YARN: Important! If you substitute a yarn that stripes or pools, make sure to check for decent match when you join second hank and split for neckline BO/decrease and shoulder area. My yarn, Noro Kibou, required minor re-engineering to soften the natural stripes that occur-- very emphasized if there is a mismatch at the neckline. So plan ahead especially if you have a limited supply of yarn. That said--this pattern not really meant for yarn like mine--I was stubborn -really wanted Kibou!

GARMENT: A silly, fun confection! Soft cottony jammie top for summertime. Did a modified granite stitch bottom border to help it drape better and prevent curl:-)
I knit as two separate pieces and then picked up seam edge and repeated granite stitch pattern in contrast. Then seamed. I got feedback from other knitters that it drapes better with a seam and I liked adding a vertical element. Harder to match front to back with a stripey yarn like Kibou, but I got close. Drapes nicely.

PATTERN: Lots of folks have pointed out that this pattern assumes that you understand basic garment construction. I had to rewrite my instructions to be much more specific (ie purl rows after decrease rows, or whether or not BO’s were on knit rows or purl rows or both). If you scroll through finished projects marked “helpful” there are A LOT of suggestions to make the pattern easier to knit!

DECREASES IN MAIN BODY: (size 42)
Stitch count before dec: 138
Decrease 1: k20 (ssk, k17, …) -6 = 132
Decrease 2: k20 (ssk, k16, …) -6 = 126
Decrease 3: k20 (ssk, k15, …) -6 = 120
Decrease 4: k20 (ssk, k14, …) -6 = 114
Decrease 5: k20 (ssk, k13, …) -6 = 108
Decrease 6: k20 (ssk, k12, …) -6 = 102

Shoulder Area: size 42 calls for 7 decreases on RS for final shaping, many knitters commented this seemed too narrow, so I only did 5 decreases leaving 7 stitches and am very happy I did this, even with my added crochet.

MISC: Crocheted 2 beads into a functional wee pocket. Did contrasty double crochet around neckline and armhole.

SIZING: Size 42 is one size up from normal but I wanted this to fit very loosely in the Arizona heat and since Kibou is a bit bulky, I wanted more drape in the peplum. It worked out perfect! Exactly the length I wanted after blocking, and nice looseness BUT NO gapping at underarms or neck.