Knitting, project 188. Completed 2/28/2009

Yarn: 800 yards lightweight cotton yarn: pattern called for White Lies Designs Treasure Island Cotton (100% cotton, 200 yards ea): 2 (2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4) skeins.
Used instead, held double — 9 balls Cascade Yarns Dolly (100% merino wool, made in Italy), extra fine, shrink resistant. 50 g / 1.76 oz, 140 m / 153 yds. Color 82 (red).

Needles: US 10.5 (6.5 mm) needles to get gauge
Pattern called for US 8 (5 mm) and 9 (5.5 mm) needles

Gauge: 3.5 sts and 4 rows = 1 inch in St st
14 sts and 16 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in Stockinette st using larger needles

Pattern: By Joan McGowan-Michael, White Lies Designs
© White Lies Designs 2007 All rights reserved worldwide. http://www.whiteliesdesigns.com

Finished size: Size 40″ chest, 25″ length  — Added 1 inch to length

Leftover yarn: 1.7 oz (wound double), about 147 yards total (purchased 9 balls, used 8 for the project). Used 615 yds (of yarn held double)

Approximate cost: $53    $8.39 for pattern plus $7.89 per ball x 8 balls of yarn
Yarn on sale for 30% off ($44.18)

Notes: This was my first attempt at knitting with negative ease. I did end up retyping the pattern to correct a few math errors for my size (plus I prefer line-by-line instructions). The finished top is just great fitting. I really love the results. This is a great design.

Pattern author Joan McGown-Michael says:

This pretty shell top is simple to knit, but gives a lot of sexy bang for little effort! The large gauge yarn gives almost instant gratification and the easy shaping flatters womanly curves with a gathered sweetheart neckline and knit-in cap sleeves…. The garment is knitted with about 4.5″ of negative ease, but will easily stretch to fit the bust sizes [listed in the pattern].