The Bamboo Summer Top is a free pattern by Nancy Ricci. I watched as she knitted it and called for testers. The pictures she posted were lovely, as were those of the testers. I will admit, my initial thought was “how will the girls fit in that cute little top” I know I can’t be the only one that feels that way. I went on Ravelry and saw it came in xtra large so I said let me try.
Alex Creates is the dyer of the recommended yarn. This would be the first time I tried 100% Bamboo yarn so I was excited. I looked to see if orange was an option, what? you know I would need orange right? He showed me a color which was more peachy in nature (a shade of orange, but I wanted ORANGE) LOL! Alex did not disappoint, he sent me a picture of this color-way and I was ready!
Bamboo yarn
Nancy was clear that “swatching” was very important because Bamboo has a tendency to grow. This was my first dance with Bamboo so I had to swatch reluctantly, but I swatched non the less. I did the swatch and they said I had to wash and block it, man come on! LOL!
I was so happy once the swatch dried that I was on point. The very next free moment I got that baby on the needles. I did mention that pattern is free right? Ok, it works up very quickly. This top is knit from the bottom up, starting with a very classy lace pattern. Nancy did an outstanding job with this pattern.
The pattern calls for four repeats of the lace section and I opted for three. Once I completed the lace I challenged myself to finish by my birthday (Sunday August 5th) LOL AND I had the workshop in Ohio. Listen, once I set my mind to something I am on it!
I knit in the airport, on the plane and in the hotel! LOL I needed to get to 15 inches before the sleeve splitting takes place. I was gonna wear this on my birthday, watch me.
Birthday and Bamboo Top?
I am sure by now you are wondering did I finish it. YES!! I absolutely did finish it! I hit the lace with some steam and put that baby on. Guys, GUYS, I know I ALWAYS say I am in love with whatever I just finished, but this bamboo yarn and this pattern; a match made is knitting heaven. I felt so accomplished.
My Thoughts
I recommend this pattern to anyone that wants an instant boost in their sweater making confidence. I recommend this pattern to anyone that hesitates when they see a pattern they like and immediately gives up due to body image. Listen not too many folks have boobs as large as me and I look good! The most important reason I recommend this pattern is because Nancy did an amazing job and then gave it away! You guys know I have a mental block when it comes to sweaters and Nancy wrote a pattern that gave me a confidence boost. I would make this again!
If you can get your hands on some Bamboo yarn (Alex has some waiting for you) I say do it! The feel and the drape on this baby is almost sensual! I felt expensive when I put it on, lol! It damn sure doesn’t look like I made it, does it? I am so very proud! If you are an orange lover like me, this color is called Caution.
Knit on my fiber friends….knit on
GGÂ
Beautiful GG! That does look so cool and elegant. I may have to try it, I need cool summer tops. First I have to knit my stash down considerably as I’m really pinching pennies these days. But I’m going to stick this pattern in my Rav library right now! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you and yes make it!!
You look stunning in that top!!!!
Thank you Dawn!
You did an excellent job on this and I need to make one of these ASAP. I only have cotton but I’ll try it anyway.
I want to try it again, I have some linen I have to check the weight though. Thank you!
En fuego! 🔥 🔥 🔥
Damn. Damn. Damn!
GG! I was really trying not to knit this top yet. I have enough WIPs on my needles. But there you go – looking all fabulous – making me want one too! AND…I already have my Alex Creates bamboo yarn staring at me! Thanks a lot! 😆
No seriously…you look amazing. Thank you for pushing me over the edge with you. 😘
LOL! You are quite welcome friend! Thank you for the kind words!
Beeee-eautiful! With what device did you “hit that lace with some steam”, if you can share? -Margaret
Hi I use the Conair steamer her is the Link https://amzn.to/2AWpeuO
That shirt is beautiful and so are you! I love it!
thank you!