Why knit this dress? The dress is designed to solve a few problems I’ve encountered in trying to find winter dresses. First, I have struggled with most warm dresses not being flared in design. I don’t always want a fitted look and I love to twirl! Second, any flared winter dresses usually don’t have sleeves. As a Canadian, warm sleeves that go to the wrist are super important. Lastly, a lack of pockets! (Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered here too).

Level: intermediate

Techniques used: knit, purl, increasing, decreasing, basic cables, reading cable chart, yarn over, grafting, 3 needle bind off, optional short rows, basic sewing stitch for the belt

Gauge:
On US 8 (5.0mm) needles
10cm x 10cm (4in x 4in) stockinette: 
16 sts
23 rows

Materials required:
2000m(2000m, 2000m)(2500m, 3000m, 3200m)(3600m, 4000m, 4400m) aran/worsted weight yarn
US 5/3.75mm needles
US 8/5.00mm needles
US 8/5.00mm DPNS if not using magic loop for sleeves
US 10/6.00mm needles
Cable needle
6 stitch markers
1 removable stitch marker
2-inch wide elastic the length of the circumference of your waist + 2 inches for sewing
Sewing needle and thread (thread in black or similar colour to the yarn you are using)
Belt buckle with at least a 2-inch hole
Tapestry needle for weaving ends
Scissors
Stitch holder or scrap yarn

Notes on sizing:
Pattern is intended to be knit with no ease. Additionally, this pattern includes optional bust darts to create more room around the chest. If your chest is pushing you to knit a larger size, instead knit the size indicated by the rest of your measurements and include the bust darts. This will create a more fitted look. If you are fully in between sizes go with the larger size. 
Chart in cm