Festive Top

I’ve been saying that I want a festive jumper for years… but I always leave it too late and can never quite decide what I want. Until now!

I opted for subtly festive with a little bit of beaded twinkle and chose short sleeves so that I don’t overheat at festive pub/restaurant gatherings (…maybe next year?), but can layer with a cardie if needed.

I was planning to make some beaded buttons for the opening at the back - but at the last minute I decided to add a ribbon tie. Nipping to the shops isn’t super simple these days so I’ll add the ribbon when I can get some and make do with a safety pin for now!

I based the top on Sheen by Kim Hargreaves from Indigo - but made numerous changes so it’s not really recognisable!

I wanted more of an all-over sprinkling of beads rather than heavy beading on the front and none on the back. This affected the tension so I made a few tweaks to the pattern, giving me a looser fitting shape which nipped in at the waist with the wide rib.

Once I finished the front and back sections I was a bit concerned about the shape not quite being right for me so I safety pinned the sides together, tried it on… and didn’t like it!

I made the bold decision to pick up the stitches just after the rib, chop off the rib and re-knit the hem downwards. I decided on just a few rows of beaded rib which has made it a bit shorter and boxier. I’m much happier with the shape!

I used Plumpy 4ply by The Fibre Fox and Debbie Abrahams bronze beads (shade 601, size 8).

It’s difficult to get across in the photos, but the combination of the waves of colour in the yarn and the subtle twinkle of the beads is really beautiful.

The bronze beads have a bit of a rose gold hue and I was very lucky to find the perfect bronze/rose gold skirt on ebay to go with my top. It’s slightly too big on me and has an elasticated waistband… perfect for Christmas day!