Ready for summer

Though you mightn't believe it to look out the window in Dublin today, the summer's upon us. It's time to put away thick jumpers and woolly mittens until the autumn (at least, we fervently hope it is). Instead, we're looking at relaxed garments made from cool, easy-care yarn. So it's natural to think of Louisa Harding. She does casual elegance like no-one else, and her designs are always interesting to knit. We've got two to show you today, in different yarns, but both simple to make and uncomplicated to wear. First, there's Hilda, a cardigan to wear all summer, from the Delphine pattern booklet. Delphine's a cotton tape yarn which is soft and smooth to the touch and which works up like lightning. The little touches of lace at front and cuffs add interest in that typical Louisa style. The second garment is one we've been admiring for some time. Knitted in 100% cotton Ondine, this is Skipper, from the Ondine booklet. Just look at how that lovely lazy cable grows out of the ribbing and then moves back into it at the neck - proof, really, that cables are just rib with airs. Both of these garments would see you through an entire summer of barbecues, days by the lake and evening concerts. That's how the summer's going to be. We've decided.