Pattern Description from Heirloom Knitting: “As the final ‘masterpiece’ project for this book, I designed this traditional lace christening robe based on existing fine lace patterns from Unst, knitted approximately 100 years ago. I have based this sleeveless, heavily patterned apron-like overdress on original models, but for the sake of completeness, I also designed a separate, plain, sleeved under-dress for the baby to wear underneath - this dress has only a lace edging for ornament. This will fit a four to nine months old baby: the bodice is an elastic 18-22 inches (45-55cm), the length 36 inches (90cm). Despite the apparent complexity, the overdress/apron is quite simple in construction, detailed diagrams illustrate the order of working for both dresses, so that knitters can substitute other designs or patterns should they wish. If you are interested in doing this, I give an explanation of what needs to be considered and how i developed this project in the chapter on design.”

Materials:

• 10 x 1/2oz (14g) hanks of Jamieson & Smith’s Shetland Cobweb 1 ply - wound into balls ready for knitting
• Oddment of contrasting 2 ply lace-weight wool - for Wast Wool Casting On
• 2.00mm circular needle - (British Size 14) 40 cm long, or equivalent knitting needles
• Tapestry needle for final finishing
• Embroidery scissors - sharp pointed, for cutting out the Waste Wool Casting On
• 5 small buttons
• Stitch holder

Pages 270-283.

Errata:

Page 270 : 2.00 mm needle (not 2.25 mm needle).

Page 274 - Christening Robe : Border Lace Rows 1 - 45 : Row 39, the ’25’ on the left hand side of the chart should be a ‘27’.

Page 276/277 : Row 135 is given on both these pages ~ obviously please work this just the once! Page 278 : Text at * should be as follows: After Row 225, repeat Rows 198 to 221 once, then knit 3 rows garter stitch to make 252 rows.