Emma by Janine Le Cras

This lightweight summer cardigan was inspired by those wonderful regency muslin dresses that you see in films such as Pride and Prejudice.

Working with empire lines and puffed sleeves can be a bit of a challenge, especially as everyone’s bust line is a little bit different. So it seemed by far the simplest thing to work from the top down using the method pioneered by Wendy Burnard in her Custom Knits book.

This means that you can try it on as you go to check that the end of the bodice section finishes in the correct place for your shape. If like me you are a little busty it is also possible to add a few short rows to the front of the bodice to stop it riding up.

Knitted from the top down with set in, afterthought sleeves, the main body of the cardigan is worked in a true lace pattern with patterning on every row. 

Yarn provided by The Unique Sheep.

Sizes

Finished Bust Size 33 (36, 40, 44, 48)” to fit bust 32-34 (36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50)”. Because the garment is knitted in laceweight yarn on larger needles it has a good amount of stretch.

Shown in size 44”

Yarn

The Unique Sheep Eos Laceweight (50% merino 50% silk; 1260 yards [1190m]/100 grams): Blue Jeans(MC), 1 ball; you will only need about half this amount so 800yds of any similar weight laceweight will be plenty.

Needles

US#6 (4 mm): 24” and 36” circular

Gauge

24 sts and 32 rows = 4” in eyelet lace pattern after light, wet blocking.

Notions

Removable markers in three different colors or designs; stitch holders; waste yarn for provisional cast on; tapestry needle; 9 (9, 11, 11, 13) small pearl buttons