Fern Fitted Shell by Angela Hahn

Fern Fitted Shell

Knitting
July 2007
Aran / Worsted ?
16 stitches and 22 rows = 4 inches
US 8 - 5.0 mm
420 - 720 yards (384 - 658 m)
English
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Errata available: ahknits.typepad.com

Gauge notes: 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.

Panels of Fern Pattern lace 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.

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

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.

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 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 with 1 1/2”/4 cm negative ease at bust.

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.