When you embark on a long-term project you’re never quite sure if it’ll be finished at a seasonally appropriate time or not. Luckily this one has arrived in time for Spring.
The pattern is Ready for Spring by Yellowcosmo – when I found the pattern on Ravelry, I added a number of other Yellowcosmo patterns to my favourites list for future. Her designs are just my thing (a bit of asymmetry, geometric lines or a quirky feature without being too eccentric).
I’m normally heavily influenced by the colours used by the pattern designer but I actually already had this yarn in my stash (Tosh Merino Light in Button Jar Blue). It was intended for a different project but I didn’t like the drape with the correct gauge so I had to find a new pattern for this yarn. I’m pleased with Ready for Spring pattern – it’s a good match.
There are three sections of lace plus some ribbing in the back. It was my first time with a lacy pattern and it took a bit of getting used to. I found myself making plenty of mistakes and having to go back to fix them. My favourite lace pattern is the one across the bust. I’d like to lift this from the pattern and use it on something else.
My only change was to add just a little shaping for waist and arched back – sneaking in some decreases evenly over the side and back. I’m two dress sizes smaller at my waist than hips so even with the open style I’d have ended up with a ripple of sway back fabric without this.
Do you have any tips for me… specifically blocking a cowl collar. Although I’d like to upgrade from blocking on a towel to a foam mat, I’m not convinced that’s why the cowl collar didn’t block well. It couldn’t work out a good way to pin for blocking and consequently it dried with ripples. Nevertheless, I’ll have plenty of opportunities to try some other blocking methods on the collar because I’m going to be wearing this a lot.
Clipped Curves 
Nice work, Emma Jayne!
I”m thinking that your collar doesn’t have as much drape as the original because of the yarn. Ultra Alpaca Light makes quite a fluid fabric. You could get a bit more drape in yours by adding some length. And steam blocking the cowl gently might help too; I’d do it around a ham or sleeve board.
I love Yellow Cosmo’s designs too, and I’ve never made one! I really ought to!
Really love this! And thanks for the introduction to this designer. I’ve been across to Ravelry for a look – there’s loads their that I could see myself in.:)
Gorgeous & such an amazing colour x
I agree with dokucug. you might need to knit another inch or 2 to get a drapier look with the cowl part. or stretch it when it’s wet and drying. or pull on it a bunch when you’re wearing it to see if it stretches out and gets more cowl-y.
So pretty, love the design details on this. A lovely, modern style.
It’s lovely, and perfect now the weather’s just starting to improve. Not sure about the blocking sorry, but I’m sure there’ll be some clever person who can help you. 🙂
This is so pretty!
That’s adorable! My favorite colour too!
I had to comment because it really is a beautiful top. Such a lovely colour and the little bits of design are fabulous! Superb 😊
I’m suggesting what might be a completely mad idea here, but what if you blew up a balloon inside the damp collar, to stretch it to the size required, and just let the piece dry round it? As I say, probably bonkers, but it could perhaps work – though, erm, no pins, obviously! (Disclaimer: I’ve never tried this myself. Only flat blocking round these parts :-))