Pattern
My second completed summer knit this year is the Totally Tank Top pattern by Jessie Maed. I knit this top mostly while sitting on planes over the past couple of months, and it was fun to watch the racer-back grow. I've never knitted a racer-bank tank before so I enjoyed learning how it is constructed.
I also really love the rolled neckline and I think it makes the tank top that much more unique for a classic shape. Overall, like other patterns I've knitted by this designer, the instructions were detailed and straightforward.
You can find my Ravelry project page here.
Yarn
I used leftover yarn from my wedding sweater: Sandnes Garn Mandarin Petite. It worked well for my wedding sweater, and it worked well for this tank, so going forward if I need a fingering weight cotton yarn for a summer knit, I now have a go-to.
Knitting
I was having a hard time getting gauge in the suggested needle and my yarn combination, so I went with the gauge that got me the type of fabric I wanted (a little tighter knit). On US 2s, my gauge is 11 stitches and 18 rows to a 2x2 inch stockinette square in the round. Since it was pretty close the stitch gauge (12 stitches=2 inch) of the original pattern, I stuck to the size S, but I think the fit would be better for me if I had chosen the M. For length, I knew I would just have to adjust as I went.
I made a couple of modifications beyond the gauge:
- I have a long torso so I knit until my back panel measured 8.5 inches. I also knit the straps a bit longer to 9 inches.
- I did a 1x1 rib for the armholes rather than a 2x2, picking up 140 stitches
I definitely see myself wearing this on hot summer days or to the beach, but my wish for it being one size bigger may mean another one is in my future. It was a quick and enjoyable knit so it's not so frustrating to have to knit it again :)
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