Knitting Club

Pattern: Drawstring Chemise by Connie Chang Chinchio, Interweave Knits Spring 2008

Yarn: Rowan Cotton Glace, 5 skeins

Needles: US 2 and 1

Notes: A knitted camisole that’s wearable? I can’t believe it - I swore off knitting camisoles after the a-line tank last year (it looks cute, but worsted cotton is not practical for a tank.) I made two small modifications to this pattern. The first was to add 1.5″ in length. I added this length after the waist decreases. I would definitely recommend adding length unless you are very short in the torso. The second (small) modifications was to knit an extra set of decreases on the back piece only. I don’t know if it made a difference, but I was concerned about it being too boxy, and it’s definitely not. I chose to knit the 30″ size, which is smaller than I would usually go for. I ended up with a 31″ bust after a little gauge change, and it fits perfectly with 2.5″ of negative ease. Keep in mind that it does have a drawstring, and you can cinch the bust to fit a little, but not too much without wrinkling.

Believe it or not, this is actually the first time I’ve knit i-cord (for the drawstring.) I hated knitting it, but it really does look nice and adds to the overall polished feel of this knit. I had a little trouble getting started on the lace - I would recommend drawing a line on the chart where your size starts and stops to help make it more clear. By the time I got to the inset I had no more problems. This isn’t really wearable without a layer underneath, but I expected that, and I think it looks perfectly fine over a thin tank top.
I really enjoyed this knit - thanks to Connie for a great pattern!