I finally finished seaming up those long sides of my dress and might even find a few days cool enough to wear it before spring renders its pounds of wool (only exaggerating a little) just a bit too much warmth.
I’ve been stalling on finishing it up, suspecting that it would turn out far too large, but it’s not bad, eh? If I’d been paying more attention, perhaps I would have gone for a shorter hem length, but overall I’m fairly pleased. I decided to wear it with coloured hose as I’m otherwise pretty monotonous in it . . . and given the “falling raindrops” textured pattern, I don’t feel it supports necklaces or scarves well, although I may change my mind on the latter.
I also tried it with a higher-heeled knee-high boot, but wasn’t convinced, perhaps because there was just too much covering-up bulk overall. I’d wear the dress, though, with my pair of high-heeled almond-toed black Mary Janes, either with black tights or with these or a cherry pair.
And yikes! I notice my hair here is a bit flat — still drying, is the problem, not quite styled (My “styling” involves throwing in product when hair is wet, scrunching it into shape, letting it dry, then picking some volume into it with a hairpick — latter step still not accomplished here) — my chief cook and photographer had a ferry to catch after breakfast and I wanted to make sure I got the photos taken.
Yarn, pattern, needle size details all posted on Ravelry.
As I often do on Mondays, I’m linking up to the crew over at Visible Monday. Check out the array of visibility Patti’s hosting over there.
And you, how’s your Monday — your whole week, indeed — shaping up for you after the weekend?
I am so impressed with your knitting skills! That dress is gorgeous and I think the detail is what really makes it stand out. The colored tights do add the right amount of color.
Thanks, Adrienne!
You look quite wonderful in that dress. The pattern is almost enough to make me pick up my old knitting needles (but not quite – I never could knit worth a darn). I will simply be pleased that you have made something so beautiful and added it to the world.
Why, thanks! It's simpler than it looks, this pattern, altho' the yoke shaping (especially the short-rows) had me stalling for a while . . .
It's totally beautiful! Imagine, when people say they love it, how fun it's going to be to advise that it's handmade. Lots of bang for the compliment buck! I would wear it with chunky heeled knee high leather boots. And I would def pair it with pink or bright coloured tights. I can see what you mean about it being on the long side. Were you to make it again, I agree, shorter would be perfection, but it's so terrific just as is. The thing about knitting that drives me nuts is that it's so much more time consuming to modify than sewing.
I could always, chop off the bottom, pick up stitches and re-do the garter-stitch hem . . . but that's just not going to happen. I'll enjoy it for what it is, and maybe someday pass it along to a taller friend or sister. . .
Very nice! I suspect you'll like it better once it's aged for a while. You're probably too close to it right now, with all the work you've put into it. I think you look great!
Often, with the handknit garments, they do work into a long-term comfort, rather than anything particularly fashionable. This dress will be a lovely snuggle on a winter's day. Thanks for the encouragement.
Hi Frances, I am so very impressed with your knitting skills. This dress is superbly crafted, and fits you beautifully. If you want colour, and would like it a little shorter, how would it look with a large coloured belt, maybe to match your tights!! Just a thought – hope you don't mind!
Ann
Yes, I could imagine someone else styling it exactly as you suggest — my problem is that my very short waist doesn't play well with belts. . . although I suppose I should at least try that look . . . Thanks for the suggestion
That's an absolutely gorgeous dress. I'd tend to wear it with a black, textured, shiny belt, more silver bracelets, and black pumps. Then a pink lipstick. I don't find you lack color otherwise at all. However, that's just me and my color habits.
See above . . . as well, there's substantial texturing through 5 or so inches of the middle, as the "raindrop tracks" come together in a ribbed gathering — I suspect it would fight with any belt. Again, though, I should at least try . . .
Your dress is completely beautiful, Frances – what skills you have! I love the pattern, color, everything about it. And the colored hose are a great touch. Thanks so much for linking up with Visible Monday too.
Thanks, Patti. It was quite satisfying, for such a big project.
WOW, it's really fantastic!!! It's such a simple piece, yet so unique. I like it with the colored tights, but I think it could look very interesting with some knee boots too. (Maybe brown?)
They'd have to be quite slim boots, and with heels as well. Don't have such a creature at the moment (although suddenly I'm remembering the burgundy Fluevog boots,built on the same Coffee base as the shoes you and I share — mid-calf, very snug) . . . I do like the idea of a contrast boot, and brown would work well.
I really need to start knitting again and to get significantly better at it! You and the dress look great!
Thanks! And given all you do already, I can only smile at the idea of you adding knitting to your impressive resume!
I love the dress. The pattern is so unique. I have never seen anything like it. You are one talented lady!
Aw, thanks!
Gorgeous! I don't have the patience to sit and knit that much, I am VERY impressed.
I use the knitting as an excuse to watch many DVDs!
It's a beautiful dress and I had been studying the pattern even before you called them raindrops. I like the blue tights with it, but the red ones would look fantastic!
Yes, or hot pink as K suggests above! (mine are a deeper cherry red, somehow seems safe, relatively. . . 😉
Pretty feminine and impressive and what a lot of work!
I'd wear it with black boots add some silver bangles.
And you have the bangles, don't you?!
such a pretty dress. what a talented sister I have. Your comment chief book and photographer so reminded of Dad it made me smile.
hilary
I know! He was chief cook and bottlewasher extraordinaire! Glad to make you smile — couldn't have been to hard during your week of cuddling your grandson.
What an original dress and impressive project! And a leap of faith, knitting and knowing alterations would be a massive task, if even possible. Now you can relax and enjoy it!
Yes, something like this dress demonstrates that I really am a process knit, although I can enjoy the product as well.
I'm very impressed. I can't imagine having the staying power to knit an entire dress (unless it's in size 3 months). Well done – and it looks very European. All of The Great Danes women relatives knit dresses and tops and wear them with great flair.
I'm so tired of the grey here – it leaves me feeling limp – limp hair, limp spirit. Bring on the sunshine!
Oh, looking European is a plus — thank you!
As for the grey, it's been very wearying, so I hope you had the same sunny day as we did today!
I think you look amazing in the dress and I'm really impressed that you knit a dress! I wouldn't belt it, as you have said, because of the pattern at the waist. You don't want to cut that gorgeous fabric in half!
I too am a process knitter and have the worst time finishing projects — glad to know I am not the only one!
Christine
Thanks, Christine — do you generally have a few knitting projects on the go at once, as I do?
Oh it turned out beautifully! And I'm glad you finished it and posted it for us to see. I have so many projects in various stages of development, and far too many of them are just waiting for the finishing, which is difficult when there are so many new things calling my name.
Beautiful dress, and I am very impressed that you completed with such a major project! I love the details and the way the trim radiates from the neck to draw attention to the face. Is the dress knit from the top down?
Thanks, Beth — the pattern was in Vogue Knitting a few years ago and I couldn't resist it — I wish it had been knit from the top down, but I think on such a large (and weighty) piece, the seams are probably a good idea.