Scandalous Bath Top

This top is designed to honor the time in Jane Austen's life when she and her family moved from the small parish of Steventon to Bath, the capital of English fashion. At the time the Austen sisters found themselves there, fashion for young ladies was at one of its most risqué periods in their lifetimes. Necklines were low and lace overskirts had been reduced to lace edgings; dresses were even dampened to cling and show off the corset underneath. This top is reminiscent of those dresses. Starting with lace edging around the bottom, the piece is worked in reverse stockinette broken with visible lines running up the bust.

Finished Size 31 (34, 37, 40 ¾, 42 ¾, 45 ¾)" bust circumference. Top shown measures 31".
Yarn Rowan Wool Cotton 4 ply (50% wool, 50% cotton; 197 yd [180 m]/1¾ oz [50 g]): #480 antique, 4 (5, 5, 6, 6, 7) balls. Yarn distributed by Westminster Fibers.
Needles Size 6 (4 mm): 24–32" circular (cir) depending on size you are making and set of 5 double-pointed (dpn). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions Markers (m); stitch holders; tapestry needle; 2½ yd ¾" wide ribbon.
Gauge 24 sts and 28 rows = 4" in rev St st. One 22-st rep from Edging or Sleeve chart measures 4½" wide; 14 rows of chart measures 2" tall.
Originally Published Jane Austen Knits 2015