Draconides

DESCRIPTION

Draconides is a shimmering top-down compound raglan dress that celebrates the annual meteor showers occurring every October. Designed as the fall version of Lyrides, this tunic-length garment has many of the same design elements as the original: a buttoned henley neckline done in twisted ribbing, two options for sleeve length and style, and a delicate lace pattern on the hem.

Worked with lace-weight silk mohair held double, Draconides features an optional empire waist in twisted ribbing. Compound raglan construction follows the body's natural curves while optional bust shaping ensures a great fit for well-endowed bosoms. The lace hem is gently A-lined, allowing ease of movement around the hips.

Draconides comes in 10 sizes (XS–6X) and includes instructions for customizable vertical bust darts. The pattern provides both written and charted lace instructions and includes measurements in metric and US units.

Share your project on Instagram with the hashtags #draconideshenley and #talviknits.

SIZING

• XS (S, M, L, XL) [2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X]
• To fit upper bust circumference of approx. 71 (82, 92, 102, 112) [122, 132, 142, 153, 163] cm / 28 (32¼, 36¼, 40¼, 44) [48, 52, 56, 60¼, 64¼]"
• Finished body circumference at underarm level: approx. 77 (88, 97, 108, 117) [128, 137, 148, 159, 168] cm / 30¼ (34½, 38, 42½, 46) [50¼, 53¾, 58¼, 62½, 66]"
• Finished full bust circumference with bust shaping: approx. 81 (92, 101, 118, 127) [138, 147, 158, 173, 182] cm / 32 (36¼, 39¾, 46¼, 49¾) [54¼, 57¾, 62, 68¼, 71¾]" or adjustable

Choose a size based on upper bust circumference (measured at the underarm level above any breast tissue). This size-inclusive sweater is intended to be worn with approx. 5 cm / 2" of positive ease.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to find test knitters for sizes 3X–6X. If you'd like to knit any of these sizes, I would be happy to provide you the pattern free of charge in exchange for your feedback. Contact me for more information!

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

See last photo.

GAUGE

• 18 sts × 29 rnds = 10 cm / 4" in stockinette on larger needles, blocked
• 18 sts × 25 rnds = 10 cm / 4" in lace on larger needles, blocked
• 21 sts × 40 rnds = 10 cm / 4" in 1×1 twisted ribbing on smaller needles, blocked

MATERIALS

Yarn

Fluffy lace-weight yarn, held double

• for the short-sleeved version: approx. 1570 (1760, 1950, 2240, 2440) [2670, 2970, 3230, 3480, 3710] m / 1720 (1920, 2140, 2450, 2670) [2920, 3250, 3540, 3810, 4060] yd
• for the long-sleeved version: approx. 1930 (2130, 2370, 2700, 2950) [3190, 3500, 3830, 4090, 4360] m / 2110 (2330, 2590, 2960, 3230) [3480, 3830, 4190, 4480, 4770] yd

Or a single strand of sport- to DK-weight yarn

• for the short-sleeved version: approx. 790 (880, 980, 1120, 1220) [1340, 1490, 1620, 1740, 1860] m / 860 (960, 1070, 1230, 1340) [1460, 1630, 1770, 1910, 2030] yd
• for the long-sleeved version: approx. 970 (1070, 1190, 1350, 1480) [1600, 1750, 1920, 2050, 2180] m / 1060 (1170, 1300, 1480, 1620) [1740, 1920, 2100, 2240, 2390] yd

Yarn & Colorway Suggestions

• Filcolana Tilia (70% mohair, 30% silk, 210 m/25 g, 230 yd/0.88 oz) in #364 chai
• Garnstudio DROPS Kid-Silk (75% mohair, 25% silk, 210 m/25 g, 230 yd/0.88 oz) in #50 caramel
• Isager Silk Mohair (75% mohair, 25% silk, 212 m/25 g, 232 yd/0.88 oz) in the colorway #63
• Novita Tuuli (60% mohair, 40% viscose, 225 m/25 g, 246 yd/0.88 oz) in #621 meteorite
• Rowan Kidsilk Haze (70% mohair, 30% silk, 210 m/25 g, 229 yd/0.88 oz) in #731 bronze

Needles

• 4.0 mm / US #6 short and long circular needles for stockinette and lace (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• 3.0 mm / US #2½ short and long circular needles for 1×1 twisted ribbing
• If not working in magic loop, double-pointed needles in the same sizes for the sleeves

Notions

• 4 regular + 2 locking stitch markers
• Waste yarn, extra cable, or circular needle for holding sleeve stitches
• Darning needle
• 3 (3, 4, 4, 4) [4, 5, 5, 5, 5] buttons, approx. 1.5 cm / ⅝" in diameter

TECHNIQUES USED

The pattern uses the following techniques: lifted increases, casting on in the middle of a row, provisional cast-on, working in the round, lace, twisted ribbing, stretchy bind-off, yarnover buttonholes, and picking up stitches.

Ability to read charts is recommended but written instructions are also provided for the lace pattern.

REFERENCES

• Lifted Increases
• Knitted Cast-on
• Purled Cast-on
• 6+1 Provisional Cast-on Methods
• Vertical Bust Darts
• Horizontal (Short-row) Bust Darts
• Lori's Twisty Bind-off
• Comparison of 20 Stretchy Bind-off Methods
• Avoiding Underarm Holes in Knitting
• Blanket Stitch