Summer Tees

It's soon to be summer, which means that it's time to slip, slop, slap - slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat - and if that shirt happens to be a gorgeous hand-knitted one, then all the better! For when the sun is beaming down and the mercury is rising, there is nothing better than the feel of cool, crisp natural fibres on the skin, like cotton, linen and bamboo.

Sharron and Leisl at Woolarium are both planning some lovely summer tee knits - here's the shortlist of their absolute favourites!

Hane by Kirsten Johnstone is a beautiful design that looks stunning for both day and night. With gently gathered side shaping and an asymmetrical drape, this tee will suit all body types. The pattern comes with 6 design variations, including sleeves and sleeve ruffle. Designed for linen, we think the Shibui Linen would be perfect for this garment. Leisl is going to make hers up in the Poppy colourway, so if you head into the store over summer you might be lucky enough to see her wearing it!




Another beautiful design is the Irokata Tee by Olga Buraya-Kefelian. This colour-blocked tee is made for 4 ply yarns, and once again the Shibui Linen would be ideal. Short row techniques employed for the neckline and colour shaping mean that minimal finishing is required - hoorah! We love how cleverly Olga designs her knits, and this one is another winner.

This being Melbourne, however, you can never trust the weather to stay warm and settled for long. When the cool wind blows in, a versatile top with longer sleeves is often required - like Boxy by Joji Locatelli. With a wide body and slim, flattering sleeves, this easy knit is the ideal top for cooler days, or for covering up in at the beach. Knit in a 4 ply yarn, we think the Spud and Chloe Fine, Rowan Wool Cotton or Shibui Staccato or Linen would be lovely choices.

Last but definitely not least is this gorgeous tank top designed by Sharron herself! Called Vertical, this beautiful design is knit up in the wonderfully drapey Baby Bamboo. Designed with relaxed summer days in mind, this top will look equally good over pants as it does over your favourite bikini! The lace centre stripe gives this classic design a modern edge, and it is sure to become a summer staple. Simply purchase yarn for this divine tank, and the pattern is yours for free!

If you purchase the yarn by mail order, drop us a note and we'll include the pattern in your parcel. Meanwhile, we are looking forward to seeing all your lovely summer knits - be sure to pop into the shop to show them off to us if you can!

Feature Project - Red Lace Cardigan

There is no more versatile piece of clothing than the humble cardigan. You can wear it with jeans or over a dress. It can be kept casual or fancied up for an evening out. Keeps you covered in summer and warm in winter. It's the best piece of clothing in the wardrobe!

You guessed it - we are big cardigan fans here at Woolarium, so today we thought we'd introduce you to one of our favourites. Leisl knitted this cardigan a few summers ago for her daughter, and it has been worn over and over again. Made up in Baby Bamboo, it looks as good as new, despite constant wear over the summer months.



The pattern used was Sirdar design #1325 (leaflet available in store!) which was designed for the Baby Bamboo yarn. The yarn and pattern complement each other perfectly - the design is light and comfortable to wear, has not stretched at all despite continual use, and the yarn looks as good today as the day it was first knit up, with not a pill in sight.

Woolarium stocks a lovely range of colours in the Baby Bamboo, and it really is the ideal yarn for warm weather projects.

Composed of 80% bamboo and 20% wool, this 8 ply yarn has a beautiful lustre and drape, resulting in a fabric that feels silky to the touch. It's perfect for all sorts of projects, from summer tees to light sweaters to tunics. The yarn breathes well, and knits up quickly and easily with no snags.

So if you have a little girl in need of a cardigan (the pattern comes in sizes 0-6 months up to 7 years) you really can't beat this combination. Or if you fancy knitting something special for yourself, the Baby Bamboo is a lovely choice - we'd love to see what you make from it, so be sure to share your projects with us!