Long Weekend Cast-Ons

The unofficial kick-off of summer in Ontario is almost upon us! Here at Needles in the Hay we see this as the perfect opportunity to cast on a new project for some relaxing dockside knitting. Or on the back deck, or in the garden or by campfire, or binging Netflix… whatever makes your heart and hands happy. To help inspire you we’ve put together a list of long weekend worthy projects to cast-on. So let’s grab a beer and our needles and get started!

Van Damme Tee by Sarah Solomon

Knit it in mYak Baby Yak Silk

Featured in the latest edition of Interweave Knits, this is the kind of tee we could see being a constant fixture in our wardrobe. Simple but super wearable. Recently Myak shared a quote about this pattern directly from the designer, Sarah Solomon:

“This sweater design began because I loved the way the mYak baby yak silk felt in shawl samples but since I always find myself thinking in sweaters I thought I would experiment with creating a whisper-light shawl-like fabric for a garment. I'm very happy with the result, which I think would be a great transition season and warm weather piece. It also makes excellent brainless beach/lake/park knitting for summer."

Seavaiger by Kate Davies

Knit it in Brooklyn Tweed Loft

OR

BC Garn Bio Shetland

OR

Brooklyn Tweed Peerie

A bright and new pattern from Katie Davies, this light, simple pullover updates the classic style of the maritime gansey with its ingeniously weable shaping. According to Kate, “seavaiger” is a Scots neologism meaning “seafarer”. While our water bodies are a bit more modest here in the Kawarthas, I’m this sweater would be equally as comfortable on the dock at Stoney Lake.

Summer Meadow by Janina Kallio

Knit it in The Fibre Co. Meadow

Janina Kallio is known for relaxing knits and contemporary design and this shawl is no different! Summer Meadow is the perfect project for lazy summer days. Big and floaty, this shawl is an absolute beauty with its delicate details and breathtaking lightness.

Parsley by Clare Mountain

Knit it in The Fibre Co. Luma

In addition to being a fantastic designer, Clare Mountain is also one of our colleagues at the Fibre Co. She’s designed this easy, breezy tank with lots of beautiful details to keep things interesting. I has a split hem with twister rid faux cables travelling up the side panels, and tubular selvedges frame the armholes quite nicely. This would be a nice quick knit in Luma, which is a super soft and breathable blend of merino, organic cotton, linen, and silk by the Fibre Co.

The Weekender by Andrea Mowry

Knit it in Brooklyn Tweed Shelter

We’ve seen several renditions of the weekender sweater come through the doors at Needles in the Hay, and they always look fab, and their makers always love how they turned out! This sweet little number is sure to be a perennial favourite. Plus, with the newest marls in Shelter there’s even more colour options! Here’s what Andrea had to say about this pattern:

“This drop shoulder sweater is my most favorite addition to my handmade wardrobe! When Brooklyn Tweed came out with their line of marls for Shelter, I knew I needed a marled sweater. I combined my favorite attributes - texture, faux seams, drop shoulder, and some positive ease to create this versatile, flattering sweater! No matter your body type, it is perfect for wearing to the office or out on your weekend hike in the woods. I’ve already knit a second version, leaving off the sleeves so I can wear it in warmer weather or layered over a long sleeve tee!”