A big, big thank you to everyone who joined in on the Beach Tank KAL! It was so inspiring to see all the projects roll in on the hashtag on Instagram – the variety of yarns, colors and modifications were incredible.
During the past month, I knit two beach tanks for myself – the first was a marled blue, and the second was an all-white affair that I’m totally enamored with. I knit it with two skeins of Wool and the Gang Shiny Happy Cotton, a heavy worsted Peruvian cotton, and a skein and a half of Shibui Staccato, a pebbly merino silk blend. The result is a versatile, neutral top that I know will get a ton of wear. And even with the thick drape of the top, the cotton and light wool and silk keep it breathable and very comfortable to wear on an 80-something degree day.
I also knit both versions in the round to speed things up. While you miss out on the structure seams provide and the cute little side slits, I really like the seamless versions and will probably add a modification to the original pattern sometime soon. I’ll be sure to circulate it to everyone who bought the pattern as well, so you have that mod handy.
But enough about me – I’m excited to celebrate some of the most ambitious and marvelous tanks of the KAL! There were so many – beach tanks knit on the beach, tanks with fringe, tanks in every color of the rainbow. For many of you, this was your first big knitting project after knitting scarves and hats, and I’m stoked to see so many of you tackle some new skills, like decreases, seaming and I-cords! Go you!!
And with that, I’m pleased as punch to be able to offer prizes to three of the most inspiring tanks of the knitalong, courtesy of our sponsor, We Are Knitters! Drumroll please…
First place goes to Jess Daniels, who knit her beach tank with a wool and silk yarn she dyed herself with avocado pits and iron. Check out the skeins – they’re stunning. She held her wool/silk yarn together with Quince & Co. Willet, a responsibly-grown cotton that has a great story. Beautiful job, Jess!
Second place goes to Grace Libby for her buttery, sunshine-yellow version. Since finishing her tank a couple weeks ago, Grace has worn her tank so many ways – with a flowing skirt, layered with other shirts, and with some jeans and a badass belt (with her handmade bra and Stowe bag, of course). Love the styling inspiration here!
A photo posted by Grace Libby (@grace_makes) on
Third place goes to Danielle for fully embodying the spirit of the beach tank KAL! This photo speaks for itself. Her finished top is also total perfection.
A photo posted by Danielle (@dealwithknit) on
Jess, Grace and Danielle – congratulations! I’ll be reaching out to you directly on Instagram to get in touch and help get your We Are Knitters prizes to you.
Thanks again, friends! And it goes without saying, but summer is just starting and the beach tank pattern isn’t going anywhere – so if you’ve been holding out, it’s time to give in and cast on. Happy knitting!
** For those who might be curious, here’s what I’m wearing with my beach tank! Elizabeth Suzann Clyde pants; Moheda clogs from Fine Life Co.; Vestige necklace with Tibetan prayer beads and fringe dyed with iron from my friend Jen of Takara; leather tote from Fount