The Sweatshop of Love Blog

Traverse City Tube Top

When I was young every summer my family would go to northern Michigan for a week of camping. At some point we would drive through Traverse City and I would gawk at the fancy people vacationing in the city. In beach front hotels instead of tents. In pretty clothes instead of t-shirts and jeans. If I were ever fancy enough to vacation in Traverse City, or in a hotel anywhere for that matter, I would wear this top. As it is I’ll rock this shirt on a patio eating brunch with a mimosa; my kind of fancy.

The Traverse City Tube Top is a textured top with a two button back closure. The top band is knit in seed stitch with smaller needles. Stitches are picked up along the bottom of the band and added, then the Diamond Pattern is worked with larger needles to give an airy, almost lacy effect.

Finished Measurements 32 (36, 40, 44)” bust circumference at top of Diamond Eye Pattern. 18 (18, 20, 20)” long. Traverse City Tub Top shown in size 36″.

Traverse City Tube Top

MATERIALS

Yarn Knit Picks Comfy Sport (75% Pima Cotton, 25% Acrylic; 136 yds/50g): Flamingo, 3 (3, 4, 4) balls.
Needles Size 4 (3.5 mm): 24″ circulars (cir). Size 7 (4.5 mm): 24″ circular (cir). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions Removable marker (RM), stitch marker (M), 2 7/8″ fabric covered buttons, tapestry needle. Fun fabric for buttons.

Purchase Pattern:

Traverse City Tube Top

6/1/10: This pattern is now available as part of The Sweatshop of Love’s Summer Tour 2010 Ebook of Knitting Patterns.

I got recognized at the Chicago Craft Mafia’s Do it Your Own D*mn Self Craft Show Saturday! This super sweet woman recognized me from the blog and because I was wearing my Dollar and a Half Cardigan that I’m constantly wearing.

I excitedly told my friend, who quickly said, ‘It’s because you put your face on every blog post. It’s a wonder it hasn’t happened before.’

…

Yeah. I do that. But! But! It’s because…! I have to wear…! Gah.

I’m sorry.

So, no ugly mug on today’s post. Promise. I’ll have to be recognized from now on for my boobs.

Traverse City Tube Top

Which are looking mighty fine in this cute tube top I designed! After pulling out my failed tank, I cast on this seed stitch button band.

Button Band Back Closure

Yeah, I said buttons!

Then I picked up stitches along the bottom edge and knit the pretty diamond texture stitch.

No Face! No Face!

I’m in love with this top! I can’t wait until it’s 100 degrees outside so I can wear it. Because right now it’s chilly and I had a hard time even posing for these pictures without my goose bumps showing.

Love this top, too? I’m looking for a test knitter! Email me at allyson [at] thesweatshopoflove [dot] com and I’ll send you the details.

Or you can wait until June 1st for the pattern to be published.

JUNE FIRST! What is happening on June 1st?

Let’s just say it’s going to be a big day for The Sweatshop! Details to come.

In the mean time, I’m going to hope for warmer weather so I can wear this top around and get recognized for what I’m really good for.

Pattern: To be released soon

Yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Sport in Flamingo

Needles: Size 4 straight needles, size 7 circulars

Ravelry Project Page