A long time ago I used to live in France. I enjoyed it - of course! and when people ask me what I miss about it, I answer the normal things: the food, the drink, the architecture…. But I also miss other things: the french countryside, the sleepy villages ,l’aperitif avec les amis, the wild hyacinthes in the woods, the hoopoe behind the stables……

When making this top I worked with the hoopoe on my mind. The stripe-pattern of the centered front and back echoes the colors of the beauful bird. And I wanted to put some cheerfulness into the design - as the hoopoe always made me smile and feel happy:)

The look, as well as the construction of this top is quite unusual. Yet, everything about it is quite simple! Flattering, fun and elegant to wear! Fun, easy and fast to work!

Sizes I give 10 sizes to choose from in the pattern: 34/36/38/40/42/44/46/48/50/52”. The pattern is perfect for up and downsizing - I explain how in the instructions.

Material I used the “Cotton Glace” by Rowan. A great, mercerized cotton that knits up evenly. This is a Sport/5ply that comes in balls of 50gr/1.76oz and 114m/125yards.
You will need 1 ball of CC (colorway Oyster), 4/5/5/6/6/6/7/7/7/8 balls of MC (colorway Black). You could make a different choice of yarn, as long as you respect the gauge.

I do recommend that you use a wool that doesn’t grow!

Gauge Gauge for st st is 23 sts/32 rows to 10x10cm/4x4”.
Use needles to obtain gauge. (I used needles 3.5mm/US4)

Construction This is the fun part! You work the striped “tails” top down, pick up sts along the whole length of the first tail to work left and right side of the body, join with the second tail, either by 3 needle bind-off (seamless version) or seams.

Sts are picked up along upper and lower body, ribbed hems are made in the round. Shoulder straps are worked from live sts, and bound off at the other side using the 3-needle bind-off. The shaping of the top is made by increase of sts in the striped sections.

Skills: If you know how to knit, purl, m1l, m1r and pick up stitches you will master this pattern without problems. The pattern is perfect for an eager beginner, as well as an advanced knitter looking for a relaxed knitting with an interesting construction.

The pattern The pattern is clear and easy, explaining the construction and giving all the steps from first to last st,
There is a simple schematic to show the knitting directions.

To the hoopoes Please excuse me, I KNOW that you do not have as many stripes in your tail as in my pattern. Please forgive:), and thank you for giviing me the inspiration!