Bloom comes in three sizes; achieved by varying both needle sizes and yarn weight; small in 4ply/fingering, medium in 8ply/dk and large in 10ply/worsted. Each size fits a wide age range, for example, the medium size fits from a 17 to 23 inch chest. It is shown in the pics (the pink one) on a 9 month old and slight 4 year old.

The pattern includes both charts and written instructions for the lace as well as a link to a tutorial for neat underarm finishing. This garment is seamless and knit from the top down.

A yarn with good memory and elasticity is recommended for best results as the bodice relies on both negative ease and firm ribbing.

Bloom is designed to bloom, or grow with your little girl. From birth it looks particularly cute as a beautiful dress. In white or cream it makes the perfect christening or naming dress. As the little girl in your life grows the ribbing in the bodice and shaping of the cap shoulders allows the dress to bloom into a cute little peasant style top. On the bigger girl the front increasing become more of a focus. I love how it looks totally different on different age groups, a cute little baby dress for the wee ones, but not babyish at all for the bigger girl.

SIZING AND YARDAGE:

Small: 300yards/275 metres of 4ply/fingering
Chest: 13inch/33cm to 19inch/48.5cm
(newborn to 12 months approx.)
Length: 13.5inch/34cm

Medium: 390 yards/360 metres of 8ply/DK
Chest: 17inch/43cm to 23inch/58.5cm
(6 months to 4 years approx.)
Length: 17.25inch/44cm

Large: 540 yards/500 metres of 10ply/worsted
Chest: 21 inch/53.5cm to 27inch/68.5cm
(2 - 8 years approx.)
Length: 19.75inch/50cm

A doll sized version of bloom can be found here.