Introducing Lorraine's Lace 2.0
Amanda’s gorgeous mum Linda, wearing a size 4
So I have a bit of a shameful story to tell. Back in 2017 when I released Lorraine’s Lace, one of my favourite testers Amanda signed up to test a size L which she made for her mum, because the shirt sizes as written wouldn't fit her. We had a discussion about it and she mentioned she might do the maths to figure her size out - and I asked her if she would share it with me if she did. In retrospect this was all kinds of wrong. Someone having to do the work you didn't do so they could make your pattern and then asking them to share it with you is embarrassing. I know it's a very delayed apology but I'm sorry Amanda.
Given this, I’m so so happy to release Lorraine’s Lace 2.0! The main drive for working on the pattern was to release an expanded range of sizes, but in the process the pattern itself evolved enough that in a lot of ways it feels like a whole new pattern. These are all the new things in 2.0:
Four new sizes, to fit busts from 121 - 161 cm (48 - 64”)
Updates to the fit of the neckline and sleeves for the original sizes
A new schematic with full measurements included for all sizes
All measurements given in cm and inches
New notes on ease, gauge and how to adjust the fit
Full abbreviations given
Pictures include multiple sizes
I started working on all of this back in March, thinking that it would just including grading, and that the grading would be simple since the shirt itself has a relatively simple construction. I turns out that doing your first plus-sized garment grading is not a quick process. I’ll be writing up some more about how the process worked and some specific things I learned about grading for larger sizes in the next few weeks.
Amanda of @masteryarnsmith wearing a size 7
With this pattern release I'm also doing two new things with the aim of financial accessibility, in the hopes that more of you can have a go at making the top. Firstly, the pattern listings on Ravelry and Etsy have coupons for discounts if the listed price is inaccessible to you. Secondly, I’ve compiled a list of of yarn alternatives at different price points. They are all 100% cotton or cotton blend yarns that have either been used for this top or which I think would work well with it. They're roughly sorted by price, from most to least accessible. The links below are geared towards Australian knitters - if you live overseas (especially in America), you'll be able to get some of the yarn much more cheaply if you look for local suppliers.
KnitPicks Dishie (the recommended yarn for the pattern)
The pattern is out now on Ravelry, Etsy and the Knit Picks website, and will be up on Love Crafts in the next few days. If you purchased the original pattern on Ravelry, check your library for an update. If you bought it on Etsy or KnitPicks, or Ravelry is no longer accessible to you, DM me with the email address you used and I'll send you a copy of the new pattern.
I can’t end this blog post without saying a MASSIVE thank you to my amazing testers for the updated sizes: Carolyn, Amanda, Amanda, Cindy, Kyle, Joy and Katherine. There's no way I could've gotten the fit right without you all. Plus my OG testers for original sizes Lauren, Julie, Amanda (again!), Vesha and Adrienne. You’re all gems.
This post contains affiliate links - buying from sites using these links doesn’t affect the price you pay for products, but it helps me out a little.