Shibui Linen

When the Shibui Linen arrived early this spring, I was curious.  It's a fingering weight linen, which I have not seen in the shop before.  The chained construction is also a little unusual in a pure linen.  It seems to make the yarn a little easier to work with than traditional linens...not so hard on the hands. 

Basically, I wasn't sure what to expect from this yarn.  And then this sample arrived.

This is L.1, a freebie from Shibui Knits featuring four colors of the linen in a simple, yet striking stripe sequence.  It's knit on a US7, so the fabric is open and flowy and drapey, yet crisp, perfect for a summer wrap like this.

Now that I have seen it in scarf form, I am even more curious about Linen.  I want to see how it works up on a smaller needle.  I have visions of a linen Lemon from the Amimono Knit Collection 2010.  If I have done my math correctly, I should need about six skeins.

Of course, there are several other lovely summer top options.  The latest issue of Knit.Wear features the beautiful Die Cut Vest on the cover.  (Did we talk about the newest Knit.Wear?  I don't think we did.  I will remedy that.)

I recall seeing Kage by Kirsten Johnstone pop up on Ravelry last summer, but, at the time, I couldn't think of any fingering weight yarns that might work for this.  Linen would be stunning.  The drape of the fabric on those sleeves...wow.  This one is a Ravelry download from the designer.

Photo from Assembladge Ravelry Shop

The Silken Straw Summer Sweater from our friends at The Purl Bee is pretty great, too.  Such a simple knit, but the perfect thing for summer knitting and wearing.

Photo from The Purl Bee

I have always love Heidi Kirrmaier's Boardwalk from Wool People Volume 3.  The wooly original is a great layering vest, but a linen version would be so floaty and breezy for summer.  I love the architectural neckline.

Photo from Wool People Vol. 3

Cocoknit's Belle is intriguing, don't you think?  It appears to be a large rectangle with some cuffs and a waistband.  The biasing adds some visual interest and really shows off what linen can do.  Plus, it's knit on US9, so you'd make some quick progress.

Photo from Cocoknits

Have you tried the Linen yet?  It has been disappearing from our shelves, so someone out there is playing with it.  Bring in your project so I can see what you're making!