Crochet

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I JOINED THE THRONGS

by

kim guzman crochet garden party wrap kimane designs
http://kimguzman.bravejournal.com/

I joined the throngs of my online crochet friends, and a few locals too, who have purchased Kim Guzman’s latest design, the Garden Party Wrap. This is not to be confused with the failed Garden Party Jacket that I recently attempted to crochet from the unintelligible (at least to me) pattern from Fiesta Yarns.

I printed off the pattern this morning and will choose some yarn from my stash later this evening – after my linedancing class. First things first!

My daughter’s closest friend just became engaged with a wedding planned for June, 2009. The bride wants my daughter to wear this dress as her Maid of Honor:

julia roberts’ my best friend’s wedding dress in lavender

in the same color, pale lavender, that Julia Roberts wore in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’.

I’m thinking that the Garden Party Wrap might be a nice little topper for this dress if the A/C becomes too much. What do you think??

If you are looking for more of our DIY Wedding ideas then check out our dedicated DIY Wedding blog.

Looking for more crochet patterns for weddings? Check out these designs we found on Etsy.

Comments

  2. Hmmm, that dress just might be too busy on top for that wrap…but worn down around the elbows would work! Yarn suggestions..I’m using Knitpicks Shimmer in the Galaxy colorway, allegedly, and it carries a pretty light purple in with some other purples.

    KRISR, as usual, your comments are so helpful.  I may rethink the entire shawl idea for this occasion.  It seems the bride wants the Jewel Box – a lovely, vintage green house in St. Louis’ Forest Park for those unfamiliar with the area. In that location, there will be no need for a shawl since it’s always sweltering and humid inside there.  I’ll check out the Galaxy colorway.  Sounds yummy.  THANKS!! jd

  3. It will make a nice accent piece, but if you’re looking for something to stave off the chill of an air conditioner, I don’t think that’s going to do it. And I don’t think it will hang well at the shoulders with that neckline.

  4. With all the comments my readers have posted here – and some have sent me privately – I think I’ll save Kim’s shawl for another use. If my daughter actually gets the Julia Roberts’ dress, we’ll look for another ‘look’ for a topper if it’s needed. THANKS for all the input. See, that’s why I asked!! jd

Have you read?

Vintage Crochet Baby Dress Pattern Review

There is something especially charming about a vintage baby dress pattern, and this Crocheted Cutie Dress #3112 has all the details that make older crochet designs so appealing.

The dress features a neatly shaped bodice, short sleeves, contrast stripes and a full lace skirt with a scalloped finish. It has that classic heirloom look without feeling overly formal, which makes it suitable for birthdays, family photos, baby showers or simply as a special handmade outfit.

One of the nicest things about this design is the balance between the structured upper section and the much softer, more decorative skirt. The bodice is worked in a simple repeating texture, while the skirt opens into a detailed lace pattern that gives the dress plenty of movement and fullness. The white trim around the neckline, sleeves and hem also helps define the shape beautifully.

The pattern includes instructions for sizes 1 and 2, with the second size shown in parentheses throughout. As with many vintage patterns, the sizing does not line up neatly with modern age labels, so it is important to check the gauge and finished proportions rather than relying on the size number alone.

This would be best suited to an intermediate crocheter, or a confident beginner who is comfortable reading traditional pattern instructions. The design uses chain stitches, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, colour changes, shaping, repeated lace sections and separate pieces that are sewn together during finishing.

The sleeves and collar are made separately and attached to the completed bodice. The back is finished with three buttons, giving the dress a practical opening while keeping the front clean and decorative.

The original version uses pink and white mercerized crochet cotton, but the design works beautifully in more modern combinations too. Sage and cream give it a soft botanical feel, lemon and white make it fresh and summery, while orange and ivory create a much warmer retro look.

Because the pattern was originally written for vintage crochet cotton and a steel hook, I would strongly recommend making a gauge swatch before beginning. Modern threads and hook-sizing systems can vary, and the bodice needs to fit correctly before the lace skirt is added.

The professionally reformatted PDF is much easier to follow than an unedited scan. It keeps the original stitch counts and construction while improving spacing and readability. It also includes a modern mockup and the original vintage reference image, which is helpful when visualising the finished shape.

Overall, this is a lovely pattern for anyone who enjoys making vintage-inspired baby clothes. The lace skirt is the real highlight, but the striped bodice and matching collar give the finished dress a polished, complete look.