SUNSET CAT-92The Cactus Wren cami is the second garment in The Wild West: Patterns Inspired by the Flora, Fauna, Geology & History of Arizona, vol 1: Lace 1.  The e-book is available now for preorder through the end of March 24th 2014 for $3 off (Ravelry code LACE1).  Publication date is March 25th 2014.

One of the things that I miss about living in New York or Germany is the fact that you do get winter – and with that, the chance to wear all sorts of wonderful woolens.

Here in Southern California, especially on the coast, we just don’t get too much variation in the weather. Certainly it very rarely gets cold enough to wear the heavily cabled designs I so adore designing.  And to boot, I tend to tolerate cold much better than heat – meaning when it does get a bit colder here, I’m still fine in short sleeves and flip flops.

But this little lace cami is perfect for warm weather.  The Dance Rustic silk is light and breathable; that lightness and airiness is enhanced by the lace stitch patterns, especially the very broad lace back panel.  Although it has waist shaping, it’s intended to be worn with a little bit of ease.

This is one of my favorite garments I’ve made!  It’s easy to wear with jeans or a skirt.  I don’t tend to wear really flouncy skirts, but I think it would look really pretty with a flouncy or lacy skirt and some cowboy boots.

SUNSET CAT-97If you like this pattern, please favorite or queue it on Ravelry!

Here’s the basic pattern info!

ROMANCE

This lacy camisole features flattering waist shaping and lace in abundance. Crocheted lace trim and delicate buttons give this a vintage feel.

The Rustic Silk is lovely to work with, and wears wonderfully.

PATTERN NOTES

This camisole is worked in pieces from the hem up then seamed prior to the crochet edging being worked.

Simple crochet edging is used for the armholes, hem and buttonband. You can substitute single crochet edging along the armholes. Work extra rows of the garter stitch hem at the bottom if you’d rather skip the crochet hem edging.

Waist shaping is easily modified, as decreases and increases occur in the stockinette panels adjacent to the lace panels.

Total length is also easily modified in the hem to armhole area by working even longer prior to hip decreases, by working the waist longer, or by working even longer after the bust increases.

SIZES

XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X). To fit with 1-2in / 2-5cm ease.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust: 32¼ (36¾, 41¼, 45¼, 49¾, 53¾, 58¼)in / 81.5 (93.5, 105, 115, 126.5, 136.5, 147.5)cm
Length: 20¼ (20¾, 21¾, 22¼, 22¾, 23½, 23¾)in / 51.5 (53, 55, 56.5, 57.5, 60, 60.5)cm

YARN
Dragonfly Fibers Dance Rustic Silk, 100% silk (450 yds / 411m per 3.99oz/ 113g), 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3) skeins, shown in That Ol Chestnut.

NEEDLES
US3 / 3¼mm needles or size to obtain gauge
Size E crochet hook

GAUGE
24 sts and 32 rows = 4in / 10cm in St st.
Average 20 sts and 32 rows = 4in / 10cm in Lace Patterns, blocked.
20 sc = 4in / 10cm

NOTIONS
(8) ½in buttons (buttons shown are vintage); (4) stitch markers; yarn needle

SKILLS
simple lace, simple crochet for edgings and buttonband, reading knit charts, picking up stitches, short rows, three needle bind off

SUNSET CAT-94