This top is designed to honor the time in Jane Austen’s life when she and her family moved from the small parish of Steventon to Bath, the capital of English fashion. At the time the Austen sisters found themselves there, fashion for young ladies was at one of its most risqué periods in their lifetimes. Necklines were low and lace overskirts had been reduced to lace edgings; dresses were even dampened to cling and show off the corset underneath. This top is reminiscent of those dresses. Starting with lace edging around the bottom, the piece is worked in reverse stockinette broken with visible lines running up the bust.

Individual pattern for sale here: http://www.interweavestore.com/scandalous-bath-top

Chart PDF available here: http://www.needleworktraditions.com/charts-illustrations-...