In his “Empire” phase, Paul Poiret borrowed silhouettes from the early nineteenth century. Here, twisting cable motifs decorate a high-waisted top. A DK-weight yarn in merino, baby alpaca, and silk creates a drapey knitted fabric.

DESIGNER Jennifer Wood

DIFFICULTY Intermediate

FINISHED SIZE 29.5 (33, 37.5, 42, 45.5, 50)” bust circumference. Pullover shown measures 33″; modeled with zero ease.

YARN Valley Yarns Northfield (70% Merino wool, 20% baby alpaca, 10% silk; 124 yd / 1.75 oz): #11 balsam, 8 (9, 10, 12, 13, 14) balls. Yarn distributed by WEBS.

NEEDLES Size 5 (3.75 mm): 24″ circular and set of double-pointed. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

NOTIONS Markers; removable m; cable needle; stitch holders; tapestry needle.

GAUGE 20 sts and 28 rows = 4″ in St st.

NOTES This pullover is worked from the top down. The back is worked separately back and forth to below the shoulder (which is shaped with short-rows), then the stitches are placed on a holder. Stitches for the fronts are picked up along the back shoulders, the shoulders are shaped with short-rows, and the neck increases are started. Then stitches for the sleeve caps are picked up along the selvedge edges of the fronts and back, and the fronts, back, and sleeve caps are worked together to the underarm. The body is worked in the round to the lower edge, with short-rows to lengthen the back. The sleeves are worked in the round to the cuffs.