Double crochet stitches gathered at the bust make up the bodice of this strappy halter, with contrasting popcorn stitches to emphasize the empire waist. Joined lace square motifs cascade downward into a trapezium skirt, its asymmetrical hemline enhanced with a light shell edging for a lovely drape. The tasseled belt is threaded into the waist for a wonderful gypsy effect. This lovely piece is available in sizes 2-4 (6-8, 10-12) years, and is made with fingering (sport, dk) weight yarn. Instructions are the same for all sizes: the different yarn weights and corresponding gauges are essential in altering the size.

IMAGINE THIS: The dress can be worn as a poncho when the shoulder straps are omitted. The dress can also be made with or without an underskirt, and worn with contrasting top, or as a beach cover.

Sizes
2-4 (6-8, 10-12) years
Sample poncho and dress shown is a size 2-4. Sample dress with underskirt shown is a size 6-8.
Finished Measurements
Finished chest: 23 (28, 32)” (58 71, 81 cm)
Finished length: 24 (31, 34.75)” (61 79, 89 cm)

Yarn
Size 2-4: Fingering weight (#1 Super Fine).
Shown (p. 45): Omega La Perla (100% mercerized cotton; 278 yd 254 m/1.76 oz 50 g): 3 skeins (2 skeins for dress and 1 skein for underskirt) of #645 green citrus (MC); 1 skein each of #644 pale turquoise (CC1) and #601 white (CC2).
Size 6-8: Sport weight (#2 Fine).
Shown (p. 40): Omega Perle (100% cotton; 178 yd 163 m/1.76 oz 50 g): 8 balls (6 balls for dress and 2 balls for underskirt) of #521 mexican pink (MC).
Size 10-12: Dk weight (#3 Light).
Omega Trigo (100% cotton; 295 yd 270 m/3.5 oz 100 g): 5 balls (4 balls for dress and 1 ball for underskirt) of #201 white (MC).

Gauge
1 motif = 11 (13, 15)” (28 33, 38 cm) square
after blocking.
30 (25, 22) dc x 20 (16, 12) rows = 4” (10 cm).

26 pages, 4 photos, 8 diagrams, 2 schematics, technical pages: Glossary, Techniques, Standard Measurements, Conversion Chart, Yarn Substitution Chart.