Like a warm hug on a new spring day, this top is a mock wrap that flatters in all the right places. The ruching hides many flaws, as well as adding to the warmth and texture of this garment.

Knit in Alpaca Cloud, this lightweight beauty can go to work over a skirt or stay at home, layered over a favorite pair of jeans. All pieces are knit flat, and then gathered before seaming. Slip the first stitch of each row purlwise to create a neat selvedge for seaming.

If you are in between sizes, or prefer more ease, choose the larger size and customize your fit when gathering the pieces. As this yarn doesn’t have a lot of stretch to it, make sure you cast on and bind off loosely.

This pattern utilizes very unique construction techniques. Please read through each step carefully and refer to the schematics to avoid confusion.

Ok, so the photos are kind of crappy to be honest. The garment isn’t hanging properly on the model. Nothing can be done about it now, but as soon as I get this pattern back I will fix the photos.

If you look at the model, the fabric is supposed to cross the bust-line lower (between the breasts), which would bring the shoulder seems into place. Yes, this design does gather across the belly, but it is intended to be tighter than it is on this model, not a stretched out post-maternity look. I think the main issue with these photos is that I don’t think the model is the size 34 (28” waist, 38” hip) that the sample is knit for. The pattern has instructions for custom fitting this garment to your body, and I think the customizations to the neck opening as well as the side gathering would have been a good thing for this model.

When I get this pattern back I will be making some changes to it, including the option to lightly felt it. Stay tuned in April, 2016!