I started making the ‘Darcey Dress’ from a pattern by Debbie Bliss a couple of months ago and mentioned it in another blog post http://coastalcrochet.com/2015/10/13/third-results-and-fourth-submissions/
It’s been on my to do list for a long time and as I have to submit a garment made from a pattern as part of the International Diploma in Crochet it was a great excuse to get started with it.
So far I’ve completed the top sections but it’s been cast aside for the last few weeks as I’ve been busy with other things. Initially I struggled with the tension to meet the pattern and opted for using a 4.5mm hook (a whole hook size larger than recommended). Having completed the top sections it still seemed small but what a difference blocking has made!
When blocking I usually wet the entire piece of crochet in cool water. Then gentle squeeze out the excess water in a towel before pinning it out. I measured it as I pinned it out to meet the tension of the pattern and it’s perfect!
It’s now spurred me on to finish the dress and it will be my crochet project over Christmas – I’m hoping for a few crochet moments during the festive period!
Happy Crocheting Everyone and I wish all those who celebrate Christmas a Happy, Peaceful and Festive time… 🙂
Wow! It’s looking great so far. Blocking makes such a difference, doesn’t it? One of the items on my Christmas wish list is blocking wires, I have never used them before so it will be interesting to see how I get on with them. I am hoping for some crochet time over the Christmas holidays too, fingers crossed x
I’ve not heard of blocking wires- I’ll be interested to see how you get on with those! Hope you get some of that crochet time over the next couple of weeks…x
Neither had I, until another blogger told me about them. Having made a very shawls this year, one of them requiring over 100 pins to block I thought I would try them. Hopefully Santa thinks I have been good this year!
It looking beautiful so far, looking forward to seeing it finished! Blocking wires are on my list too!! Thankfully I do have loads of pins so I manage at the moment 🙂
Thanks Sharon 😊 yes I have a lot of pins too! x
Glad your tension worked out right after blocking. One of my IDC projects didn’t fulfil one of the criteria (following a published pattern) as my tension didn’t match that of the pattern… even after blocking!! I was very annoyed! I’m sure you’ll get a good grade for the dress – but as important, I hope you enjoy wearing it.
I really hope it passes!! It would be frustrating if it didn’t as it’s a time consuming project. But as you say, so long as it’s good to wear I should be happy 😊
It’s gorgeous Eleanora. I am sure it will pass.
Thanks Norma! Now I’ve got the tension right I’m more hopeful. It’s been an enjoyable make so far…😊
What a beautiful dress – it’s looking fab so far! Good luck with the rest, I look forward to seeing the finished garment 🙂
Thanks so much 😊
I am wildly impressed. I have been longing to make a crocheted dress and this pattern looks beautiful. Lovely work.
Thanks so much!!😊 It really is quite a simple pattern so far…