The Iluka top is a very versatile top that can easily be adapted to create the desired shape. It is knit from the top-down, in one piece. The cast-on at the straps is worked with a seamless technique, as are the i-cord edges along the armholes as well as necklines. So there will be absolutely no sewing involved!

 In order to allow you to choose the design that best fits your body shape and preferences, multiple options are given for the neckline depth, both for the front and the back. The models shown above are worked in different summer yarns, such as a cotton-alpaca blend (beige version on the left) and a cotton-linen blend (blue-grey version on the right).

Since the top is worked top-down, you can opt for either of the three length options given: cropped at the waist, high hip length, or full hip length – or simply adjust it to your liking.

About the testknit:

The deadline for the testknit is 1 September, 2024.

Testers will be required to have finished knitting the top up to this date, and have communicated any errors, comments or suggestions by that date as well. Knitters that have been selected to participate in the testknit will be notified by e-mail. Since it is important to be able to count on your support as a testknitter, it’s important to be sure you can manage to finish the cardigan within the given timing, to enable me to finalize the pattern for publication.

Frequently asked questions :

Is this a secret test?

No, absolutely not! On the contrary, I’m glad for you to show off your work-in-progress to your knitting friends, family and spread the joy!

Can I publish pictures as I’m working on the testknit?

Yes, definitely, and pretty please do! Ideally, if you’re publishing on instagram, tag my account @lillelarsenlux and use the hashtag #silukatop so I can easily see your progress as well and share it with the community (in order to share it, you will have to have your account set to public – but no worries if you prefer not to).

Do I have to share pictures with you?

I completely understand if taking pictures is not your thing. We will be sharing our project via a specific channel on SLACK, so there you can share pictures that will never be published without your agreement on any other platform. But you will have to send me a picture of the final garment so I can see how it turned out 🙂 But of course, I’d love to have any pictures that I can share once the pattern is launched, which helps me enormously in promotion my work.

What about Ravelry?

If you have an account on Ravelry, I will kindly ask you to share your account name with me (so I can send you the finished pattern right into your library once we’re done with the editing) and also, so you can open up a testknit project that will then be directly linked to the pattern. This is extremely helpful and inspiring for fellow knitters to see all the possibilities when it comes to yarn choices and options as well as colour combinations. You will get detailed instructions once you’re part of the testknitting group.

What skill level is required for the testknit?

The pattern for the Iluka top is not necessarily difficult as such, and thus suitable for newer knitters. Yet since there are instructions for different neckline depths, you should be used to reading patterns that are a bit more advanced level. Techniques used in this pattern are mostly: i-cord edges, Judy’s magic cast-on, increases and decreases.

How do I submit my application?

Right here!