As a person who lived through the 1980s, I have some different feelings about the retro turn in fashion. Of course everything seems to come around again (a few times, probably, if you live long enough) and while I didn’t love the bright colors and slouchy activewear style the first time around, it kind of makes me smile to see it embraced by a new generation.
It’s the same with knitting. Different styles or methods or even types of projects come and go and some back again. When I first got back into knitting in the early 2000s, there was lots of bulky yarn and funky textures, and it feels a bit like we’re headed that way again. Drop stitches as a decorative technique is also something I used to see more often but don’t remember seeing a lot of lately.
The Drop it Like it’s Hot top from Yarnspirations has all these things: a retro design in a fuzzy, neon yarn (though of course you could tone it down if you don’t want it so candy-colored) with a classic boxy shape and dropped stitches to add a bit of flair. The top also features a deep V-neck and an optional tie for the waist.
When not dressed up with ’80s style accessories, this top also looks great, giving a pop of color to a neutral ensemble (click through to the pattern to see what I mean).
The pattern comes in four sizes with an actual finished chest measurement of 40 to 64 inches (101.5 to 162.5 cm) so you can choose how much ease you want in your project.
It’s worked in panels from side to side, so the cast on edge gives you the length. Working with both ends of the yarn, you’ll cut it as needed to ensure your stripe colors stay consistent.
The pieces are folded and seamed and then stitches are picked up along the bottom to make the waist band. This pattern is free from Yarnspirations and it includes very detailed instructions, so if you’re a new knitter this would be a great first garment for you to try.
[Photo: Yarnspirations]
