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Of all the coincidences, this was a good one.
We went to the beach to take photos of the Debbie bliss dress I'd finished knitting, and washed up on the sand was a fishing creel that matched the turquoise colour of my dress!
I LOVE coincidences like that!
So here it is, my finished knitted dress, made following a Debbie Bliss pattern, (details at the end of this post).
I mentioned in a previous post that I was worried about this dress being too small, especially on the band just under the bust, I was convinced I wasn't going to be able to get it over my chest.
But it's turned out to be a perfect fit, and there's noone more surprised than me.
The band under the bust stretches a little as the dress is worn, so it went from being a little tight, to just right.
And I'm very glad I started the neck shaping later than stated in the pattern, it would have been much too low cut if I'd followed the pattern.
I have to say, I'm thrilled with the results of this knitting, I love this dress. It's very, very comfortable, and a flattering shape too.
As there is very little sleeve to knit, this project didn't take too long to make, two months.
Knitting with Debbie Bliss baby casmerino yarn was a real treat. It's so soft, but also gives good stitch definition, almost like a cotton yarn, though it's actually made using Merino, a bit of Cashmere, and a bit of manmade fibre, so there isn't the heaviness you get with cotton yarns. It's lovely and warm too. This yarn washes beautifully. I washed my dress in the washing machine on the handwash cycle, and gave it an extra spin in the washing machine, and the dress has come out of that well. The range of colours is mouth watering too, I'm a big fan of Debbie Bliss yarn colours, she does beautiful brights to elegant subdueds, something for everyone.
In the above photo, my favourite turquoise trainers, and my favourite turqouise Falke cotton rich tights (please may they never ladder or get holes in them, please may they stay forever perfect).
But turquoise trainers and lady-like knitted dress, do not the perfect fit make.
High heels are the order of the day for this dress, or little slip-on pumps perhaps.
Even though I'd only increased my height to about 5 foot 4 wearing the heels, I felt like an Amazonian woman tottering about in these shoes all day. I very rarely wear heels, so it always feels a bit strange. I feel empowered because of the immense height I suddenly see the world from (!) but at the same time I feel quite vulnerable, like my feet are not firmly planted on the ground. Do you get that too?!
And now for the knitty-gritty details. The pattern is from Debbie Bliss knitting magazine Spring/Summer 2011. It's pattern no.15 (page 90).
The pattern calls for Debbie Bliss Eco Baby yarn to be used, but this can be substituted with Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, which is what I did. The colour I used was 340031 (turquoise/acqua blue), eleven balls of it. My knitting tension is loose, so I had to go down from the 3.25 mm needles in the pattern, to 2.75 mm needles. The resulting fabric is quite firm, but I think that helps to keep the shape of the dress.
I started knitting this dress on 4th June, according to an old blog post, and finished the dress on 5th August. So let's say it took two months to complete.
As knitting patterns go, it was easy to follow, though I wouldn't give this pattern to a beginner, maybe intermediate, as you need to know what you're doing around the neck area, in terms of where to do the decreases, it's not explained very well.
I didn't knit the picot edge on the sleeves or hem, because they curl, and actually I prefer the simpler garter stitch edge.
If there weren't so many wonderful dress patterns I want to knit on my list, I would make this dress again in a different colour, I like it so much.
So there we go, another dress finished, done and dusted!
Now I'm completely engrossed in knitting the Coraline Cardigan by Ysolda. And I've started sewing another Miz Mozelle Dress, doing a seam here and there. It all adds up, knitting a few rows and sewing a few seams here and there, before you know it, you've got a finished piece. In the fable of the Tortoise and the Hare, I'd probably be the Tortoise.
If you'd like to see other people's version of this dress on Ravelry, the link to the relevant page is here.
I hope you enjoyed the show today! Vanessa xxx
It looks wonderful on you - another lovely dress!
Posted by: Helen | August 16, 2011 at 12:54 PM
I enjoyed your gallery so much. You`re looking great and feminine. What an eye-candy-dress, brilliant!
Posted by: Claudia | August 16, 2011 at 01:08 PM
Beautiful job on the dress and I LOVE the color -- so pretty. Perfect place for the photo shoot too -- congrats!
Posted by: Wool Free and Lovin' Knit | August 16, 2011 at 01:19 PM
Vanessa your dress is gorgeous, if fact they all are! What a great photo shoot, those colours look fabulous on the beach. I really like the detail around the neckline in that dress but I prefer the shape of your purple and green stripy dress as it is a bit more forgiving for the fuller figure? ie ME, I wonder if one could combine the two? Pretty flowers in the grasses too! :-)
Posted by: Jenni at Baa-me Kniits | August 16, 2011 at 01:22 PM
WOW!!!! i love it! shows off your figure and that colour really is something else- so beautiful ;0) love the lobster hatch washed up- how wonderful that the dress matches the beach hehe lovely!!! x
Posted by: kazzy | August 16, 2011 at 01:55 PM
It's wonderful and you wear it SO well! It's very flattering and a perfect color for you. And I tried, but I can't pick a favorite dress among your knits. They're all smashing!
Posted by: twistedknitter | August 16, 2011 at 02:04 PM
Your dress is beautiful, looks great on you and the colour is fab! I think your knitting is wonderful, you are so speedy! I've been inspired by your sewing skills too and I'm thinking of making that dress you made (the turquoise one) x
Posted by: Em | August 16, 2011 at 02:17 PM
I'm always amazed at your dresses. They are works of art, and they get finished too! It looks lovely on you. Love the photos, as always.
Posted by: Lynne | August 16, 2011 at 02:18 PM
It's beautiful Vanessa!
I love the the colour and the cables on the yolk and around the neck are so pretty. :)
And what a stroke of luck with the creel too!
Vivienne x
Posted by: greenrabbitdesigns | August 16, 2011 at 02:38 PM
Look at you ! How wonderful to have finished such a fab and figure hugging knit and to look so good in it !! Love this FO :D
And the pictures from the photoshoot have brightened my day, thank you. I could smell the salt air and feel the fresh breeze.
Posted by: Annie | August 16, 2011 at 02:41 PM
That is a very nicely detailed pattern- the stitch around the neck and down the front is very pretty.Looks wonderful- so much nicer in your turquoise than the pale pink in the original pattern! Cashmerino is a lovely yarn to work with and gives such a crisp stitch- I'm always thrilled when I find some reduced in the remainder bin.
Getting a little cooler here,cat in his furry basket for his snooze instead of in the garden,time I dug out my fairisle ufo and got stuck in again.
Posted by: Kate | August 16, 2011 at 02:50 PM
The dress is gorgeous! You're very clever! I love the detail around the neckline. You're a real inspiration to anyone who wants to make their own clothes, I've always fancied it, but have worried that it would be really obvious I had made them but your stuff looks off the peg.
Posted by: Faith | August 16, 2011 at 02:56 PM
Fabulous dress. Great job, well done! (And the creel is such a good find...) C.x
Posted by: noknittedknickers | August 16, 2011 at 02:58 PM
God blesses patience. I'm glad you waited for the photos till you could get outside - because the creel is so PERFECT. Lovely, Lovey job, Vanessa. And personally - I kind of like the turquoise trainers. They are balanced by the elegant ring. You really do look amazing in your new dress. And by the way - thank you for the photo essay, too. The lighthouse and the grasses and flowers and the beach have been a wonderful way to start this morning.
Posted by: Liz W in Missouri, USA (With Lucy) | August 16, 2011 at 03:12 PM
That dress is so utterly beautiful.......you look wonderful in it.
nattie x
Posted by: nattie | August 16, 2011 at 03:48 PM
I love, love, love your dress Vanessa, you clever lady!
Posted by: Sharon | August 16, 2011 at 04:08 PM
oh my goodiness, I have just posted a long message and it's just deleted itself! Grrr. In a nutshell Vanessa, this is so so STUNNING, love the colour, so you, so gorgeous. Love the coincidence and colour in the creel and love the lighthouse too. Thank you for all your gentle encouragement and awe inspiring handmade creations. xox I can only hope to knit myself a dress one day, busy knitting a cardy which I can only hope will be as neat as your knitting xox Penelope , happy days with Ysolda and Miss Mozelle
Posted by: Penelope | August 16, 2011 at 04:24 PM
Oh yes, it is a very flattering fit... no wonder you love it so much. In fact your version looks so much better than the pattern picture ('m not sure I would have knitted it seeing that).
I very occasionally wear heels, which might make me nearly 5ft6" - I have no idea how anyone wears skyscraper heels all day!
Celia
x
Posted by: Magic Cochin | August 16, 2011 at 04:47 PM
Wow, what a pretty dress and a lovely blue. Well done on its completion, you look fab in it and your photos are brill too. Bee x
Posted by: Mellissa (Bee) | August 16, 2011 at 05:22 PM
Oh my what an amazing dress, love the color & shape, it is an absolute peach :)
Wish i could knit like that!!!!
Have a lovely week
Karen x
Posted by: karen | August 16, 2011 at 05:47 PM
Your dress is gorgeous, it really flatters your shape, and fits perfectly. The colour suits you as well. I don't really have the patience to knit something so big, I am currently "resting" a cardigan at the moment - I just have one sleeve left to make, not sure why I don't just get on with it!
Posted by: Jacqueline | August 16, 2011 at 05:51 PM
Oh my, how beautiful! You are inspiring me to get out my needles again...!
Posted by: Lila | August 16, 2011 at 06:05 PM
You should be on a catwalk with that blue beauty! I rather like the curvier version on you than the straight lines the model is wearing. The fit is lovely, and your decision to make the neckline higher was spot on....us short gals need to watch for that!
I'm loving the beach setting for your modeling adventure, and smart of you to wear trainers in the sand.
You must knit like the wind....two months is admirable, not to mention how much I admire that dress....simply stunning.
Posted by: Jan | August 16, 2011 at 06:52 PM
Vanessa, you look fantastic in this dress. The color is perfect and you did an amazing job with all the knitting. Perfect, just perfect!
Meredith
Posted by: Meredith | August 16, 2011 at 07:08 PM
Gorgeous! Such a great dress, lovely fit and delicious colour, and your photos on the beach are perfect!
Helen x
Posted by: Helen | August 16, 2011 at 08:09 PM
Wow you got a perfect fit on that dress, well done, it's so flattering. And it's a gorgeous colour. Love the matching accessories, especially the ring.
Kier x
Posted by: bellabeeandme | August 16, 2011 at 08:26 PM
Hurray for lovely knitted dresses that fit perfectly! That's a relief - it's awful when you can't get your head through the opening or something. What gorgeous pictures too - my favourite is the third one down - it's a lovely picture; what a great setting. It's a beautiful colour and so well knitted. I prefer it without the picot edges too and I like your colour better than the pink. You always seem to get so many things done, if you are a tortoise it's a very busy one! It's a lovely pretty and flattering dress. And comfy too. What more can you want? I think the trick is knowing what suits you and looking at the end picture of your other knitted dresses, I would say you definitely do. (I do have a soft spot for your fair isle dress)
When I was younger I used to wear heels very occasionally, a few years or so back clumpy heels which were easier to walk on and now absolutely none. I really don't think I could anymore. I've got no patience with hurting feet and I just can't walk on heels. You suffer for your art obviously!
Posted by: Siobhan | August 16, 2011 at 08:35 PM
As always, just beautiful Vanessa! THe colour, the pattern, the fit, you look fabulous in it and the photoshoot was perfect ha ha love the co-incidental turquoise prop, thats what happens when we don't rush things!
Have a lovely week XXXXX
Posted by: Crochet with Raymond | August 16, 2011 at 08:53 PM
I hope you won't mind me saying (or better writing!) this, but I think this dress is the best of the four. It looks lovely on you !!
Posted by: Jacomijn | August 16, 2011 at 09:15 PM
What a fabulous dress! It looks so lovely on you and such a perfect photo shoot. You are such a clever sausage!
Posted by: Ellouise | August 16, 2011 at 09:18 PM
Hello Vanessa. Your dress is gorgeous and looks fantastic on you. Absolutely love it and love the montage of your handmade dresses too. What a feat...well done! x
Posted by: Pipany | August 16, 2011 at 10:07 PM
Well done Vanessa, it's lovely, such a beautiful colour. Looking forward to your next big ta-dah!
Hen x
Posted by: Hen | August 16, 2011 at 10:31 PM
Absolutely beautiful, Vanessa. All the photos are so pretty, as are you.
Posted by: cathleen | August 17, 2011 at 12:48 AM
The dress is breathtakingly lovely! And you definitely knit it to fit perfectly! Love the color, love the photo shoot, love the gratis pictures of the yellow flowers, too! And I'm glad to know you used the cashmerino. I just made a baby ripple afghan with some Debbie Bliss Cashmerino and was wondering what else it could work for.
Posted by: Laura | August 17, 2011 at 03:09 AM
Lovely, Vanessa, you are such a style queen! And such a dedicated knitter - you're my hero. I find heels disconcerting too, feel like I'm pretending to be someone else...
Posted by: Caren | August 17, 2011 at 04:52 AM
I just found your blog - I love it, it's so colourful!! Your dress is fabulous, I'm very envious - I think technically I have the stitches to do a "proper" piece of grown up clothing, but I'm not brave enough to start!
I look forward to following your blog via mine.
Posted by: little macaroon | August 17, 2011 at 07:27 AM
Hi Vanessa,
Your Debbie Bliss Dress is gorgeous. Well done you. I just love the colour, my favourite colour. It is a very flattering style.
Love Carole from Rossendale xxx
Posted by: Carole | August 17, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Beautiful dress, well done. It looks great!
Posted by: Donna | August 17, 2011 at 01:05 PM
This is such a beautiful dress. I have that magazine. A knitted dress is totally outside my comfort zone, but I'm very tempted to go for it. Such gorgeous photos.
Posted by: karen | August 17, 2011 at 02:01 PM
Vanessa, it's great to see another swell fashion shoot by Hugo, showing the results of your wonderful knitting. And that seaside setting and prop are perfect.
I agree that your dress really is prettier than the one accompanying the pattern. I've used some of that DB cashmerino yarn in a chunky weight for a Christmas gift scarf and also loved working with it. The actual weight of the very long scarf was very wearer-friendly.
On the topic of heels, since I am on my feet for so many hours a day, I no longer wear heels...closest I come are some wedged heels, and a couple of pairs of boots that have heels about 1 1/2 inches tall. I do still keep a few vintage higher heels in my own "shoe museum" just to remind me of what I once managed to totter around in. xo
Posted by: Frances | August 17, 2011 at 03:08 PM
Hi Vanessa. Love your dress and the colour - I prefer your version as I think the other one is a little too girly with the picot edging. Like you, I find going from flats (Doc Marten's - I love my Docs) to heels...well...difficult, but because I am going through a 'trying to be more glamorous/girly' stage, I've been wearing heels too. They look great, but oh so hard on the feet. I love Ysolda's designs and am planning to start Cria soon. Good luck with your new dress and cardie! Dawn x
Posted by: D A Nelson | August 18, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Your dress turned out brilliantly! It is very flattering and I love the colour :) Good job!
Posted by: Allyson | August 19, 2011 at 03:46 AM
this dress has been on my list for a while. it looks amazing!! thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: elliemoon | August 19, 2011 at 01:03 PM
The dress really suits you and the photos are great fun. Interesting to hear how the yarn makes up as it's expensive to buy and then find you don't get on with it. You must find it hard to know what to choose when you get dressed in the morning!
love Penny and Higgins xxx
Posted by: Planet Penny | August 20, 2011 at 08:51 AM
Oh Vanessa this is your most beautiful dress of all ... it fits to perfection and such a pretty color
you look stunning in the photos (and I've asked the angels to guard your tights from mishaps!)
Barbara x :)
Posted by: Barbara | August 20, 2011 at 08:51 AM
you are so clever x it looks great on you too :-)
Posted by: Lynda aka Katie Willow | August 20, 2011 at 09:26 AM
A dream, love, a love I work with
say !!!!!!!!!
Beautiful Vanessa!
Kisss!
Posted by: Márcia | August 22, 2011 at 12:58 AM
Lovely dress. I would really like to have a go knitting it for myself - But I don't know how to go about getting a copy of the pattern. Please can you help.
Love Lily
Posted by: Lily McCool | August 23, 2011 at 01:38 PM
It's gorgeous Vanessa, congratulations
Posted by: Karoline | August 24, 2011 at 08:10 PM