Inspired by ancient Viking overdresses, Svala is a pretty way to layer for warmth and style. The simple lace pattern adds a lightness to plain garter stitch fabric, decreasing easily into a fitted bodice, which is laced at the sides in the traditional way. Make it in linen or cotton to adorn a summer frock, or in cozy wool for long winter walks.

Size: xs-small, med-large, xl (to fit bust sizes 30”-36”, 36”-42”, 42”-48”)
Materials:
Cascade 220 (100% wool, 220 yards per 100gm skein), 4 (4, 5) skeins
Circular or long straight needles, size US 10, or the size you need to get the correct gauge
One stitch holder
Two lengths of ribbon or cord for lacing, about one yard each
Gauge: 16 sts = 4” in garter stitch, lightly blocked
Pattern notes: The loosely knit garter stitch is very stretchy. This, and the lacing at the sides, makes for a very flexible garment. You will want a yarn that normally knits at about 5-5.5 sts per inch, so that the resulting fabric is pliable and stretchy when knit at 4 sts per inch.
The skirt portion hangs free in the front and back, and is not intended to meet at the sides. When joining new yarn, keep in mind that the side edges of the pieces will not be hidden in seams.