Summer is here and that means a new issue of Pompom. The theme for Issue 37 is birds. Think feathery textures, bold coloured plumage and distinctive shapes.

Inside are nine knit and crochet patterns along with the usual recipe, article and tutorial. The designers featured are: Allison Lutes, Carlie Olfert, Chloe Elizabeth Birch, Kjerstin Rovetta, Ksenia Naidyon, Sandra Gutierrez, Sair Nordlund and Valerie Rachel. As usual I take a closer look at the patterns inside and suggest some yarns from Knit With Attitude.

Ardea by Ksenia Naidyon – This cropped tee is worked from side to side as separate pieces and then seamed. Alive with textural stitches, I love the simple symmetry achieved by having a chevron band in the centre. I would try Nurturing Fibres Eco-Cotton with its gorgeous hand dyed colours and lovely definition.

Avifauna by Kjerstin Rovetta. This shawl is made for an interesting fibre. A simple shape with simple stocking and garter stitch textures and a small bit of lace. Enjoy the relaxing knitting of this one. I would try Triskelion Mona 4ply.

Fenix by Sandra Gutierrez. Crocheted as two separate side pieces and then joined at the centre front and back. Starting as triangles and then going in a different direction. I like the graphic look achieved by the crochet lines running at angles to each other. Try Fyberspates Scrumptious 4ply/Sport for a yarn that glows.

Hoopoe by Valerie Rachel – A cool use of intarsia creates these short striped sleeves, giving real graphic impact. Worked top down with a split hem that is slightly lover at the back. I would be tempted to try this in Nurturing Fibres Eco-Lush.

Lodestar by Kjerstin Rovetta – The striking lace yoke of this jumper is worked from the top down. Knit seamlessly in the round in simple stocking stitch which makes the yoke really shine out. I think Kettle Yarn Islington DK or Fyberspates Vivacious DK would work here.

Passerine by Chloe Elizabeth Birch. This jumper is worked flat in pieces, giving it structure. With raglan shaping and a minimal abstract feather shape worked in stocking stitch on the arms. It’s a simple design but I think it calls for a sumptuous yarn. I would love to see this knit in Nordic Yarn Eco Cashmere.

Picidae by Allison Lutes. A top down pair of socks with the cutest of colour work motifs around the top. Knit in Coopknits Socks Yeah 4ply, there are plenty of colours to choose from!

Reifel by Carlie Olfert – The graphic chevrons in this design are achieved by knitting four panels and then seaming them together to finish. The diagonals are created by cabling and i-cords form the straps. I love the graphic minimal look. I would try Betta Knit Soy Cotton for a cool summer yarn.

Soul Bird by Sari Nordlund – Knit from the bottom up in the round this top has a beautiful repeating feather lace design. Simply shaped with sloped and seamed shoulders, finished off with a rib which is picked up and worked in the round from the body. I think this might be really pretty in the gently textured BettaKnit Love My Jeans.