This is my second project from Filatura di Crossa's Spring/Summer Collection 2003. (My first was the Peasant Top done in Porto Cervo in Jeans). Like the Peasant Top, this little tank appealed to me because it was very simple in all respects, but had an interesting visual element: the cables at the arm holes.

Overall, this was a very simple pattern to execute. The instructions are relatively clear and there are good diagrams for reference. I only noticed one glaring error, and that had to do with different measurements referred to in the diagram and the text for the length of the armhole. While annoying, its the sort of thing that can easily be worked through -- i.e. do you want that extra 1/2 inch or not?

I chose to modify the pattern slightly to meet my own needs. I shortened the body of the sweater by an inch, so that I wouldn't get a lot of fabric falling over my hips, which usually isn't very flattering for me in a fitted garment. I also chose to put the crochet edging only around the neck and not around the armholes. With these modfications, I had plenty of yarn left over, but if you choose to do the pattern straight, purchase another skein in addition to what they recommend, as their recommendations are quite lean, otherwise.

Brilla is a nice yarn. It's 42% cotton and 58% viscose. It has a lovely iridescence that makes it hard to photograph, but adds to the dressiness of the finished garment. This top will be equally happy at work or at play. I chose the slate grey/blue color (hard to tell because the pictures were taken indoors at night) so it could go into the fall with me under a jacket. Knit up, it's soft against the skin, and the K2/P2 rib in this pattern gives it a nice elasticity. The yarn can be split with a needle, but I found that you had to work at that to do it. Otherwise, it has a nice hand and is easy to knit with.

Perhaps the only drawback of this top is that while it has wide straps, the positioning of the straps are not particularly standard bra-friendly, you might want to opt for a racer back or strapless if you need extra support..