Fern Fitted Shell

The pattern is finally available for purchase! I went into my photo archives to find the pictures I took when I finished knitting Fern, and couldn't believe it was back in February.  Ah well, a few other things got in the way in the last almost-half year.
 
Il modello e' finalmente disponibile per comprare (ma purtroppo non in Italiano--mi dispiace).  Andavo nel mio archivio fotografico per trovare le fotografie che ho fatto quando finivo Fern, e non potrei credere che era in febbraio.  Allora, alcune cose hanno intervenuto nel ultimo quasi mezz' anno.

Panels of Fern Pattern lace (from the Mon Tricot 1500 stitch dictionary) form the side sections of this fitted sleeveless top, and cause the hem to curve gracefully. Binding off and then picking up stitches just below the bust creates an accent cord, above which gentle bust shaping (short row shaping optional) and a scoop neckline create a flattering silhouette. The neck and hem are finished with an applied I-cord edging, while the armholes are self-finished (see Pattern Notes). 

DIFFICULTY
Intermediate: skills used include reading chart, picking up sts, three needle bindoff, attached I-cord. 

MATERIALS
Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton, 65% cotton, 35% microfiber, 60 yd/55 m per 50 gm ball, 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12)  balls.
US size 8/5 mm circular needle, 24-47” depending on selected size.
US size 8/5 mm set of double-pointed needles (dpns), for neck edging.
Stitch holders, extra needles or waste yarn; markers
OPTIONAL: US size 8/5mm 16” circular needle for neck edging.
Adjust needle sizes if necessary to obtain correct gauge. 

SIZES & MEASUREMENTS

                    XS         S         M         L          1X        2X     3X
Bust             28         32        36        40        44        48      52 inches
                    71         81       91         102      112      122    132 cm
Underbust    24.5     28.5     32.5    36.5    40.5     44.5    48.5 inches
                    62         72       83       93        103     113     123 cm
Hip              30        34        38       42        46       50       54 inches
                    76        86       97        107      117     127     137 cm
Length         21.5     22        22.5     23       23.5    23.5    23.5 inches
                    55        56        57       58        60       60       60 cm
Shown in size S. 

GAUGE
16 sts/22 rows to 4”/10 cm in st st; 28 sts to 5.5”/14 cm for Fern Pattern. Check gauge on blocked swatch.

PATTERN NOTES
This top is intended to fit closely; however, the lace panels are very stretchy, so that even with zero ease, the fit is somewhat forgiving. In the pictured top, the length from bra band to hem is 11-12 inches/28-30 cm (the hem curves slightly) for all sizes; changes in overall length for different sizes all occur from the chest up. However, directions are also given for lengthening the portion of the top below the bust by 2 inches/5 cm. Read through all instructions before beginning, especially if you plan to change the length below the bust. 

Note that in the pattern, unlike the pictured top, the armholes are self-finished with Annie Modesitt’s slipped stitch edge; this reduces rolling of these edges, as well as finishing time.

Click here to purchase!  Included are all written instructions, schematic, and Fern Pattern chart; after purchase you will be emailed a link to download the pattern in pdf format.

Comments

[Leslie]

Absolutely beautiful! A question for you, though: If my bust is 35, should I make the 32 size? Seems that the 36 would be too big.

[Typesetter]

if you can find a substitute yarn for the Italian market, I can translate the pattern. I think, at least...

[Angela]

Leslie, I would recommend measuring just under the bust--where your bra band sits--and see whether that measurement is closer to the S or M size. It also depends on your cup size; so if your underbust measurement is close to the S size, that may work better for you. If you are at least a B cup, you might consider making size S with one repeat of short rows. If overall the M seems a better fit, I have a feeling that (depending on your yarn choice) with light blocking you might be able to end up with a 35" rather than 36" finished bust size.

[connie]

Very very pretty, Angela (as usual :) ). I'm going to have to get this too at some point.

I remember when you were swatching for this. It was fascinating and fun to watch your process. Congrats on another great design.

Complimenti!

[anna]

Oh, it's really beautiful.

[knitaly]

I like it very much, particularly the photo with the shell reflected in the mirror. It shows the garment construction, the shaped silhouette, so beautiful!

[Edna Hart]

You do such unusual things with the placement of the lace and that is no easy task..Well Done in my book.

[Megan]

Hi, I just finished knitting your pattern and found a couple mistakes. Both are on the 2nd page in the armhole shaping. Under the subtitle Front it should say, "SSE, K2tog, knit to 5 sts before right side marker,ssk, SSE. Instead it says to knit to 3 before the marker. The second mistake is the stitch count for the large size. Before the armhole shaping you have 84 stitches then you are supposed to repeat the shaping rows 4 times which would decrease 16 sts to get 72sts total. This math doesn't work out. Did you intend for the final number to be 72 or 68? overall I enjoyed the pattern and love the top you designed I just thought that you should know about the mistakes so they can be corrected in future patterns you sell. Thanks