29-06-2023

I saw Ana’s fabulous design over a year ago and bought the pattern but have only now worked up the courage to make it!
I’ve looked through all the linked projects to see how others got on and several people said they had to add extra rows. I may also add some extra stitches.
My white yarn is ordered and my hooking hand is itching to get going!
Ana said to buy 400g but I’m erring on the Very cautious side and ordered 700g! The leftovers will get used I’m sure.
I’m not using the suggested yarn and mine has 240m per 100g rather than 212m, so it’s a bit thinner…

The yarn arrived in under 24 hrs! I’ve just made a tension piece with a 4mm hook. I get -

14 sts = 3 5/8” & 7 rows = 3 1/4 “
Or -
16 sts & 8.3 rows = 4”

That’s unblocked.

The designer got 14 sts & 7 rows = 4”
That’s quite a difference… If I work exactly to the pattern, my top will be 4” narrower and 4” shorter than expected!

I’ll wash it and let it dry naturally overnight but I’m going to need to recalculate the stitch and row count completely… I might also start just under the bust and work up, then go back and work down to the hem. Much easier to adjust the length that way.

03-07-2023

Well, I did another sample 40sts wide, which measured 9.5”. I want to aim for a finished size of 42-43”.

I’ll cast on an extra 4 sts compared to the pattern, using a foundation tr method, then work upwards to the shoulder. Then I’ll go back and work into the other edge of the foundation row and work towards the hemline. The granny clusters will face opposite directions but I don’t think that will be noticeable. I’m also thinking of adding some extra shaping sts once I’m past the waist, otherwise it won’t go round my hips!

After 3 false starts, I think it’s going OK now…

05-07-2023

FRUSTRATING!!!!!

It would be SO much easier if only one hook size was used!
I keep forgetting to change back to the larger hook for the granny stitch pattern!!!!

08-07-2023

Just remembered I was going to make a slightly flared shape towards the hemline. Two more rows of trs, then the granny stitch rows. Better decide now! Might just be able to go up a hook size. If I can find my set of hooks that is…

15-07-2023

The front and back are done, so I tacked them together to try it on. Was very worried it would be too small after all but it fits a treat!! I’ll add two more granny rows to the bottom edge.

So glad I ordered extra yarn. I’ve used nearly 350g already!

Now, neck edge next, or sleeves?…

Considering making another with a scoop neck.

24-07-2023

Sleeves.
Shoulder edge has 16 sets of tr’s.
Work 7 rows of grannies, then 6 of tr’s. Repeat.
Finish with tr’s again. 3 rows with 5mm hook, then 2 rows 4.5mm and 3 rows with 4mm. This is an extra row. Finish with row htr’s.

30-07-2023

Just properly finished! Only needed to make a twisted cord drawstring….

Fits like a dream but I’m glad I bought extra yarn as with this yarn I used a full 500g, not 400g!!

I might make another one but will work the torso in the round to avoid the side seam, and will go for either a V neck, or scooped.

15-07-2024

I wore this a LOT last summer! I eventually had to wash it and then put it away.
No idea if I actually followed the washing instructions on the label… possibly, as it feels a bit hard now, as if I didn’t use softner. The label said not to.
But… it’s shrunk a bit! I can still get into it but it’s snug now. And the sleeves are far too short!

Need to find the leftover yarn and work another 4 rows at least. Hope I didn’t get rid of it…..

So glad I made lots of notes when I made this!!