The Bisbee blouse is the first pattern in The Wild West: Patterns Inspired by the Flora, Fauna, Geology & History of Arizona, vol 1: Lace 1. The e-book is available now for preorder through the end of March 24th 2014 for $3 off (Ravelry code LACE1). Publication date is March 25th 2014.
I have a white blouse that I got from J.Jill that I love. It’s made of a gauzy cotton with a v-neck, long sleeves, some nice vertical tucks, pretty pearl buttons, and an even gauzier lace hem at the cuffs and body hem. Unfortunately, given that it’s white gauzy cotton and about 10 years old, it’s a little worse for wear. It also lacks shaping, so though comfortable, it’s not really the most flattering garment.
I wanted to do a knitted sweater inspired by that blouse — but one that would improve upon the design of the blouse, as well.
The Bisbee blouse has strong vertical lines from the intarsia lace panels. The lace in back is shaped to accentuate (or give the illusion of) a waist. There’s also a bit of waist shaping. The button band is simple crochet and gorgeous pearlized glass buttons from JHB. I kept the v-neck, but changed the sleeve length to 3/4-length rather than full length.
And the yarn…oh, how I love the yarn. The gorgeous turquoise yarn is Anzula Oasis, their camel/silk blend. It’s luxurious and drapey and wonderful to work with. The tan is Anzula Breeze, a linen/silk blend, which is also lovely, and worked perfectly for the lace and trim. I used it doubled for the neck I-cord.
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Here’s the basic pattern info!
ROMANCE
The beautiful turquoise color of the Oasis yarn gave me the name, Bisbee, of this lovely blouse. Bisbee turquoise is renowned for its beauty and color depth.
The delicate but simple intarsia lace panels form figure-flattering vertical lines. The dainty buttonband details, i cord neckline, waist shaping and softly fluttering sleeve and body hems all combine into a gorgeous feminine sweater that you’ll treasure.
PATTERN NOTES
This sweater is worked in pieces from the bottom up then seamed prior to working the 3/4 length sleeves and the bottom hem. Stitches for the sleeves are picked up around the armhole. The cap is shaped with short rows, then the sleeves are worked in the round.
Waist shaping is easily modified, as decreases and increases occur in the stockinette panels adjacent to the lace panels.
Total length is also easily modified in the hem to armhole area by working even longer prior to hip decreases, by working the waist longer, or by working even longer after the bust increases.
Simple crochet edging is used for the buttonband.
SIZES
Women’s XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X)
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54)in / 76 (86, 96, 107, 117, 127, 137)cm. Wear with 2-3in / 5-7.5cm of ease.
Length: 21½ (21½, 22, 22, 22½, 22½, 23)in / 55 (55, 56, 56, 57, 57, 58.5)cm
YARN
MC: Anzula Oasis, 70% Silk, 30% Camel, (375 yds / 343m per 4.02 oz / 114g), 2 (3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4) skeins, shown in Paradise
CC: Anzula Breeze, 65% Silk, 35% Linen (755 yds / 690m per 4.06 oz / 115g), 1 skein, shown in Toffee
NEEDLES
US4 / 3.5mm needles or size needed to obtain gauge
Additional US4 / 3.5mm needle for three needle bind off
US5 / 3¾wmm DPNs for I cord
US1½ / 2.5mm for hem edgings
Size E crochet hook for edging
GAUGE
26 sts and 36 rows = 4in / 10 cm in St st in Oasis using US4 / 3.5mm needles.
6 sts and 9 rows = 1 in / 2.5cm for lace pattern (blocked) in in Breeze using US4 / 3.5mm needles
NOTIONS
(21) ⅜in buttons (buttons shown are JHB International Style 11290 FRSTY ½ BALLS, Pearl Ivory)
yarn needle
thread to match MC, sewing needle
SKILLS
simple lace, simple intarsia, picking up stitches, short rows, simple crochet for button bands, I cord and applied I cord
The 
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