Gone to Seed

ABOUT

Sand cooling as the sun sets, whispered wind from the shore beneath the pines, the tang of brine when the water has finally warmed and the dune grass has gone to seed.

This loose-fitting buttoned pullover is a celebration of linen, wool, silk and llama - an ode to the fibers we turn to when we’re eager for autumn but still caught in summer’s golden hour.

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CONSTRUCTION

This sleeveless top has gentle A-line shaping and a v-neck.

Begin by knitting two lace shoulder panels. Stitches are picked up and knit flat from the top down for the fronts. A panel is worked flat for the back neck and seamed to the shoulder panels. Stitches are picked up and knit flat from the top down for the back. Fronts and back are seamed at the sides, and stitches are picked up and knit for the hem, armhole trim, and button band.

ABOUT THE FIT

I love an oversized top, but often find that the construction is 'a series of rectangles' - which does not translate well to the curves of bodies. Gone to Seed offers effortless styling and wear, created with impeccable fit in mind. Short rows shape the shoulders and back neck, and the pattern includes multiple, fully written cup sizes.

Finally, sizes 6 - 12 have vertical shaping, to ensure that the dropped shoulder is equally graceful in all sizes.

SIZES

1 (2, 3, 4, 5) [6, 7, 8] (9, 10, 11, 12)

To fit upper chest: 28 (32.75, 36, 39.25, 42.5) [45.75, 49, 52.25] (55.5, 58.75, 62, 65.25) inches / 70 (82, 90, 98, 106.5) [114.5, 122.5, 130.5] (139, 147, 155, 163) cm

Finished full bust: 38.5 (42.5, 46.75, 50.75, 54.5) [58.75, 62.75, 66.75] (70.5, 74.5, 78.75, 82.75) inches / 96.5 (106.5, 117, 127, 136.5) [147, 157, 167] (176.5, 186.5, 197, 207) cm

Finished armhole circumference: 15 (16, 17, 17.75, 19.25) [20.25, 22, 22.75] (25.25, 25.5, 27, 28) inches / 37.5 (40, 42.5, 44.5, 48) [50.5, 55, 57] (63, 64, 67.5, 69.5) cm

CHOOSING A SIZE

I recommend choosing the size closest to your actual upper chest measurement. Intended ease is approximately 10 inches / 25 cm at the full bust. For more information on choosing a size using your upper chest measurement, visit this blog post.

Gone to Seed includes instructions for knitting short rows to accommodate breasts. Short rows add length to the front only of the garment, so that the hem does not rise in the front. Four cup sizes are included, as are instructions for omitting the short rows entirely.

Sample shown in Size 5, cup 1, with approximately 10 inches / 25 cm of ease at the full bust. My upper chest measures 41.25 inches / 106 cm.

TECHNIQUES

Working directional increases and decreases
Working a sloped bind-off (optional)
Picking up and working stitches
Knitting lace
Working German Short Rows
Seaming

MATERIALS

Stitch markers (12)
Tapestry needle
9-12 Buttons

GAUGE

26 sts and 35 rows over 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch with size A needles (US size 4, or as needed to obtain gauge).

YARN

The Fibre Co. Meadow

40% merino wool, 25% baby llama, 20% silk, 15% linen— heavy lace weight/light fingering; 545 yds (498 m) per 100 g skein.

Shown in colorway Prarie

This is a soft yarn with a light sheen, crisp stitch definition, and an uneven texture. It has great drape, moderate body, and is lightly grippy.

900 (1025, 1050, 1175, 1300) [1350, 1400, 1450] (1500, 1550, 1600, 1650) yds / 825 (935, 960, 1075, 1190) [1235, 1280, 1325] (1370, 1415, 1465, 1510) m

2 (2, 2, 3, 3) [3, 3, 3] (3, 3, 3, 4) skeins.

Note: Working the optional short rows will require up to an additional 25 yds / m.