La Leche Blouse

Please see bottom for details on sliding payment scale. The La Leche Blouse is a drapey, oversized top with a v neck, semi sheer hem details, and buttons going up either side. While this pattern is intended for any knitter who so desires to knit it, it is designed with accessibility features specifically for pregnant, nursing, and post-partum moms. These features include a v neck with semi sheer neckline detailing in order to give moms looking down a view of their littles while nursing, while others cannot see through; two of the three buttons on either side are intended to be unbuttoned for nursing access, or to make further space during pregnancy and post-partum for changing bodies; the front and back panels are shaped differently in order to remove excess bulk wherever possible while keeping the flowy fit; and of course- enough ease for 2! The pattern is offered in 8 sizes with a recommended ease of 16-22 inches or 41-56 CM. If you are in between sizes, I recommend choosing the lower of the two. The pattern provides instructions for sizes correlating to bust circumferences of 28-76" or 71-193cm. Finished Bust circumferences: 50, 56, 62, 68, (74, 80, 86, 92) inches 127, 142.25, 157.5, 172.25, (188, 203, 218.5, 233.75) cm **Yardage:** Light Fingering Yarn: 825, 935, 1010, 1210, (1350, 1480, 1690, 1870) Lace Yarn: 750, 850, 950, 1150, (1250, 1335, 1525, 1715) While this pattern may be worked in a DK or sport weight yarn held single using the “Light Fingering Yarn” yardage quantities, the hems are intended to be worked with the light fingering yarn held single. Because of this difference in weight for the hems, it is recommended to modify sts picked up to best suit the substituted yarn, should you desire to have the semi sheer hem. **Length Modification:** The following yardage increase amounts are for each size in order, adding 1 inch to the length of the garment, front and back combined. 35, 35, 40, 45, (50, 55, 60, 65) per inch. Add this number in increments of inches you want to add to the length compared to the measurement chart, attached in the pattern photos. There are also instructions in the pattern for an optional modesty panel which is knit separately and then sewn to the underarm to allow for more coverage if so desired. The pattern is worked as a classic drop shoulder, meaning that the cast on is based off of the bust circumference instead of the cross back width. My reason for choosing this method for this pattern is due to the fabric made up by the sample yarn and gauge. It would create too much weight and bulk under the arms for the modified drop shoulder technique to be applied here, however, if one chooses to use a sturdier yarn for the pattern instead of something extra drapey, you can modify the cast on amount by decreasing the number of sts casted on and increasing those sts later when instructed in the pattern. This will only affect sizes 6, 7 and 8 as the difference between bust circumference and crossback width is greater per the craft yarn council standard women's sizing chart. This pattern is named in honor of La Leche League, who helped me in more ways than I can count when nursing my first just seemed impossible, and Our Lady of La Leche who is one of the oldest depictions of the Blessed Mother, shown nursing the child Jesus. Finally, it is tough out there lately. I don’t want cost to be what stops you from knitting my pattern. This is why I have included discount codes for 10, 15, and 20% off this pattern below. Please only use if you need it, but do not shy away from using it if you do need it! Being in a low income bracket myself, I know how it is just disappointing for something to be just out of reach. Because of this, I will also be giving you all a gift every mother’s day by including an increased discount yearly. Discount codes- mama10, mama15, mama20