Summer Tops I Might Knit - YouLookFab Forum

Update: I’ve hit pause on this idea. My weight is shifting down. It’s hard to know if anything will fit be end of summer or next summer. When my weight stabilizes, I’ll revisit my summer knitting plans.
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I'm trying my hand at knitting some summer tops. I'm al little nervous. My weight has fluctuated due to a season of health issues. Well, you can't take in or let out knitting like you can a sewn garment. It's made me reticent to knit tops and sweaters. Anyway, I decided to just take the plunge. I feel a little nervous to even share because... what if the top I'm knitting doesn't fit nicely?? Knitting always has a bit of a risk to it.

1-3: the top I'm currently knitting. I am adding a ribbed hem to it, just to pull it in a bit at the bottom, so it blouses a bit. I'm also considering adding some subtle waist shaping to it, as I typically do better with that. The photos here are of someone's finished project -- not the designer's original photos. I would wear the top styled like this, so chose these photos.

4. This was a strong contender. I may still try it. Just worried about it being a little too much like a "sack" once knit up.

5. Another strong contender that I may yet knit up this summer. I really love the shaping built-in to the ribbing. Very va-vaoom to my eye!

6. Vintage goodness. I've had this on my list forever. Admittedly, a higher neck like this isn't necessarily my best. Open necks are better. But I do love the 50s vibe of this, so it may happen.

7-9. On the fence about this one though I love the lace on the back! I'm just never sure if a-line shape tops are good on me or not.

10. Also a strong contender. Love the plunge neckline, though would probably reel in the depth a bit. Has a lovely shape, not quite peplum, yet almost.

Having shared all of this, I could easily see myself attempting to sew camisoles this summer. ha! So we'll see what happens.

Anyone else have fun knitting or sewing plans for this summer?

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1 month ago

cjh

(website)

Veteran

I really like the lacy and cabled patterns in those garments, so I hope you get a chance to make and wear them all! I never learned to knit or crochet, but I’ve sewn all my life. I have some fabrics ready to make summer items. One is a light pink poplin with black line drawings of faces, which I could see as a summer dress, and another is a lawn -almost voile- darker paisley-ish print, good for a boho style top. These could possibly be good projects while I’m on a “try to not buy” year.

Star

I like pic 4 the most. I love off the shoulder tops with a fluid fit on the torso. Not sack like at all imo. Unfortunately they don't really work in my current climate. I like the others as well. Some of these have a very low cleavage. I remember from a recent thread that could be problematic in some circumstances for you. My late Mom was a brilliant knitter. I envy that you can make yourself items. Maybe I should try my hand at it again.

Active Member

I’m so envious and impressed when people can knit and sew! The first top is so intricate and beautiful. Really lovely. I think it will be even better with your modifications. #4 I can see working well with jeans and at least it looks less complicated to make (but what do I know). #5 I love!! I bet this would be a super useful piece. #6 Maybe it’s hard to see in the photo what’s going on here. #7-9 Very pretty but I share your reservations. #10 LOVE, LOVE, PLEASE MAKE THIS! What a perfect skirt top.

Ket

cjh, oh thank you! I'm excited to knit a couple or few this year. I can't wait to see what you sew! I am hoping to sew this year. I have been collecting fabric and patterns. Just have to figure out my machine. "Try not to buy" is a good idea! I tried it myself in January but really needed some things, and then found some great deals on yarn. So out the window it went ha! :}

Star, oh that's lovely to hear about pic 4! I do think it is fluid in the photo. Sometimes what happens is what looks good on the designer doesn't look good on me. I've gotten better about figuring out how an item will fit me personally, but sometimes still strike out. However, I still would like to knit it. I have a feeling it could be pretty, especially with fitted jeans or a fitted skirt. So anyway... stay tuned Very low cleavage -- good memory. I would likely raise the necklines a bit as I'm knitting. Or add a cool, thin cami underneath. Never too late to try again with knitting. I just love that your mother was a knitter. Maybe you can find a way to connect with her memory and knit yourself? <3

SarahD8

Oh wow, I love the asymmetric cabling in the style you are knitting! Neat fusion of traditional and modern.

I hear you on being pulled in different directions between the "safe" choice that you know works on your body and in your wardrobe, and the "risky" one that you're drawn to but is less of a sure thing. I feel that way all the time about purchases, and I imagine it's only heightened when you are contemplating all the work that goes into a handmade garment!

I don't knit, but I'd love to sew up some simple* tanks for the summer. We'll see.

*Deceptively simple. Simple isn't easy, and all that.

Cookie, thank you!! So #6 is just a high-neck tee with cap sleeves. It's an original 1950s pattern, so it has a very specific retro vibe. I definitely want to make #10!! At first I was worried it wasn't right for me (not sure why either). Yet, the longer I look at it, the more I want to knit it for myself. I think the slight peplum shape and deeper v-neck could be very flattering. I only have 1 skirt for summer, but I think it could be cute even with pants. We'll see what happens!

SarahD8, oh thank you!! I admit I am not usually a lace person, but I really love the asymmetrical panel too. You totally nailed it about safe vs risky. With knitting, while I can rip out a project that doesn't work, I cannot get back all the hours put into it. Sewing in some ways is safer. You're out fabric and time, but nothing in comparison to knitting unless someone is sewing couture level garments. I hope you'll share your summer tanks with us. I would love to see them!! As you say, simple isn't always easy. The tank I'm knitting is actually rather involved due to the lace/cable panel. There is also some interesting ribbing at the side seams. There's actually a fair amount of attention and such going into it.

Jaime

The first one looks great for you and I also think #5 and #10 will be very pretty and versatile for your style. A top like #4 would be a nightmare of fussiness for me, but does look nice! Good for you for knitting and also embarking on a risky project. I imagine it is quite soothing to knit though.

Lisa

How fun that you're knitting something for summer. I like all the options. I also think a poncho style top with an open weave could be nice for summer and would accommodate any fluctuations. Ponchos and wraps are some of the oldest items in my wardrobe for exactly that reason. They can fit at any size.

Jaime, oh I love your feedback! I am also really into #5 and #10. #4, however, has me on the fence. I can't imagine if it would be amazing or potato sack...

Lisa, thank you! That is an excellent thought about poncho styles. That isn't something I really have much of. I'll have to look at more styles like that. Thank you for a great idea!

Ket - I look forward to your poncho creations!

thank you, Lisa! I am curious and excited to see what poncho pattern finds my needles

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