I love the explosion of colour summer gives us and nothing is more embracing of it than this issue of Pompom. Exploring summer at its best with vibrant colour, summer shapes and inspiration taken from the sun. This issue is jam packed with happy, bright and colourful designs, it’s guaranteed to leave you smiling.

Not only do we have knitting and crochet, but a recipe for simple handmade pasta flavoured with sun-dried tomatoes from Kat Goldin, a crochet tutorial which accompanies Marjan Gouda’s scrunchie pattern, artwork by Juju Vail and photography by Shingi Rice.

As usual I explore the patterns and do some yarn pairings from Knit With Attitude. So lets take a look at this vibrant collection.

Ardent by Amalia Sieber. This fun colour block design has a relaxed fit and perfect for summer. I love the strong and graphic use of colour here. It has a playful quality with contrasting ruffled sleeves and large blocks on the front contrasted with smaller ones on the back. The edition of a third colour in a curved shape at the back adds another level of fun. Knit in a sport weight try Stolen Stitches Nua a light blend of linen and wool.

Coatlicue by Sandra Gutierrez. This simple crochet top has a pleasing texture and design. A lovely play of colour but also lively and light. The design is worked using single-row mosaic technique. It is crocheted in a sport weight 100% linen. Try swatching with two strands of Vaxbo Lingarn to get gauge.

Nacarat by Rachael Reese. Ooh there is something very pleasing about large areas of brioche. Its bold and graphic and this shawl is like rays of light. I love the way it is offset by a minimal change in texture with the triangles along the top edge. This calls out for a fun colour combo. Try Black Elephant Merino Singles.

Delta by Isa Catepillán. I like the shape of this crochet top. It has an athletic feel but with a delicate edge. Trimmed with a zig zag lace and cinched in with a drawstring. Try crocheting this in the cool Nurturing Fibres Eco Bamboo.

Sunwake by Wencke Pertermann. The simple shape of this top is heightened by the graphic chevron lace design on the front and back. The cropped design and straightforward shaping would make this a simple knit. Try this in Nuturing Fibres Eco-Fusion.

Güneş by Ezgi Tandogan Onat. I love the design this simple crocheted bag. An easy to work shape made better by strong coloured lines. Worked using a jacquard crochet technique without carrying unused yarns. Have fun with colour for this one. Try a combination of fun colours of Nurturing Fibres Eco-cotton. A slightly lighter gauge but the perfect yarn for trips to the beach.

Filament by Paula Pereira. This modern and bold all over design is a must for colourwork fans. Its deep neckline and short sleeves mean this would be a great and colourful edition to a summer wardrobe. Try looking for a colourful combination from Socks Yeah 4ply.

Heliotropic by Erica Sufka. This is a stunner of a shawl and the lace repeat is just gorgeous. Large circular motifs trim this shawl and look like a field of flowers or the round sun radiating warmth. This would look gorgeous in Norne Yarn Merino / Silk / Yak Singles.

Kupala by Nataliya Sinelshchikova. An amazingly textural top that would look just as great worn at a party as well as the beach. Structural stitches forma chevron pattern which is trimmed mid torso by a fringed row. It has a bit of 1920’s elegance about it. Try this in Nurturing Fibres Eco-cotton.

Azimuth by Julia Wilkens. A classic shape makes up this airy summer top. I particularly like the contrast colour eyelet rows which give interest to this all over texture. Try something with a good definition but also with a fun colour range. Hedgehog Fibres Twist Sock would be perfect.

Sunblink by Marjan Gouda. What fun our these. I think crocheting a little summer accessory is a great idea. Especially when its hot or you are at the beach a scrunchy is a must for long hair. A perfect stash buster but would also look good in The Fibre CO Luma.