Summer Interweave Crochet

Look who's design is on the cover again!

Back to back covers if you are keeping track at home.

How amazing is that?

The design has been in my sketch pile forever. It is a basic summer tank top that you can throw on on the hottest days of the year, or layer with a jacket when its cooler out. I am still not convinced if the variegated yarn adds or takes away from the stitch pattern. The stitch pattern is a simple shell repeat, nothing too exciting so I am not sure. I do like the two tone. For me I would love it in a navy/ eggplant/ fuchsia collar and a pale yellow or peach body.

The yarn pictured is Manos del Uruguay Serena (60% baby alpaca, 40% pima cotton). It was heavenly to crochet with. I kept a partial ball here in the studio to play with and pet from time to time. If you do have heat waves like we do, you can easily sub in other yarns. Actually, Lustersheen by Red Heart would work really well in its place. I know, acrylic for an alpaca blend, but it would work. Watch the cottons if you try to sub those in, get something in a blend to make it a bit lighter. The collar takes all the weight and cottons can be heavy.

Speaking of the collar, I did use grosgrain ribbon around the edge on the inside to help strengthen. I know it is a pain to sew in a ribbon, but it is SO worth it! I have a few more photos on my flickr site and Interweave has a few on theirs.

The issue is very pretty with lots and lots of lace tops and retro home items. Definitely take a closer look at Linda Perman's top, the vertical lines are really great; and it would be a pretty simple garment to make. The one that has won me over is Kristin Omdahl's tunic. The sleeves and lace are just stunning.