made a great video discussing the pattern. 

• Choosing yarn
• Tension
• Sizing
• Finishing
• Modifications

I think I need to knit this sweater. I haven’t tried Ladderback Jacquard and it’s time to learn this technique. If I’m going to run a yarn shop I should know all knitting techniques. Now I’ve almost got myself talked into casting on.

Celestia Top

Zanete Knits has a new pattern and I’m in love.

Meet the Celestia Top – where ancient tradition meets a bold, modern vibe. This seamless, top-down yoke design is all about making a statement while staying totally wearable. With short sleeves, double-layered hems, and a never-ending colourwork motif, Celestia is the perfect summer knit for anyone who loves colour and doesn’t want the fun to stop.

The motif itself is inspired by my Latvian roots—a sun symbol connected by a web of intricate branches. It’s got a meditative rhythm to knit, and the larger blocks of solid colour provide that unique visual impact.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try using colour-changing yarn for that magical effect. And if you’re into clever techniques, this is the perfect project for practicing the ladderback jacquard to handle those long floats.

You can purchase the pattern for the Celesita Top on Ravelry. 

Zanete Knits used a sport weight yarn with Dyed in the Wool. You can use Zauberball Starke 6 or Edition 3 in place of Dyed in the Wool.

I’m fading away. 

I wasn’t too sure of the colours when the fade was finished but now that I’m into the second set of colours I really like how the colours are playing together.

It’s almost bed time for me. We were up way too late last night watching hockey and baseball.