More Summer Cardigans

Yesterday we started exploring options for summer cardigans - little sweaters to wear over a tank/t-shirt to give a little more polish to your outfit.  They also do the handy job of covering covering the upper arm, a spot to which gravity is often unkind.  Choose the right one, and it can also cover other problem areas, as we'll see.

Chance of Showers by Heidi Kirrmaier

A lovely option is Chance of Showers by Heidi Kirrmaier.  The model is worked in a mostly merino wool yarn, but look at the other projects to see the beautiful drape in summer fibers - linen, cotton, bamboo, etc.  While it features lace, this design doesn't go overboard with it, so it doesn't turn too girly.  It's a top down design, which works for me since this is a lightweight garment.  The range of sizes could be better - it only goes up to a 51 3/4" bust - but a clever knitter could be able to size it up from there, if needed.  This design does call for a little positive ease, but not more than a couple inches so that it is still trim.

Equador by Joji Locatelli

A very similar design is Ecuador by Joji Locatelli.  While is is a little funkier than Chance of Showers - for good or bad, depending on your personal style - it has much stronger horizontal lines and a greater excess of fabric.  Neither of those is as flattering as Chance of Showers.  I also love the elegance of the collar draping in Heidi's design.

Camber Cardi by Jessamyn Leib

Another design I really like is the Camber Cardigan, designed by Jessamyn Leib.  This lightweight cardi is modeled by a, thankfully, unwaif-like real person who looks great in it.  It is shown with a full row of buttons down the center front, but leave them open for warm weather wearing.  The yarn in the sample is a 50/50 merino and tencel blend, but I think this design would work just as well in a 100% plant-based yarn.

Flyaway Cardi by Jenise Reid

My last option for today is less popular, but I think exactly what I would want to wear on a hot summer day - Flyaway Cardi by Jenise Reid.  Look at the other pics on Ravelry to see how sheer and lightweight this design is.  This featherweight fabric is the reason that I like the gathered skirt here.  In the designs with a heavier weight fabric gathers can look awkward and add bulk.  I also love the swoop of the skirt and how the point it comes to in the back accentuates the booty - if that's a feature you'd like to emphasize.

The next summer cardi post will be all about the designer who owns this category.  No hints now.