Lydia by Lynn Hamps

Lydia

Knitting
May 2014
Any good quality yarn
DK (11 wpi) ?
22 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches
in stocking stitch
US 8 - 5.0 mm
4.5 mm
320 - 340 yards (293 - 311 m)
English
This pattern is available for £3.45 GBP buy it now

Lydia is the perfect frock for little girls. Soft, pretty and light. Ideal for play or for more formal occasions. The buttoned front makes dressing a breeze and the generous armholes means it can be layered over long or short-sleeved tees or blouses for completely different looks.
The skirt flares just the right amount so they can swirl it gently without being hampered by yards of fabric and the pretty stitch pattern is just the right side of lacy. It is also a little longer and gives a lovely vintage type silhouette as well as extra wearability. Team with sandals and bare legs in the summer or over a polo neck sweater and thick tights in colder months. The fabric is stretchy and as little ones tend to grow upwards before they grow outwards, Lydia would also make a lovely tunic over a skirt or trousers thus making it a truly useful piece for their tiny wardrobe. To make it even more winter friendly and in a bigger size, use size 6.00mm or 7.00mm needles and an Aran/Worsted weight yarn.

Example made in Marriner Baban 55% acrylic/45% nylon in Crocus…A very soft yarn, (cotton would be lovely too, especially for summer) and 5.00mm needles to produce a very soft drape and lots of stretchability. Less than 100g used.

Finished Size:
Chest: 16 inches/41cms (will stretch to fit up to 20 inches/51cms)
Centre back from neck to hem: 18.5 inches/ 47cms
Skirt circumference/Hips: 22 inches/56cms (will stretch up to 24 inches/61cms and still hang nicely)
Armhole depth: 5¼ inches/13.5cms
I haven’t included an age guide as all children are different, please be guided by the measurements.
Adjustments can easily be made for a custom fit by lengthening the dress as you work. To increase the width is a little more complicated but intermediate makers should have no problems. The lace pattern is worked over multiples of 12sts (+16sts for borders).

Method
Lydia is worked from the bottom up and in rows, turning after every row. The scalloped edging is completed first and is folded and sewn to the inside hem. The pretty diamond pattern is then completed with integrated button and buttonhole bands worked at the same time. A decrease row is worked across the waistline and the bodice of the dress is worked up to the armholes where it is divided and the fronts and back are then worked separately with easy shaping for the neckline. The shoulder seams are sewn and buttons attached. Finally a simple row of sc stitches are crocheted around the armhole openings for added stability…even non-crocheters should, hopefully, find that easy to master.
This method ensures that there is very little seaming and no picking up stitches, the hem is the longest sewn piece and that is done at the start so once you cast off, the garment is practically ready to wear….

Any questions please message me….