The first stop has the perfect construction for creating the illusion of an hourglass-shaped body, if that's what you're going for. I've also fallen into the trap of using 100% cotton believing it would be a good breathable summer yarn, alas. Flops or not, your pattern and colour choices are all very tasteful.
I’ve knitted about 10 bralettes and 3-4 of them were flops. The rest and my favourite and most worn pieces! I found that sock yarn or cotton/viscose baby yarn works the best because they keep their shape and actually provide support.
You're saying that you don't like those tops but I can only see how great they fit you😍Thank you for the feedback, I think it will help me while looking for some top pattern in the future ❤
There is a few off them that you just need to saw the bottom and use them as bags. The variegated yarn one and the triangle shaped fabric 100% cotton one.
It's funny, your experience with truboo. That's just the natural of bamboo yarn...The same thing happens with 100% baby alpaca. both materials are VERY stretchy. My work around when using bamboo yarn is to either knit smaller than my usual size, or knit tighter than usual. but yes, bamboo yarn stretches, nature of the fiber.
Your thoughts on summer knitwear completely resonated with me! I much prefer knitting for cooler weather too. So useful to crystallise all the fit ‘niggles’ with vest tops, and I agree that the neckline of garments is a major indicator of how much I’ll wear something. Thank you ❤
Thank you for sharing your flops. These videos are priceless. I have one summer tank that I enjoy wearing. It is Vegas top by Susanne Muller, and I used Drops Belle. It has scoop neckline but with the good coverage, (I have small bust, so deeper necklines quickly become very revealing lol) and straps are wide enough for the bra. It has icord finishing, so this is more time consuming, but the tank looks great.
Thank you for your honesty. I watch a lot of knitting videos & the emphasis right now is on summer items (of course). I hadn’t thought about knitting summer tops until I saw these videos from other RUclips knitters. But I appreciate your input. It takes me a long time to finish a project & I don’t want to be disappointed with my item when I’m done. Besides, tank tops & T’s are so easy to purchase. I don’t feel like I have to knit EVERYTHING. I think I’ll stick to fall/winter projects. My home is air conditioned so I’m not concerned about a lap full of wool. 🤗
I’ve been knitting summer tee shirts from linen/silk blends, knit at very open gauge on ~US size 8 needles. I’ve knit a ranunculus and a Tolsta and they get a lot of wear. Really great for hot California summers.
I really like Rowan summerlite 4 ply and summerlite DK, they are both 100% cotton but so soft and not hard on the hands at all and Katia cotton cashmere, not enough cashmere to make a difference.
Thanks, that's such a helpful video to know what has and hasn't worked for you. I'm right there with the Truboo for a summer top right now that I recently finished, its stretched out so much! I'm going to do some surgery on it to at least fix the length. I'm wondering whether knitting Truboo at a much tighter gauge, bringing it closer to say a sport or fingering gauge might stop as much stretch, I'm experimenting now as otherwise the yarn is so pretty.
This is a very cool video format. A lot of people only talk about their favorites or recetly finished object. Your reflections inspire me to sit down and look at my own projects. (and also the rest of my closet) to form better desicions in the future. Please make more of these videos with other garmets! (especially sweaters and cardigans.)
Garter + knitting in the round/seamless + plant-based fibres = a lot of stretching. Seaming gives an item more structure. That might have been the issue with the tops you've knitted in that rayon fibre. Nice video, it's somehow comforting to see the RUclips knitters also make mistakes sometimes 😅.
Loved hearing your insights on all of these and on summer knits in general. I've only knit 2 summer tops so far and haven't had much opportunity to wear them yet so I'm unsure about where I land on summer knitting. I agree with others that you must be spectacular at taking finished object photos because every time you said you didn't like the fit/color on you etc I was thinking to the contrary- "Oo that looks amazing!"
About ribbing: it wouldn't be possible to knit ribbing in the opposite direction (as you tried to do) without the pattern shifting half a stitch. What you could have done is, after you knitted the top half, start your bottom half as instructed in the pattern and when you are running out of yarn kitchener stitch (in rib pattern..!) the 2 halves together.
Very interesting! Thanks for sharing your insights and reflections. Regarding the bra straps and top straps moving around: sometimes I use a small piece of flat ribbon and a tiny snap bolt and sew in a small loop in each strap which opens and closes with the snap bold. This way you can connect your bra with your top and nothing will move or show :)
Great video, thanks! It got me thinking about my knitting projects. i’ve made a few changes about the way I select patterns and yarn. I’ve also thought about fit quite a bit as well. Your video however, reminded me that my opinion about my body and clothing fit it’s just my opinion and often I’m too hard on myself. All of your garments looked absolutely perfect on you. I understand your reasoning for not loving them. But from the outside they all look perfect.
Thank you for sharing this, Rebecca! I’m glad you did go ahead and show all of the tops on, and I appreciate your reflections on why they didn’t work for you! I think it is a bit harder with patterns to know in advance what will look good on your body type - that’s why we try ready made items on, and make several comparisons! I also find summer knitwear a bit more fiddly. I am about 3 cm shy of finishing my Kutaar tank from last summer…. For some reason I just lost momentum trying to make sure the straps would be the same length and making sure it fit….. am happy that when I grab that project bag, it’ll probably only take me 30 min to have a brand new top 😅. Looking forward to your summer favourites!
Rebecca, for the twice knit variegated top…don’t frog it. Convert it to a market bag! Looks perfect for that and garment is recycled. Appreciated the podcast.
Really enjoyed this video - thank you for sharing your thoughts on each project and how it made you feel through the yarn choices, knitting process, and wear. I learn a lot with each of my projects as well and think about many of the same points you think about. I knit "summer" garments mostly to wear the other three seasons of the year (watching from Minnesota!). Tanks/camisoles are perfect for me as a layering piece under flannel/denim/button-up shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, cardigans, etc. And being a smaller project, I can take it on the go with me easily and not have a big pile of wool in my lap at the park with my kids.
brookwillow knit had a similar issue with the yoko top that you have with the it's a wrap top, in which the front flops open. She threaded some elastic through the two front icords and it seemed to work out! Maybe it'll help your top too!
Oh Rebecca, I so feel you on the struggle of knitting summer garments. Last year, I made the Cami No.4 and the No.1, and I never wear either of them. The Cami No.4 is gorgeous, and I knitted it in the recommended yarn, but I didn't realize just how much the silk would stretch, and I've had to adjust the icord straps several times. Additionally, I realized after the fact that I knit the cami at too large a gauge for my comfort - it was almost a mesh lace in that broken rib texture on the KFO pure silk, and I really didn't feel comfortable wearing it. The Cami No.1 I made in Sandnes Garn Line, which is a yarn I like, but it's also heavy, and thicker than I realize I want for summer garments. It also stretched quite a bit with wear and I'll need to adjust the straps accordingly if I ever want to wear it again. Wah wah. Currently I'm working on the Cumulus Tee by PetiteKnit, the Leaf Top by The Knit Stitch, and Cami No.5, all in fingering weight cotton/silk/linen blends. I'm learning, and so are you! I hope we both find garments and bases this summer that work for our individual needs.
Sounds like you don't really like plant fiber, (e.g. cotton/bamboo) the tend to grow a lot with wearing. I have made a very simple strap top in 100% cotton and knowing that it will grow a lot during the day so when first putting it on, it digs a bit into my armpits but then after an hour or 2 it fits perfectly. So when working with 100% plant fiber you need to account for that growth (also it will go back to it's original size with washing). As you eluded to yourself try a blend of cotton and wool, the garment wont grow as much as the wool will help hold its shape and you will still get the "cooling" of the cotton. That was a bit long winded but I hope it makes sense. 😀 Also I have found that I don't really enjoy garments made of 100% plant fiber since it becomes to heavy and droopy (not in the good way) but blends really work well for me.
Love how you did reflection video! I was getting really inspired by summer knits patterns but am unsure about how theyd wear so it was super handy to hear your thoughts to know what to consider. 😊
Omg I made a hooded cardigan with the true boo in the same color as you and it stretched ridiculously. It is so heavy and has stretched that I let my male students wear it when they get cold but even on them it is too long and soggy looking. I’m so sad I used that yarn because I put so much work into it. I agree 100% with you. Don’t get the true boo! 😢
I feel matching summer garment construction and fiber content are trickier, mostly due to weight and elasticity of summer yarns. Maybe you could over dye your variegated tank to be more of a tonal navy color?
I really love how the red colour suits you! Maybe it has to do with the camera or something, but from hear this kind of warm red looks stunning against your skin tone.
i bought brown yarn in mind to recreate your silene top so very happy that its towards the top of your wearability list! you got me nervous in the beginning lolll
Maybe you could add a zigzag strap to the back of the petite knit artichoke top. knit on little loops two on each side and an icord between them, bow at the top, something like that... It would hold the shoulders in place and mask the deep back a bit...
I think for you petite knit top is only the straps that are too long for you! (I know you don't like other things about it but maybe it can help change you mind!)
I'm watching this for the second time as it's such an informative and useful video! It's so misleading to look at the pictures as they all look SO good 😅 random but Marseille is pronounced "Mar-Say" I'm a French Canadian so I had to tell you 😅 Thanks so much for filming this 😊 ✨
Ah yes pictures can be a bit deceiving especially when I took them right after casting off and was generally pretty happy with them all! And thanks for pointing out the correct pronounciation☺️
I don’t know if you sew at all but I expect that most of your issues with the tank in dusty artichoke would be solved by the straps. So if you just sewed a line across the top of the straps taking out the extra fabric (you could even get a tailor to do this) the straps wouldn’t fall and it would decrease the underarm gap. There would be a seam, but…
Thank you for your feedback on these tops. I literally just swatched for the June top this morning for my daughter-in-law. She lives in South Carolina, where it gets very hot so I’m trying to decide between the June top or the June top light and I’m also using knitting for olive pure silk. What are your thoughts on the weight of this tank?
I personally prefer the gauge of the june top light especially if it will be worn in a very hot climate! But the June top would be a much faster knit so also depends on how much time you have to knit it ☺️
I just bought a bunch of Truboo, so now I'm worried it won't work for any tops (I do think it might work for a wrap or scarf though). I'm also anti knit bralettes. I live in a very hot, humid climate and I just don't think wool or any knit fiber would feel good mixed with underboob sweat.
I’m very struggled with it personally but maybe a top that is meant to have a lot of drape could work for truboo! It is very cool to the touch so would be great in a hot climate imo ☺️
Truboo works great for the Bamboo Summer Top pattern, since that one has a lot of drape. I usually knit it with a smaller size needle than called for because I know it will stretch. But I don’t mind because it feels so lovely to wear.
13:06 About the straps, Asians usually have a shallower depth for shoulders, which is why I've noticed that fitted dresses with straps and blazers from Western brands tend to fit poorly (Uniqlo to the rescue, people). I would recommend to always take one inch or two off from the what the pattern says in future, or use a well-fitting, favourite t-shirt as a guide to measure
Mexican here! That's what I always do, I always take 2 to 3 inches off the straps also I have a shorter torso😅 but yes, even in garments for kinds, I always have to do that
There is a few off them that you just need to saw the bottom and use them as bags. The variegated yarn one and the triangle shaped fabric 100% cotton one. And use some fabric to make then sturdy
The first stop has the perfect construction for creating the illusion of an hourglass-shaped body, if that's what you're going for. I've also fallen into the trap of using 100% cotton believing it would be a good breathable summer yarn, alas. Flops or not, your pattern and colour choices are all very tasteful.
These type of reflection videos are my absolute favorite. Im excited to see your knitting wins!
I’ve knitted about 10 bralettes and 3-4 of them were flops. The rest and my favourite and most worn pieces! I found that sock yarn or cotton/viscose baby yarn works the best because they keep their shape and actually provide support.
I have also seen someone weave elastic into their wrap top along the front part and that also helped with their fit issues! Rather than a snap button
You're saying that you don't like those tops but I can only see how great they fit you😍Thank you for the feedback, I think it will help me while looking for some top pattern in the future ❤
There is a few off them that you just need to saw the bottom and use them as bags. The variegated yarn one and the triangle shaped fabric 100% cotton one.
It's funny, your experience with truboo. That's just the natural of bamboo yarn...The same thing happens with 100% baby alpaca. both materials are VERY stretchy. My work around when using bamboo yarn is to either knit smaller than my usual size, or knit tighter than usual. but yes, bamboo yarn stretches, nature of the fiber.
Your thoughts on summer knitwear completely resonated with me! I much prefer knitting for cooler weather too. So useful to crystallise all the fit ‘niggles’ with vest tops, and I agree that the neckline of garments is a major indicator of how much I’ll wear something. Thank you ❤
Thank you for sharing your flops. These videos are priceless. I have one summer tank that I enjoy wearing. It is Vegas top by Susanne Muller, and I used Drops Belle. It has scoop neckline but with the good coverage, (I have small bust, so deeper necklines quickly become very revealing lol) and straps are wide enough for the bra. It has icord finishing, so this is more time consuming, but the tank looks great.
Thank you for your honesty. I watch a lot of knitting videos & the emphasis right now is on summer items (of course). I hadn’t thought about knitting summer tops until I saw these videos from other RUclips knitters. But I appreciate your input. It takes me a long time to finish a project & I don’t want to be disappointed with my item when I’m done. Besides, tank tops & T’s are so easy to purchase. I don’t feel like I have to knit EVERYTHING. I think I’ll stick to fall/winter projects. My home is air conditioned so I’m not concerned about a lap full of wool. 🤗
Completely agree about summer knits! I’m currently knitting a sweater for myself for the fall 😂
I’ve been knitting summer tee shirts from linen/silk blends, knit at very open gauge on ~US size 8 needles. I’ve knit a ranunculus and a Tolsta and they get a lot of wear. Really great for hot California summers.
I really like Rowan summerlite 4 ply and summerlite DK, they are both 100% cotton but so soft and not hard on the hands at all and Katia cotton cashmere, not enough cashmere to make a difference.
Thanks, that's such a helpful video to know what has and hasn't worked for you. I'm right there with the Truboo for a summer top right now that I recently finished, its stretched out so much! I'm going to do some surgery on it to at least fix the length. I'm wondering whether knitting Truboo at a much tighter gauge, bringing it closer to say a sport or fingering gauge might stop as much stretch, I'm experimenting now as otherwise the yarn is so pretty.
Hi! Knitting a border from a provisional cast on will always be a half stitch off. So you were doing it right!
This is a very cool video format. A lot of people only talk about their favorites or recetly finished object. Your reflections inspire me to sit down and look at my own projects. (and also the rest of my closet) to form better desicions in the future.
Please make more of these videos with other garmets! (especially sweaters and cardigans.)
Noted! I’ll plan to make one in the fall ☺️
Garter + knitting in the round/seamless + plant-based fibres = a lot of stretching. Seaming gives an item more structure. That might have been the issue with the tops you've knitted in that rayon fibre. Nice video, it's somehow comforting to see the RUclips knitters also make mistakes sometimes 😅.
Loved hearing your insights on all of these and on summer knits in general. I've only knit 2 summer tops so far and haven't had much opportunity to wear them yet so I'm unsure about where I land on summer knitting. I agree with others that you must be spectacular at taking finished object photos because every time you said you didn't like the fit/color on you etc I was thinking to the contrary- "Oo that looks amazing!"
About ribbing: it wouldn't be possible to knit ribbing in the opposite direction (as you tried to do) without the pattern shifting half a stitch. What you could have done is, after you knitted the top half, start your bottom half as instructed in the pattern and when you are running out of yarn kitchener stitch (in rib pattern..!) the 2 halves together.
Ah genius! Wish I knew about this when I knit that camisole 😂 but that totally makes sense. Will keep that in mind for future projects!
Very interesting! Thanks for sharing your insights and reflections. Regarding the bra straps and top straps moving around: sometimes I use a small piece of flat ribbon and a tiny snap bolt and sew in a small loop in each strap which opens and closes with the snap bold. This way you can connect your bra with your top and nothing will move or show :)
I love that red tank! If you were to decide you want to give it away, I would take it off your hands ;)
Great video, thanks! It got me thinking about my knitting projects. i’ve made a few changes about the way I select patterns and yarn. I’ve also thought about fit quite a bit as well. Your video however, reminded me that my opinion about my body and clothing fit it’s just my opinion and often I’m too hard on myself. All of your garments looked absolutely perfect on you. I understand your reasoning for not loving them. But from the outside they all look perfect.
Thank you for sharing this, Rebecca! I’m glad you did go ahead and show all of the tops on, and I appreciate your reflections on why they didn’t work for you! I think it is a bit harder with patterns to know in advance what will look good on your body type - that’s why we try ready made items on, and make several comparisons!
I also find summer knitwear a bit more fiddly. I am about 3 cm shy of finishing my Kutaar tank from last summer…. For some reason I just lost momentum trying to make sure the straps would be the same length and making sure it fit….. am happy that when I grab that project bag, it’ll probably only take me 30 min to have a brand new top 😅. Looking forward to your summer favourites!
This is super helpful as a beginner who really wants to knit summer stuff because I live in a sub tropical climate
Rebecca, for the twice knit variegated top…don’t frog it. Convert it to a market bag! Looks perfect for that and garment is recycled. Appreciated the podcast.
Really enjoyed this video - thank you for sharing your thoughts on each project and how it made you feel through the yarn choices, knitting process, and wear. I learn a lot with each of my projects as well and think about many of the same points you think about. I knit "summer" garments mostly to wear the other three seasons of the year (watching from Minnesota!). Tanks/camisoles are perfect for me as a layering piece under flannel/denim/button-up shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, cardigans, etc. And being a smaller project, I can take it on the go with me easily and not have a big pile of wool in my lap at the park with my kids.
Thank you for your podcast. I think a wrap is such a unique shape and best worn over a dress. 😊
Ive been fighting with cam 9; hearing your experience has saved my sanity. Time to use the yarn for something else!
brookwillow knit had a similar issue with the yoko top that you have with the it's a wrap top, in which the front flops open. She threaded some elastic through the two front icords and it seemed to work out! Maybe it'll help your top too!
Oh Rebecca, I so feel you on the struggle of knitting summer garments. Last year, I made the Cami No.4 and the No.1, and I never wear either of them. The Cami No.4 is gorgeous, and I knitted it in the recommended yarn, but I didn't realize just how much the silk would stretch, and I've had to adjust the icord straps several times. Additionally, I realized after the fact that I knit the cami at too large a gauge for my comfort - it was almost a mesh lace in that broken rib texture on the KFO pure silk, and I really didn't feel comfortable wearing it. The Cami No.1 I made in Sandnes Garn Line, which is a yarn I like, but it's also heavy, and thicker than I realize I want for summer garments. It also stretched quite a bit with wear and I'll need to adjust the straps accordingly if I ever want to wear it again. Wah wah. Currently I'm working on the Cumulus Tee by PetiteKnit, the Leaf Top by The Knit Stitch, and Cami No.5, all in fingering weight cotton/silk/linen blends. I'm learning, and so are you! I hope we both find garments and bases this summer that work for our individual needs.
Thanks for sharing. I remember you knitting so many of these tops! 🧶
Sounds like you don't really like plant fiber, (e.g. cotton/bamboo) the tend to grow a lot with wearing. I have made a very simple strap top in 100% cotton and knowing that it will grow a lot during the day so when first putting it on, it digs a bit into my armpits but then after an hour or 2 it fits perfectly. So when working with 100% plant fiber you need to account for that growth (also it will go back to it's original size with washing). As you eluded to yourself try a blend of cotton and wool, the garment wont grow as much as the wool will help hold its shape and you will still get the "cooling" of the cotton.
That was a bit long winded but I hope it makes sense. 😀
Also I have found that I don't really enjoy garments made of 100% plant fiber since it becomes to heavy and droopy (not in the good way) but blends really work well for me.
Love how you did reflection video! I was getting really inspired by summer knits patterns but am unsure about how theyd wear so it was super handy to hear your thoughts to know what to consider. 😊
Omg I made a hooded cardigan with the true boo in the same color as you and it stretched ridiculously. It is so heavy and has stretched that I let my male students wear it when they get cold but even on them it is too long and soggy looking. I’m so sad I used that yarn because I put so much work into it. I agree 100% with you. Don’t get the true boo! 😢
For camisole #6 you could sew the bottom and then it could be a bag!
just found your videos...really enjoyed this latest one and now heading back to the begining to binge watch - Thank you! Linda from Surrey BC.
I feel matching summer garment construction and fiber content are trickier, mostly due to weight and elasticity of summer yarns. Maybe you could over dye your variegated tank to be more of a tonal navy color?
I really love how the red colour suits you! Maybe it has to do with the camera or something, but from hear this kind of warm red looks stunning against your skin tone.
i bought brown yarn in mind to recreate your silene top so very happy that its towards the top of your wearability list! you got me nervous in the beginning lolll
Maybe you could add a zigzag strap to the back of the petite knit artichoke top. knit on little loops two on each side and an icord between them, bow at the top, something like that... It would hold the shoulders in place and mask the deep back a bit...
I think for you petite knit top is only the straps that are too long for you! (I know you don't like other things about it but maybe it can help change you mind!)
I’ve had similar issues with the camisole no. 9 riding up pretty high underneath the armpits!
Ok glad it’s not just me!! I was actually worried that the armhole was going to be too deep before I added the folded hem😂 definetely not the case
I have the same feelings about summer garments. But I'm still trying..haha
I'm watching this for the second time as it's such an informative and useful video!
It's so misleading to look at the pictures as they all look SO good 😅
random but Marseille is pronounced "Mar-Say"
I'm a French Canadian so I had to tell you 😅
Thanks so much for filming this 😊 ✨
Ah yes pictures can be a bit deceiving especially when I took them right after casting off and was generally pretty happy with them all! And thanks for pointing out the correct pronounciation☺️
You look lovely in all those tops!
Cross over wrap always gap open. Best to have a button or pin it.
I don’t know if you sew at all but I expect that most of your issues with the tank in dusty artichoke would be solved by the straps. So if you just sewed a line across the top of the straps taking out the extra fabric (you could even get a tailor to do this) the straps wouldn’t fall and it would decrease the underarm gap. There would be a seam, but…
Ahh god to know! I don’t know how to sew unfortunately but maybe I can enlist one my friends to help 😅
Thank you for your feedback on these tops. I literally just swatched for the June top this morning for my daughter-in-law. She lives in South Carolina, where it gets very hot so I’m trying to decide between the June top or the June top light and I’m also using knitting for olive pure silk. What are your thoughts on the weight of this tank?
I personally prefer the gauge of the june top light especially if it will be worn in a very hot climate! But the June top would be a much faster knit so also depends on how much time you have to knit it ☺️
@@hipknithooray thank you so much for your feedback. It was very helpful.
I like this
I just bought a bunch of Truboo, so now I'm worried it won't work for any tops (I do think it might work for a wrap or scarf though). I'm also anti knit bralettes. I live in a very hot, humid climate and I just don't think wool or any knit fiber would feel good mixed with underboob sweat.
I’m very struggled with it personally but maybe a top that is meant to have a lot of drape could work for truboo! It is very cool to the touch so would be great in a hot climate imo ☺️
Truboo works great for the Bamboo Summer Top pattern, since that one has a lot of drape. I usually knit it with a smaller size needle than called for because I know it will stretch. But I don’t mind because it feels so lovely to wear.
Subscribed!
13:06 About the straps, Asians usually have a shallower depth for shoulders, which is why I've noticed that fitted dresses with straps and blazers from Western brands tend to fit poorly (Uniqlo to the rescue, people). I would recommend to always take one inch or two off from the what the pattern says in future, or use a well-fitting, favourite t-shirt as a guide to measure
Mexican here! That's what I always do, I always take 2 to 3 inches off the straps also I have a shorter torso😅 but yes, even in garments for kinds, I always have to do that
Why not put bra tenders in the olive tank? Make them out of twill tape and put a snap on each end, and the straps will stay attached to your bra.
There is a few off them that you just need to saw the bottom and use them as bags. The variegated yarn one and the triangle shaped fabric 100% cotton one. And use some fabric to make then sturdy