Going Loopy (Mango) for Summer

I know I said that I was going to work on some of my half-finished projects before I start something new, but a yarn came into the store recently that I just couldn’t stop thinking about. Loopy Mango Summer is a lightweight 100% cotton yarn in some absolutely delicious colors and I had to do something with it – there just was no escape.

So began my race to finish a top in as little time as possible! The pattern for the V-Neck Tank said that it could be done in 2 – 5 hours – challenge accepted!!! I raced off down to the store to grab the yarn. There are so many beautiful colors, but Stormy Nights (dark grey) caught my eye so I put it in my bag and off I went.

I am going to be honest here, I did not finish this top in anything close to 2 – 5 hours. But it is a really easy pattern, suitable for absolute beginners and it knits up fast. It is knit in the round and splits off for the v-neck at the front and back. The decreases are simple to follow and the front and back have the exact same pattern (you can wear it either way – never fear having your top on back to front again!)

Alex is knitting The Sweatshirt which is marked as intermediate. She says that it is pretty straightforward but is probably not a first sweater project.  She has picked the gorgeous avocado color and is hoping to wear it on her couch when the Jets get back to playing (any day now!)

But the yarn – oh Lord, what can I say about the yarn. This was my first Loopy Mango experience. I’m not usually a super bulky knitter and had stayed away from it until now. Oh boy, have I been missing out. The yarn is a worsted weight but is knit up on size 17 needles, so it is super drapey. It’s also a little bit peek-through since the stitches are so big – but that’s easily fixed by a camisole or a clever matching bra. The yarn is so soft and so delicious to knit with, I loved every second.

The tank looks short in the pictures, but the length grows with the sizes. Take this into account before you start and decide what length you actually want. The Small size is only 16 inches long but the 3X is 28 inches. Mine came out pretty long,  it sits just below my hips and it fits well. I did a german twisted cast on for some extra stretchiness at the bottom, I didn’t want a loose drapey top with a tight end.  I also used the two-strand long-tail cast on, because it’s hard to judge the amount of yarn needed for a long tail cast on when your needles are that big.

If everyone working at the store is in love with this yarn, I can guarantee that you will be too. Pop in and check out the colors and luxuriate in the feel and then get started and see if you can make the 2 – 5 hours challenge time – I know you can do it!