The “feels like” temperature here in Maine today is 31 degrees F, but summer is in the air with my latest collection! Last summer Berroco approached me about doing a pattern or two together as part of their independent designer collaboration program. I have worked with Berroco on several occasions (and knit with their yarns for decades now!) and so I was super excited to collaborate together on this project.
Introducing my sand & sea mini collection with Berroco, featuring the Rising Tide cardigan vest and the Coastland tee & cowl:
The Inspiration
When first coming up with these patterns, I had 2 main goals in mind: 1) create patterns that would wear well in the warmer seasons; and 2) utilize the cotton yarn in practical and interesting ways.
Often cotton can feel a bit shapeless – it’s due to the lack of elasticity. So what I did with all of these pieces is utilize texture in my stitch patterns to help give the cotton more body and structure. Plus the stitches are fun and interesting to knit, so it serves both form and function.
The other part of my inspiration was aesthetic – my mood board had visuals of beach waves, sandy beaches, rocky coast and other natural elements that reminded me of summer. These elements not only inspired the stitch patterns I chose but also the color palettes:
Let me walk you through each of the designs…
Rising Tide, a layering cardigan vest
Rising Tide is knit with 2 colors of Berroco Pima 100, a worsted-weight, 100% cotton yarn. Here are some of the main features:
Loop stitch
This easy-to-knit stitch pattern gives this piece lots of structure and I have a video tutorial for it too).
Seamless construction
It utilizes seamless construction techniques, including the Three Needle Bind-Off to attach shoulders.
Split hem
The piece is knit from the bottom-up and features a split hemline for a modern silhouette.
Color blocking
It features 2 colors for a color blocking affect, but you can use just 1 color if you prefer!
I created a Rising Tide tips page on my website that guides you through all the FAQ’s about this design. Click here to check the page out!
Included in the tips page is this video lesson that walks you through how to work this stitch pattern, including tips on “reading your knitting” should you loose track of which row you’re on:
The pattern can be purchased on Ravelry or my website.
Coastland, a fun layering top for summer
Coastland is knit with Berroco Pima Soft, a DK-weight cotton yarn that is SO soft. It’s the kind of top you can easily layer over a tank or camisole in the summer. The unique stitch pattern I used in this design utilizes 2 colors, but the contrasting color is super subtle, acting as more of a shadow (and a great way to add just a touch of color pop!). Here are some additional features of this design:
Seamless
It features seamless, bottom-up construction.
Shoulder shaping
The shoulders are shaped with German Short Rows.
Sizing options
Wear it with just some positive ease or lots of ease – it all depends on how you want to wear and style it!
Pop of color
The contrasting color appears in the eyelet stitch pattern as well as on the sleeves and neckline trim.
And just like Rising Tide, I created a Coastland tips page on my website that guides you through all the FAQ’s about this design. Click here to check the page out!
Included in the tips page is this video lesson that walks you through how to work this stitch pattern, both in the round and flat (since the body of Coastland is knit in the round but the yoke is knit flat):
The pattern can be purchased on Ravelry or my website.
Coastland cowl, a light and fun summer accessory
Love this stitch pattern but looking for something smaller to knit? Then the Coastland Cowl is just for you and it’s also a great way to practice the stitch pattern. You just need 2 balls of the main color and 1 of the contrasting color. It’s the perfect addition to any summer outfit! Here are some additional details.
The pattern can be purchased on Ravelry or my website.
Looking for the yarn?
Interested in making with Rising Tide, Coastland or the Coastland Cowl? Pima 100 and Pima Soft is found at local yarn shops around the world. To check where the closest store is to you, use Berroco’s Store Locator. Here are also some places online you can find them:
- Wool & Co (Pima Soft & Pima 100)
- Webs; yarn.com (Pima Soft & Pima 100)
- Cashmere Goal (Pima Soft & Pima 100)
I hope you like these new designs and that they help to inspire some new summer knits this year! If you have any questions feel free to reach out. And a special thank you goes out to the great folks at Berroco for this collaboration, their beautiful photography featured above and tech editing expertise.