This garment was inspired by the cockles found on Shoebury beach, the beach of my childhood. I blended this memory with the
cables that remind me of the heavy Guernsey sweaters my Nana and Mum made us, that we so often had to wear to the beach, English weather being what it is! So, I give you a cockle shape knitted in a beautiful silk/merino mix (not at all itchy, unlike the Guernseys!) and trimmed with real pearls. Just the thing to snuggle into as the weather chills and the beach becomes draughty! Simple, elegant, luxury.

Knit from the bottom-up, a slight negative ease over the hips
increases rapidly into a generous, flattering fit over the bust. The
cable is constant throughout with the spaces between the cable
increasing in size. The extended shoulders that continue to form the
sleeves are bound off using the 3 needle bind off method. The neckline is knitted on a circular needle. The pearls are added on the cast off row and the neckline is stitched into place for maximum effect.

Techniques

Stretchy cast on
Cables.
3 needle bind off.
Knitting in the round.
Applying beads with a crochet hook.

Yarn

7 (7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 8) skeins of Tri’Coterie DK Silky; 50% merino
wool, 50% silk; 212m / 232yds per 100g skein; colour: Skin

Other Materials

30 x 9mm freshwater pearls with large holes (2-3mm) holes or
similar. This number is aproximate, application is random and you may wish to apply more or less.
3 x extra long stitch holders.
2 x stitch holders.
OR A small amount of waste yarn to hold the shoulder and neck stiches.

Sizes

XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL)

To fit hip:
83.5-86 (89-91.5, 96.5-101.5, 106.5-111.5, 116.5-122, 132-134.5,
137-139.5) cm / 33-34 (35-36, 38-40, 42-44, 46-48, 52-53, 54-55) in

Ease

The hip band is designed to be worn with approx 4cm negative
ease. The body of the tunic has a generous fit.