Need help with entrelac? I made an entrelac strap how to video: http://www.thesweatshopoflove.com/blog/2011/05/30/the-loo...

This pattern is part of The Sweatshop of Love Summer Tour 2010 Ebook of Knitting Patterns!

When I had a big girl job in The Loop in downtown Chicago, I had to dress all fancy every day. This was especially challenging in the summer, going from a non-air conditioned apartment, to an over-air conditioned train car, to the sweltering city streets, to an over-air conditioned office, and back again. I’d look for little shirts that look great standing alone but that could also be worn under a suit coat.

The Loop Entrelac Top is a classy summer top you can take from day to evening, or, more importantly, from inside to outside in the heat, by just losing your blazer. The entrelac straps are knit first, with or without contrasting color strips. Stitches are picked up for the contrasting color bands, and then again for the front tummy panel. Back is worked separately, ribbed top to help with fitting, then increased out to give the bottom of the top some swing. A single crocheted bottom edging prevents curing. Clever construction, lightweight cotton knit in a larger than recommended gauge, swing bottom: Everything designed to keep you cool this summer.