Dayflower Lace Camisole/Dress

Pattern now available for purchase!

This empire-waisted camisole, almost entirely worked in the round, is easily lengthened to a dress.  It showcases the “Dayflower” lace pattern from Barbara Walker’s 2nd Treasury of Knitting Patterns.  The bust is fitted, with a twisted cord tie accent, and the Dayflower lace straps provide the finishing touch.

MATERIALS
Classic Elite Premiere, 50% cotton/50% Tencel, 108 yds/50 gm skein, color #5220 “frosted blue”, 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 10) skeins for hip-length camisole.
US size 6/4 mm circular needle, 24-47” depending on selected size.  Adjust needle size to obtain correct gauge.
Stitch holders or waste yarn

DIFFICULTY
Intermediate:  skills used include lace knitting (probably not an ideal first lace project), reading chart, picking up sts, three needle bindoff.

GAUGE
20 sts/28 rows to 4”/10 cm in st st; approx 23 sts/30 rows to 4”/10 cm in patt st.  Check gauge on blocked swatch.

SIZES & MEASUREMENTS

                     S      M      L     1X     2X    3X
Bust              33    37     41     45    49    53 inches
                    84    94     104  114   124   135 cm
Underbust     28     32     36    40     44    48 inches
                    71     81     91    102  112   122 cm
Circ at hem   41.5  47.5  47.5  53   59   59 inches
                    105   121   121   135  150  150 cm
Shown in size S, 24”/61 cm long.

PATTERN NOTES
St st gauge is more important for proper fit than lace st gauge, because fitted portion of top is worked in st st.  The underbust (measured at the bra band) should fit with zero to slight ease (the twisted cord will help hold this area against the body) while the bust should fit with zero to negative ease. 
The underbust band should stretch to 33 (38, 42, 47, 52, 57) inches; ensure that this is sufficient to put the garment on by making a loop corresponding to this measurement for your size, using a nonstretchy cord or measuring tape, and passing it over your head, arms and chest.

Note that empire dec are not the same for each size; because dec are worked into each repeat of the lace pattern st, larger sizes would have had larger decreases in circumference just below the underbust band.  For instance, if the empire dec used in sizes S and M were used for all sizes, in sizes 2X and 3X the hem circumferences would have been 65” and 71”, respectively.  However, if you prefer a fuller “skirt” and more gathered empire waist, for sizes L (1X, 2X, 3X) cast on 306 (340, 374, 408) sts and follow the empire decrease directions for sizes S and M.

 

Click here to purchase!  Included are all written instructions, schematic, and Dayflower Lace charts; after purchase you will be emailed a link to download the pattern in pdf format.

Comments

[Rachel]

This pattern is simply beautiful! Does it work with a bra when you wear it without another shirt underneath?

[connie]

Congratulations, Angela. It's a beautiful design. I'm off to buy it now :)

[Barbara]

This is beautiful! And it looks like it would fit someone who is larger up top as it were (i.e. me). I'd also be interested to know if it would work with a bra when worn alone.

[Angela]

I'm so flattered that you think I'm not wearing a bra in the shirtless photo! One of my favorite things about this top is that the straps actually conceal my bra straps without any surreptitious checking and tugging--and I have worn it out to dinner a couple of times, so it's been road tested, as it were.

[ruby]

Just wanted to say hi. Have been watching the progress of your camisole on create along - have joined myself but not yet posted. This is lovely. Love your use of lace. Am going to order the pattern when I get home

Ruby x

[Monique]

I love, love, love this!

[May]

I've finally finished mine. I look forward to wearing it when warmer weather comes along. Thanks for a good pattern.
http://blog.mayyan.net/2008/02/10/dayflower-camisole-modelled/

[Jennifer]

This looks like it would make a very cute maternity top, but I am not sure how to adjust the pattern - any tips?