Nightlife Top Skirt in Juniper Moon Farm Findley and Findley Dappled

Nightlife Top Skirt by Karen Boykin

What Is Being Made

The Nightlife Top Skirt is a two-piece knitted set from the Pondicherry Collection, featuring a classically modern slim-fitting skirt paired with a wide-yoke color-blocked sweater. This coordinated ensemble combines a corrugated rib skirt with a structured sweater top, creating a sophisticated garment suitable for various occasions. The design is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X, with finished measurements accommodating different body types and preferences.

Skirt Construction and Design

The skirt is worked top down in the round, creating a seamless construction. It features a slim-fitting silhouette with slight negative ease, meaning the finished circumference is slightly smaller than actual body measurements for a tailored appearance. The skirt length varies by size, ranging from 19½ inches in the smallest size to 26½ inches in the largest size, allowing for customization based on individual proportions.

Sweater Construction and Design

The sweater is worked bottom up in separate pieces and then seamed together. It features a wide-yoke color-blocked design that creates visual interest through contrasting color placement. The sweater chest measurements range from 34 inches in size XS to 56 inches in size 3X, with length measurements between 21½ and 24 inches depending on the size selected.

Stitches and Techniques

Zigzag Corrugated Rib Stitch: This is the signature stitch for the skirt, worked in the round over a multiple of 4 stitches. The stitch creates a distinctive textured pattern by alternating knit and purl stitches in two colors across six rounds. Rounds 1 and 2 establish the base pattern with knit stitches in the main color and purl stitches in the contrasting color. Round 3 shifts the purl stitches to create the zigzag effect. Rounds 4 and 5 reverse the color placement, and Round 6 mirrors Round 3, completing the six-round repeat. This technique produces a corrugated texture that adds depth and visual complexity to the skirt.

Stockinette Stitch: Used for the sweater body, this fundamental knitting stitch creates a smooth, flat fabric by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side when working flat pieces.

Ribbing: Applied to the sweater using smaller needles (US 2) to create elastic edges that provide structure and a finished appearance.

Color-Blocking: The sweater incorporates a wide-yoke color-blocked design, meaning sections of the garment are knitted in different colors to create distinct visual panels and design elements.

Yarn and Materials

The Nightlife Top Skirt is designed to be knitted with Juniper Moon Farm Findley yarn in two colors. The main color is Findley Dappled in color #124 English Garden, with quantities ranging from 2 to 3 balls depending on size. The contrasting color is Findley in color #41 Brown, requiring 1 to 2 balls based on the selected size.

Needles and Tools

This pattern requires multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction. US 2 (2.75 mm) needles are used for ribbing sections to create elastic edges. US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches in length are used for the main body of the skirt and sweater pieces. US 4 (3.5 mm) double-pointed needles are employed for smaller circumference sections where circular needles become impractical. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, tape measure for checking measurements, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction.

Gauge and Fit

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern. In Stockinette stitch, the target gauge is 24 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inches. In the Zigzag Corrugated Rib stitch used for the skirt, the gauge is 28 stitches and 36 rows per 4 inches. These gauge measurements ensure that the finished garment matches the intended finished measurements and maintains the proper fit and drape of both the sweater and skirt components.

Pattern Features

• Seven size options from XS to 3X for inclusive sizing
• Two-piece coordinated set combining sweater