i flourish top

*i flourish top* is an oversized, sleevless A-line top with a gentle drop shoulder and minimal details. It is airy, has a lot of drape and an elegant shape. **SIZES** (1, 2, 3) (4, 5, 6) (7, 8, 9) *i flourish top* has an oversized fit with a recommended positive ease of 15-20 cm/ 6-8 in at the bust. All sizes are graded to have the same amount of positive ease and the same shoulder overhang for a consistent look across all sizes. There is a detailed sizing chart, a schematic and a “choosing a size” guide in the pattern to help you select the correct size. Before purchasing the pattern, you can preview the sizing chart and the schematic in the photo section. **GRADED FOR ACTUAL BUST CIRCUMFERENCES** (75, 85, 95) (105, 115, 125) (135, 145, 155) cm/ (30, 34, 38) (42, 46, 50) (54, 58, 62) in **BUST CIRCUMFERENCE OF FINISHED GARMENT** (94.5, 104.5, 114.5) (124.5, 134.5, 144.5) (154.5, 174.5, 184.5) cm [(37¾, 41¾, 45¾) (49¾, 53¾, 57¾) (61¾, 65¾, 69¾) in] The model has a bust circumference of 87 cm/ 34¾ in and wears size 2 with 17.5 cm/ 7 in of positive ease at the bust. NOTE: SIZES 7, 8 and 9 have not been tested. If you have the corresponding Actual Bust Circumference and wish to knit one of these sizes, I would be happy to send you the pattern for free in exchange for your feedback. Send me an email at malamaknitwear@gmail.com **GAUGE** After Blocking: 28 sts x 36 R = 10 x 10 cm/ 4 x 4 in worked flat in stockinette stitch using 3 mm/ US 2.5 needles. **YARN** (4, 4, 5) (5, 6, 6) (6, 7, 7) skeins of Knitting for Olive Pure Silk (50g = 250 m/ 273 yds) (100% silk) or (925, 1000, 1100) (1200, 1300, 1375) (1450, 1550, 1625) m/ (1000, 1100, 1200) (1300, 1400, 1500) (1600, 1700, 1800) yds of a fingering weight yarn with a nice drape. The green sample was knit in Knitting for Olive Pure Silk, shade Olive. The orange sample was knit in Knitting for Olive Pure Silk, shade Blood Orange. **NEEDLES** Main needles: 3 mm/ US 2.5 circular needles Finishings needles: 2.5 mm/ US 1.5 circular needles 2.5 mm/ US 1.5 short needles or double pointed needles for the neckline and the armhole finishings **NOTIONS** 1 unique Marker, 4+ removable Markers, tapestry needle, measuring tape, barber cord or scrap yarn, row counter (optional) **DIFFICULTY** Moderately Easy (2/5) Techniques used: long tail Cast-On, backward loop Cast-On, knitting flat and in the round, increasing, decreasing, German Short Rows, picking up stitches, sewn Bind-Off, tubular Bind-Off **WORKFLOW** *i flourish top* is worked top down in stockinette stitch, both flat and in the round. The upper back is knit first with short row shaping to form the slope of the shoulders and the neckline at the same time. After that the armhole shaping is worked, first with decreases and then with increases and the back stitches are put on hold. Next, stitches are picked up to work the left and right shoulders one after the other. Each shoulder is formed with short row shaping. The neckline is then shaped with increases while simultaneously armhole decreases are worked. Once the neckline is complete, the two shoulder sections are joined and knitting continues straight followed by increases to shape the armholes. The upper back and front are then joined, and the body is knit in the round with increases to create the A-line shape. Finally, the neckband and the armhole finishings are worked after picking up stitches. The pattern has been tested and professionally tech edited.