Reviewing every summer top I've ever knit + 4 things I've learned that go beyond fibre & gauge

[@tracischieber4253]

Very informative about patterns, yarn, and fit BUT truly enjoyable to watch you grow as a knitter through the projects.

[@Goodknits_]

🥰

[@kaymack5304]

That was so fun to see all your summer projects and your input on what works and what doesn’t. It helps me to be more mindful when choosing patterns and fibers.

[@Goodknits_]

So glad it was helpful for you!

[@jla110661]

I totally get the diving into half fisherman's rib simply because you had no idea and you just went to it. I was so fearless in the beginning. I went straight from knitting dishcloths to socks. I kept seeing socks on ravelry and had to do it. They turned out pretty good. 14 years later I still love knitting socks but usually as a filler project when I need easy small knitting.

[@Jumping4Fun54]

Love these kinds of videos!

[@lindapayne9474]

I am laughing at myself. This is my first year of garment knitting and getting into summer tops. You could be telling my story of knitting lessons learned with yarn choices and fit😊

[@Goodknits_]

Glad it resonated, Linda! Hopefully this video prevents you from making some of my mistakes 😉

[@jimebolanos5405]

I am currently trying to join the straps in the front of the fluffycrop top and I am suffering! I haven’t studied this hard in a long time! The pattern really leaves you hanging with lots of questions, and I’ve ripped it back a couple times already. Thanks for sharing your knits!

[@Goodknits_]

Oh no! So sorry to hear this. That brioche top was such a struggle for me too. My straps definitely don't look that tidy but I struggled more with joining front and back. Are you also making in mohair?

[@poekinoeni]

Really loved watching this, thank you. Such an interesting take to realise that even the knits that weren't a 'success' still offered valuable learning opportunities. My favourite summer yarns are tynn line and KFO silk, although the way this summer is going - could happily get away with knitting in merino too!

[@nadinedetain6765]

Wow, the Fluffy top would be lovely on a buttoned shirt in spring and automn, as a vest (or slipover). Thank you to have shared your makes. Now on to watch your sweaters.

[@Goodknits_]

Such a great idea! I’ve never considered wearing it as a slipover

[@ilprovaas]

Totally agree with you on the WAK cotton, I've used it in quite a few projects when starting out and it splits so easily. The last project I made with it was a sweater that was supposedly great for spring / autumn but because it's so heavy I've barely worn it 😢. All in all fun video, it was nice to see your journey as a knitter

[@kathiejoseph33]

The Fluffy Crop Top would be a good layering piece for winter. Under a light shirt to keep you warm

[@julieknitsandspins]

WOW!!! Camisole #9 and the color is just gorgeous on you!!! Your whole face is so bright! Bottle green is fab!!! Really enjoyed this video and all the info you shared. Thank you!

[@Goodknits_]

That's so kind of you to say, thank you! I think the bottle green is my favourite colour of all. I need to make a sweater in it now

[@CassieDA17]

I had the same issue with the Thea top. I knit it last year and it was huge on me. I ripped it out and re knit it in a smaller size. I also made the scooped neck shallower both times which did help. I did gauge swatch so don’t know what happened I love your cumulus top. That color looks great on you, too.

[@Jenn-98]

I am currently working on a summer knit. It is “Old Ivory” from Ravelry and I am doing it in the recommended yarn, Hempathy. Hempathy is a cotton / hemp / rayon blend in DK weight and it works up beautifully. I think I might be in love with it! Anyway, the pattern is done in half seed stitch so it has some texture to hide wrinkles and also does not require any finishing - no neckline, cuffs or hem. It might be a bit bulky to pack but I think it would make a lovely comfortable tee shirt style for your travel day and be very versatile. The yarn comes in lovely colours too. Take a look at it and see what you think.

[@Goodknits_]

Gorgeous design! Adding to my favourites

[@Knitting_with_doods]

Great review- helpful to hear your honest feedback!

[@TheSeamlessKnitter]

Love your podcast. Duplicate stitch is a great way to fix mistakes. I like to save some yarn from each project for doing repairs.

[@Goodknits_]

Good idea! Thanks for the tip

[@suzannecarr5871]

The "if I knew then what I know now" about the half fisherman's rib so much. I did a sweater that had contiguous sleeves before I knew what a contiguous sleeve was. Worked out *okay* and wearable but would do that same sleeve a lot differently now. Ignorance can sometimes be bliss (I guess...)

[@Goodknits_]

So true. Ignorance is definitely bliss. Glad I did it but would be a lot better and smarter now.

[@beckywhitt7356]

You should try wetting and putting the second top you showed in the dryer. You can also close that hole on the wrong side.

[@nancypal]

i sewed some elastic into a corset top i crochet and it fixed the super loose straps completely - probably an easy fix for your cami no4 too

[@Goodknits_]

That's a good idea.

[@elli6064]

So did you sew in one of these slim elastics or more? I always assume that these elastics are to slim to do this job 😬 but I would love to learn from your experiences :)

[@nancypal]

@@elli6064 i bought the skinniest elastic from joann's (it's like $2.99 for 30 yards) and just adding that made a huge difference. i then added a thicker elastic (1/4" i think) but kinda regretted how tight it became. i also fixed a hat with a very loose brim using the skinny elastic

[@anciify]

Interesting video! Honest pragmatic takes - thank you for sharing. I wonder why you do not frog the knits you do not wear (frequently) and re-purpose/donate the reclaimed yarn?

[@Goodknits_]

I don’t personally bother to frog finished garments because it’s so tedious and frustrating. I have many times offered those pieces up to people though who want the yarn or finished piece. I’ll be doing the same soon with the Tolsta.

[@beckywhitt7356]

Don’t be afraid to put tops of cotton or cotton blends in dryer. Just ck them every little bit. I would put some sewing stitches in the middle of icord straps and cut them and tie a cute knot.

[@christycampbell1874]

Super helpful!! I want to try the Sonya. Do you have any other suggestions for yarn? I have some Petit Mandarin but I'm thinking I need a drapier type?

[@Goodknits_]

I haven't personally felt that yarn so I am not sure but since it's 100% cotton I could see it being a bit thicker and stiffer in the final garment. Even the BC garn bio balance suggested felt a bit too heavy to me when I felt it at a store, but that is just my opinion. I personally really like the wild & soft because it has some silk in it and a nice texture which I think really added something to the final look. Going through pattern photos though I think so long as your yarn will highlight the beautiful details of the pattern you should be okay. Good luck!

[@christycampbell1874]

@Goodknits_ thank you!! You're right-yarn choice is so important. I appreciate your advice!

[@annievu5746]

Thank you for the video, it is very informative. I fully agree with all your points: bra friendly, pack light, does not wrinkle :) Btw have you tried Drops belle or Tynn Lyne yarns? They seem to be quite popular for the summer Tshirt. From what you describe, I think I'd choose a cotton merino or merino for my first summer knit.

[@Goodknits_]

I use the DK weight Sandnes line and I quite like it. But hard on the hands but it has a nice texture in the final fabric. Haven’t personally used drops bell but I’ve heard good things!

[@chairenn]

What an amazing & informative video! 🥰 My main concern is the same as one of yours: must be bra friendly. I unfortunately cannot go braless under any circumstances, so this is non-negotiable. Another thing is yarn weight - I live in Finland, it's cold most of the year, so I try to minimise fingering weight knits. It just personally doesn't feel worth the effort to spend A Very Long Time knitting a fingering weight garment that is still going to be layered up on most of the summer season lol.

[@Goodknits_]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@Linuxike]

I’ve swatched for camisole no. 4 with KFO Cotton Merino on 3,5 mm needles and I’m not feeling the loose fabric 🤨 at first I tried wood needles and my stitches were all over the place, metal needles worked better, but I still feel my bra would peek through 😬 Did you use the suggested needles, Did your fabric grow after blocking?

[@Goodknits_]

I did use the suggested needles as I am typically on gauge for mftk and I don’t personally find the fabric too open on that top but in general it’s just a bit of a looser feel and fit. The fabric didn’t grow a ton for me

[@katsohal]

Great video! Thanks for describing your frustrations with each piece, lots of good advice ❤

[@Goodknits_]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@thriftythreader5998]

I just finished camisole 9 in merino and I have to say it truly satisfied my perfectionist side. Lining up the hem took several tries and I mastered the task with stitch markers every 20 stitches on both needles. Phew! Your projects all look lovely. You’d look good in the Seven Sisters Top by Blue Sky Fibers.

[@Goodknits_]

The Cami no9 definitely is a perfectionists dream 😂 Thanks for the pattern rec!

[@Macasmum]

👩‍🌾🐑

[@Linuxike]

I’ve watched a lot of summer knit videos and full cotton and linen don’t really seem like the way to go 🤔 I’m currently finishing Dare To Mohair top in mohair held single. Calgary summer is not hot this year so I’m thinking I’ll get good wear out of it 🙌🏻

[@Goodknits_]

Calgary is always a bit all over the place so mohair may work there just fine. Have you tried pure silk for summer tops? That’s definitely my favourite

[@brittanykay51]

New knitter and I live in a year round tropical climate on Guam so your notes about which yarns are heavy were so helpful!

[@Goodknits_]

Hope you find a yarn you love!

[@anthrogal19]

Your Cumulus tee looks great on you. And I like your camisole No. 9.

[@gemmaf_]

Damn. I love that Tolsta tee and I live fairly close to Amsterdam. I was going to offer to buy it from you, but I just checked the sizing chart and I think it would be a bit small on me. Jammer!! Also did you do a colour analysis in person?

[@Goodknits_]

If you decide you want to buy the tolsta just let me know! I did the colour analysis in person with Maria from Fashion & repeat and it was a great experience. Highly recommend her if you’re in NL. She also provides a full analysis doc after you can reference.

[@oldwitchknits-Ursula]

Somehow missed this video. Usually I watch your videos the same day! 😄 I agree with pretty much everything you said. I had breast reduction surgery many years ago and although I don't have a larger chest anymore I still take into consideration everything you mentioned (rib stretching ect...) I love the broken rib of the cami no4 but wanted more coverage as I just feel too naked in these tiny camisoles (definitely partially an age thing) and found the Ellie Summer top by Rust Knitwear. I can highly recommend it! Works great with any racerback bra and looks so beautiful. I made mine out of dark cognac FKO silk. Maybe you could dye the Tolsta very dark and wear with a black bra? It looks good in the pictures you put in but might look even better in a dark colour. I just traded garments with a knitting friend and received her Cumulus Tee (in Tynn Line) and I am so in love. Don't want to take it off lol. I will definitely have to knit one (or three) myself now. But what colour first? 🤣 Another tank pattern I can recommend is the slanty stripes by Emily Curtis. I am too boring for those stripes so completely omitted them and knit the body in the round. Turned out great and is definitely bra friendly.

[@Goodknits_]

Always love your comments Ursula! 🩷 Fantastic pattern recommendations. I also would probably omit the stripes from the 2nd top but the overall style is great and definitely bra friendly. Good luck with all the Cumulus! I say I will only make this one and stop but I feel like it will be one of those tops I just continue to make every year cause it's so good.

[@francinecarbonneau2135]

🧶

[@denisedejose718]

What about dyeing that Tolsta Tee? I had a skirt I never wore due to colour flaws and then I dyed it navy. Looks fantastic and I wear it all the time.

[@Goodknits_]

Definitely an option. I think I need to first decide if I like the overall design/fit on me so maybe I'll try wearing it a bit more first and then dye it

[@jodiealaoui7293]

My favorites were your two favorites. You inspired me to purchase the Sonya Shirt pattern. 💕

[@Goodknits_]

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Which yarn did you buy?

[@jodiealaoui7293]

I have purchased yarn yet but am heading to a yarn soon.

[@InTheMoonforLove]

Mohair for warm summer? 😅 Very bold choice 😂

[@Goodknits_]

Right?? 😂

[@annikak.837]

I can't but wonder the choices of the pattern maker. It basically says in the pattern description " It is knit top down in a double strand of silk mohair, so it drapes beautifully and is not too hot on a summer day. " but I think that is a LIE 😂 Especially when brioche makes the fabric even thicker than e.g. stockinette stitch. But that was a good practice piece for brioche for you, and I think it looks good! 😊 Maybe you can wear it with a cardigan or as a vest in colder months?

[@Goodknits_]

@annikak.837 this really made day 😂😂 agree that it can transition more now to a layering piece or for those rainy Amsterdam days