Knitty: Summer 2007

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by Cheryl Kemp

After months of winter projects, I was struck with the desperate need to knit something for summer. I wanted something suitable for "tv knitting" yet with enough interest to prevent boredom.

Looking for inspiration, I perused knit blogs and ran across a picture of a
bias knit scarf. An image of a tank top using this technique began to form in my mind.

The bias diagonal makes a simple v-neckline and the resulting bottom mirrors the trendy handkerchief halter.

No shaping and minimal finishing makes Askew a quick and easy addition to your summer wardrobe.

model: Cheryl Kemp photos: James Kemp

SIZE

XS[S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X] (shown in size M)
To fit chest size 30[34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54] inches

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Chest: 28[32, 36, 41, 46, 50, 54] inches
Back Length, from underarm to lower edge: 11.5[11.5, 11.5, 13.5, 13.5, 15.25, 15.25] inches
Note: Measurements given for piece after blocking. The first 4 sizes have negative ease; the last 3 sizes have no ease. This top is designed to be snug-fitting.

MATERIALS

Noro Silk Garden [45% silk, 45% kid mohair, 10% lambs wool; 109yd/100m per 50g skein]; color: #213; 3 [3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6] skeins

1 set US #7/4.5mm needles

Stitch holders or waste yarn

Tapestry needle

GAUGE

16 sts/24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
Note: Gauge measurement is given for fabric before blocking.

PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here]

The Long-Tail Cast On is recommended for this project.
Instructions for Mattress Stitch can be found here.

PATTERN

LEFT FRONT
CO 26[30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50] sts using the long-tail cast on.

When working the Left Front, work every RS row as follows:
Left Bias Pattern Row [RS]: K1, kfb, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

Work 4 rows in garter st, beginning with a RS row.
Work 10 rows in stockinette st.
Work 6 rows in garter st.
Repeat these 16 rows 3[3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5] times more.

Work 10 rows in stockinette st.
Work 2 rows in garter st.

Next Row [RS]: K8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 18], BO remaining sts. Break yarn.

Strap
Rejoin yarn to work with WS facing.
Note: When working the strap, do not work Bias Pattern Row.
Work 3 rows in garter st.
Work 10 rows in stockinette st.
Work 6 rows in garter st.
Repeat these 16 rows until strap measures 6.5[8, 8, 8, 10, 10, 10] inches, ending with a garter st section.

BO all sts.

RIGHT FRONT
CO 26[30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50] sts using the long-tail cast on.
When working the Right Front, work every RS row as follows:
Right Bias Pattern Row [RS]: K1, ssk, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Work 4 rows in garter st, beginning with a RS row.
Work 10 rows in stockinette st.
Work 6 rows in garter st.
Repeat these 16 rows 3[3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5] times more.

Work 10 rows in stockinette st.
Work 2 rows in garter st.
Next Row [RS]: BO 18[20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 32] sts, k to end. 8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 18] sts.
Work Strap as for Left Front.

BACK
CO 36[40, 44, 52, 60, 70, 84] sts.
Work 5 rows in garter st.
Work in stockinette st until piece measures 10.75[10.75, 10.75, 12.75, 12.75, 14.5, 14.5] inches, ending with a WS row.
Work 5 rows in garter st.
Loosely BO all sts.

FINISHING

Immerse all pieces in lukewarm water with a small amount (approx. 1 tsp, depending on amount of water) of fabric softener. Allow pieces to soak until thoroughly saturated.
Pin pieces out to measurements given in schematic. To achieve these measurements, pieces will be significantly stretched widthwise, but not lengthwise. Allow to dry completely.

Using mattress st, sew right and left fronts together at center. Sew side seams, matching garter st section at upper edge of back to last garter st section of front below base of straps.

Try on top to determine best placement of straps. Sew ends of straps in place.
Weave in ends.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Cheryl Kemp knits, designs and owns an online yarn store in Cincinnati, OH. Hair of two Siamese cats, a Siberian Husky and a mutt are unwittingly incorporated into many of her projects.

You can see more designs at her blog.