Knitting

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Giveaway: Warm Days, Cool Knits

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warm days cool knits

Stefanie is the winner!

After a really wet beginning to the summer where I live, it finally really feels like summer, with baking hot days and not-very-cool nights. This is the south, after all, and like other southerners I sometimes find it hard to find the will to knit — or to wear something knit — in the heat of summer.

Corrina Ferguson is a knitter in Florida who actually didn’t start knitting until she moved south. She’s had to come up with ways to still knit and wear knits in a climate that is not in need of bulky wool, and some of the results can be found in her fun book Warm Days, Cool Knits.

The book is broken down by season, starting with winter, which offers a couple of long-sleeved sweaters, a hat and a pair of lacy socks. Moving through the seasons, sleeves disappear and more lace is added, but there are also shawls to warm those shoulders in the evenings (or in too-cool rooms).

These projects are pretty and sure to delight knitters in all sorts of climates. You should know that they all use pretty lightweight yarns, but the designs mostly aren’t too challenging and you certainly shouldn’t let skinny yarn stop you.

If you’d like to win a copy of this book (it will be a print edition if you live in the United States, or a PDF if you live elsewhere), leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, July 27. I’d love to know where you live and what the temperature is today.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

Comments

  2. I live in the mid west and it seems to finally be summer sometimes a bit too hot but today it is supposed to be 88 and humid and some rain possible in the evening.

  3. This looks like a great book for Summer projects! I live in Western New York and the temp today is expected to be in the high 80’s. Combined with the high humidity we’ve been having, it’s hot!!!

  6. I live just outside of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and its a beautiful sumny day (not too hot, not too cold). It’s currently 21 degrees C (about 70 F) with a high of 25 predicted.

  9. i would use a book for cool knits. It has been in the upper 90’s here in Alabama for the last 3 weeks. It is suppose to be over 100 the next couple of days. Thank you.

  10. It’s a lovely 77 in Wahoo, Nebraska right now. It’s supposed to get close to 90 later, so I better get out and mow the grass!

  12. I live in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley…and I’m very pleased to tell you that it’s only about 24 C (75 F) today, which is MUCH nicer than the 38 C (100 F) it was over the weekend! 🙂

  13. I live in NW Indiana and the temperature is 83 today. It is very humid. Definitely, summertime weather here.

  14. I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada and the current temperature is 18 C (65F). Its been around 25 C (77 F) all week so I’m ok with the cooler temp 🙂

  17. I live in Atlanta, Georgia. Recently I checked the temperature and it said it was 89° but with himidity its 105! Even with air-conditoning larger projects like afghans can make your lap a puddle.

  18. I also live in a warm climate. In SC it is VERY warm right now and our winters are short and mild.

  20. I’ve seen previews and reviews for this book and I would be ecstatic to win a copy!!

  21. Minneapolis Mb 76° today. I would love to win a copy of this book, it’s definitely already on my wishlist.

  24. I am laid up with a broken leg in Connecticut and would love to be knitting something cool and airy. The book looks absolutely wonderful!

  26. I live in Oregon, about 40 miles inland from the coast. Today it will be 85, much nicer than the nearly 100’s we have been having. Summer knitting is definitely in the works!

  27. I love the two tank top patterns as these are hard to find. This is a book I would love to have.

  29. I live in the Great State of Michigan, and it’s been a balmy 84 degrees today!! We’re supposed to drop in the 70’s tomorrow, which makes me a little sad, but this book is perfect, since I did read my favorite word — shawl!!! Thank you for the wonderful giveaway!! Always love to make new items for myself and others!!

  30. I’m in NYC and the temperature is 91! But I loveeeee knitting! This book seems like the perfect solution to this conundrum 😉

  31. I live in the South, but I am vacation in Maine today! Sadly, it’s 90 degrees and humid here today. This book is full of great patterns. Thanks for another fabulous giveaway! !

  33. I live in Upstate NY.
    It is now 76 degrees.
    Refreshing after 100% humidity
    and in the 90″s last weekend.

  37. The temperature hit 91 today in Ohio. Pretty hot and muggy. Thanks for the chance to win the book.

  38. I live in Phoenix, Arizona now but my knitting started when I lived in michigan. I am excited by this book and can’t wait to take a closer look!

  39. I live in Phoenix Arizona. 9:30 at night and it’s 95 degrees. Don’t know what the high was today, but tomorrow is forecast as 105 degrees.

  44. Georgia, where it is over 100 degrees today. Construction workers had some kind of accident and our power was out for 6 hours. You wanna talk about hot? Try 100 degrees with no fan or air conditioning. And then have a hot flash. It is a wonder I have not incinerated!

  46. I live in Italy and is very very hot at the moment! 40 degrees Celsius, it looks like is 104 Fahrenheit .

  49. Louisville, KY and in the 80s here today. Pleasant after heat of last few weeks.

  50. I live in Oregon. We’ve had a lot of really hot days this summer, but today is lovely, with a high of 79.

Have you read?

8 Knitted Crown Patterns for Children and Adults

There is something rather wonderful about a knitted crown. It takes a little yarn, a few pointed peaks and suddenly someone is in charge of the birthday cake. Whether they should be trusted with that responsibility is another matter entirely.

I love small knitting projects that invite a bit of fun, and these knitted crown patterns have plenty of possibilities. Make one for a grandchild’s dress-up basket, start a handmade birthday tradition, or knit matching crowns for a family celebration. And yes, there are adult sizes too, because being the person who organised the food should surely come with some royal privileges.

A soft knitted crown also makes a lovely alternative to a cardboard party crown. You can choose a favourite colour, coordinate it with a costume, or make something special enough to bring out year after year. Mustard yellow has that classic storybook look, but dusty pink, forest green and jewel-toned purple would be beautiful too.

These crown knitting patterns include children’s and adult options, along with designs that can be adjusted to fit. Some are worked flat and seamed, while others use circular knitting techniques, so there is a nice mix depending on what you enjoy making.

Our Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults

Start with our own free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults on CraftBits. It’s a lovely starting point for a handmade birthday crown or an addition to the family dress-up collection, with children and grownups both invited to join the royal household. I would choose a colour the wearer already loves—there is no rule saying every crown has to be gold.

Sheep & Stitch Crown: An Adjustable Design with a Video Tutorial

The knit crown pattern from Sheep & Stitch uses worsted-weight yarn and straight needles, with a video tutorial to help you follow along. You repeat the pointed sections until the crown fits, then join the ends, making this a useful option for children or adults without relying entirely on an age label. I especially like the video support for knitters who prefer seeing the shaping happen before trying it themselves.

Jubilee Crown Headband: Baby Through Adult Sizes

Marianna’s Jubilee Crown Headband is a free DK-weight design with baby, child, teen and adult size options. It’s described as quick and easy, making it an appealing choice when someone announces they need a costume rather closer to the event than you would have preferred. I would keep the smallest versions simple and let the yarn colour provide the decoration.

Hobbii Knitted Crown: A Cosy Ribbed Headband

The free Knitted Crown Headband from Hobbii, designed by Katharina Müller of My Favourite Stitches, combines a ribbed band with crown points. It includes baby, child and adult sizes and is knitted in the round with two yarns held together. This is the one I would look at for a crown that doubles as a playful ear warmer—very useful when your little royal insists on wearing their costume outside.

Elegant Knit Crown: Two Stretchy Size Options

Kathryn Andrews’ Elegant Knit Crown is a free Ravelry download with a small toddler/child size and a large teen/adult size. Worked from the top down in worsted-weight yarn, it uses a small amount of yarn and relies on stretchy edges to accommodate a range of heads. It’s a handy option for using a treasured leftover colour that isn’t quite enough for a hat.

Simple Knitted Crown: A Grownup Birthday Crown

Nicky Barfoot’s Simple Knitted Crown is a free DK-weight pattern with seven points and an adult-sized fit. The listed finished circumference is 50 cm, designed to stretch to a 55 cm head, so check that measurement before choosing it as a gift. I like this option for a grownup birthday celebration, especially in a beautiful cotton yarn that lets the shape take centre stage.

Crowning Glory: A Flat-Knitted Crown for the Family

The free Crowning Glory pattern by MrsMeeseMakes is knitted flat and seamed, with the circumference adjusted through the number of points you make. The designer gives guidance for baby, toddler, child, teenager and adult versions, making it a flexible choice for a family set. This would be my pick if you enjoy straight-needle projects and want to check the length as you go.

Paintbox Yarns Party Crown: Child and Adult Versions

The free Paintbox Yarns Party Crown uses aran-weight yarn and includes separate child and adult instructions. The listed finished circumferences are 44 cm and 50 cm, and the pattern is rated intermediate. I would make a coordinated pair in different colours for a birthday child and their favourite grownup—matching enough for photographs, but easy to tell apart when the party gets busy.

Choosing the Right Size for a Knitted Crown

Measure around the wearer’s head where the crown will sit, then compare that measurement with the pattern’s sizing notes. A finished knitted circumference may be smaller than the intended head measurement because the fabric stretches; that is different from choosing a size that is simply too small.

For an adjustable design, check the fit before sewing the ends together. You want the crown to stay put comfortably, especially if its owner plans to spend the afternoon dancing, running or issuing important instructions to the dog.

Yarn choice matters too. A springy wool blend and a smooth cotton can behave quite differently, even when both carry the same yarn-weight label. Follow the pattern’s tension guidance and think about how the finished crown will be washed.

Make It a Birthday Tradition

My favourite idea is to knit a crown that comes out every birthday. Choose a colour that will grow with its wearer, tuck it away with the birthday candles, and let it become one of those small family things everyone remembers.

For children’s crowns, stitched details are a lovely way to personalise the design without adding loose decorations. A little embroidered initial or a few contrasting stitches can make a simple crown feel very much their own.

And if you happen to knit yourself one while making the children’s versions, I think that is entirely reasonable. Someone has to supervise the kingdom—and keep an eye on the cake.