Web-Letter, Issue 40 – Cotton Bam Boo Smocked Top Greetings from Portland, Maine! Summer is arriving here in faltering steps—one forward, one back. Two forward, one back, etc. I spend far too much time indoors in my 6th floor office. I check the weather by looking out my window at the passersby on the street below. I take it for granted that the skate boarders careening down the street will be dressed in baggy shorts and T-shirts regardless of the temperature. But when I see women in sleeveless dresses and sandals, I know I can open the window and enjoy a balmy breeze. This week’s Web-Letter project, Smocked Top, was designed by Rebecca Hatcher. We love its empire-waist styling, vintage colors, and the easy-to-work slip-stitch pattern on the bodice. These design elements make the most of CEY’s Cotton Bam Boo. It has many good traits, not the least of which is great drape and lovely stitch definition. Read below what Rebecca has to say about the genesis of her pretty top.
The Stories: I designed this top in the midst of a dreary New England winter, when it was hard to imagine actually wearing it outside. The coordinating color palette of Cotton Bam Boo sent me searching for two-color stitch patterns, and the two-tone lattice in Barbara Walker's "A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns" reminded me of sundresses with smocked bodices. Since the lattice pattern doesn't have the stretch of real smocking, the upper back is ribbed for a snug fit. Luckily, I did most of the knitting during a visit to California, where the warm weather convinced me that it might eventually be possible to go sleeveless back home, too. Once I got the hang of the lattice pattern, the knitting zipped along. The cotton/bamboo yarn is light enough not to droop, but substantial enough to create a cohesive fabric.  See more of Rebecca’s designs on her blog. The Yarn: Cotton Bam Boo — 52% cotton, 48% bamboo Bamboo is a relatively new component in handknitting yarns. Bamboo is often compared to silk for its luxurious feel. And it’s strong--it wears well and is naturally antibacterial. When knitted, bamboo yarns make fabrics that are breathable, cool, and have wonderful drape and a soft sheen.  Another good thing about bamboo is that it’s derived from a renewable resource. Harvesting bamboo fiber does not result in the death of the plant; in only a few months, the same plants are ready to be harvested again. Bamboo yarn, or bamboo mixed with another natural fiber, is biodegradable. When combined with cotton, as in CEY’s Cotton Bam Boo, it makes for the perfect summer yarn! The Stitches: The faux smocking on the bodice of Rebecca’s design is easy to work. The technique is a simple combination of two-row stripes, purled texture, and slipped stitches. This stitch pattern is fun to work and the finished product looks likes it requires a lot more effort than it actually does!	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Smocked Top pattern.
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