Crochet Tops

  I usually do a pretty good job of keeping my work life, home life, and hobbies separated, but lately they've been overlapping. So I'm back after being "missing in action" for quite some time. Although I haven't updated my blog for a while doesn't mean I haven't been crocheting. I've completed two tops and I'm working on some other orders as well.

  The first pattern is a Halter Top that came from the book, Contemporary Crochet: 37 European Designs, by Sys Fredens. It's found on page 48 and works up pretty fast. I used worsted weight cotton yarn. The only changes I made was that I made the bust area a little smaller and made the top longer. It came out nice. I think I will put a lining in the bust part so I wouldn't have to wear something under it. It's not too lacy but I wouldn't want to show anything extra, if you know what I mean.

  The second top doesn't have a pattern. Well, I did use a specific stitch, but I winged it for the actual shape and construction of the shirt. Originally, I was just going to make two rectangles and attach them together, minus the neck and armholes. As I was working on the front, I decided to make the neckline more of a neckline. I did that by continuing my stitch pattern on the sides that go up the shoulder, and single crocheting in the middle. The backside is just a rectangle. The stitch that I used is from the book Crochet! Techniques, Stitches, Patterns, by Marie-Noëlle Bayard. The stitch is called Closed Garlands and it's found on page 127. I think this was a good stitch for this shirt. I really like the look of this stitch.