To celebrate a fresh start to the new year I wanted to make myself something special, soft and romantic. My “Private Collection” contains lots of the elements I love about knitting: lace, a gorgeous wool, a feminine style, a fun construction, raglan-shaping, a great result without being too complicated, and also the A-line shape which is a true favorite of mine.

Sizes: If working to exact gauge the finished bust-measurements are 34/36.5/39/41.5/44/46.5/49”.
The A-line shape of this top means that you will have more room and a little swing around the hips. Finished measurements for lower bottom are 38/40/42/45/48/50/52.5”

The Construction of this top is a bit unusual: the lace-border is worked sideways with yarn-overs to create a selvedge along one side of the border. Stitches are picked up in each yarn-over and main-body is continued in st st and a flower-pattern in-the round to armpits.
Sleeves are worked in the same way; with a sideways lace-border followed by st st in-the round.
Pieces are assembled and the upper body is made using a traditional raglan-shaping.

Knitting skills: Working lace reading a chart and/or follow row-by-row instructions. Working in-the-round. No difficult sts are involved. The abbreviations used are yo, ssk, k2tog, sl2(as if to k2tog)k1psso.

Material: I used Kidsilk Haze from Rowan. This wool is a favorite of mine since a long time ago. There are many similar qualites on the market - and I can also see this top will work great in a less fussy wool - maybe a merino with some silk? Do remember to respect gauge if you are choosing a different yarn.

Needles: Use needles to obtain gauge. I was using needle-size 3.75mm/US5. You need straight needles for the lace-border, a circular needle of at least 80cm/32” length for the body and the raglan-shape, dpns or a small circular needle for the sleeves.

Gauge: Working in st st 22sts and 34 rows = 10x10cm/4x4”
If you choose to work to a different gauge I give a short key to calculate the exact bust measurement.

The pattern: The pattern is easy to follow with a step-by-step guide to introduce you to how to work the top. There are both charts and row-by-row instructions for the lace-patterns. And there are helpful stitch-counts along the way - at every change of number of stitches.