Adriana's Spring Dress

About a week ago, as I was going through my daughters wardrobe, I realized she has grown out of many nice things faster than I noticed. Time for something new! With the spring coming, the next few months will be a challenge to dress, as always - the weather here turns from hot to cool in an instant. One of the best solutions is always to layer.

So, I decided to make her a sleeveless dress, to be worn over a long sleeve top and a jacket on top of it, if needed. Something simple, something everyday. I browsed through a number of crochet patterns, but most of them were just 'too much' for what I had in mind. This time I simply want cute and practical, but everyday.
So, here is my version.

Simple crochet spring dress

 It has a few flaws, but in general I am rather happy with it. I did it in one peace, starting at the top, added a nice lace detail on the bottom and a pretty finishing at the top. The flowers are Adriana's favorite. The whole dress is worked in 100% virgin wool, which was a little splitty to work with, but bearable. The flowers are made of a soft and slightly fuzzy angora mix in a gentle pink shade.

Another thing is, while I did a gauge swatch and all, it is still a little snug and (because I plan to make another one, slightly moderated), I have recalculated my stitch counts, so the next one will be a bit more loose and will fit longer, too. One more change will be adjusting the lace border. It looks fine, when worn, but it could have been done slightly better... I should get some modeled photos, I guess :)

Anyone care to join me for a 'crochet-a-long'? I am considering writing this pattern up - it is such a quick and rewarding project with a cute, practical result. Let me know, if you do!

Kαλό μήνα! Have a good month!

Greeks have a wonderfully positive attitude to life, by tradition - and that's one of the things I love about them. They have a blessing for so many things in life, and every first day of the month they wish each other a Good Month! 

So, kαλό μήνα! :)

So what are you up to in February? I have always loved this month of the year, because it is so short and often passes in a lightening speed - at this point of the year I am always getting impatient about SPRING, so I am looking forward for warmer, longer days and I spend February on work, or whatever 'must' activities I have in my life at the time - to get done with all the 'musts' so I can enjoy spring when it comes!

I hope this year will be no exception. I have been somewhat distracted during January - busy, yes, but without a clear schedule in my mind and - without a real result. So, high time to catch up.

I have one project though, that I've been working on - on and off - throughout end of December and January that I want to share. I think I'm approaching the finishing lines (and I hope I won't jinx my inspiration now by posting a photo :))

Freeform crochet with 100% wool

Freeform crochet, bullion stitch, surface crochet

 I really do love this peace. I have only used a handful of stitch types, yet it looks rich in texture and color. I am using a 100% wool yarn, lovely to work with. This will most likely become a cushion cover, and I hope to finish it really soon now...

The real question is - what shall I do with it? While I am in love with these colors, they don't exactly match my living room, I should have gone for a different theme. That's what happens when you start a project without a proper planning, just because you LOVE the yarn.... :)) Who knows, I might put it in my etsy store.