Rejoice, linen lovers! Kalinka, a 100% linen fingering-weight yarn made in Sweden for Karin Öberg, and now available for you, too. You won’t find this yarn in more than two shops on this side of the water!
It’s the perfect yarn for summer tops, cardigans, wraps and shawls. And whether you think linen needs to be a neutral or are dying to knit up some summery jewel tones, Kalinka has what you’re looking for. Skeins are 349 yards and $19.95 each.
Now, let’s see what inspiration we’ve dug up!
Sweaters and Tops
This free pattern by Karin herself uses between 2 and 4 skeins, depending on your size. It also might be the shortest sweater pattern I’ve ever seen: It’s on a single page!
This pattern by local favorite, designer Olga Buraya-Kefelian, also happens to be super flattering and gorgeous! You also get the fun of picking out two coordinating colors for this cleverly designed pattern. If our election was tomorrow, this pattern would absolutely get our vote.
Kage:
For another top with interesting construction, take a look at Kage by Kirsten Johnstone. Pattern notes say it is designed to be oversized and the “origami style construction provides a deep V neck, paired with slim waist detailing and dolman sleeve shaping to above the elbow.” It is classically simple — and made for the weight and drape of linen. Love!
And now for something completely different: Take a look at this boxy, open lace top by Anna Maltz. This pattern, which is recommended to be knit out of Kalinka, is extremely interesting. At first glance, you may think this is crochet, but nope: knitted. Maltz explains in her pattern notes, “Everything about this tee is designed to utilise the exciting properties of linen.” Also of interest, not noticeable on first glance: This is actually a two-color top. The designer notes, “When choosing colours for Sceles, use the darker of the shades as A and the lighter for B. The gathering that happens in the formation of the stitch pattern creates an optical shadow that is enhanced by using the colours in this way.” Color (or, in this case, “colour”) me intrigued…
We fell in love with this sweater last summer and, as it’s designed for linen, should work up amazingly in Kalinka. The drop stitch pattern means it grows quickly on the needles and it ends up being the perfect, breezy layer for the beach. Two skeins would make up the smallest size, up to four for the largest.
Instead of Perkins Cove’s drop stitch, Hitofude goes a different way: lace. This open-front sweater features an easy-to-memorize pattern and unique construction (great for people like me who never can seem to knit sleeves). It’s also probably one of the best deals out there for a pattern: Roughly $1.75 at the current exchange rate. Seriously. It’s a steal. You’d need between 2 and 5 skeins, depending on your size.
For fans of boxy tops, here’s an option for a not-so-open-weave sweater. This is knit on gauge to produce a solid fabric. This does require more yarn, though — you’d need anywhere from 4 to 6 skeins. Worth it to wrap yourself in cozy? We think so.
Tanks, Shawls and more
Annis (free!):
Emma:
