Six weeks into sailing season and so far, I’ve resisted starting new projects for the boat. Aren’t I diligent? Aren’t I ready for new summer knitting projects? Aren’t I avoiding finishing my Master Knitter Level 3 corrections?

Alanna Nelson knits and sails in Boston

One of the boats in the club had a perfect place to stash the project on board!

From the diligent end, aren’t you proud that either Joji Locatelli’s Windows to my Soul and Umeko by Sarah Hatton dropped into the sailing bag? I’ve been knitting them off and on for a while; both are nearly complete!

Alanna Nelson knits Rowan Yarns in Boston

Umeko in Cotton Lustre – Yum!

Now it’s time to cast on new traveling projects for the sailing bag as well as other summer adventures on the horizon. An ideal traveling project could be stockinette or garter, but easy to learn and repeatable patterns are more fun. I’d rather not do stranded knitting. A nice portable size is convenient, but I’m happy to do pieces and sew them together. Last year’s Silky Thorn required size 1 needles, which was workable… but not my first choice. And wouldn’t it be nice if it used yarn I already own?

Ravelry now allows you to bundle the projects and patterns that you favorite into Pinterest like collections. I created a “Traveling Knits” bundle, which was a good place to start with summer knitting inspiration. The first Fall edition of Knitty.com is always good for inspiration! And of course, the knitters at Sit and Knit and In Stitches always have great ideas when asked. So here’s

6 Easy Knitting Projects for Summer Travels

Alanna Nelson loves Knitty.com patterns

Baker Street by Joan of Dark in the

Although thoughts of early fall are truly repulsive, it’s always a good idea to restock the hand knit present shelf. Baker Street by Joan of Dark looks like an entertaining and easy project.

Alanna Nelson applauds Bristol Ivy knitting patters

Allongee by Bristol Ivy in Spring KnitScene 2015

Coordinating colors of Louet Sport Weight Linen lurk in my stash. They would look great in this fun Bristol Ivy’s Allongee. I love the way drop stitches make this easy knit a bit more interesting. And in Bristol Ivy style, the construction is also a bit different.

Bristol Ivy fingering weight cowl knit soon by Alanna Nelson

Sallah Cowl by Bristol Ivy

A quick peek around my Neck and Shoulders bundle brought me to another Bristol Ivy pattern, this time from Knitty! Sallah could be a portable project that uses one of those irresistible skeins of fingering weight yarn which I’m prone to procuring on the road.

Christy Kamm’s Zick Zack Scarf

The Zick Zack scarf is easy, appealing and I hear addicting. Sample color ways abound in nearly every shop in New England that carries Berrocco yarn! Any fingering weight yarn with gradations works for this pattern, or solids combined with the gradient, why not?

I especially love the look when the colors of the two balls are harmonious for a demure color wash effect.

Alanna Nelson knits Churchmouse patterns

Churchmouse Easy Folded Poncho


I will bow to the reality that fall arrives sooner or later by including the Easy Folded poncho from Churchmouse yarns. As the final project is a bit big, it’s most likely I won’t work on this if the weather is too warm.
Sarah Hattin Stripey Sailor girl knit Patton in Sublime Cashmerino

Sarah Hatton’s Stripey Sailor Girl will hit my needles this weekend, as two lovely baby girls entered my life this spring.

I’d love to build up the traveling knitting project options… what are yours?

As for avoiding the Master Knitter Corrections? Um, yes. I’ve finished my aran sweater pattern (test knitting made this a very humbling experience). There’s still more to do, but I won’t dedicate a 100% of my knitting time to the obligations. Holy Cats, it’s summer!