I designed this top with minimal shaping to allow the Shetland stitch patterns to take center stage. I chose a 100% plied Merino wool yarn which is sturdy and not too springy, allowing the lace to open up without compromising the structural integrity of the garment. The edging for the body and sleeves is worked lengthwise, and then stitches are picked up along the long edge, and the body or sleeve is worked bottom-up. The construction of the top is a bit unusual, having only one side seam.

The lace pattern did not lend itself to being worked exclusively from the right side, which would have been necessary for a seamless garment. Furthermore, the large repeat of the lace edging meant that working the front and back in two separate pieces would have caused inaccuracies in grading for various sizes. To optimize the grading and also work the stitch pattern flat, the top is worked flat in one piece to the armholes and later seamed at the right side. The neckline is finished with a picot edging.

Finished Measurements:

• Bust circumference: 30½ (33¾, 37½, 42) {45½, 50, 53½}“ / 77.5 (85.5, 95.5, 106.5) {115.5, 127, 136.5} cm.
• Length: 21½ (22, 22½, 23) {23¾, 23¾, 24½}“ / 54.5 (56, 57, 58.5) {60.5, 60.5, 62} cm. Designed to be worn with 1-3” positive ease at bust. Shown in Size S with 1.5” positive ease. Full schematic is shown in images at left.

Materials
780 (850, 950, 1000) {1200, 1300, 1450} yards/ 715 (780, 870, 960) {1100, 1200, 1350} meters A Hundred Ravens Iachos (400 yards/ 366 meters per 3.53 ounce/ 100 gram skein; 100% Merino) in color Leaf.
Yardage estimates include 10-15% extra. Size S used 776 yards (just under 2 skeins).

Needles and Gauges:
US #4 (3.5 mm) 24” circular needle: 24 sts & 37 rows = 4”/ 10.2 cm in Bead Stitch.

Notions:
Tapestry needle
Stitch holder

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, but general tips are given.

Ravelry Downloadable Pattern:
Pattern is a 6-page pdf, consisting of one cover page; one page of sizing, materials, and abbreviation information; one page of written and charted stitch patterns; 2 pages of instructions; and one schematic page.