The romantic effect of layering garments during the Regency era continues to be fashionable and practical today. The pelisse's form. halfway between a coat and a dress. inspired me to create this fanciful cardigan for my daughter to wear over a summer dress. Generous in length and width, the body of the pelisse is knitted in a beautiful, yet easy to learn, lace stitch pattern. The garment is open in the front up to the empire waistline closure, which allows the layer worn beneath to be revealed. The design is accentuated by sweet ties where the puffed sleeve caps and waistline are gathered. I imagine that Miss Austen would have found this garment to be appropriate for a child's garden tea party among a few favorite dolls.Finished Size: 15 ½ (17, 18, 18 ¾, 20 ½)" chest circumference, buttoned with ¼" overlapping buttonband. Shown in 18" size.Yarn: Classic Elite Yarns Wool Bam Boo (50% wool, 50% bamboo; 118 yd [108 m]/50 g): #1691 bay blue, 4 (4, 5, 5, 6) skeins.Yarn Weight: #3 - LightNeedles: Size 6 (4 mm). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.Notions: Stitch holder; tapestry needle; Size E/4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook; and three 3/8" buttons.Gauge: 24 sts and 32 rows = 4" in St st; 23 sts and 32 rows = 4" in Horseshoe Lace.Originally Published: Jane Austen Knits Summer 2012
