I read how others were having issues with the top coming out too big. I knew I was going to want to have it tied fairly tightly so as to keep everything (above the below the bust measurement) in place so I measured the project as I went by pulling it fairly taught. I wound up repeating row 4, 22 times.

I made mine for Below Bust measurement 28.5” (by pulling taught as I measured). I did my hip to below bust measurement 9. I had thought I would do 11, but turned out that I liked 9 a little better.

I used a C hook because I didn’t want the thread to be too tight, I wanted it more lacy looking and the C hook gave me just what I wanted. The only correction to this pattern that I can say I did was that I chained 70 at either side instead of the 51 as the pattern called for. What can I say, I like big bows and I cannot lie! bahaha!
I also then chained another tie which I wove in and out of the bottom part of the top to go under the bust so I could tie that part tighter. It gives a great fit that way.

I need to high tail it to the store and get some fabric for a lining, because I cannot wait to wear this little baby. Even though we just had a snow storm and it’s freezing out. ha!

I marked this project as finished because the crochet parts are finished. I will post better pics after I have the lining done…for now you have to deal with my hair covering the unlined parts. ;) I will also make a tie for underneath like many others before me.

This project set me back a total of 6 hours (I kept track of how long I worked on it because some people were saying it took FOREVER-I’m sure that is because they either used a smaller hook and/or didn’t pull the work when measuring).

FINALLY got around to sewing the lining. I got a nice stretchy material and at first I stretched the crocheted top to how I would wear it and then cut the lining, but that got bunchy and I didn’t like it. I just cut the lining then to fit the unstretched top and sewed it on and it worked like a charm! SO happy with the finished top!
Regarding the injury on my neck: My zipper from my workout jacket was rubbing on my neck when I went for a run and didn’t realize it was rubbing off all my skin!!!