Ciao Bella Tee | Knitting pattern and Optional kits

The Ciao Bella Tee by Louise Robert was meticulously created in Italy, where she spent considerable time admiring the beauty and art of the numerous cities.

This tee is designed from top to bottom, starting with the back, which is worked flat. Made with our Silky Way yarn, it is perfect for the heat of summer as well as the cozy days of winter.

I have always enjoyed starting a new project that I can take with me when I go on vacation. For my three-week trip to Italy, I wanted a simple, compact project that I could easily transport, put aside, and pick up again along the way. I settled on the beautiful Silky Way and a simple design: a drop-shoulder sweater with a striped design to showcase the gorgeous color palette of this 100% mulberry silk yarn with a tweed effect. You can probably guess that the name of the design came to me during this wonderful trip, where I had the chance to discover Florence, Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Venice, and Milan. - Louise Robert

You have the option to purchase the pattern only or the knitting kit, which contains both the yarn and the pattern needed to knit this project!

THIS KNITTING KIT INCLUDES

• The Ciao Bella Tee knitting pattern (sent as a digital pdf format) - The pattern is included when you purchase a kit.
• BISCOTTE YARNS - SILKY WAY [100% Mulberry silk, 266 m per 50 g] 
  • A - 2 (2, 2, 3, 3) (3, 3, 4, 4) SKEINS - shown in #82 - Sepia for version 1 and #98 - Dark Sea for version 2.
  • B - 1 SKEIN FOR ALL SIZES - shown in #85 - Pink Dream for version 1 and #106 - Lava Fall for version 2.
  • C - 1 SKEIN FOR ALL SIZES - shown in #92 - Cyber Purple for version 1 and #104 - Blush for version 2.

IN ADDITION TO THIS KIT, YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS

• Circular needles 3.25 mm (US 3) - cable length of at least 80 cm (32”) and preferred needles for small circumference knitting, or the size required to obtain the gauge.
• Circular needles 2.75 mm (US 2) - cable length of at least 80 cm (32”) and preferred needles for small circumference knitting, or the size required to obtain the gauge.
• Stitch markers
  
• Tapestry needle

SIZE - A (B, C, D, E) (F, G, H, I)

Finished bust: 94 (104, 114, 124, 134) (145, 155, 165, 175) cm / 37 (41, 45, 48.75, 52.75) (57, 61, 65, 69)".

Suggested ease: 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8") (Add the suggested ease to your current bust measurement and use the result to select the final circumference that is closest to it). The model shown was knitted in size C. See the size chart at the end of this document for more details.

GAUGE

28 stitches x 36 rows = 10 cm (4") in stockinette stitch in the round with larger needles, before blocking.

24 stitches x 40 rows = 10 cm (4") after blocking.

NOTE

This sweater is worked from top to bottom, starting with the back, which is worked flat. Stitches are then picked up on each shoulder to knit the front, again working flat, and when the bust reaches the underarms, the back and front are joined and worked in the round. A few short rows are worked on either side of the neckline to form the shoulders. I used the German short row technique. If needed, you can find a tutorial illustrating this technique here: Biscotte.org/GSR

You may notice that Silky Way knitted with 3.25 mm needles produces a slightly openwork fabric. Note that the blocking step will cause the stitches to bloom and create a beautiful result with unparalleled softness and drape. Broad stripes are created on the bust by alternating yarns every 20 rows/rounds, then the knitting progresses to finer stripes on the body by alternating colors every 10 rounds. The stripes are optional: you can opt for a solid color version or change the sequence and colors of the stripes according to your preference.

ENJOY! ♥

This pattern is sold in a digital pdf format: a link to download your pattern will be provided once the order is completed and you will also get this link by email (make sure to check your spams if you can't find the email in your inbox)