I still don’t know how I feel about summer knits. Well, that is not quite true. I feel puzzled. I finished my Emma Top. It turned out lovely, the yarn is great, it's Sandnes Duo. The design is simple but stylish and I actually like it. Yet the top sits in my closet. I put it on Friday. Then I checked the weather report. +14 celsius, well, okay, I’d need a cardigan too. That feels overkill though. Why not just wear the cardigan instead with a t-shirt?

My problem is I really want to knit things for my summer wardrobe. I do NOT need more wool sweaters. I do love wool, that will not change (for now). But seriously, I think I have more than 20 hand knit sweaters in my closet. 
Then there is the fact that I love how these so-called summer yarns look. I mean, just look at the Nougat-color of that organic linen yarn from Isager. I can totally see myself in it. Or how about that vivid blue color? 

I’ve been trying to pay attention to what I wear and what I buy. Basically I have t-shirts in black and white, long and short sleeves. They are not stylish, they are practical and boring. Yes, I know, Corona, working remotely, still. I believe what you wear has a huge impact on how you see yourself. We could all use an upgrade for our wardrobe. 
I see a huge potential for a wardrobe full of inspiring summer knits. They can be short sleeved, long sleeves, no sleeves, ¾ sleeves, just a tube (yes, we can pull that off too!). Cropped, long, tunic, dresses. Lace, stockinette, cables, you name it. I think my imagination and time is the actual limit. 
A few years ago I was in Soho, New York in a shop. A random guy was trying on some sweatpants. He asked the sales person if he could wear them on the street. The sales person replied “This is New York, you can wear what the hell you want.” I think that is good advice, no matter where you live. I’ve been trying to do that, but it’s so easy to fall back on my old habits and comfort zone. Even in knitting, we all have it. I hope that I can broaden it with summer knits. How about you? Where is your comfort zone in knitting?
So what about that Emma top? Well, I plan to wear it tomorrow for an online meeting. Maybe with some sweatpants ;) .

If you are like me and do not know where to start expanding your knitted summer wardrobe, we listed a few more new and old favourites here for you to check out as well as yarn recommendations.

Isager yarns are truly a luxurious choice for summer knits. Both yarns and patterns are a lovely addition to any summer wardrobe. Many of these yarns bloom and come alive after washing and blocking. Linen might feel coarse while knitting, but softens after washing. We just got new print patterns from Isager, like the Barcelona, Palermo and Cannes.

How about Linho shirt from Joji Locatelli knit in Hör, 100-percent organic linen yarn? Think it would look stunning in the nougat colour! Yes, indeed it is a favourite!

Tiina knit the Big in Japan shirt with Isager Trio in the  Bottle green colour. It looks amazing and since it's a bamboo, cotton and linen blend, it has excellent drape. 

Now that the Big in Japan shirt is done, Tiina is dying to knit the Cumulus Tee  and this time from Bomulin. This cotton and linen  blend yarn has lovely shades of marled colours.

Of course you can always knit old favourites, like the Coral Top or Lemon.

Other great options:
Tegna, Caitlin Hunter/Boyland Knitworks
Yarn: Isager Merilin, Bomulin  Trio held double

Edie / Isabell Kraemer
Yarn: Bomulin, Trio held triple