This pattern is an ode to Mediterranean summers—sun-drenched afternoons that stretch into golden evenings, where the clink of ice in a Negroni glass mingles with laughter, and the scent of citrus lingers in the air. Inspired by the effortless charm of Italian aperitivo hours and the laid-back refreshment of a Spanish Tinto de Verano, this piece was designed to feel like a summer escape, no passport required.

Whether you’re knitting by the sea, on a balcony with a breeze, or simply dreaming of your next getaway, this pattern invites you to slow down, savor each stitch, and wrap yourself in the spirit of la dolce vita. With light textures and playful detailing, it pairs beautifully with warm evenings, bold colors, and a touch of sparkle in your glass.

So pour yourself something cool, slip into your favorite playlist, and let’s knit a little bit of summer together.
Salud & cin cin

This pattern has been tech edited and awaiting test knitting beyond the samples.

Yarns
7th Floor Yarn, Dreamy 65% SW Merino, 20% Nylon, 15% Yak, 465 y (420 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g) skein, Color Naked; or
Blue Barn Fiber, Roo 50% Merino, 50% Silk, 438 y (401 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g) skein, Color Neon Flowers; or
Trailhead Yarns, Appalachian Trail 65% Cotton, 35% Nylon, 436 y (399 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g) skein, Color First Flight
2 (2, 2, 3) (3, 3, 3, 3) (4, 4, 4) skeins or
735 (835, 915, 980) (1095, 1200, 1310, 1385) (1500, 1585, 1665) y (670 (765, 835, 895) (1000, 1095, 1200, 1265) (1370, 1450, 1520) m) of fingering weight yarn.

Sizes
1 (2, 3, 4) (5, 6, 7, 8) (9, 10, 11) – Finished chest circumference 30.75 (34.25, 37, 39.5) (43, 46.25, 49.25, 52) (55.5, 58.5, 61.25)” (78 (87, 94, 100.5) (109, 117.5, 125, 132) (141, 148.5, 155.5) cm) after blocking.
Sample knit in Size 5 with a finished garment of 43” (109 cm) chest circumference, worn with 1” (2.5 cm) positive ease. Choose a size that will give you 0-4” (0-10 cm) of positive ease, and makes you happy.

Needles & Notions
Hem, neckband, and armhole needles – US 3 (3.25 mm) circular, or one size below body gauge needle
Body needles – US 4 (3.5 mm) circular, or size needed to get gauge
A circular needle one to two sizes smaller than your hem needle for Italian cast on
Stitch markers including one locking
Tapestry needle
Waste yarn or stitch holders

Gauge
Because there are two different gauges for this pattern, swatching for both is recommended to get the best fit.
26 sts and 32 rounds = 4” (10 cm) in 10 x 10 rib using the larger body needles, blocked
33 sts and 34 rounds/rows = 4” (10 cm) in Cable Pattern using the larger body needles, blocked