Birkenwasser knits

This episode is about summer knits. I talk about knitting in the summer and two summer top patterns that I have designed, as well as two summer tops designed by Leila Raabe. There is also the drawing of my Instagram account 2000 follower giveaway and you can witness the return of my Topaz sample.



Steller tunic: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/steller-tunic
Lehtokerttu top: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lehtokerttu-top
Deschain: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/deschain
Bolan: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bolan-2
My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birkenwasser/
Alignment: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/alignment
Topaz: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/topaz-10

My Steller Tunic pattern is published on Ravelry!  This tunic is knitted seamlessly top-down. There is garter stitch edging on neckline, hem and cuffs. The tunic has a flattering a-line shape with set-in sleeves, designed to fit tight around the shoulders and loosening along the way towards the hem. A color block in the hem gives room for a bit of color play. Choose a size closest to your bust circumference. This light tunic worked in a wool-linen-silk yarn is perfect for warm days and nice to wear when the weather starts getting colder.



If you think that autumn is not optimal to knit a short-sleeve top, you can do as I did for the prototype version of this pattern: knit half length sleeves. Or continue until 3/4 or full length! If you knit the hem first, you can see how much yarn you have left and knit your sleeves accordingly.



Linking up to RUMS.

Knitty Spring + Summer 2017 issue is out, and my Airelle tee is one of the lovely summer patterns. Airelle Tee is a summer knit that is easy to knit and fun to wear – or fun to knit and easy to wear. The top is worked seamlessly in reverse stockinette from top down starting with a circular yoke that switches to raglan shaping before dividing for the sleeves. Work WS out so you do not need to purl, except for the garter stitch edges. Leave wrong ends on the outside (WS) and turn work once finished to leave reverse stockinette on the RS. A-line shape gives more room for the play of colors. The gradual change from lighter to darker colors keeps you interested, but is still easy to knit. Choose four recycled stonewash denim shades or create your own combination!




Thick (Aran weight) cotton yarn is not my typical choice of yarn, but I was intrigued by the recycling aspect of the yarn, and also saw a gradient set in the four shades of denim that the recycled series provides. I wanted a circular yoke to avoid the angles that raglan shaping creates. Towards the underarms the circular shaping switches to raglan shaping to guarantee a tight fit at the top.