The first Friday of June has arrived, and we have the perfect summer garment for you today! The Zesty Tank, designed by Rachel Brockman, is now available to download for free on our website. Using our thrilling Zesty Sock yarn, this beautiful tank top is full of fun colors that will come to life as you knit!
The Zesty Tank features simple twisted stitches that create a textured cable rib pattern throughout the garment. The tank is knit seamlessly in the round from the bottom up, and the front and back are separated at the underarms and worked flat. The silhouette of this garment is contemporary, and the lightweight fibers of our Zesty Sock yarn have gorgeous zips of color in each skein to give this garment a unique look.
The pattern offers inclusive sizing of Extra Small through 5X, and all that’s left is to pick your favorite shade of Zesty Sock and get started! Each color option of Zesty Sock has different shades of zips throughout – so you can customize this garment to your liking. Try out color 106 Iceberg if you are a fan of beautiful blues, or try 102 Sunset for warm summer shades. Check out the picture below, which shows all six colors of this exciting yarn!
Friday, June 2nd through Sunday, June 4th, you can save 20% off Zesty Sock! This yarn is a super fine-weight blend of superwash merino wool and nylon, giving it a soft and springy feel, perfect for socks, garments, and accessories. We have four free patterns already available in Zesty Sock – so you can stock up this weekend and add a couple of new patterns to your queue!
Hello crafters! I wanted to start this week off by discussing a really fun topic: design inspiration. In particular, the growing Cottagecore trend, and how it inspired the Homestead Tank free pattern.
It is no secret that the past year has been tough on every single one of us. From spending way more time at home than we’re used to, to the general effects of the pandemic on society, we’re all searching for bright spots in our day-to-day. Over the last year, many people have either picked up or returned to their knitting hobby, as it is mindful and often quite stress relieving. I find myself consistently drawn to simple silhouettes and rhythmic stitch patterns for new designs, as I feel these elements are well suited to the needs of today’s knitter.
Homestead Tank in Flax color 12 Tarragon
When I set out to design a tank top pattern using our Flax yarn, I knew I would use lacy stitches, and a breezy, oversized silhouette. The color Tarragon (12) was my first choice for the design, as it is a beautiful shade of green that I think would flatter anyone. Combining these ideas with the inspiration of the Cottagecore trend, the Homestead Tank was born.
So, what is Cottagecore? It is an aesthetic I have always been drawn to, rather unknowingly, because I love feminine and romantic styles inspired by nature. Over the last couple years, we have seen it blossom into a widespread trend for both fashion and homewares. And what a lovely trend it is! Cottagecore is rooted in an idealized view of countryside living. It is an excuse to ‘escape’ our chaotic modern reality, and be inspired by a slower, more thoughtful way of life that is enriched with the beauty of nature and handmade things.
Image from Good Housekeeping article ‘What is Cottagecore?’
Homestead Tank in Flax color 12 Tarragon
The Homestead Tank embraces the idyllic beauty of the Cottagecore inspiration. A breezy and boxy silhouette allows you to easily layer this tank top over a flowy dress and run through a field of wildflowers. The stitch pattern is reminiscent of a checkerboard plaid, but with eyelets worked throughout. Although the pattern does use lace stitches, it is a simple and easy-to-memorize repeat. A v-shaped neckline is perfect for catching some warm rays of sunshine on your skin as you enjoy a relaxing afternoon by a lake.
Our Fibra Natura Flax yarn is made of 100% linen fiber that softens every time you wash it. This yarn’s gentle and natural beauty is suited to both textured and lace stitches. Wonderful for garments and accessories for warm weather, there are 34 colors of Flax to choose from. Even if the Tarragon green color (12) isn’t your favorite, I am sure you’ll find a shade that you love. I think Lilac (07) would be a great alternative color choice for this pattern, because it reminds me of a bouquet of Lavender from an herb garden; just perfect for the Cottagecore inspiration.
The Homestead Tank is a seamed top, so you’ll make the front and two back pieces separately. I am especially fond of seamed knitted garments, as they add strength and structure to the finished piece, ensuring it’ll keep its shape through many years of wash and wear. Part of the Cottagecore trend is embracing a slower way of life, and making handmade garments falls perfectly into that. When you knit something for yourself, you’ll treasure it in a way you never would something store bought!
My favorite part of this design is the button up back. Pick up and knit the placket after you seam the pieces together, and hand sew the buttons on upon completion. We chose handcrafted wooden buttons from Katrinkles for this design. I alternated the buttons between the Sunburst and Palm designs down the placket, to add a bit of whimsy to the overall look.
Image from Pinterest
Whether you love being outside, making delicious treats to eat, or crafting something for yourself like the Homestead Tank, the Cottagecore trend has something for you. In a high stress world like ours, it is an invitation to indulge in all things slow, mindful, and natural. Try baking bread, plant lovely flowers on your patio, or take some time to knit or crochet outdoors. Even these small things can give you a little bit of the ‘escapism’ that Cottagecore encourages.
What would you do to bring this aesthetic into your day-to-day life? Tell us in the comments!
