VALA TOP
This top is designed with the aim of harnessing the unique quality of silk to reproduce and reflect light. We have played with a relief pattern in knit and purl stitches that emerges depending on how the light falls on the hand-knitted surface.

CONSTRUCTION
The Vala Top is worked from the top down in a pattern of knit and purl stitches.
First, the left strap and chest piece are knitted, then the right strap and chest piece. The two chest pieces are joined at the centre chest, and after additional increases at the sides, stitches are cast on for the back.
From here, the body is worked in the round with increases along 2 marked side stitches at each side.
After the increases, the work is divided at the sides for slits, and the front and back are finished separately.
Edges are knitted simultaneously with the patterned surfaces.
The straps can be tied behind the neck or fastened with a knot at the small i-cord loops sewn onto the edge of the back. The straps can also be sewn to the edge of the back.

SIZES: (S, M, L)(XL, 2XL, 3XL)
Bust circumference
(75, 83, 91)(99, 107, 115) cm
(29.5, 32.75, 35.75)(39, 42.25, 45.25) in
Half bust circumference/measured flat
(37.5, 41.5, 45.5)(49.5, 53.5, 57.5) cm
(14.75, 16.25, 18)(19.5, 21, 22.75) in
Chest piece, height from first increase to centre front assembly
(11, 12, 12)(13.5, 13.5, 13.5) cm
(4.25, 4.75, 4.75)(5.25, 5.25, 5.25) in
Length from underarm to i-cord hem
+/- (32, 33, 33)(33, 34, 34) cm
(12.5, 13, 13)(13, 13.5, 13.5) in
Measurements are after washing.

YARN
einrúm PURE silk
Yarn usage: (100, 100, 150)(150, 200, 200) g

NEEDLES
3 mm, 60-80 cm US 2.5, 24-32 in circular needle
2 single 3 mm US 2.5 double pointed needles or 3 mm, 40 cm US 2.5, 16 in circular needle for i-cord
Adjust the needle size if necessary to obtain the right tension.

NOTIONS
Stitch markers
Stitch holders

TENSION
In knit and purl stitch pattern using 3 mm US 2.5 needles
10 cm 4 in = 25 sts
10 cm 4 in = 38 rows
The tension is measured after washing. Note that the silk will grow up to 10% in both length and width when washed. Therefore, the knitted piece will appear smaller while on the needles than the finished result after washing.

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