I have an interesting wardrobe because I don’t buy clothing very frequently, and I keep what I do have for ages. There have been a few additions here and there, but for the last couple of years, I’ve devoted most of my shopping to expanding my dress collection. Earlier this year I suddenly realized that my selection of separates was pretty sad. As a California native, I pretty much live in tank tops. It’s hot out? They’re perfect. It’s cold out? Well, that’s what cardigans are for! The end result was I had very few interesting summer tops. Being a crafty lady, instead of just going out and buying a few tops, I decided to make some. That’s how this top came to be.
The shape is very simple. It’s just a trapezoid with a rectangle of ribbing. You can see the basic shape here. It’s based on a dress that I’m fond of, but it’s also just a common shape for sweaters from the 40s and 50s.
I used 3.25 mm needles for the ribbing and a 3.5 mm hook for the body. My gauge worked out to be two rib stitches per double crochet which was perfect. I knew the ribbing would go over my hips, and I wanted plenty of ease. I ended up buying six skeins of Spud and Chloe Fine in order to finish this, two skeins of each color. I used up all but scraps of the white, but I have the majority of my second green and yellow skeins leftover. I need to figure out what to do with that.
Socks! I just finished a pair in S&C fine, and they turned out great.
Have you ever knit socks? You tend to make sweaters.
Yeah. I’m not really a sock person. I tend to wear tights or go sockless for most of the year. I only wear socks layered over tights when it’s REALLY cold, and those tend to be knee socks.
Ha! I did the same thing & finished a lacy tank top just in time for the end of the season for it. Your top is so pretty & you wear it exceptionally well !
This is so nice!
I was going to say socks too. I’ve got a pair on today made of the same yarn.
I do like that top. The neckline is wonderful.
Wow! It’s great! I’ve found out that’s it’s indeed a 50’s shape when I was looking thruogh vintage books. Your top’s really feminine!
May I say that I was skeptical when I first saw the stitch pattern and the colors but your sweatshirt turns out great. I love it !
Thank you!
Whaaaa! I’m totally in love! For some reason I thought you were making a cardigan with that ripple pattern, but I love this SO MUCH more!
It’s an understandable assumption. This is only my 5th pullover sweater, three of which I made this year. I’m a cardigan junky.
Cute top! Great colors and style!
it came out really great! really. it’s a stunner 🙂 and I’m surprised by how simple the shape is, given how flattering it is.
It looks amazing!
Ooooh, very pretty. I love the colors and the waves. 🙂
gorgeous! This is one top that I would be willing to learn crochet for!
I love it!! And the way you styled it with the red belt is perfection.
Looks amazing. I bet that will become a favorite and have a long life in your wardrobe.
Oh this is super cute! Nice work. I love the deep V. Are you going to release a pattern? Or maybe just share it between roommates? I could learn to crochet for this…
The “pattern” is just a drawing on a Post-It note with some measurements. I might write up something on how to calculate sweaters in this shape because it is ridiculously simple.
So cute! I love it when people can make and rock crocheted garments.
this turned out magnificently! just gorgeous to the nth degree!!
It’s fabulous! The shape is perfect.
I love it! Did you ever “write up” the pattern….I’m not as gifted as you with translating patterns….