Language English

Level and content
The Sookie Blouse is an intermediate-level project, with its main challenge being the unconventional construction. The pattern is quite technical, but it includes detailed written instructions, video tutorials, and a checklist to help you track your progress. Feel free to print it out and check off each step as you go! Find the video tutorials in the “SOOKIE BLOUSE” playlist on youtube.

Construction
The Sookie Blouse is worked bottom-up, combining flat and circular knitting. You’ll start by knitting the bottom of the body flat with an openwork lace border, then continue in stockinette stitch up to the underarms. The sleeves are worked separately in the round, following the same pattern, using the Magic Loop technique. You can choose to begin with either the body or the sleeves, depending on your preference. Once both are complete, you’ll join them to work seamlessly in one piece up to the final row using the bottom-up contiguous method. This technique creates structured armholes, set-in sleeves, and slanted shoulder tabs through a series of alternating decreases along the body, sleeves, and shoulders. To finish, an I-cord edging with buttonholes is worked along the front and back neckline using 3 mm needles.

Techniques
Cast-on - knit & purl - yarn over - decreases - color changes - Magic Loop - cast off - picking up stitches - I-cord 

Shape and sizes

Sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) are designed for an approximate bust measurement of 80 (85) 95 (105) 115 (125) 135 (145) cm. To choose your size, measure your bust and select the version that best matches your preferred fit, whether snug or relaxed. For a close fit, you can opt for a size with negative ease, meaning the finished circumference will be smaller than your actual bust measurement. Be sure to check the upper arm circumference as well to ensure a comfortable fit. Variations: The blouse is shown in a cropped length. You can adjust the length according to your preferences (during the test for this pattern, most knitters added 15 to 25 rows), just make sure to allow for extra yarn if needed. Let your creativity run free to make this design your own! Have fun with colors: go for a monochrome or two-tone version, or mix shades for the stripes and lace pattern.

You will need
• Color 1: 4 (4) 5 (5) 6 (6) 7 (7) of « Cotton Cashmere » - 50 g/155 m - from Katia Yarns (color 80)
• Color 2: 1 skein of « Cotton Cashmere » - 50 g/155 m - from Katia Yarns (color 89)
• 3.5 mm circular needles, with a 80 cm cable or more (optional, 3.5 mm double-pointed needles for the sleeves)
• 3 mm circular needles for the I-cord edge
• 6 to 8 buttons  10 mm
• Removable stitch markers

Sample
22 stitches x 31 rows = 10 x 10 cm, with 3,5 mm needles in stockinette stitch.