I kept this one a secret didn't I!When I first saw Brandy and Allegra's online magazine startup "Petite Purls" last year, I was very impressed by their organisational abilities, drive and passion, and when they sent out a call for green patterns I had just the right project incubating.
Here it is - The Tea party frock, knitted in Forever Green Elan organic yarn, wonderfully soft, soft organic wool spun and dyed with plant dyes in New Zealand and available from Knitworld in NZ and by (fast, efficient and friendly!) mail order from Mel Clark at South Seas knitting for those of you based elsewhere in the world.
The top is based on the fluffy party dresses of the 1950's - frothy layers of chiffon and bright silk sashes - too restricting for today's little girl so a cute practical option was in order. The rippled skirt is a quick knit in the round, the garter st top has simple shaping with angel sleeves and a square neck and the sash with it's embroidered daisies sets the garment off simply.
The Forever Green yarn works up nicely - but the real magic comes when you block the garment after knitting I have never seen a yarn bloom so beautifully - it is absolutely luscious- to get the full effect handwash your newly knitted garment in warm water with some woolwash, then squeeze excess water out by wrapping in a towel (and standing on it!) pat into shape on a blocking board, and finally pin in strategic places to ensure crisp seamlines.
I am sure you will either have access to lazy daisy instructions either from a basic needlecrafts book or online - here are some links:
thanks to Brandy, Allegra and Joan for their enthusiasm and support - well done!
3 comments:
It is lovely and would do all seasons, just as it is for the warmer weather and over a skivvy and leggins for colder weather.
Congratulations! If only some of those baby generating engineers round here would have a girl ..
Everything about it is adorable, as always!
That's the cutest pattern yet! Kinda wish my niece would stay little longer... ;-)
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