Halter Top with Built-In Bra

I'm really excited about this tutorial! Sewing Dork provides instructions for making a halter top with a built-in shelf bra, similar to those used in bra camisoles and tanks.

I love the look of halter tops but my rather large bust makes wearing them...rather difficult. Instead of a strapless bra, I might try this tute. Now obviously, the larger your chest the heavier it will be so a halter tie might bother your neck. You might also want to reinforce it a bit to make sure it can do the job.

Still, the pattern can once again use your own measurements (I think a post on taking measurements is in order) and you can modify it as needed for your own body type. The seams are simple and no fancy stitching is required. Another option? Instead of halter ties, cut a longer piece of material for the straps and attach either end to the back top. That removes the pressure from your neck.

Bernat Knit Sleeveless Top Pattern - up to 5X

Did you know that all of the patterns on the Bernat web site go up to 5X? That's a 62" bust, if you were wondering.

I found this cute little sleeveless top, done in a bamboo yarn that would be light enough for wear through the summer. The web site says the pattern is easy, and a peek through the instructions show that with some careful counting this can be accomplished by even a beginner. The simplicity of the design means it would be a cinch to size up if necessary, which is always a bonus for those of us who have chests that go beyond the largest circumference.

One con might be that it takes 15 balls of yarn (at 60g each) for the largest size. If you need to size up, it'd take even more. Save this pattern for a great sale at your local yarn or hobby store, or try it with a less expensive cotton yarn that will make it very easy to wash & wear.

Things That Scare Me

I will be honest, I have never knitted a Vogue pattern. They scare me, a lot. However, one of the things I love about winter is when you can bundle up and that makes me love this sweater. Me, the sweater, leggings, a book, some tea and a fire, sigh. It makes me consider breaking down and knitting Vogue.

Bigger is Better

Vogue Knitting Fall 2007, Special 25th Anniversary Cover Pattern

Shiri Mor designed this oversized cabled pullover.

Well that and these fingerless gloves for which I cannot locate the pattern.

Vogue Knitting, Holiday 2009

Two Projects: Airy Crochet Shell and Grecian Tunic Top

A couple of fast projects that can be easily sized up for larger sizes.

The first is the Airy Lace Shell from Lion, which is a crochet pattern. It's written up to 2X (50 in. chest) but you can easily size this up by looking at the sizing patterns. Each size adds an additional six chains to the initial chain, and because it's a repeating pattern length can be added without much thought. For anything above the 2X I'd add at least one more skein of yarn to the total. If you're like me, you overbuy yarn anyway so you'll have extra on hand.

What I really like about this option for the bigger sizes is that it's lacey and airy, which means it takes less yarn than more dense, bulky designs - that translates into a more affordable garment for someone who may need to purchase up to three or four additional skeins to size up the project to meet his or her needs. Fantastic!

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90416AD.html?noImages=

The second project is a Grecian Top that couldn't be simpler to whip up in an hour or less. The top consists of two pieces of fabric attached at stragetic places, and is worn over a tank or shell. I adore the yellow version. This is another pattern where you use your own measurements to create the garment. As a bonus, the measurements are simple and don't have to be exact since the finished top will be loose and flowing.

http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/04/how-to_grecian_tunic_top.html