This empire-waisted camisole, almost entirely worked in the round, is easily lengthened to a dress. It showcases the “Dayflower” lace pattern from Barbara Walker’s 2nd Treasury of Knitting Patterns. The bust is fitted, with a twisted cord tie accent, and the Dayflower lace straps provide the finishing touch.

Difficulty
Intermediate: skills used include lace knitting (probably not an ideal first lace project), reading chart, picking up sts, three needle bindoff.

Materials
Yarn: Classic Elite Premiere, 50% cotton/50% Tencel, 108 yds/50 gm skein, color #5220 “frosted blue”, 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 10) skeins for hip-length camisole.
Needles: US size 6/4 mm circular needle, 24-47” depending on selected size. Adjust needle size to obtain correct gauge.
Notions: Stitch holders or waste yarn

Garment Measurements
Bust 33 37 41 45 49 53 inches
84 94 104 114 124 135 cm
Underbust 28 32 36 40 44 48 inches
71 81 91 102 112 122 cm
Circ at 41.5 47.5 47.5 53 59 59 in
hem 105 121 121 135 150 150 cm

Gauge
20 sts/28 rows to 4”/10 cm in st st; approx 23 sts/30 rows to 4”/10 cm in patt st. Check gauge on blocked swatch.

Pattern Notes
St st gauge is more important for proper fit than lace st gauge, because fitted portion of top is worked in st st. The underbust (measured at the bra band) should fit with zero to slight ease (the twisted cord will help hold this area against the body) while the bust should fit with zero to negative ease.

The underbust band should stretch to 33 (38, 42, 47, 52, 57) inches; ensure that this is sufficient to put the garment on by making a loop corresponding to this measurement for your size, using a nonstretchy cord or measuring tape, and passing it over your head, arms and chest.

Note that empire dec are not the same for each size; because dec are worked into each repeat of the lace pattern st, larger sizes would have had larger decreases in circumference just below the underbust band. For instance, if the empire dec used in sizes S and M were used for all sizes, in sizes 2X and 3X the hem circumferences would have been 65” and 71”, respectively. However, if you prefer a fuller “skirt” and more gathered empire waist, for sizes L (1X, 2X, 3X) cast on 306 (340, 374, 408) sts and follow the empire decrease directions for sizes S and M.