cross strap top, light blue

This was an interesting pattern to knit. It was a fairly easy project. However, this was my first experience with Glace, and I learned that rayon stretches. The top stretched down 2-3" making the neckline overly revealing. I washed and machine dried the top, but that did not fix the problem permanently (maybe took care of 1" of stretching). I resorted to doing some surgery on the straps. I took the back straps down 6 rows (9 stitches each). I took the front straps and crisscrosses down 8 rows from where the straps are joined to the crisscrosses. I rejoined the front straps with the crisscrosses and then reknit using size 5 needles (2 sizes smaller than I used for the rest of the sweater). I followed the directions for joining the straps and crisscrosses except I also threw in 2 additional decreases so that I could end the front straps with 9 stitches each. Now the top feels tighter and more secure. See pre- and post-repair pics. Completed May 2004.

Pattern: Adrienne Vittadini pattern from Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2004. I adjusted it to knit in the round, substituted yarn, and shortened and widened the straps.

Yarn Brand: Berroco Glace #2543 light blue, a 100% rayon tape yarn

Quantity: 7 skeins.

Needles: Size 7 needles.

Gauge: 19 st = 4"