Inspired by the ease and grace of classical clothing, Rachel Erin designed this airy silk and linen top in honor of the Greek philosopher Hypatia. The pullover is worked in a simple vertical lace stripe, which gradually converts to ribbing to form gentle waist shaping while the neckline decreases are all worked at the shoulder to make a graceful drape over the bust. It is the perfect layer over dresses or summer tops when the air conditioning is up too high in the library or the sea breezes turn cold at sunset while you gaze at the stars.

This pattern is in the book Stitching in the Stacks, which is available in both print and digital format via Cooperative Press (the digital edition is also available here on Ravelry).

Finished Measurements

Chest: 28 31.5, 35, 38.75, 45.75, 49.25“ / 71 80, 89, 98.5, 116, 125cm

Length: 14 14, 14.25, 14.5, 14.75, 15“ / 35.5 35.5, 36, 37, 37.5, 38cm

Materials

Handmaiden Flaxen 65% silk, 35% linen; 274 yds / 250m per 100g skein; color: Smoke; 3 4, 4, 4, 5, 6 skeins

US #5 / 3.75mm needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
2 double-point needles in same size as above
US 11 crochet hook, or size needed to fit through beads

Beads (50 total, 7 × 5 oval)
Bead threader
6 stitch holders (2 very small)
Yarn needle
Cotton crochet thread in matching color for seaming (optional)