Inspiration

No, I didn't knit this.  I purchased it at Barneys for way too much money--and then found an area next to one side seam where several stitches were unraveling.  (Rather than go to the trouble of trying to exchange it, I just fixed it).  I think I had something like this in mind when I was sketching Chinese Lace; instead of using incremental decreases to shape the waist, I decreased the stitches by 18% over the last two rows of the lace pattern, and thought this would give a slight peplum effect.  Which it didn't; the lace-to-ribbing area just tapers gently.  I still like the peplum look, but I don't think I'll use it for the CL pullover (which I am doggedly re-knitting as we speak), because the contrast between lace and ribs PLUS a real peplum might give unflattering emphasis to the lower abdomen--not my favorite body part--rather than just skimming forgivingly over it.

But I think that shaping similar to this, in conjunction with a subtle stitch pattern...elastic to shape the waist (as in the pictured top)?  Or just sudden decreases?  Or some knit smocking?   

And hey, check out the June MagKnits!  There you'll find the pattern for this hat and matching purse, "Rose-of-Sharon," by yours truly.  I think it's a perfect July (violet/purple) project for the Project Spectrum KAL....