Pattern: Cotton Bamboo Smock top by Pam Allen, from Classic elite booklet “Make it modern.”
Yarn: Knitpicks Shine sport, 9 balls in aquamarine (discontinued color.)
Needles: US 3 (stockinette) and 1 (cabled sections)
Notes: Although this pattern has no sleeves, it still managed to take longer than I thought it would – there are a lot of little tiny cables on this sweater! I love the end result – it manages to look modern and current without being trendy exactly – I’d imagine I will get a great deal of wear out of this sweater!
I used Shine Sport to make my first sweater ever (Rusted root) and immediately bought 13 balls of aquamarine, because I loved it so. I then proceeded to fall out of love with it, and was unable to find anything to make from this yarn for the past 3 years. I’m happy to report that it was a pretty good sub for the Classic Elite cotton bamboo called for in the pattern, with one caveat. Shine sport is not really a sport weight yarn – no matter what I do, it will end up at about 5.5 st/in instead of 6. I made the smallest size, aiming for the 2nd smallest, and that’s about what I g0t. The cabled portion looks ridiculously small when it isn’t being worn, but it is extremely stretchy, so don’t be thrown off by the tiny sizes – go with the one for your bust size and it will work out. Mine measures about 28″ at the bust when it’s off, but stretches 5 inches to fit me easily.
I knit the stockinette portion of the sweater in the round, and then split to work the top in 2 pieces. The stockinette is still a bit uneven, but it would have been even worse flat… it is hard to hold even tensi0n with such a slippery, soft yarn. I’m ok with it. I thought the pattern was pretty clear, except on the neckline. The eyelet edging instructions were challenging to figure out, but I managed. The really hard part was that it contained a lot of places where instructions needed to be written out again, but the front said only “work as for this row of the back,” which was confusing since the pieces were so different. It’s hard to explain, but trust me… Plenty of “at the same time” instructions as well, but I’ve gotten pretty good over time at juggling those. At one point I had to look at the schematic to figure out how long to knit one piece, because it was confusing. The neckline is beautiful, so it was worth the acrobatics. It’s a little wide, but the sleeves do not fall down. I would definitely recommend this pattern, as well as this whole booklet, which has several lovely designs. I have at least one more on my “to do” list!
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
Gorgeous as always! The eyelets around the neckline are very pretty–worth all the math and shenanigans 🙂
Beautiful pattern – I love all the cables! And you did a great job with it, looks like a perfect fit 🙂
I love your review of yarns you do. Ok, so tell me, do you think Shine will hold up well over time? Does it pill very badly? What do you like about it and what do you not like about it? I have started to buy it several times, but it seems I keep running into bad reviews on it, but I can’t really pinpoint them down as to exactly why. It seems a whole lot of folks do use it.
Very lovely sweater in one of my very favorite colors.
BTW~I like your hair a little longer as it is in this photo.
SO cute (although, I’m afraid it may look like a maternity sweater on someone not as tiny as you!) I love the pants too – what a perfect summer outfit!
It looks great, I love the drape and fit. Well done!
absolutely stunning!
I had my eye on this one too! Gorgeous job as usual! 🙂
Beautiful! I love your hair in that color as well!
Beautiful! I like the length and it looks great on you!
Oh my gosh, it’s beautiful! It came out so nice and compliments your skin tone and hair color perfectly.
I love it!!! Super flattering with your hair and overall coloring too!
Lovely knit!!
(Your hair looks terrific!)
That is very lovely, you did a wonderful job.
Gorgeous top!!! It looks great with the white pants.
The aquamarine color is so soft, and really compliments the drape of the knitted fabric. The shaping fits you perfectly!
If I might ask a favor, I’d love your opinion on a house painting question. I know you are very talented with color issues! Please see my post for the details. Thank you!
http://knitseashore.typepad.com/she_knits_by_the_seashore/2009/08/noni-patterns-and-paint-opinon-poll.html
Absolutely gorgeous! I have to repeat the others and say
how I love your hair that color and length. The sweater is super pretty and feminine! I just might have to make that one myself!
Fantastic job! Color is great. Looks fabulous on you, too.
That is truly a winning sweater. Looks fab on you, and I’ll bet it is comfortable to wear.
I love it! I may have to add it to my queue!
gorgeous!! love the length.
Gorgeous. Man you have such lovely taste and you pick so many things that suit you so well!
Another beautiful knit! I love the style and colour on you, it looks lovely.
That turned out so well. I have loved the pattern for a while, but worried that it wouldn’t look as good or professional when knitted by a real person (as opposed to the the amazing knitting robots at CEY). Yours looks beautiful and perfect–you may have inspired me to finally knit it!
I fell in love with your sweater in the first picture. It’s so graceful and charming.
I admire you for doing a whole sweater on 1’s and 3’s; can’t imagine doing that myself!
Beautiful!
I’ve had this pattern quequed forever, and your version is making me take another look!
The color chose is great! I have haven’t used Shine Sport yet, but have some in my stash. Great job!
Beautiful job! It looks great on you. I’m also a fan of Shine Sport, though I think it works best on small needles like you used rather than the larger size they recommend.
Beautiful! How you manage to knit so many stunning sweaters is beyond me.
I found you thru your dublin bay socks. I know its been awhile since you knit those but do you remember the numbers you used? 72 stitches seems like way too many for socks. I wear a 7 1/2 shoe. Your help would be so appreciated.
Absolutely gorgeous! That color looks great on you! Your beautiful sweaters are an inspiration to me!
Oh, for gorgeousness!
What a great Smock Top! The small cables really add a nice touch to it! Congratulations!
I love that top and the color on you is amazing! You are so helpful with yarn tips and even the patterns. I have the Make it Modern and I have quite a few that I would like to do, then add Jared, the IK Fall, Vogue and the upcoming St. Denis, my knitting cup is overflowing…let’s not forget a couple of cute X-mas patterns. Think it’s all possible in 4 months? me neither. Have a good day!
That is so lovely! It looks great on you.
Also liking the hair!
super cute, just like your hair!
Another gorgeous FO, as always!
I love the color and fit. 🙂
I’m in the process of using Shine sport for a Drops sweater for my mom, and my stockinette is soooo uneven. I like the yarn and it’s producing a nice, soft fabric, but the changes in gauge are making for a stressful process.
Love your hair, by the way!
I love it – great job! The color is stunning on you!
Really lovely sweater, and it looks beautiful on you. I love the smocked look of the cables.
Looks FAB! You look really great in it.
Incredible. Great color on you.