Raspberry bliss by Angie Burger

Raspberry bliss

Knitting
May 2020
yarn held together
DK
+ DK
= Aran (8 wpi) ?
12 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches
US 11 - 8.0 mm
400 - 650 yards (366 - 594 m)
Adjustable
English
This pattern is available as a free Ravelry download

This is a pullover top knitted in one piece, joined under the arms and down the sides. It is made using a silk wool blend 8ply yarn. In addition to the pattern, there are four additional makes included with variations in the yarn type and ply, knitted two strands at a time, modifying the number of stitches and / or rows. There is even a long sleeve jumper and a dress version!!

It is designed to be a loose fit top. My creations while similar when laid flat have amazing give when worn - accomodating sizes from a very petite person, through to those of us with bosoms and booty and every other lovely shape of the wearer.

My body measurements (circumference) are - 36” bust; 31” waist; 37” hips; 12” upper arm.

The measurements taken FLAT:
Circumference - 39.5” body; 14” upper arm
Length (top to bottom) - 36”
Length (sleeve to sleeve) - 19.5”

This pattern when pulled taut has a circumference of 60” body and 24” upper arm. If pulled taut it does shorten the length of the body and the length of sleeves - so therefore the number of rows will be need to be increased (for body) and the number of stitches increased (for the sleeves).

There are instructions on how to widen or lengthen the garment based on the provided measurements of the finished garment as per the stitch pattern (stitches and row repeats). If increasing from the recommended fit you will need more or less yarn.

It is important to remember that the fibre, the needle size and the stitch pattern will determine the ‘give’. People have been known to add stitches and rows thinking for sure it wouldn’t fit…they found that their final garment was too big…so trust me… but if you really are unsure I would recommend to cast on the number of stitches for the pattern (50) AND do at least two pattern sets (8 rows) - then hold it against yourself and see what you think.

This pattern made up is similar to the ‘it’s all in the stitch chevron lace stitch top’ though with a stitch pattern variation that gives a semi solid finish as opposed to the lace one. Like all of my tops they can be worn over singlets in summer, tee-shirts in autumn and spring and long sleeve tops in winter – in varying colours. It is amazing how different the looks are – but in all of them the stitch pattern shines.

I don’t use shaping in my items, rather I let the yarn, the stitches and the construction do the shaping for me. My creations always contain at least two different fibre types – I am curious to see it as it evolves and in the finished item. My favourite by far is cotton – but it can fall if heavy; linen has this three-dimensional structure, sock yarn combined with cotton gives it this squishy condensed look and feel; silk – well it is silky and drapes beautifully.

There are FIVE general notes for my patterns – and some might say these break all the rules but here they are:

  1. JOINING TECHNIQUE – mixing up the knitting with crochet. Now for those of you out there that say “I cannot make this as I am a knitter not a crocheter” - here is another way to look at it --> you can always use your preferred joining technique…but trust me once you master this technique you will not look back…and I love a bit of cross craft work - a knitted garment with crochet - join me in that adventure!

  2. MULTIPLE WAYS TO WEAR - my creations are reversible!

  3. MEASUREMENTS all my measurements are taken laid flat - the yarn, stitches and needles used give each one give, why I suggest using the measurements and the stitch pattern to determine what your desired size is. Oh, and I don’t steam any of my garments!

  4. FIBRE BLENDING - I often blend a sock yarn with and cotton

  5. CARE INSTRUCTIONS - I wash all my items in a front loader on wool cycle with wool wash and lay flat to dry. They go back to the original measurements after each wash – UNLESS you wear it all the time.