Waterlily Layer 3-in-1

Description

Three rectangles of a fancy stitch pattern combine to make this versatile topper. Wear the large rectangle in front and it’s a sleeveless top; wear it in back and it’s a vest. Wear it upside down for a trendy shrug-like vest.

Comfortable and elegant to throw on over simple black, the Waterlily is a fashion statement. The sport weight yarn gives the Waterlily stitch pattern a bold look without being overly chunky.

Skill Level

Easy Intermediate. Familiar crochet stitches are used to create an unfamiliar, intermediate-level stitch pattern of chain-loop “Waterlilies” alternated with offset filet.

Pattern is written with a limited amount of abbreviations and has been professionally edited multiple times for maximum clarity. International English equivalents to American measurements, yarn weights, and stitch terms are provided in brackets.

After using this pattern you will know (if you didn’t already):

1. Trendy ‘origami’ ways of wearing garments made from simple rectangles
2. Easy way to make a comfortable, breezy vest: side panels create armholes and add wearing ease to simple shapes
3. The design appeal of seaming pieces at right angles to each other

Finished Dimensions, Size Medium Only

Sizing Note: The garment pictured is a loose-fitting size Medium, so it could satisfactorily fit some who normally wear a size Small or Large. Seaming this particular stitch pattern at right angles to itself makes sizing impossible without a re-design per size. More experienced crocheters may find that with a particular yarn, they can make the size smaller or larger by crocheting with a tighter or looser gauge.

Width at Bust: 36 in/91.5 cm (garment is designed to be worn partly open; closed either at neck or at low waist.The flex of the fabric means it will fit easily over the bust; however it is not designed to have enough extra room in the bust to be completely buttoned up.)

• Width at Upper Hip: 41 in/104 cm
• Length: 16.5 in/42 cm

Styling Suggestions  Personally, this design fascinates me. I’ve worn mine often, so I have some styling suggestions:

• Wearing Waterlily over smooth, close-fitting black clothing emphasizes its flowing look.
• It can convey a retro ‘60’s-‘70’s evening or ‘hostess’ style if the yarn is fancy (especially if worn over a silky pantsuit).
• For daytime or dressy casual styling, the multiple ways that the angles can be draped on the body asymmetrically will look great over easy basics, even jeans and a t-shirt! Especially in a plant-fiber yarn.
• Worked in a gem-tone yarn with a bit of sparkle, Waterlily would be striking for a holiday cocktail party.
• In a summery yarn, Waterlily could be worn as a breezy cover up for the beach or a pool party.

Materials

Crochet Hook: Size US G-7/4.50mm or size required for gauge. Also, a size H-8/5mm for working the foundation chains of the Left and Right Fronts a bit looser than the G-7/4.50mm hook would yield.

Yarn: The best fibers for this project add drape, sheen, and movement because of their bamboo, silk, or rayon content. Mercerized cotton or other inelastic plant fibers like linen also work well for this stitch pattern; too much of the bouncy type of wool or acrylic can make it buckle.

Yarn used for lavender Waterlily Top: Sirdar’s Snuggly Baby Bamboo (80% bamboo, 20% wool; 104yds/95m per 1.75oz/50g ball), color #137, 5 balls.

Suggested yarns: My first choice nowadays would be our own Designing Vashti Lotus yarn! There are many more good yarns listed in the pattern. If you try one that doesn’t look as good as the yarns in my photos, give it a chance by blocking it a bit–just spray with water and pat out evenly.

Button(s), optional