The Irene top is knitted seamlessly from the top down. It begins with a provisional cast on and the front and back are knitted separately down to the armholes. Then the pieces are joined and the body is knitted in the round. Lastly, stitches are picked up from the neck edge and armhole edges and worked in the round. All techniques are explained in the pattern.
The patterns on the front are created by increasing and decreasing stitches to create lines that remind me of bikini tops. The patterns are created carefully for each size separately and are charted only.
The Irene top can be worn either as a sleeveless summer top or a vest. For a summer version I would recommend a cotton, viscose or linen blend. For a warmer, wintery version choose yarn with high wool content.
Sizes
1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
Finished bust circumference: 83 (93, 103, 113, 123, 133, 143, 153, 163) cm / 32.75 (36.5, 40.5, 44.5, 48.5, 52.25, 56.25, 60.25, 64.25) inches including the intended ease of 5-10 cm / 2-4 inches
Body length from hem to underarm: 25 (25, 26, 26, 26, 27, 27, 28, 28) cm / 9.75 (9.75, 10.25, 10.25, 10.25, 10.75, 10.75, 11, 11) inches, (adjustable)
Armhole depth: 23 (24, 26, 27, 27, 28, 28, 29, 29) cm / 9 (9.5, 10.25, 10.75, 10.75, 11, 11, 11.5, 11.5) inches
Yarn
4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8) skeins of Katia Concept Tencel Merino (70% Tencel / Lyocell, 30 % Merino; 134 meters / 147 yards per 50 g) shown in the colorway #100 or 450 (500, 550, 600, 675, 725, 800, 900, 975) m / 500 (550, 600, 675, 725, 800, 900, 975, 1075) yards of similar sport weight yarn.
Needles
For the ribbing and edgings:
3.0 mm / US 2.5 circular needles with a cable of 40 cm / 16 inches for the neckband
3.0 mm / US 2.5 circular needles with a cable of 80 cm / 32 inches for sizes 1-5 or 100 cm / 40 inches for sizes 6-9 for the hem
For the main part
3.5 mm / US 4 circular needles with a cable of 80 cm / 32 inches for sizes 1-5 or 100 cm / 40 inches for sizes 6-9 for the body
Gauge
22 sts and 34 rounds = 10 cm / 4 inches of Garter rib on the larger needles, in the round, blocked.
Note: always use the needle size that gets you the right gauge!
Notions
3 stitch markers
sewing needle
waste yarn
