I began this design with the goal of highlighting the waistband. Realizing that all my top choices for waistband patterns would need to be worked sideways, I selected a cable panel that I’ve been intrigued by for some time and worked the upper and lower portions of the bodice from the long edges of the panel. I used small cables complementary to the waistband to outline the “princess seams” on the upper bodice and to form the ribbing of the sleeves and the neckband. I worked the peplum in a lace pattern that I’ve attempted to use multiple times before but hadn’t managed to find the right yarn and needle combo to make it shine. The Miss Babs Yummy-2 Ply on size 6–7 needles turned out to be perfect. The lace pattern looks generally the same whether worked top down or bottom up (although you can see the direction of the stitches on close inspection), which allowed me to work the peplum and sleeves in opposite directions. To avoid disrupting the stitch pattern with increases in the peplum, I went up one needle size to give it some flare. After completion, I realized that the peplum, full sleeves, subtle princess seams, and round neckline with decorative ribbing reminded me of the silver dress worn by Infanta Margarita Teresa in a painting by Velazquez, so I named this sweater “Baroque,” after the era in which the painting was made.

The sweater begins with the waistband, which is worked flat and seamed at the short ends. Stitches are picked up along one long edge of the waistband to form the upper body, and along the opposite long edge to work the peplum. Sleeves are worked in the round, and then worked flat to form the sleeve cap. The neckline is formed by picking up stitches and working them in pattern in the round.

Finished Measurements:
-Bust circumference: 30¼ (34½, 38, 42, 46¼) {50½, 54, 58, 62¼}“ / 77 (87.5, 96.5, 107, 117.5) {128, 137, 147.5, 158} cm.
-Length: 22½ (23½, 24¼, 25½, 26) {26½, 26½, 27, 27}” / 57.5 (59.5, 61.5, 64.4, 66) {67, 67, 68.5, 68.5} cm

Designed to be worn with 1-3” / 2.5-7.5 cm positive ease at bust. Note that sizes 4X and 5X are available only in the Ravelry Downloadable pattern.

Full schematic is shown in images at left.

Materials
1100 (1225, 1375, 1525, 1700) {1900, 2025, 2200, 2325} yards/ 1000 (1150, 1275, 1425, 1575) {1750, 1850, 2000, 2125} meters Miss Babs * Yummy 2-Ply * (400 yards/ 365 meters per 3.9 ounce/ 110 gram skein; 100% Superwash Merino Wool) in color Corset.

Needles and Gauges:
US#2 (2.75mm) 24”/ 60 cm circular needle, or one size smaller than needles used to achieve St st gauge

US#3 (3.25mm) 24-60”/ 60-150 cm circular needle, or size needed to obtain St st gauge

US#4 (3.5mm) needles, or one size larger than needles used to obtain St st gauge

US#6 (4.25mm) 24-60”/ 60-150 cm circular and DPN needles, or size needed to obtain gauge in English Mesh Lace, Version A

US#7 (4.5mm) 24-60”/ 60-150 cm circular needle, or one size larger than needles used to obtain gauge in English Mesh Lace, Version A

In St st on US#3 needles, 27 sts x 38 rows =4”/10cm.
In English Mesh Lace, Version A on US#6 needles, 21 sts x 36 rows =4”/10cm.

Notions:
Tapestry needle
Cable needle
Stitch markers
Crochet hook for picking up stitches

Techniques:
The abbreviations page, which lists all techniques used, is pictured at left.
Pattern involves working multiple shapings (e.g. shoulders and neckline) simultaneously, while also adding or removing stitches from the stitch patterns. Explicit row-by-row directions are not provided.

Ravelry Downloadable Pattern:
Pattern is a 10-page pdf, consisting of one cover page; three pages of information on sizing, materials, and written and charted stitch patterns; one page of abbreviations; 4 pages of instructions; and one schematic page. All stitch patterns are given in written and charted form.