An Estuary is a place where two bodies of water, like when a river flows into the ocean. Two distinct areas, that merge into one is what this top is all about. You have two different long rectangles, that come together to become one top.
In this pattern I have included direction for how to seam this garment together OR use buttons to join it up the center. Heck, you can totally be a rebel and seam the back up and button the front. You do you!
I also give fit hacks. I tell you exactly where in the pattern to add rows or stitches to make things longer or wider. Once you get the size you want, you jump seamlessly (pun intended) back into the stitch by stitch directions. Example: If the top isn’t at wide as you’d like at this point, simple repeat row 3 until it is. Then move on the row 4.
Size
This top is size inclusive and fits bodies from XS up to 5XL. This top is mean to have 5-10 inches of positive ease, so the sizes are broken down into groups. XS/S, M/L, XL/2XL, 3XL/4XL and 5XL

Hook Sizes 3.5
Yarn Used
The blue top was made with Berroco Modern Cotton DK. This is a great drapey, summer weight yarn. This does everything I wanted it to do, holds it shape, is color fast, washes well and drapes in a way that is flattering to wear this top buttoned up, seamed up or a combination of each.
The orange top was made with Classic Elites Yuri, which is discontinued, but is a typical sock yarn. Using sock yarn will create a top with some spring to it, and the nylon helps it hold it’s shape. This is more of a fall weight yarn. I did notice that this type of yarn worked well when seamed or when buttons are used in the back. I recommend that you leave the front open when using this yarn as the front seam “buckles” a bit.

Yarn Requirements
850 (1355, 1940, 2620, 3370) yards. For three color top all sizes about 200 yards for color A, color B 325 (575, 870, 1210, 1585) and color C 325 (575, 870, 1210, 1585)

Blocked guage/tension
Don’t worry too much about swatching out the Gingko Shell. The most critical to the shape of this garment is the Shell Stitch section.
Shell Stitch: 4.5 Shells and 11 rows is 4in x 4in or 10cm x 10cm
Gingko Shell Stitch: 1 full repeat of pattern(9 rows) equals 4 inches.