01 September 2007

Jax Camisole


I was inspired by the heat of Florida summertime to create this warm-weather project. Admittedly, it is probably a bit late in the season to post a pattern like this one. I finished this top in April. It's amazing it's getting posted at all.

This camisole is a fairly straightforward top, embellished with a couple of simple slip-stitch motifs to add visual and structural interest, done in a luxurious, lustrous mercerized cotton. Mine is made to fit my 36" bust, but the shaping should be easily adaptable to fit and flatter your own body shape. It begins with a waist band made made to fit the wearer; then, picking up along the edge, the top is formed with strategic increases and decreases and shoulder straps mirroring the waist band pattern; and finally, picking up around the opposite waist band edge, the bottom is added.


Size: To fit a 36" bust

Yarn: ONLine Linie 12: Clip, 100% cotton, Color 168 - Teal (3 skeins)

Needles: US 6

Gauge: 24sts x 24 rows = 4" in SS

NOTE: My BOs are done in k1p1 bind-off, for purely aesthetic reasons (to keep the chain-edge out of view). If you prefer, you may do standard BOs.
Stitch patterns come from the Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns.


WAIST BAND:
CO 8 sts
k3, p2, k3, turn
Row 1 (RS): p3, wyif sl 2 pwise, p3
Row 2 (WS): k3, p2, k3
Repeat these 2 rows until band measures 36" when stretched slightly (alternately, long enough to fit over the bust and lie around the rib cage).
Graft, or BO and sew ends together.

TOP:
With circular needles, beginning at seam, pick up and knit around band edge: (appx) 125 sts
Increase for bust:
Row 1: Place marker (#1) at beg of row. *k3, m1, k4, m1* - repeat around, placing marker (#2) after 40 sts and marker (#3) after 40 more (this is the front of the shirt), then work 80 sts as established to end of rnd (back of the shirt).
Row 2, & even-numbered rows through Row 10: k even
Row 3: k 12, m1, k to last 3 sts before marker #2, m1, k 3 to marker. k 3, m1, k to last 12 sts before marker #3, m1, k 12 to marker. k even across back.
Row 5: Repeat row 3.
Row 7: k 12, m1, k 8, m1, k 13, m1, k 8, m1, k 3 to marker #2. k 3, m1, k 8, m1, k 13, m1, k 8, m1, k 12 to marker #3. k even across back.
Row 9: k 12, m1, k 9, m1, k 15, m1, k 9, m1, k 3 to marker #2. k 3, m1, k 9, m1, k 15, m1, k 9, m1, k 12 to marker #3. k even across back.
Row 11: k 12, m1, k 10, m1, k 17, m1, k 10, m1, k 3 to marker #2. k 3, m1, k 10, m1, k 17, m1, k 10, m1, k 12 to marker #3. (56 sts per side of front.) k 30, ssk, k 16, k2tog, k 30 to end.
Next Row: k even across front; after marker #3, k 30, BO 18 sts.

*Top will now be worked back & forth rather than in the round; next row begins here.*

Bust:
Row 1 (RS): k 30 to marker #1. k 12, m1, k to last 3 sts before marker #2, m1, k 3. k3, m1, k to last 12 sts before marker #3, m1, k 12 to marker. k 21, ssk, k 7. turn.
Row 2 (WS): p 8; place these 8 sts on stitch holder (for strap). p to marker #3. p even across front. p 21, p2tog, p 7. turn.
Row 3: k 8; place these 8 sts on stitch holder (for strap). k to marker #1. k 12, m1, k to last 3 sts before marker #2, m1, k 3 to marker. k 3, m1, k to last 12 sts before marker #3, m1, k 12 to marker. (60 sts per side of front.) k 10, ssk, k 9. turn.
Row 4: BO 10 sts at beginning of row. p 10 to marker. p even across front. p 10, p2tog, p 9. turn.
Row 5: BO 10 sts at beginning of row. k 10 to marker. k even across front. after last marker, ssk, k 8 to end. turn.
Row 6: BO 9 sts at beginning of row. remove marker #3. p even across front. after last marker, p2tog, p 8 to end. turn.
Row 7: BO 9 sts at beginning of row. remove marker #1. k even across front to last 10 sts, k2tog, k to end. turn.
Row 8: BO 9 sts at beginning of row. p even to last 10 sts, ssp, p 8 to end. turn.
Next Row: BO 9 sts at beginning of row. k 2, ssk, k to last 4 sts before marker, k2tog, k 2. attach 2nd ball of yarn; with new yarn, k 2, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k 2.

*Front will now be separated into left/right fronts; continue to work both sides simultaneously, using separate balls of yarn, to ensure the two halves match.*

Decreasing for bust:
Row 1 and all WS/odd-numbered Rows: p even.
Row 2: k 2, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. Repeat on 2nd half.
Row 4: k 2, ssk, k 9, ssk, k 16, k2tog, k 9, k2tog, k 2. Repeat.
Row 6: k 2, ssk, k 8, ssk, k 14, k2tog, k 8, k2tog, k 2. Repeat.
Row 8: k 2, ssk, k 7, ssk, k 12, k2tog, k 7, k2tog, k 2. Repeat. 34 sts remain per half.
Row 9: p even.

Decreasing toward shoulder straps:
RS - "RS Dec Row": k 2, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k 2. Repeat on 2nd half.
Work RS Rows as RS Dec Rows and WS Rows even until 24 sts remain per half, ending after a RS Row.
Next Row ("WS Dec Row"): 1st half: p to last 4 sts, ssp, p2. 2nd half: p2, p2tog, p to end.
Continue to work, alternating WS Dec Row and RS Dec Row until 16 sts remain per half, ending after a WS Row.
Switch back to working RS Dec Rows and WS Even Rows until 8 sts remain per half, ending after a WS Row.

Shoulder Straps:
RS Rows: k1, p2, wyif sl 2 pwise, p2, k1.
WS Rows: k3, p2, k3.
Work these 2 rows until each strap measures 14" slightly stretched (or, if you can try the shirt on at this point, long enough to comfortably reach the held sts on the back).
Last WS row, p even, then graft to sts on holders. The piece should resemble a bra at this point.


Optional (but recommended):To reduce the amount of curling around the top edge, with crochet hook of comparable size, work a single row of single crochet stitches around all top edges.


BOTTOM:
With circular needles, beginning at seam, pick up and knit around band edge: (appx) 125 sts.
Increase Row: *k 3, m1, k 4, m1* repeat around, placing marker at beginning of row and after 80 sts to separate front and back - 160 sts total.

Pattern = Fabric Stitch w/ Slip Stitch Edge:
Row 1: sl 1st st kwise; *wyif sl 1 pwise, k1* to last st; sl 1 st kwise.
Row 2: sl 1 st pwise; k to last st; sl 1 st pwise.
Row 3: k 1; *k 1, sl 1 st pwise* to last st; k 1.
Row 4: k across.

Row 1 = Setup Row: Back - k 25, place marker, work Row 1 of patt across 30 sts, place marker, k 25 to marker. Front - k 16, place marker, work Row 1 of patt across 16 sts, place marker, k 16, place marker, work Row 1 of patt across 16 sts, place marker, k 16.
Continue to work as established: Back - k 25, work patt between markers, k 25; Front - k 16, work patt between markers, k 16, work pattern between markers, k 16.
Continue in this manner until bottom measures 8" long, ending after row 4 of pattern.

Hip shaping:
Increase Row: Back - k 8, m1, knit/work in patt as established between markers to last 8 sts of back, m1, k 8. Front - repeat.
Alternate this increase row with 1 regular row for a total of 4 increase rows; end after row 4/regular row.
Work 1 row p even, with 1 additional m1 to achieve an odd # of total sts.
Work in seed st for 1". BO in patt (k1 p1 BO).


35 comments:

Bethany said...

Very Beautiful!! I think the stitches in different directions is a nice touch.

Marvie said...

Love this top! Bookmarked it, and I'm already dreaming of possible yarn choices *g*

Anonymous said...

How pretty! It fits you so well. You have a real gift for designing knitwear!

Anonymous said...

Holy crap! That looks very complicated...and beautimous...
Glad to see a post!

Anonymous said...

I love this tank! So pretty. Looks good on you too. How are your pets enjoying Fla?

Anonymous said...

Since I'm a Jax Beach Gal I'll have to try it!

Ren said...

gorgeous top! really, it is SO not too late to post the pattern. it stays hot forever here in FL. : )

Kelly said...

SOOOO pretty!!!!

Cara said...

Thanks everybody! I always appreciate a little flattery. :)

Cole - the pets are doing alright in FL. Riley's not a fan of all the afternoon rain showers, but he is happy to stay inside. Bettie on the other hand would rather be outdoors stalking the lizards...

And it's definitely true that it's still ridiculously warm outside! In fact, if somehow manage to go to a Jaguars game, I'll be wearing this top there.

Dove Knits said...

It is just beautiful! I wanna make it!

R a i n said...

It's gorgeous!!! Seriously =) I love it!

Anonymous said...

Great top and it fits you wonderfully! Thanks for posting the pattern. I love clip but have never used it myself. Do you recall how much you used? Thanks, Teri

Cara said...

Sorry, I didn't realize I'd left that key bit of info out! I used 3 skeins (and had a fair amount left over). I updated the pattern to include this. Thanks for asking!

Caroline said...

hey! i stumbled upon your blog after seeing your doggy sweater and wanted to say hi!

i love this top you made - the color and fit is fantastic

Anonymous said...

What a great top! I will have to add it to my project queue for after Christmas.

rupestur said...

This is absolutely stunning! I need this! It looks like you have the same measurements as me. Busty gals need flattering tops to show that they have a waistline.

Zia said...

Just popping in to say WOW that's a really COOL top!! Thank you so much for the pattern... it's something I will make in the near future. :)

Shevon said...

What a beautiful design!

You could probably sell a design like this. Have you ever tried?

Anonymous said...

I love the detail of it. I'm not a fan of thick spagetti straps, but I really like your design. I've bookmarked it too!

BrownBerry said...

OMG. must. knit.this.now.
Awesome - and thank you for sharing this with us!

jenfromRI said...

That's beautiful! Nice job!

Anonymous said...

I Love it.. I can't wait to make one. You're very good at what you do!

Anonymous said...

Just kind of happened upon your site. I also crocheted first, and most recently started knitting. I love the Jax tank. I think it's really different and stylish. I only hope that my knitting will measure up to yours one day! Thanks for sharing.

By George said...

Hi Love your camisole. Looks a little challenging for me but someday I'll give it a try.

Love to find these knitting blogs.

Anonymous said...

This is AWESOME! Since I live in San Diego (another Navy town) it is ALWAYS tank top season. This top actually fits someone that has a chest and has straps thick enough for a bra too. THANK YOU!!

evknits said...

Very cool top! I think it could be very comfie in the humid Michigan summers. I'll really have to consider this for my curves!

Anonymous said...

Cara, Never commented online before, had to say thank you for sharing this absolutely beautiful design!

My skills are not quite up to this level YET (need to graduate beyond rectangles and lace). Now I have my first garment 'goal'.

Thank You!!! It's so pretty.

Sincerely,
Lauri from RI. Where's it's still pretty damn cold for 'spring'. 03/16/08 (mcsredhead@cox.net)

timps said...

It's so beautiful! Thank You!

Meredith said...

This is great! I plan to make it soon; thanks for posting the pattern.

Anonymous said...

Random comment - I've never seen "Knitters for Obama" but I love it! You go girl! The Cami is gorgeous. I'm going to have to be a better knitter in order to make it look like yours. Thanks for the pattern. Keep creating! You're good.

Unknown said...

Wowowowowowow is all I can say, wish I wast talented enough to design something like this!! I could just about knit it now, but as for altering it to fit my shape, now way! Congrats on being soo talented and thank you for sharing it with us! ;) Tabitha

Karen said...

Could you please recommend a good alternative yarn for me? I was thinking peaches and cream worsted or maybe plymouth jeennee worsted. Those two have totally different sizes, so I thought it better I ask before guessing. We don't get much of the fancy stuff up here in northern maine lol.

TVM for sharing!
Karen ~ On Rav as: Cloverallovermd

Cutter Two Wheels said...

wow, this is stunning. i can't wait to try it, except... sure i have a 36" or so bust, but... cup size is a toally different story. do you think this will fit a DD or possibly DDD? i go back and forth between both cup sizes...

Cara said...

Cutter Two Wheels: You may have to do some alterations to fit a D/DD. My cup size is just barely a C. Try working more M1's in the increase rows or working extra increase rows. Sorry, I've only worked it up in the one size... But trail an error makes a better knitter, right?

To Karen: Sorry I didn't follow up more quickly. I haven't worked with either of those yarns really - well, I used Peaches and Cream forever ago for some dishcloths, but it's been a LONG time. If it helps, Ravelry lists the Clip as 9 wraps per inch. And if you can't find it locally but are interested in using it, there's always online shopping. Clip is available here for example: http://www.verenaknitting.com/shop/yarn/Online/Linie+12+Clip

susanpurl said...

Wow, stunning! You are so talented. I made this in tomato red and it looks HOT! Thanks so much!