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Paua Shell Topper

This gorgeous shell, native to the deep blue waters of New Zealand, is noted for its predominant blue and purple color currents reflecting silvery luminescence. Occasionally woven with copper, chunky browns, blacks, and ribbons of silver, the surface virtually dances with radiance, a synergy captured in this loose, swingy, top.

Here’s an easy, one-size fits all knit with drop sleeves and a deep single-button neckline perfect for all body types. Kimono-like, on lean forms, the knitted fabric drapes around the body in elegant waves while streamlining more abundant shapes (like my own, pictured above). Could there be an easier cover-up for a chill summer’s eve? It’s like wearing a shawl minus the pesky ends. In cooler climes, try wearing it over a turtle neck.

Random feather & fan is featured here along with bands of garter, stockinet, and wave stitch (a variation of the drop or long stitch). The combination evokes the movement of light playing across the shell’s surface and keeps the weight lacy and open. It’s so much fun to knit! Boredom need not apply. Just cast on with size 4.5 mm/US 6 needles and start playing with yarns in primarily blues, purples and greens, surely the most soul-satisfying colors in existence. Three inches into the piece, you have the option to move to larger needles making this a fast knit to complete.

Knit from your stash or start anew. As with all free-range knitting, any yarn works here but I recommend using lighter sock-weight yarns mixed with DK’s and the occasional band of scrunchy ribbon for a summer feel. Most of the yarns used in the original are silk or silk-wool blends. Sometimes I double them up by holding two yarns together while I knit and at others times I’ll knit the yarn single ply. The design allows for plenty of variation in yarn types so don’t fret about keeping everything the same.

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Lapis Asymetrical Top

Knit a box of jewels in this flattering top. Every possible yarn works here, including ribbons, wools and tapes. Use a hank of the multimedia yarns like Prism or Alp and add in a few stash items to create the rich textured effect. The asymmetrical lines slim most figures and the design could be worn as a vest for a more casual look. Try it with a turtleneck.

Knit from side to side on size 8mm /US 11 needles, the top gradually increases along the bottom edge for the asymmetrical shaping but can easily be modified to a straight-bottomed shell. A band is picked up and knit along the bottom edge with 5 mm/ Us 13 needles.

Sizing is loose: Small fits chest sizes 32-34”, Medium fits 36-38” chest and Large fits 40-42” chest. To increase the size of your top further, consistently use bulkier yarns or move to a larger needle.

Stitches are a random mix of seed, garter and stockinet.

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Field of Dreams

Call it a poncho, if you must, but, to me, this is another kind of shrug, one which knits quickly on big needles and simple stitches. Flattering to most, this one-size-fits-all design could top a sweater for chilly days or keep bare arms richly clothed for evening. Depending on yarn choice, it can be either subdued and monochromatic in a single yarn or more dramatic in multiple fibers. Give it a little sparkle and you have the perfect hands-free shawl for special occasions. The suggested ingredient list calls for appropximately 250 yards of mixed fiber which includes tapes, ribbons, silks, cottons -- anything. The pattern's suggested yarn list offers three colorways: Tuscan fields (shown, which includes a color & stitch map) plus Night Vision and Marine Mirage, with photographs to be posted on website. Do you have stash ends hanging around? Here's a project to call that yarn to action.

The garment is worked on size 8mm/11 US needles in two pieces then joined at the shoulders and under the arms. It measures 55 inches in length from sleeve edge to sleeve edge and 15 inches in width from cast-on edge to neck opening. The tyranny of gauge is banished from this design -- free-range knitters rejoice! It couldn’t be simpler. The magic is in the yarn combinations.

*Front and back are exactly the same

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