Perfect for days when the sun warms the daffodils open, this shell has a fitted upper bodice and gracefully draping body. The bodice is worked initially in the round, then separates into front and back. The body is then picked up from the foundation chain and worked downward in a four-round repeat. Wear it with a camisole in a color that shows off the lacy pattern.

GAUGE
4” = 21 sts and 20 rows in Half Double Crochet with smaller hook
4” = 25.5 sts and 11 rows in Openwork Pattern with larger hook
Note: yarns shown usually knit at 20-22 sts to 4” in Stocking Stitch.

FINISHED DIMENSIONS
Note: for the most flattering fit, choose a size that will be close-fitting at the over-bust and loose at the bust.
Over-bust (measured around the chest just under the arms): 30.5”(32.75”, 35”, 38”, 41.25”, 43.5”, 45.75”)
Bust: 35.25”(37.75”, 41.5”, 44”, 47.75”, 50.25”, 54”)
Length: 23”(23”, 23.5”, 23.5”, 24”, 24”, 24.5”)

MATERIALS
810(880, 930, 1030, 1130, 1180, 1280) yards DK weight yarn
size E (3.5mm) and G (4mm) crochet hooks or sizes needed to obtain gauges
removable stitch marker
yarn needle

Starting March 2011, a self-published version of this pattern is available from Kira K Designs. The pattern from Interweave gives stitch-by-stitch directions for each row of each size, while the pattern from Kira K Designs (available by clicking “buy it now” above) is written in what I find to be an easier to follow way. Both versions include the lace pattern written out and also as a chart.

Errata from Interweave Crochet:
Abalone Shell (page 49)
Rows 18–43: Rep Rows 16–17—17 sts.
All Sizes:
Work even until armhole measure 7 ¼ (7 ¼, 7 ½, 7 ¾, 8, 8 ¼, 8 ½)“, ending with RS row.