Knitting: not just for winter

On a stitch and bitch evening last week, one of my friends said she hadn't brought any knitting because she doesn't think it goes with summer. 'But hang on,' I said, 'there are all kinds of things you can knit in summer. Little vests…cotton jumpers… all kinds of cover-ups to keep off the evening chill (or keep the sun off reddened shoulders)…things for the home…not to mention getting started on a large-scale knitting project...'

Anyway, it got me thinking, so here's my round-up of knit-it-now summer knitting patterns: vests, cold-shoulder, bralette – oh, and a dishcloth...

Fringing is everywhere at the mo, and this Dylan top from Wool and the Gang is knitted in Rowan Stone Washed, cool cotton tape yarn.
Click here for the free pattern from Wool and the Gang

Interesting sleeveless vest top in stocking stitch with gathered stitch detail on the front, designed by Lisa Richardson, a merino wool and cotton blend
Click here for the free pattern from Rowan Yarns (You'll need to register first.)

Capri: stripy short-sleeved cropped sweater, designed by Erika Knight. Knitted in stocking stitch in 100% linen yarn, the front and back are exactly the same. In winter, you could layer it over a poloneck or long-sleeved T-shirt.
Click here for the pattern, £2.99 from Deramores

Yep, it's a bralette, coming in kit form, knitted in rib and reverse stocking stitch.
Click here to buy the pattern and kit from Wool and the Gang

A cold-shoulder slouchy sweater in a holey design to keep you cool
Click here for the free pattern from Love Knitting

Designed by Sarah Hatton, this textured-stripe vest is knitted with cotton yarn in stocking stitch and moss stitch
Click here for the free pattern from Knit Rowan

This design definitely has a summer feel: a bikini-pattern dishcloth in Lily Sugar 'n Cream cotton yarn.
Click here for the free pattern, from Hobbycraft

One of my favourite bags is one I made from a jumper I knitted then accidentally felted… I love the patchwork tiled effect of this one
Click here for the free pattern from Love Knitting

This lacy cap-sleeve top is designed by Martin Storey and knitted in Kidsilk Haze yarn, a blend of kid mohair and silk.
Click here for the free pattern from Knit Rowan

This short-sleeved T-shirt is worked in cotton yarn, and has a cute loop fastening at the back.
Click here for the free pattern from Rowan