Short row top with 16+ colours

My design involved a panel front and back knitted using short rows. I used steps of 7 stitches in a 42 stitch row and alternated 2 balls of wool. One ball starting a triangle beginning on the right, the second a triangle on the left. I discovered that it took about 3g to make a triangle. I was pleased the way the colours merged as I knitted from one colour to another in the ball. I made the back panel longer than the front one and curved the neckline.

The next step was to pick up stitches along the edge of the front panel, cast on some for the neck, then pick up stitches along the edge of the back panel (206 sts). I knitted in garter stitch until the work measured 21 cm. I left the armhole stitches on a needle and to shape the bottom of the armhole decreased 1 st every right side row until 64 stitches remained. A 3 needle bindoff joined the sides together. I was determined this would be a no seams garment.

For the sleeves I worked out a garter and stocking stitch relief pattern that was similar to the triangle shapes on the panels.

By now I had decided to enter the top in the Creative Fibres Experience show in Hamilton. What it needed was a skirt to complement it.