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Scéal Grá
{a love story}
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We say that knitting is a labour of love. And at no time do I feel this more keenly than when working lace. The care, the trust, the commitment, the passion - they all must be present, and sustained, for the needles to work their magic and yield a wearable piece of my heart. An ode to this process, Scéal Grá (pronounced scale grah) means ‘love story’ in Irish Gaelic.

Worked seamlessly from the top down, this lightweight, easy-to-wear top offers multiple shaping options and extras, including a flounced hemline, a bodysuit extension, and various sleeve lengths and styles. The circular yoke features a delicate lace motif of drooping blossoms, elements of which are also echoed in the edgings of the sleeves.

Scéal Grá is suitable for adventurous beginner sweater knitters, with some experience in lace.


Note this pattern was originally published in May 2018. This new version is an updated and size-inclusive re-release.

instagram tags: #scéalgrágeansaí #scéalgrá

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MATERIALS & INFO

Yarn
suitable for fingering to sport weight yarns,
approximately 350-400m/ 380-440y per 100g/ 3.5oz


project requires 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5) 100g/ 3.5oz skeins
for A-Line Bodice with 3/4 sleeves, in fingering weight yarn


Needles
Circular lace-tipped needle, 3mm (US 2.5) in diameter 

(or as needed to meet gauge - typically from 2.5mm to 3.25mm)

Notions
stitch markers, measuring tape, scrap yarn, tapestry needle
for Bodysuit option only: 3 sets of snap closures, sewing needle &thread

Gauge
26 sts x 35 rounds = 10cm x 10cm (4” x 4”) in stockinette
Note that half-sizes can be worked, by altering gauge to 27st or 25 st per 10cm

Sizing
Size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Finished garment measures as follows at chest circumference:
86cm/ 34.5” (95cm/ 38”, 100cm/ 40”, 105cm/ 42”, 115cm/ 46”, 122cm/ 49”, 135cm/ 54”, 146cm/ 58”, 151cm/ 60.25”, 155cm/ 62”)

Fit
this garment is designed to be fitted at the yoke and sleeves, and more relaxed through the bodice

approximately 5cm/ 2” of ease around the chest is recommended, although a tighter fit and a more relaxed fit will work as well

Special Techniques
short rows, lace, provisional cast-on, i-cord, Kitchener st
Pattern includes lace chart, as well as line-by-line written instructions for working lace.

Construction

worked top down, in the round, with circular yoke construction. Edgings are finished with i-cord.


Note that the main Pattern Instructions are for a crewneck 3/4 Sleeve top, with either a straight or an A-Line Bodice. Additionally, the extensive Appendix provides instructions for an optional Bodysuit extension, for short and long Sleeve options in several styles, for a Flounced Hem, for a Boatneck neckline (as in the original version of the pattern), and for turned edgings instead of i-cord (in the event the i-cord edging is insufficient to keep your stockinette fabric from curling).

Notes on Yarn Selection
For best results, my recommendation is to choose a yarn with strong stitch definition in a solid or subtly tonal colourway. For example: Sock yarn in a solid colour, a plant fibre or silk blend, high-twist merino or BFL. A yarn that is either fuzzy (with a halo), or variegated, is likely to obscure or compete with the lacework. Unless you are knitting a long-sleeve version, you may also consider whether the yarn you choose is suitable for being worn next to skin.

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SAMPLES INFO

The mauve sample is a size 2, modelled with 5cm/ 2” of ease. It features 3/4 Sleeves and a Bodysuit Extension. It was knitted in Apple Oak Fibre Works Turin, in the Hibiscus colourway. 



The grey sample is a Size 3, modelled with 10cm/ 4” of ease and zero ease. It features short flounced sleeves and a straight Bodice. It was knitted in Woolly Adventures BFL-Nylon high twist, in the Pewter colourway. 



The purple Sample is a Size 4, modelled with zero ease and 5cm/ 2” of ease. It features 3/4 sleeves and an A-Line Bodice. It was knitted in BC Garn Bio Balance, in the Berry colourway. 



The pink and green samples were made according to the original 2018 version of this pattern. They are a Size 3, modelled with 10cm/ 4” of ease. They feature a Boatneck neckline, 3/4 sleeves, A-Line Bodice and flounced Hem. They weer knitted in Townhouse Yarns Olla, in the Cherry Blossoms and Shamrock colourways.