As soon as I saw the early computer Colossus I knew it would inspire a piece of knitwear. The cables weave in and out connecting all the valves and switches that need to be set to crack the codes. The cables in this tank top are a little more orderly. With beautiful patterned waist shaping and classic lines this is perfect for capturing the glamour of the Wrens who worked the machine.

This pattern is part of The Bletchley Collection, a six piece collection for Eden Cottage Yarns’ Milburn range inspired by the WWII code breakers stationed at Bletchley Park.

SIZES
XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
Finished bust: 87 (93, 98, 110, 122, 133, 139, 145, 157)cm / 34¼ (36.5, 38.75, 43.5, 48, 52.5, 54.75, 57.25, 61.75)”
Finished length: 57 (58, 60, 61, 62, 63, 65, 66, 67) cm / 22.5 (23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5)”
Armhole depth: 19 (20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29)cm / 7½ (8, 8½, 9, 9½, 10, 10½, 11, 11½)”

YARN
Eden Cottage Yarns Milburn 4ply (4ply/Fingering weight; 85% Bluefaced Leicester Wool, 15% Silk; 200m / 218yds per 50g skein)
Shade: Damson x 3 (4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 6) skeins

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
3.5mm (US 4) circular needle 60 (60, 60, 80, 80, 80, 100, 100, 100)cm / 24 (24, 24, 32, 32, 32, 40, 40, 40)” length.
3.25mm (US 3) circular needle, 40cm / 16” length
Cable needle
4 removable stitch markers
2 stitch holders or waste yarn.

DIFFICULTY
Intermediate
Skills needed: basic stitches, increasing, decreasing (whilst maintaining stitch pattern), cabling, working in the round on circular needles, picking up stitches.

CONSTRUCTION
Collosus is worked seamlessly in the round from the bottom up to the underarms. It is then split for the Front straps and Back and worked back and forth to the shoulders. Stitches are picked up to work a rib edging around the armhole and neckline.

Technical editing by Rachel Atkinson, layout by Claire Devine, Photography by Victoria Magnus.
These patterns are also available in print at www.EdenCottageYarns.co.uk