Erin top - free pattern!

Here is a Tunisian crochet top I worked out recently.  It couldn't be more simple!  It's just two large rectangles, seamed together on the sides and at the top.

Experience Level:
Beginner +

Measurements:
Finished chest measurements approximately 31” (35”, 39”, 43”, 47”, 51”)
Sizes XS (S, M, L, XL, XXL)

Materials: 
4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6) balls Plymouth Encore DK, 75% Acrylic, 25% Wool, 50g (1.75 oz)/137m (150 yds), color Christmas Green
5.00mm H Tunisian hook, or hook required to obtain gauge

Gauge: 15 stitches X 16 rows = 4”, in Tunisian reverse stitch.  

Terms:
Ch - chain
ExTks - extended Tunisian knit stitch.  Insert hook knitwise (from front to back, through fabric), pull up loop, ch 1
ExTrs - extended Tunisian reverse stitch.  Insert hook from right to left, through back of stitch, pull up loop, ch 1
Trs - Tunisian reverse stitch
Sl st - slip stitch

Notes:

• This pattern is written to be worked flat and then seamed.
• Pattern is written for size XS, with all other sizes noted in ( ).
• All return rows are completed as normal (ch 1, y/o and pull through two loops for remainder of row).
• Note that the loop on the hook at the beginning of each row is always the first stitch, and that the last stitch of each row is always tks (or an extended stitch).

Pattern:
Make 2
Ch 56 (65, 71, 79, 86, 94)
Row 1:  Pull up loop in each stitch across.
Rows 2 - 4:  Trs each stitch across. 
Row 5:  Ch 1, ExTrs in each stitch across.
Rows 6 - 8:  Ch 1, ExTks in each stitch across.
Repeat Rows 2 - 8:  7 (7, 8, 8, 9, 9) more times.
Repeat Rows 2 - 4: one more time (all sizes).

Loosely bind off using sl st (as if making a Trs).

Blocking:
Block each rectangle to the following dimensions
XS - 15.5” wide X 21” long
S - 17.5” wide X 21” long
M - 19.5” wide X 22” long
L - 21.5” wide X 22” long
XL - 23.5” wide X 23” long
XL - 25.5” wide X 23” long


Finishing:
With right sides together, seam 11” (11”, 11.5”, 11.5”, 12”, 12”) from bottom hem, up the sides.  Leave remaining fabric unseamed for armhole.
With right sides together, seam 4” (4”, 4.25”, 4.25”. 4.5”, 4.5”) from the top of each rectangle, forming the shoulders.

Turn right side out, and enjoy this simple mesh top, suitable for so many summer occasions!

See what I've been up to!

I can't believe it's been since May that I last posted.  So much has happened since then.  I've had four crochet patterns published in 2 magazines, partnered up with a yarn company, have several more patterns coming out in magazines over the next few months, and squeezed out a few independent patterns.  All this while trying to juggle three kids and their sports, a husband who works a lot, and committing myself to the gym daily.  OK, well not daily, but at least semi-weekly. 

I thought I would take this opportunity to show off some of my work and re-dedicate myself to blogging now and then.  If you are interested in purchasing any of my for-sale patterns, click on the link to my Ravlery shop, at right.  All my free patterns are also here on this blog, and you can look for them in the Search box, using the tag "free pattern."

On to the good stuff!

I was lucky enough to get to work with Yarns of Italy on two projects.  One is still under construction as it is a sweater, but here is a picture of the other, my Tunisian Shells Wrap:

 

I used their Marasca sock yarn, which was absolutely wonderful!  This shawl is done in Tunisian lace.  If you haven't tried it before, don't be afraid!  It's just another tool to add to your crochet arsenal.  ;)

One of my patterns was published in Crochet! magazine, as well!  Also Tunisian, also super fun!  

(c) Annie's

And, if that wasn't exciting enough, I've also been published in Inside Crochet three times this year (so far!) - and one of those patterns made the cover!  Well, two actually, but one was just a small snapshot.  

Tunisian crochet + broomstick lace = cover!

Tunisian crochet with corrugated ribbing

Regular crochet with fun ruffles!

 As I said, I also put together a few independent patterns as well.  Some are not published yet, but here is a fun freebie!  I will share the details about it in a separate blog post.

Whew!  There is more, I am sure, but I'll get around to that later.  For now, happy hooking!