My Springtime Knitting Essentials
Spring is the season of little surprises. Teeny buds reveal their colors, fuzzy creatures emerge from cozy burrows, and each day brings another season into play. Some days you walk out and see the frost melting from the grass, or perhaps the wind is waking dormant branches. Other times the rain pounds the ground to reinvigorate the trees and plants. And on my favorite days, the suns rays warm the earth. All of this weather can only mean two things: layers and knitscene Spring 2019. I incorporate knitwear into every season but I believe that spring is the best time of year for wearing the biggest range of beloved knitted items. And I have 3 knitted springtime essentials that I can’t tackle the season without.
1. The Classic Cardigan
The most important piece to have in springtime is a cardigan. You can easily remove a cardigan if the sun comes out and the temperature rises and get it on quickly if you run inside and the air conditioning is a little overzealous.
The Bi-Wing Cardigan’s bias-knit pockets mimic the struts from classic biplanes and add a youthful element to this classic cardigan. The body is worked back and forth in separate pieces and seamed, then stitches for the sleeves are picked up around the armhole and worked in the round. This pattern is from knitscene Spring 2019.
Difficulty Intermediate
Yarn Weight 4
Finished Size 37 (40, 44, 48, 52)“ circumference at underarm, buttoned. Cardigan shown measures 37”; modeled with 2” of positive ease.
Yarn Ancient Arts Fibre Crafts Lascaux Worsted (75% Punta Arenas wool, 25% Manx Loaghtan wool; 220 yd (201 m)/3½ oz (100 g)): forever in blue jeans, 7 (7, 8, 9, 9) skeins.
Needles Size 7 (4.5 mm): 32” circular |affiliate link| (cir) and set of double-pointed (dpn). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions Marker (m); removable m; stitch holders; tapestry needle; seven 11⁄16” buttons.
Gauge 21 sts and 28 rows = 4” in St st.
2. The Short Sleeved Top
Springtime always runs a little chilly for my taste, so I often layer to attain that perfect temperature level. A statement piece with short sleeves like the Runway Top is listed as high-priority on my knitting queue for this spring.
With a striking chevron pattern that mimics airport runway signage, the Runway Top is both vacation-and work-ready. This top is worked in two pieces from the bottom up and seamed. Simply select two of your favorite Mechita colors and prepare for a fun project. This pattern is from knitscene Spring 2019.
Difficulty Intermediate
Yarn Weight 1
Finished Size 36½ (40½, 44½, 48½, 52½)“ circumference at underarm. Pullover shown measures 36½”; modeled with ½“ of negative ease.
Yarn Malabrigo Yarn Mechita |affiliate link| (100% superwash merino wool; 420 yd (384 m)/3½ oz (100 g)): #83 water green (light green; MC), 2 (2, 3, 3, 3) skeins; #880 hojas (dark green; CC), 2 skeins.
Needles Sizes 4 (3.5 mm) and 5 (3.75 mm): 24” circular (cir). Size 4 (3.5 mm): 16” cir and set of double-pointed (dpn). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions Markers (m); stitch holders; tapestry needle.
Gauge 32 sts and 30 rows = 4” in Chevron patt on larger needle.
3. The Big Scarf
Another easy-apply layer is a scarf that can double as a wrap. A piece like this can go from day to night or warm to chilly weather with a simple restyle. I’ve already ordered my skeins and wait to cast-on with great impatience. This pattern is from knitscene Spring 2019.
Flocks of migrating birds and their aerial patterns inspired the Tailwind Shawl. It features a strikingly elegant lace pattern that’s both memorable and fun to knit. This season-spanning scarf is worked flat, and the fringe adds a pretty edging.
Difficulty Easy
Yarn Weight 3
Finished Size 14” wide and 64” long (excluding fringe).
Yarn Berroco Remix Light (30% nylon, 27% cotton, 24% acrylic, 10% silk, 9% linen; 432 yd (395 m)/3½ oz (100 g)): #6922 buttercup, 2 skeins.
Needles Size 5 (3.75 mm). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions Tapestry needle; crochet hook.
Gauge 22 sts and 25 rows = 4” in Lace patt.
What are your spring essentials? Let us know in the comments! And for more spring knitting patterns check out knitscene Spring 2019.
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