Caitlin’s Desert Top was designed to be the perfect piece for jaunts in the woods and deserts of California. Light and airy, but sophisticated enough for a night out, this top captures the bohemian essence of the botanical loving goddess for which it is named.

Method: Crochet

Skill Level: Easy

Hook Size: I, 5.5mm

Other: Darning Needle
Stitch Markers or Safety Pins

Yarn: Craft Yarn Council Category 3 Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend
Color A: Whipped Cream
Color B: Chai Latte
392yds, one cake each
(altering the sizing of the piece will change your yarn requirements)

Gauge: 4” x 4” = 14 exDC sts x 8 rows (alternating single and extended double crochet rows)

Sizing

The Caitlin Desert Top is designed to be oversized with a generous amount of positive ease to keep things loose and flowy. Rather than giving specific stitch counts, I encourage makers to take their body measurements and tailor their garments to their size based on my alteration recommendations.

For this top, you will want to work in multiples of two when adding or removing stitches. Each repeat of an sc and edc combo is about one inch. Thus, if you would like a longer top you will want to add one of each row before the final border for each additional inch of length desired. The given neck measurement accounts for the added width created by the back panel construction.

As written, this top hits at the top of the hip bones, and is designed for a 30 inch bust and desired length of 18 inches. However, the model in the pictures has a 40 inch bust, giving the top a more cropped look and feel.

Additional alternation recommendations are given in the body of the pattern where appropriate. Please keep in mind that when sizing up you will need to purchase additional yarn. As written, this pattern ill use nearly all the yarn in the Comfy Cotton cakes.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions about sizing and alternations. I am always happy to help. Just send me an email or message me on Instagram or Facebook.

I do respond to Ravelry messages, but it usually takes me a little longer to see them.

melanie@countingcraftysheep.com
@CountingCraty on Facebook & Instagram