A summer issue of Pom Pom is always a joy. Reminding us that just because the weather is warming up, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be reaching for our needles and hooks. Nine designs fill this issue, inspired by ceramic tiles, terracotta, and sand. Think warmth; earthy and organic, also splashes of colour and pattern repeats. Some light and airy summer tops and essential wardrobe staples for the warmer months. There is even a gorgeous crochet bag! Perfect for trips to the beach.

This is a bumper issue, with more pages, more photographs and larger typeface. Featuring designs by Amy Christoffers, Sari Nordlund, Soraya Garciá, Isa Cateoillán, Clare Lakewood, Josée Paquine, Marjorie Martin, Rachael Reese and Stephanie Earp. An interview with Emi Ito, as well as other craft projects, project bag tutorial by artist Arrounna Khounnoraj of Bookhou. As well as a recipe from Rebecca Lawrence’s for Maple Bourbon Fudge. Phew!

Argil by Clare Lakewood – Argil screams summer! Light airy and quite simply stunning. A perfect layer over a summer top, or worn just on its own for a trip the the seaside. A clever use of stripes add a dynamic edge and the tied off front an informal touch.  Worked flat beginning at the back, divided at the neck and rejoined at the front. These stop half way down the body. You then work the front in halves working towards the middle, seamed with a 3 needled cast off. Knit in a 4ply, in a wool silk blend, combined with a linen. I love the idea of these two textures. For the linen I would go for Växbo Lingarn and for the silk blend what about Kettle Yarn Beyul. Of course if you wanted to stick completely with plant fibres you could substitute the Beyul for Nuturing Fibres Eco-Lush. The blend of cotton and bamboo would echo the matte and glossy texture of the wool and silk.

Earthen by Amy Christoffers – I’m getting Art Deco vibes from this cardigan. A simple but very effective all over fan pattern repeat, giving texture and structure. Lets face it the summer is not always sunny and a welcome cardigan is definitely one to have. I particularly like the way the fan pattern falls into the rib. The body is worked in one piece and the sleeves worked separately and later seamed. Worked in a cosy DK merino I would try Fyberspates Vivacious DK, is anyone else thinking the Blush colour-way for this?

Faience by Soraya García – I really like the construction of this piece. It’s so simple but so effective. It’s worked completely flat. Starting at the back, you then divide for the neck and work the two fronts separately. You pick up for a rib around the neck and down the front, then seamlessly join the fronts with a 3 needle bind off. You pick up stitches either side and echo the ribbing, you then join the back and front with a crochet slip stitch up to the arm holes. Genius! A simple all over pattern repeat adds symmetry and style. Why not push the boat out with this one and knit it in From the Mountain Cashmere, you will never want to take it off.

Minton by Isa Catepillán – You may remember Isa for being the crochet superstar from the last issue of Pompom, well she is back and worked her crochet magic once again. A stunner of a bag made up of 12 identical square motifs. A classy way of toting around your swimwear or for the elegant grocery shop. A good sturdy fibre is needed for this project so choose Växbo Lingarn .

Ogee by Sari Nordlund – This sleeveless top is a texture lovers dream. Worked in one piece with an allover pattern. Travelling twisted stitches and scallop lace go together to make this simple shaped garment, a work of art. Cleverly reversible, with either a higher neckline worn at the back or front. Perfect for throwing on in a hurry. Knit in a cotton blend I would be tempted to knit this in Nuturing Fibres Eco-Lush or Eco-Fusion.

Rievaulx by Josée Paquin – A lovely checkerboard of intarsia in a simply shaped tee. Worked completely flat, allowing you to get absorbed by the pattern. Sleeves are picked up around the arm hole and also worked flat with short row shaping. Finally the side seams are joined and ta-da! I would definitely go for Socks Yeah 4ply for this, with such a range of colours that work wonderfully together, you will be spoilt for choice.

Rookwood by Rachael Reese – You may be knitting for summer but you still need shawls right?! A welcome layer to drape around the shoulders to shield from the sun, or give a little warmth if it gets cool. Simple panels of garter stitch are broken up with seafoam lace. A delightful lace stitch that plays with light in such a charming way. A nice sized triangular shape will carry you through to autumn as well. Knit in a no nylon sock yarn, well I would have to recommend Hey Mamma Wolf Sockyarn #04.

Sanctuary by Stephanie Earp – The pattern repeat on this top is gorgeous and really runs with the theme. Little tile repeats radiate from the yoke of this top down worked in the round tee. The simple wide neck will make it a cool edition to your wardrobe but also stylish. Knit in a 4ply cotton blend, tey again either Nuturing Fibres Eco-Lush or Eco-Fusion.

Tesserae by Marjorie Martin – A one piece circular yoked top, knitted in the from the top down. Using a mosaic pattern to great effect. Alternating 2 colours every other row, with a combination of slipped stitches. An attractive creature that finishes it off are the Latvian braids. I love the vibrant pattern of this one, a great opportunity to go wild with colour. Choose some nice contrasting colours and make the pattern vibrate. Knit in a wool silk blend Kettle Yarn Beyul might work well here, giving you a truly luxurious feel.

I really like this issue, I think it is a very strong theme to work with and there are some great summer wardrobe staples. Dream of the sun and get knitting!