The ‘I Do’ Frilly Top is the MUST-make!

Wedding season is not over, AND there are always future reasons to dress up, right?! The ‘I Do’ Frilly Top is a perfect lightweight fluttery-peplum knit that is perfect for such occasions!

It is no secret that I love my frill and flutter. I had been dreaming of a lace peplum or babydoll with lightweight matching flutter sleeves since I had designed my Flutter Me Fancy Top. It was finally time to bring my idea to life!

I started with finding the perfect yarn. I wanted silky, summery, shimmery yarn. After a bit of research, I settled on Lion Brand Yarn’s Truboo in Mushroom, which is this gorgeous mauve. I saw the sheen and knew that it’d work up lightweight after working with it’s sister yarn, Coboo. So, I purchased only 3 balls and gritted my teeth, knowing my design would have to use less.

While I waited for my yarn to arrive (and it did in just 4 days!), I browsed all the lace options. I chose the Traveling Vine Lace – which has a fun little story featuring my friend @oneofakate, so read on!

I swatched, and I began to write my pattern. For those that don’t know, I actually write my pattern BEFORE I knit it, and then I tweak it as it’s made. I wanted a perfect fit for the bodice and peplum length to fit all sizes and shapes, and constructing it from the middle was the best option. What is constructing it from the middle? It means the bust is knit bottom-up, and the lace peplum is knit top-down. This way both lengths could be best customized for the perfect fit!

Story Time

In the midst of knitting my design, I filled my time with browsing Instagram stories. I came across Kate’s gorgeous Deltoid Leaf Vest (which is now in my library, awaiting cast on) and reached out to her. Among our chatting, I shared progress on my latest design of the ‘I Do’ Frilly Top, and I received a response similar to, “Are we designing the SAME design?!”

Kate then sent me her proposal she submitted to Lion Brand, and sure enough, our designs were coincidentally similar…even close in color. We had chosen the same lace, too! When we got over our initial shock, we worked out our dilemma. First of all, let me tell you that Kate is a class act! She was kind, supportive and a great sport during this process. We chatted daily on our progress, and her Pheonix from the Ashes emerged as the stunning Traveling Vine’s Tank! It’s amazing and sexy, and it’s also on my to-do list!

‘I Do’ Frilly Top

So onto finishing the ‘I Do’ Frilly Top…

Once I completed my knit and opened my testing call, (see what I look for when selecting testers here), I allowed my testers to play with the lengths to best fit their preferences and bodies. Some knit tunic-length peplums, others knit longer bodices with a short lace ruffle. They’re all amazing, and they’re showcased below! Click on the photos to view the tester’s Instagram accounts.

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Most had chosen to knit the top in the suggested Truboo or Coboo yarn from Lion Brand. What we learned was that Truboo stretches A LOT with blocking, and Coboo does too…but not as much as the growth with Truboo. It definitely is NOT a bad thing, in fact, it makes the drape of the garment INCREDIBLE. BUT, I do recommend knitting down a size for a more fitted top, if that is preferred. Also, keep in mind that the length will grow 1-3″, depending on size. I asked that my tester’s include their before and after measurements of the top in their Ravelry project notes. So please be sure to view these when deciding on size and length for your ‘I Do’ Frilly Top!

Please share your projects on Ravelry or Instagram. If sharing on Instagram, please remember to tag me (@lovelybylee) and use the hashtag #idofrillytop. I love to be able to share your hard work and knits in my stories.

Shop the pattern on Ravelry or Etsy.

The ‘I Do’ Frilly Top is inspired by Wedding Season. It is feminine, luxurious, sweet and sexy! The form-fitting bust flares into a traveling vine lace peplum. The fluttery lace sleeves add flirt and frill, and this top looks amazing on all body types! This is the must-have knit for all the ‘I Do’ events of the summer.

This knit is made from the waist-up, then from the waist-down.

It is recommended that this pattern is knit in cotton, bamboo or other plant fiber/plant fiber blends for an accurate drape.

Sizes
XS – 28-30” (29”)
S – 32-34” (33”)
M – 36-38” (37”)
L – 40-42” (41”)
XL – 44-46” (46”)
2XL – 48-50” (48”)
3XL – 52 – 54” (53”)
4XL – 56-59” (57”)
5XL – 56-62” (61”)
*Fits with bust sizes -” with no ease on bust and positive ease around the waist
(flat measurement)

Gauge
~ 23 sts x 26 rows = 4” in Stockinette Stitch in the round

Materials
580, 620, 660, 790, 870, 990, 1080, 1140, 1220 yards dk (cat. 3) in cotton or bamboo (or natural plant fiber blend)
*US 5/3.75mm 24-32” circular needles
US 8/5mm 24-32” circular needles
US 10/6mm needle (to bind off)
Measuring Tape
Large eye blunt needle
4 Stitch Markers
2 Stitch Holders (or scrap yarn)
*Or size needed to obtain gauge.

This is an advanced-intermediate knit. Skills required are knitting in the round, knitting flat, seaming or three needle bind off, decreases (K2tog, P2tog, SSK, SSP), increasing (KFB, M1L, M1R, PFB), YO, and picking up stitches.

Included in this pattern are an abbreviation key, stitch explanation, alternatives and tips, written pattern, lace chart and schematic.

Shop Lion Brand Yarn.

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