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Archive entry for May 2017

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May 2017

Sunray Jumper

SunRayTop.jpg

Styled for the play-deck.
The good news is that this lovely sleeveless top from the 1950s is simple enough to knit - the bad news is that it is in 3 ply - really fine - yarn and comes in only 2 tiny sizes.
However, if you like the idea there is a charming 1930s Sun-Ray sweater that Susan Crawford has sized from 28-52 inch chest and transposed for the modern knitter in the book "Stitch in Time I".

Instructions.

Instructions for larger sizes are given in brackets. Where one set of figures is given this applies to both sizes.

Back and Front alike (make 2)

With two No 14 (2mm) needles cast on 165 (171) stitches and work 3 (3) inches in k3/p3 rib starting and ending right side rows k3.

Change to No 13 needles.

Next row (right side facing): * k2tog, k1, p2tog, p1; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1. {118 (126) sts}.

Change to garter stitch, (every row knit), and shape sides by increasing 1 stitch at each end of 3rd and every following 6th row until there are 156 (164) stitches. Continue straight for a few rows until work measures 11½ (11½) inches at centre.

With right side facing, shape armholes by casting off 4 (5) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows, then k2tog at the beginning of the following 10 (10) rows: {138 (144) sts}.

Continue straight until work measures 13½ (13½) inches at centre.

Yoke

Using the circular needle, knit across 138 (144) stitches of the front, then on to this same needle cast on 87 (87) stitches for one shoulder, knit across 138 (144) stitches of back, then cast on 87 (87) stitches for second shoulder: 450 (462) stitches

Continue in rounds thus:
1st round: * k3, p3, repeat from * to end.
Repeat this round for 3 (3) inches.

Next round:* k2tog, k1, p2tog, p1; repeat from * to end.
Work 2 (2) inches k2/p2 rib.

Cast off in rib, knitting together every 13th and 14th stitch.

Making Up

Press garter stitch parts very lightly on the wrong side under a damp cloth, avoiding the ribbing.
Join side seams; press seams.

Altering the size

It would be feasible to increase the size by knitting in a thicker yarn - but you do need to make a swatch and do some arithmetic. Even changing to a 4 ply with 3¼mm needles would potentially change your chest size from a modest 34 to over 40 inches.

Materials

7 (7) ozs 3 ply in "Radiant Pink"

A pair each Nos 13 (2¼mm) and 14 (2mm) needles.
One circular No 14 (2mm) needle.

Tension

36 sts x 72 rows to 4 ins in garter stitch on No 13 needles.

Size matters

To fit 33-34 (35-36) inch chest; length from top of shoulders 20(20) inches.

Abbreviations

k2tog or p2tog: knit or purl 2 sts together (decrease one stitch).

Disclaimer
(well...almost)

In transposing any pattern it is always a risk that errors will be introduced, in spite of dedicated proof reading.
If you have any problems with this pattern, please and I will try and assist.

© Christina Coutts 2007

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