Meet the “Siren” Peplum Top
A little sweet. A little dangerous. The “Siren” Peplum Top has that fitted vintage silhouette we can’t quit—snug through the bust and waist, then flaring into a soft peplum that looks killer with high-waisted jeans or a pencil skirt.
“Siren” is worked seamlessly from the top down in fingering-weight yarn held together with lace-weight mohair, creating a lightweight fabric with a soft halo. The shoulders and tailored set-in sleeves are shaped with short rows, while waist shaping gives the sweater its defined silhouette. For a little extra drama, an optional mohair ruffle can be added to the sleeve cap after the sweater is finished.
🎥 Video tutorials are included for both the peplum construction and the optional mohair sleeve ruffle, giving you a little extra help with the trickier details.
Designed for XS–4X, with a close, body-skimming fit through the bust and waist.
Some sweaters are made for staying in. “Siren” is made for going out. ❤️
We wanted to design something feminine and a little bit special—the kind of sweater you reach for when you’re getting dressed for dinner, a party, a date night, or an evening out. Something soft enough to be comfortable, but polished enough that it feels like an outfit.
“Siren” has a fitted vintage silhouette, with a defined waist and a softly flared 3" peplum. The shape is close through the bust and waist before opening at the hem, giving it that classic dressed-up feeling without making it fussy. Wear it with a pencil skirt or high-waisted jeans and heels. It works beautifully whenever you want to feel a little more put together.
The fabric is one of our favorite parts. “Siren” is worked with fingering-weight yarn held together with lace-weight mohair, creating a light, soft fabric with a subtle halo and plenty of drape. It feels delicate, but the silhouette gives it some structure.
We also wanted the construction to have a little more tailoring than your average top-down sweater. “Siren” begins at the upper back, with short-row shaping creating the shoulder slope. The front is shaped separately for a precise placement of the shoulder “seam”, and the body comes together at the underarms before the waist is shaped and the peplum opens out.
The sleeves are worked from the armhole with short-row shaping to create a top-down set-in sleeve, then tapered toward the cuff. And for anyone who wants a little more romance, there’s an optional mohair ruffle that can be added to the sleeve cap after the sweater is finished.
We’ve included video tutorials for both the peplum and the optional ruffle, so you can see those details come together as you knit.
The “Siren” Peplum Top is available now in sizes XS–4X. We hope you’ll make one for the next occasion that deserves a little extra effort.
xoxo
🎙️ Pattern Spotlight: "Art School" Sweater🎨
September is a good time for a fresh start.
New projects. New ideas. A little more time for making things as the days get shorter and the first hints of fall start showing up.
This month, we're putting the spotlight on the "Art School" Sweater—an elegant, versatile shape that's ready for you to make your own.
Think of it as a blank canvas.
You bring the yarn. You choose the colors. You decide how far you want to take it.
Dig it. 🎨
Your Blank Canvas
The "Art School" Sweater is the sister of our "Beauty School" design, a different silhouette but the same choose-your-own DIY mentality.
Color block one sleeve.
Color block both.
Knit it in a beautiful speckled yarn.
Or keep it simple and let the shape and soft mohair halo speak for themselves.
There's no single right way to make it.
🎨 Start With the Colors
One of our favorite things about designing a versatile shape is seeing how much the personality can change with a different color palette.
You could keep things classic with a neutral body and one strong accent.
Go artsy with rich, slightly unexpected colors.
Or choose a beautiful speckled yarn and let the color changes happen naturally.
The pattern gives you the canvas. You get to make the decisions.
A Few Palettes to Get You Started…
Or better yet—what colors are already calling your name from your stash?
✂️ What's the Construction Like?
The "Art School" Sweater is worked seamlessly from the top down, so there's no sewing together pieces at the end.
The pattern includes:
Top-down seamless construction
Sizes XS, (S, M, L) [1X, 2X, 3X, 4X]
Drop shoulder construction for sizes XS–L
Modified drop shoulder construction for sizes 1X–4X
Short-row shoulder shaping
Waist shaping
It's a thoughtful, wearable shape with plenty of room for you to put your own stamp on it.
👖 Vintage or Contemporary?
That's another thing we love about this sweater: it doesn't demand one particular look.
Pair it with a full skirt and vintage accessories.
Wear it with high-waisted jeans and boots.
Dress it up or keep it casual.
The mohair halo gives the "Art School" Sweater that soft, nostalgic quality we love about vintage knitwear. But the shape is versatile enough to take it in whatever direction you want.
🎨 Make It Yours
A good handmade sweater shouldn't look exactly like everyone else's.
Pick your colors.
Choose your yarn.
Make it your own.
And shout out to all our fellow art school grads xoxo.
👉 Shop the "Art School" Sweater
The “Art School” Sweater is an elegant and versatile shape designed for you to make it your own. Sister of "Beauty School", color block one or both sleeves, or knit it full on speckle. It’s your blank canvas. Dig it.
This shape can be styled vintage or contemporary, with a skirt or jeans. The mohair halo adds a vibe of vintage, but updated with colors of your choice.
You Might Also Like
If you love the “Art School" Sweater, you might also enjoy:
• “Beauty School” Top — The original sister design, with the same vintage-inspired spirit and plenty of room to make it your own.
• “Beauty School” DK — A DK-weight take on the Beauty School look, perfect when you're ready for a little more cozy.
• “Sweetheart” Bomber — A vintage-inspired layer with plenty of attitude, perfect for the cooler days ahead.
💌 Share Your Project
Finished a Poison Grrls pattern? We'd love to see it!
Share your photos, tell us about your yarn choice, and help inspire fellow knitters by showing how you made the pattern your own.
As a thank-you, you'll receive 15% off your next Poison Grrls pattern purchase, and your project could be featured on our website, Instagram, or in a future 🎙️ Pattern Spotlight newsletter.
XOXO,
The Poison Grrls Team 💋
🎙️ Pattern Spotlight! the “American Football” Tee
“American Football" Tee
Late summer is one of our favorite times of year.
The days are still warm, but there's just a hint of fall in the air. It's the season of county fairs, roadside diners, weekend road trips, Friday night fun, and squeezing every last bit out of summer.
That's why this month's Pattern Spotlight is the "American Football" Tee. 🏈
Inspired by vintage athletic style, this tee is an easy-to-wear classic with a timeless silhouette. Whether you're pairing it with high-waisted jeans, pedal pushers, or your favorite skirt, it's the kind of handmade piece that fits right into a vintage wardrobe.
❤️ Why We Designed It
We love vintage sportswear because it's effortless.
The "American Football" Tee was designed to capture that nostalgic, all-American feel while giving knitters a garment they'll wear for years—not just one season.
Simple enough for everyday wear, distinctive enough to stand out, and packed with the thoughtful details that make handmade garments special.
🍂 Perfect for the Season Ahead
As summer gives way to fall, this is the kind of project you'll be glad you cast on now.
✨ Lightweight enough for warm afternoons
🍁 Perfect for those first cool mornings
🚗 Easy to pack for road trips and long weekends
🧥 Layers beautifully under your favorite cardigan or jacket
✨ Favorite Details
It's the little touches that make this pattern shine.
📍 Vintage-inspired athletic styling with the stripes at the arms and across the bust
📍 Flattering shaping for a comfortable fit
📍 Clear, step-by-step instructions
📍 Modern sizing and techniques designed to help you knit with confidence
❤️ Style It Your Way
The "American Football" Tee is made for mixing and matching.
🖤 Pair it with cuffed jeans and sneakers for a casual vintage look.
❤️ Wear it with a full skirt and a bandana for classic rockabilly style.
🤍 Layer it under your favorite cardigan when sweater weather rolls in.
However you style it, it's a piece you'll find yourself reaching for again and again.
🧶 Ready to Cast On?
If you're planning your late summer or early fall knitting, the "American Football" Tee is ready to earn a spot on your needles.
The “American Football” Tee is a true throwback. Designed with a fitted body and signature double stripes on each sleeve, it channels old-school athletic style with a sharp, wearable silhouette. Easy, timeless, and unmistakably American—this is a wardrobe staple with grit.
Knit seamlessly from the top down. Drop shoulder for sizes XS-L, modified drop shoulder for sizes 1X-4X. Includes short row shoulder shaping and waist shaping.
You Might Also Like
If you love the "American Football" Tee, you might also enjoy:
• Boardwalk Blouse — a vintage-inspired summer favorite.
• Sweetheart Bomber — the perfect layering piece as the weather cools.
• Cyclone Top — another timeless wardrobe staple with vintage flair.
💌 Share Your Project
Finished a Poison Grrls pattern? We'd love to see it!
Share your photos, tell us about your yarn choice, and help inspire fellow knitters by showing how you made the pattern your own.
As a thank-you, you'll receive 15% off your next Poison Grrls pattern purchase, and your project could be featured on our website, Instagram, or in a future 🎙️ Pattern Spotlight newsletter.
XOXO,
The Poison Grrls Team 💋