Romance Novel knitting pattern

Description

This loosely fitted dress or tunic in 10 sizes (XS to L and 1X to 6X) offers all-day comfort when knit in light, airy wool. Featuring strong cable and texture panels, the fabric is a study in diamond motifs. Slightly fitted through the bust with dropped shoulders and slightly longer armholes, the flattering A-line fit falls to knee or mid thigh length in soft folds. Side seam button bands and choice of two neckline shapes offer more styling options. Knit from hem to shoulder in portable pieces, this garment nonetheless has only two short shoulder seams—the rest is finished with knit-on bands in chunky rib..

Sample shown in size M with approximately 6 inches of ease: crewneck version knit in Milkshake Sport, color Soda Fountain with Enan buttons

White sample: Shetlandia Sport in White shade with Doe Antler Buttons

Matching motifs: Rust Belt River Mitts

Suggested Yarns: 
Milkshake Sport, Finn Dandy 3-ply Sport, Finn Dandy 2-ply Sport, Shetlandia Sport, Blues Singer DK, Jacob’s Dream Sport, Cabécou Sport, Perendale DK, East Friesian Sport, Targhee Tango Sport, Polwarth Sport, Oxford Sport, or any heavy sport/light DK yarn that knits to pattern gauge

Substituting yarn and/or needles may result in an overall variation in size, drape, and yardage requirement.

Finished Size:
36.5(39.5, 42.5, 45, 48)[51, 54, 59.5, 65.5, 71] inches / 92.5(100.5, 108, 114.5, 122)[129.5, 137, 151, 166.5, 180.5] cm around chest (buttoned) to fit with 4 to 8 inches / 10 to 20 cm of ease

Yarn requirements:
Dress: 15(1815, 1960, 2065, 2225)[2335, 2500, 2775, 3005, 3240] yards / 1565(1660, 1795, 1890, 2035)[2135, 2290, 2535, 2745, 2960] meters
Tunic: 15(1290, 1405, 1510, 1590)[1670, 1840, 1990, 2165, 2385] yards / 1110(1180, 1285, 1380, 1455)[1530, 1680, 1820, 1980, 2180] meters

Buttons:
Dress: 18 buttons that measure .75 inch / 2 cm in diameter
Tunic: 12(12, 12, 14, 14)[14, 14, 14, 14, 14] buttons that measure .75 inch / 2 cm in diameter

Gauge:
22 sts and 30 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch on largest needles (washed and dried flat)
22 sts and 30 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in knit/purl diamond texture for side panels (washed and blocked)

Needles:
size 6US (4.0 mm) for body (or size to obtain correct gauge)
size 5US (3.75 mm) for hem ribbing (or .25 mm smaller than gauge needle)
size 4US (3.5 mm) circular needle for neck, armhole, and side seam finishes (or .5 mm smaller than gauge needle)
cable needle several sizes smaller than gauge needle