Sometimes a little lace isn't enough. Shirley Paden has designed this feminine top for occasions when you want to cover yourself in lace. The wide border is worked sideways for the full circumference of the body and grafted into a ring. Then stitches are picked up along the edge of the ring and the body is worked in one piece to the armholes in a cross-stitch lace pattern. Above the armholes, the front and back are worked separately, and the armholes curve gently inward to the neck. Shirley has used a smooth, mercerized cotton to provide an elegant sheen.
Finished Size: 34 1/2 (37 1/2, 40, 43)" (87.5 [95.5, 101.5, 109] cm) bust/ chest circumference. Sweater shown measures 37 1/2" (95.5 cm).
Yarn: Lang Golf (100% mercerized cotton; 135 yd [123 m]/50 g): #0020 sky blue, 5 (6, 7, 8) balls. Yarn distributed by Berroco.
Yarn weight: #2 - Fine
Gauge: 48 sts
Needles: BodySize 6 (4 mm): 32" (80-cm) circular (cir). EdgingSize 4 (3.5 mm): 16" (40-cm) cir. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions: Markers (m); stitch holders; tapestry needle.
Originally Published: Interweave Knits, Summer 2004