For Spacious Skies

Now available in the July 2020 edition of Knotions Magazine!

I found this yarn and this indie dyer, Birdie’s Knits at the very first Stitches United in Hartford, CT several years ago. I was so excited – I’d never met a hand-dyer who worked in anything other than wool. Being highly allergic to sheep, wool is not an option for me. This colorway reminded me of 4th of July parades with my grandparents and great-grandmother, of summer beach days and Friday night band concerts at the local park all summer with my family.

The star is worked first, from the center out, then short rows make the circle into a square. The remainder of the top is worked top-down – the bust area is worked back-and forth to the underarm, then the whole piece is joined in the round. This pattern will work in both plant and animal fibers.

Sizing
We recommend -1 to -3 inches of ease (negative ease). This means if you’re targeting a 38 bust, that you should choose a 36 (38-2).
(A) Bust: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)” 81.5 (91.5, 101.5, 112, 122, 132, 142, 152.5) cm circumference.
(B) Waist: 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56)” 71 (81.5, 91.5, 101.5, 112, 122, 132, 142) cm circumference.
(C) Hips: 38 (40, 44, 48, 52, 57, 59, 61)” 96.5 (101.5, 112, 122, 132, 145, 150, 155) cm circumference.
(D) Length from shoulder to bottom edge: 23.75 (24.25, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 25.5, 25.75, 26)” 61 (61.5, 62.5, 63.5, 64.5, 64.5, 65.5, 66) cm.
(E) Armhole: 20.25 (20.5, 20.75, 20.5, 21.75, 21.75, 22.25, 23.25)” 51.5 (52, 53, 52.5, 55, 55, 56.5, 59) cm circumference.

Notions
Tapestry needle, 2 stitch markers, stitch holders or scrap yarn.

Yarn
MC: Birdies Knits Sport Weight (100% cotton; 164 yds 150 m/50g): Old Glory, 4 (5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8) skeins.
CC: Schachenmayr Catania (100% cotton; 137 yds 125 m/50g): Natur, 1 ball.

Needle
Size US 4 (3.5mm): 24” (60cm) or 30” (75cm) circulars, dpns and 16” (60cm) circulars
Size US 5 (3.75mm) any length, or one size larger than that used to obtain gauge.
Or sizes needed to obtain gauge

Gauge
24 sts and 28 rows = 4” 10cm in St st.
Star Chart is 8” 20.5cm in diameter after blocking

Tutorials
Links are provided in the pattern to:
Short Rows
I-cord Bind-off

Lace star has both charted and written instructions.

This pattern has been tech edited and test knit. I’d like to thank my amazing test knitters who provided wonderful feedback!

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