OhSewCrafty Blog

• Pattern by Katya Wilsher, via Ravelry download
• Yarn: Elann Luna (rayon/cotton), ~610 yds, midnight sky
• Size/Needles/Gauge: 34″ bust, 5.5 spi on US 4’s
• Time to knit: 10 days in April/May 2011

I’ve admired this pattern since it was first published, and it was the first option that came to mind when the SKC chose its current KAL theme, vests/sleeveless tops.

The pattern is well written and detailed.  Several lace patterns are used, all of which are charted; you must be comfortable with charts to tackle this one.  Nothing more difficult than right and left leaning decreases, centered doubled decreases, and yarn overs, is used, but the central lace pattern is a 37 stitch wide and 18 row repeat.  Only 2 out of every 18 are “rest” rows.  I never quite managed to memorize it; the project does require some patience.  The pattern is designed with negative ease and I knit the 4th size for a 34″ finished bust.  I did make a few mods, starting with short row bust shaping on the front side.  I moved the waist shaping to begin increases 8″ below the underarm cast on, and shortened the top to 12″ from underarm, before beginning the ruffle (which adds another 2″).  It’s not exactly a mod, but I sewed down the side of the ruffle on the undearm, to provide a bit more coverage there.  The neck is a bit loose, particularly in the back, I might do a single crochet edging to tighten it up.

The yarn is one I’ve used before, basically an endorsement.  Luna is a bit splitty, but that’s nothing unexpected for a viscose/cotton blend in my experience, and the drape and sheen make up for it.   It’s not the most durable yarn (not that it pills, but it snags easily and velco is anathema), however it is very pretty.  I just adore this dark midnight color; I thought it would be fun to make this somewhat gothic.  Alice in Wonderland always seemed like a dark story to me, anyway (based on the book, not the Disney cartoon). 

I love the deep square neck, geometric lace, and flirty ruffle trim.  The lace patterning does require some concentration, but it is completely worth it!