It feels appropriate to end this week with a more hopeful, onward-looking message than I began it. So for this Fashion Friday, I’m offering up a new pattern: Nantasket.
(Models and photo credit both go to a combination of Jackie and myself. Pattern: Nantasket. For the impatient? Go ahead and buy now for US$7.)
Nantasket is the result of some designer start-itis. It was the first string of incredibly hot days this summer, and I started thinking about summertime wardrobe essentials. The things you pull out of the closet and throw on every day, on your way to the beach or the office. Or on your way to the beach from the office:
I was sick of the wool on my needles, sick of the weather, and sick of the one little summer cardigan in my closet. I thought about what makes a summer tank a daily wardrobe choice, played around with the delicious Classic Elite Firefly, and Nantasket was born. I’ll save all of the nitty-gritty details for the pattern page, and focus on the fashion in this post:
- The fabric is exceptional. The Firefly produces something soft and fluid. It goes perfectly with crisp shorts, faded denim, breezy (woven) linen, and would pair well with suiting too, if you’re corporately-inclined:
- Let’s be honest: This is an extremely simple, minimum-fuss tank that isn’t likely to prompt very many “Did you knit that?” queries. The detailing is simple and streamlined. It’s a subtle but great showcase for your knitting skill, because it’ll fit seamlessly into your daily life.
- It’s a great layering piece. Whether over a crisp button-down, like above, or over another tank, Nantasket is going to look great blended with/under/on top of your other favorites.
We styled Nantasket two ways: With my favorite button-down shirt and a jeans skirt, and with a fabulous summer shorts/tank outfit. (Not pictured: Jackie’s amazing mile-high espadrilles, because who really wants to wear those on the beach?) I love the way the pullover version made my button-down/skirt outfit look more pulled together without adding any bulk. The fabric moved with my clothing, and I felt elegant rather than blanketed. I also really liked that the cardigan version looked great when layered over long sleeves, but equally good over another tank. It unified Jackie’s bright tank top and crisp shorts, without looking awkward.
I hope you love the sweater, and can imagine ways it might fit into your wardrobe. If you’re willing, I’d love if you’d share with us: How would you wear Nantasket? What makes something a summer wardrobe staple, for you?
Amy Herzog Designs