ILLANNA
Summer
Sweater
By
Catherine J. Hall
This sweet top with a lace bottom is inspired by my friend Illanna, who designs, knits, and wears many lovely summer sweaters. The top portion features easy cup-sizing to ensure a great fit, and the bottom is constructed using my own Random Lace technique. Both methods are thoroughly explained in the pattern, and are easy to learn. The entire sweater is knitted in the round in worsted weight yarn, which makes it a quick knit. For added versatility, the sweater can be adapted to dress length. Instructions for both are included.
SIZE/MEASUREMENTS
Small – 30/32 inch chest, measured under bust
Medium – 34 inch chest, measured under bust
Large – 36/38 inch chest, measured under bust
** All sizes can be adjusted for A, B, C, or D-cup bust **
MATERIALS
Yarn – worsted weight yarn. I used, and prefer, wool. Another fiber, as long as it is easily stretched while maintaining its shape, can be substituted. I do not recommend cotton, silk, or rayon on their own, but a worsted weight blend with a good deal of wool, or even a small amount of elastic, could work.
Top Section (Yarn MC) – Cascade 220, 100% wool, #8555 black, 100grams/
3.5 ounces, 220 yards/200 meters, 1 skein (I used less than 200 yards of worsted weight yarn, even in size Large with D-cup bust). For the dress, I used 245 yards Yarn MC for a size Small – this included the top and a ruffle at the bottom.
Bottom Section (Yarn CC) – Noro Kureyon, 100% wool, #116 black and grey, 50 grams, 110 yards/100 meters, 3 skeins (I used less than 275 yards of worsted weight yarn in size Large with D-cup bust. The size Small, in an A or B-cup, would use only 2 skeins or 220 yards of Yarn CC). For the dress, I used 300 yards Yarn CC for a size Small.
Needles – 16 or 24 inch circular needles, in U.S. sizes 6, 9, and 13, or size used to get gauge (see note below).
Notions – Tapestry needle
5 stitch markers, one in a different color/design to signify beginning of round
Crochet hooks size G and K (optional), to make picot edges at top and bottom
GAUGE
On # 9 needles, 20 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. This is your gauge needle.
Use a needle 2 or 3 sizes smaller than your gauge needle (i.e. # 6) for ribs and a needle 4 or 5 sizes larger than your gauge needle (i.e. # 13) for bottom lace. If you have an interchangeable set of needles, or have many sizes, you may want to use additional needles to make the very top of the ribs smaller, and the bottom lace repeats even bigger. This is optional, and the entire sweater can be made quite easily on just three sizes of needles.
No Longer Available
