Summer Top/Cover Up




I originally found this pattern on Pinterest and wanted to give it a try.  I liked the idea of using it as a beach cover up.

The original pattern seems to have come from a diagram, which can be found here:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWg9UdEPxY_gz2nWtMojJDOLx-wySrM9bQj5t_jq-hEiCfB1u3PomDHAyqeHa8XAGU-ui8pMQdTgvRCQKS88DRC2NzUJ9fItfknPvJ7GWBHnfQze8Hp-jqAyb5oM_TL3UofZD78ncBDzo/s1600/bata+branca+2.jpg

But if you are not the diagram reading type, this blog has written instructions on how to create the original design:

http://handmadebyhetvoske.blogspot.nl/2014/03/cirkel-tuniek-deel-1.html

That said, as with all things crochet, I like to add my own touches.  In this case, I wanted the pattern to look more like the photos on the left and less like the original.

Here is a list of some modifications that I made:

- I used two strands of very light thread weight yarn crocheted together (Bravo Kristal acrylic yarn)
- I changed hooks midway through the project.  I did the first 10 rows with a 6mm and the next 12 rows with an 8mm
- I did not do all of the rows suggested.  For the top circular portion I did 22 rows.
- I did not use the exact stitch count.  For sizing, I made a chain wide enough to hang loosely on my shoulders, then began the dc1 ch1 pattern.  I tried on the top as I went and started the waist band when the top section was at my waist.  For me it was 22 rows.
- After the first two rows I switches from V stitches to shells
- I completely improvised the bottom edging.  I did:
  1. a row of ch8, sc  [repeat]
  2. dc4 ch3 dc4 in each ch8 [repeat]
  3. ch16 sc1 in each ch3 sp; ch 10, sc1 in next ch3 sp [repeat]
  4. dc3, ch5, dc3 in each ch 16 sp, dc in each ch 10 sp [repeat]
5. dc3, ch3, dc3 in each ch 5 sp, ch 4 sc in dc, ch 4 [repeat]
6. dc2, ch2, dc2, ch5, sc, ch5 [repeat]

And here is my final result:



Becca