The gauge stated above is not my gauge, but rather the pattern gauge for stockinette stitch. FYI, there is no stockinette stitch in this pattern even though a couple of rounds in the chart are two consecutive knit stitch rounds. These rounds are distorted by the adjacent decrease rounds. Gauge for this kind of design is difficult to determine because stiches are increasing on every few rows or rounds. Just know that going down so many needle sizes (from what’s suggested in the pattern) will substantially decrease the size of the garment which was my intention. Also, the yarn I chose is considerably thinner than the recommended DK weight.

This is my second time knitting this cute summer top. I did this almost exactly like the first one, except that I followed directions for the smallest size in the pattern. (See my notes here.) This time I did all the charts, including A.2. However, I only did one repeat of all the charts in order to make this fit a soon-to-be 9-year-old girl who appears to be slightly small for her age.

I really like this yarn. I’d say it’s sport weight or a heavy fingering weight. It’s comprised of 10 plies with 2 strands each of the following colors: peach, yellow, rose, lavender and pale blue. The overall effect is a coral melange. Since the yarn contains 30% polyester, I’m guessing that it will shrink less in the dryer (mostly lengthwise) than 100% cotton yarn. But do allow for some shrinkage if you do plan to launder garments this way.

Needles used:

Size 2 US Susan Bates - Shoulder straps

Size 3 US Susan Bates - Everything else

Measurements (See photos):

Underarm to underarm across - 16.5” (33” circumference)

Armhole depth - 5.75”

Strap length from top of shoulder (after blocking/stretching) - 2”

Lower skirt across when laid flat - 25.5”

Lower skirt circumference - 59”

Side length from underarm - 8”

Center front and back lengths - 12”