Bauxite is a breezy summer blouse with lace detailing, v-neck front, a deep v-neck back, and I-cord straps. It’s worked seamlessly, top down. The deep armholes create a breathable cotton top that is somewhat pit-sweat resistant. The loose, open look of the garment make it great for showing off your other knits, like this crop top. The chevron lace is deceptively easy. It looks a little fancy, but it’s really just the same 10 stitch repeat throughout.

The actual measurements of the top are 21” wide (not accounting for the straps, which add anywhere from 4” to 9”) and 21” long. It’s designed to be worn with several inches of positive ease. Because the armhole is long and loose and the straps can be adjusted, this piece could fit a wide range of sizes. However, If you want the make it larger (or smaller), I would recommend adding (or subtracting) a multiple of 10 stitches at the shoulders, and working that many more (or less) lace repeats over those stitches. For example, to make the piece about 8” wider, I’d cast on and pick up 77 stitches (rather than 57) at each shoulder, and work 7 lace repeats (rather than 5). You may also want to make the armholes and body a bit longer (or shorter) if you are modifying the size, and don’t forget that that will affect how much yarn you’ll need.

The pattern calls for four skeins of Brown Sheep Cotton Fine, but I only used right around three skeins. If you frog your swatch and are careful, you may be able to get away with using only three as well. :)

You can access the pattern for free on my linked blog, or you can purchase a printable PDF from my Ravelry store.