As well move well and truly into spring, it’s time to consider light layering pieces and pretty garments for those long summer evenings. Spring knitting is a time to put aside those bulky sweater projects, and a great opportunity to expand your stash beyond the world of wool.
This is the perfect time to try out non-wool fibers, like Ito’s Kinu, a 100% silk spun from leftover organic silk filaments, giving this fiber a lovely soft feel and look. Ito’s Washi offers a blend of 54% paper and 46% vicose, with a beautiful silky feel. On its own it makes a perfect fiber for lace work, and can be held double for garments. Finally, test out Ito’s Tetsu, 61% silk, 39% stainless steel grants a garment shape “memory,” while still being soft and drapey.
For some suggestions on using this great summer yarns, we have four fabulous garments from Olga Buraya-Kefelian. All of these tops work well for layering, either under a jacket, or over a tank to show off a gently sheer effect.
The Sakasama jacket is a great layering piece for spring and summer. Knit this using Ito’s Kinu, or hold two strands of Ito’s Washi for an interesting marled effect.
Ashen is a two-fiber pullover that works great as a simple tee, or as a layering piece. The sheer top portion is designed to use stainless steel, like Ito’s Testu, to mold your garment’s shape. Work the body using two strands of Washi held together, or Washi and Tetsu to keep playing with the structure of steel.
For big bold stripes, Kinu’s silk is great for this Oshima pullover. Breezy and loose, this sweater makes a great addition to your wardrobe
The Irokata tee is a fun two-color pullover that knits up beautifully with a double strand of Washi. Mix and match colors for a soft marled effect, or you can also test out a pure linen using Kalinka, or a blend with Hempathy. The subtle shaping of the color blacks makes this tee both day wear, and transitions beautifully for more formal events.
Stop in and try out any of the Ito yarns, or sample some of our other fabulous non-wool options.