This week, I started my first summer knitting project, using this soft cotton yarn, Cascade Ultra Pima, that I discovered recently at a yarn shop that I rarely visit. I had to restrain myself from buying enough for at least three projects, since I think it will be perfect for this gorgeous cap sleeve top from Purl Soho, and half the fantastic patterns in the summer issue of Interweave Knits (especially the Stonecutter sweater, and Regatta tee).
After an admirable display of restraint, I just bought enough to start the project at the top of my ravelry queue – the very popular Vodka Lemonade cardigan from Baby Cocktails, in electric blue. It’s easy to see why this pattern is so popular! I love the seed stitch and ribbing border on this sweater, and the pattern is constructed using my absolute favourite method: seamless top-down raglan. So far the pattern has been wonderfully clear, and I can’t wait to start wearing this over summer dresses. Most ravelers have made a play on the pattern’s name, and named their projects after the cocktail that corresponds most closely to their colour of their sweater. By that rule, my definitely has to be Blue Curacao.
Vodka Lemonade cardigan in progress in Cascade Ultra Pima
Which brings me to this week’s other events. We still haven’t booked our summer trip! We have two weeks of vacation time at the end of August, and still no consensus on where to go. We’ve toyed with the idea of returning to the Rockies or Newfoundland with our son, or making our long delayed but oft discussed trip to Iceland. Until recently, we hadn’t made any headway narrowing down the list. However, last week, we finally settled on a longer trip to visit relatives, with our son, and a few nights, just the two of us, in Havana.
However, as it comes time to book a flight, two things give me pause – all the inherent difficulties of travel in Cuba (outside of the resorts) and hurricane season. Fortunately, the colour of my cardigan provided me with some inspiration, what about Curacao? A gorgeous historic city centre, world class coral reefs, a beautiful national park and a geographic location outside of the path of most hurricanes. How can this be the first time I’ve thought of this? The negotiations continue with my husband on the side of (cheaper) Havana and me on the side of (easier) Curacao. Either way, it’s fun thing to talk about both great options, as I work on my cardigan.
Willemstad, Curcacao. I’d love to take my own picture!
Knit three together 
Lovely photos, always such a pleasure to read your blog!
Thank you so much! My husband was originally a photographer, so we’re both a little obsessive about getting great shots of everything!
It definitely shows!
I really couldn’t agree with you more – top down and seed stitch are both great in any top. Lovely colour too!
We also had holiday problems this year and ended up booking very late (for us) only a couple of weeks ago. We’re usually paid up and ready to go just after Christmas for our Summer Holidays! Let’s hope we’ve made the right choice…Good luck with yours and looking forward to the photos!
Thanks! I hope you have a great summer vacation… we’ve definitely been disorganized this year, but flights to the Carribean tend to get cheaper in the summer, as you approach your travel date, so hopefully we’ll be ok!