Audrey top, but a dress
The dress I knit in 8 days for a Beyonce concert.
The Basics
Completed: September 2023
Time period: September 4-11, 2023
Cost to make: $129.00 CAD
Pattern: Audrey Top
Designer: PetiteKnit
Size: XXS (plus modifications)
Yarn: Knitting for Olive Pure Silk in the colour Haze held double
Amount used: 8 balls (50 g/250 m); 400 g or 2000 m total
Needle size: 3.75 mm
Shirring elastic has been threaded into the straps and along the armholes
Measurements
I have a vlog documenting all my modifications (see bottom of this page)
Due to limited time and the fact I assumed I would be knitting right up to the day I would need this garment, I lightly sprayed the dress with water every night and hung it up to dry/block.
I knit this to pattern for size XXS and started with a provisional cast-on (crochet chain type). I worked bottom-up from about where the armhole, then later worked top-down from the location of my provisional cast-on.
All dress measurements taken while laying flat (ie. Double the measurement if you want circumference) and after wearing it for one night.
Strap length (non-stretched): 4" / 10 cm
Full length (back cast-off edge to hem): 42" / 106.5 cm
Bust (before front/back split; no decreases): 15.5" / 39.5 cm
Waist: 15" / 37.5 cm
Hips/seat: 18" / 46.5 cm
Hem: 19" / 49 cm (the circumference is bigger than hips after wearing and walking; one wear).
My body measurements are accessed via link below labelled “Mel’s body measurements”. I understand this information can cause harm to some, but are helpful to others. By having this information on a private page, the choice is yours whether you want to view this information or not.
The Pattern
Audrey Top by PetiteKnit
Ravelry Pattern Page
Designer’s website
10 sizes offered: XXS to 5XL
Finished Bust Circumference:
XXS - 31.5" / 80 cm
XS - 33.5" / 85 cm
S - 35.5" / 90 cm
M - 37.5" / 95 cm
L - 39.5" / 100 cm
XL - 43.25" / 110 cm
2XL - 47.25" / 120 cm
3XL - 51.25" / 130 cm
4XL - 55" / 140 cm
5XL - 59" / 150 cm
Taking into account the recommended positive ease built into the pattern of 0-2"/0-5 cm, the sizes correspond to an actual bust circumference range of 29.5" to 59"/75 cm to 150 cm.
Suggested yarn weight: DK or 2 strands of fingering held together
Pattern gauge: 20 sts and 27 rows = 4 x 4" / 10 x 10 cm in stockinette st, blocked
Suggested needles sizes: 4.0 mm
About the Pattern
Skills/techniques/attributes
Provisional cast-on (optional)
Working flat and in-the-round
Constructed bottom-up (unless provisional cast-on used)
I-cord
Fold-over hem
The good
The pattern is written for bottom-up construction; however, it does state that a provisional cast-on can be used if you want to work the lower portion of the top, top-down.
One of the best size ranges within the PetiteKnit pattern library.
I found this pattern to be straightforward and easy to follow and found no errors.
The not-so-good
Although one of the best size offerings from PetiteKnit, chest circumferences goes to 59”, not 60”
My thoughts and recommendations
If you opt for a provisional cast-on, be aware that this sometimes affects your gauge. You may have hit gauge on your swatch, but I find it can become larger on that cast-on round. You may want to go down in needle size for the provisional cast-on round (depending on which method you do).
For this project I used magic knot to join ends and this method seems to have worked well. I haven’t had any knots poke through to the right side.
I threaded shirring elastic into the straps and the armholes - this is a must in my opinion if you don’t want sagging (increase in armhole size, bra exposed). This was especially important for me as I created a dress which adds more weight for the straps.
When knitting the straps, I don’t recommend going any shorter than what the pattern states, as the straps contribute to head hole size. I have a small head, and since silk isn’t stretchy, I made mine as short as I could but still accommodate my head.
The Yarn
Knitting for Olive Pure Silk in the colour Haze.
This yarn was used somewhat spontaneously as I needed something "silver" for the Beyonce concert. It had been in my stash for a while after attempting to knit a Cumulus Tee which I couldn't do as knitting with 3.0 mm needles really messed with my hands (and head). Thankfully, I've gotten over this hurdle and can now use 3.0 mm needles comfortably.
Holding it double didn't cause any of the prior issues, and in combination with slippery metal needles, I was able to knit relatively quickly and smoothly. The yarn is pure silk and doesn't have the 'give' or elasticity that animal fibers do. This can feel unpleasant and rough on the hands and some minor tension adjustments may have to be made. My tension adjustment was using metal needles as they produced less friction and let the stitches glide at a nice pace for my hands. This may or not be work for you, but I do recommend trying different needle materials if something feels uncomfortable or you're having tension issues.
Going into this project I expected growth from the silk fabric as I had heard countless others comment on how their silk knits just don't fit the same after wearing. At the time, I didn't really like the colour either, but used it anyways because Beyonce, duh haha.
To avoid too much growth, I tried to make this a body skimming dress with neutral ease. The hem of the dress has stretched out from my stride length while walking, but I don't believe this affects the overall look of the dress negatively, nor is it something I feel affects the fit on me.
Would I work with this yarn again? I would if it's for a camisole/ tank top, maybe even a black version of the dress is in my future. But why only a camisole? I'm concerned that a tee would stretch out too much after wear and it may be something I won't be able to remedy with elastic. A sleeveless top with i-cord straps is stronger than regular knit fabric and hides elastic well. This is just a theory though, and only applies to 100% silk yarn.
