Torrent Tank

**PATTERN DIFFICULTY:** Intermediate. **NOTES** Water cascading down a hillside, crashing over rocks and fallen logs, creating a roar of sound that over takes the senses. This pattern is named to honour the record-breaking rainfall we have had this spring in northern Alberta, which caused overland flooding, washed-out roads, and turned the creek behind our house, which last year was completely dry, into raging rapids. I think the lace in this top is reminiscent of the white water that caps a rushing creek, such as that little torrent behind our house. This top is worked from the top-down, beginning flat and transitioning to in-the-round. It begins by casting on the straps, which begin in double knitting and shaped to form a scooped neckline along the back neck but a v-neck for the front. Once straps are joined to form the back or front, depending, armholes are shaped and then the stitches are put on hold. Compound increases along the armholes provide an appropriate fit for all nine sizes. The front straps feature a lace detail which cascades down the full front of the top, through the body to the hem. All edging is worked in situ, meaning there is no picking-up of stitches in final steps, and edges are grafted together for a clean finish. Once front and back are joined in the round to form the body, subtle A-line shaping is added provide ease and drape at waist. This garment fits snug at the bust and loosely at the waist. An option for a Provisional Cast-ons for the straps is provided, so that the straps can be worked after the all other parts of the top are complete, allowing for subtle adjustments of armhole depth if required. **HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SIZE** This pattern has 9 size options. Choose a size that will give around 1 inch (2.5cm) of negative ease at bust (the difference between body’s larger measurements and the garment’s smaller measurements at this point). The most fool-proof method is to measure a similar fitting garment in your wardrobe and choose a size that matches. See schematic in photos. Modelled sample: I am 5 ft 10 inches (178cm) tall and am wearing Size 2 with 3.5 inches (9cm) of negative ease, with 1 inch (2.5cm) added to armhole depth, and the body length cropped by 1 inch (2.5cm). **GAUGE** in 4 inches (10cm) after blocking Stockinette, worked flat/in the rnd 28 sts by 34 rows/rnds. **NEEDLES** Main: 3mm (US 2.5) circular and double-pointed needles. Ribbing: circular needles 0.25-0.5mm (1-2 US sizes) smaller than Main needles. These are suggested sizes; adjust needles as required to obtain gauge. **YARN** - 3, 3, 3 || 4, 4, 4 || 5, 5, 6 balls of Knitting for Olive Cotton Merino, 70% organic cotton, 30% wool, 250m / 50 g, colour “Soft Mint 99710,” or - 567, 622, 699 || 831, 913, 996 || 1150, 1238, 1342m of substitute light fingering-weight, cotton-merino blend yarn. **CIRCULAR CORD LENGTHS** - increase cord length as needed. Short: 16 inch (40cm) for working small stitch counts flat. Long: 30 inch (75cm) cord for working small circumference in magic loop and large stitch counts in the rnd, or choose your preferred methods. **NOTIONS** Crochet hook for Provisional Cast-on (optional), stitch markers (4), removable stitch marker or safety pin (4), stitch holders or scrap yarn, tapestry needle, scissors. **SPECIAL TECHNIQUES** Double knitting (straps only), lace, continuing in lace pattern separately from row-by-row instructions, grafting edgings using Kitchener stitch, 3-Needle Bind-off, Provisional Cast-on (optional).