06-07-2022

I couldn’t get the correct gauge with the needle sizes suggested (it was wayyyy off). I’ll be using 2.00 mm (size 0) circulars instead of 3.25 mm. Even with that adjustment, I needed to size down.

I’m starting with a provisional cast on just below where the waistband will be. I plan to knit a high-waisted, full-length version of the skirt. After that, I’ll pick up the provisional stitches and make the waistband that is described in the Ruby Lace Dress pattern.

I haven’t decided what the bodice will be like yet. I might continue with the skirt’s lace pattern, or I might just knit the whole thing in stockinette. Right now, I think I’ll make it a sleeveless dress with a fairly high neckline, but I might change that as I go, depending on how much time I have before the wedding.

6/7/22: Cast on and started knitting Chart A.

06-08-2022

6/8/22: Finished Chart A.

06-17-2022

I realized I made a mistake that would bother me too much and there wasn’t an easy way to fix it, so I started over again.

6/17/22: Finished Chart A after restart.

07-03-2022

7/3/22: Finished Chart B with rows 1-20 repeated twice for length increase. Current length is 8.5” unstretched (11.5” stretched). 16,800 stitches and 72 rows done!

The skirt will have 71,616 stitches and 236 rows total.

07-12-2022

7/12/22: Finished the first 24 rows of Chart C, including my first ever row with beads! I don’t love doing the beads. 23,712 stitches done.

07-20-2022

7/20:22: Finished the second repeat of Chart C rows 1-24. 30,624 stitches done.

08-02-2022

8/1/22: Finished Chart C. 37,584 stitches (144 rows) done! That means the skirt is over half done.

08-03-2022

8/3/22: Finished Chart D. 47,040 stitches (172 rows) done. Only Chart E left to go, but I have to knit it twice. So that’s 64 rows to go until the skirt is finished.

08-24-2022

8/24/22: I have 6 rows left in chart E. I’m not sure if I’ll need to do another repeat of chart E or not. The length is getting close to where it needs to be, but I haven’t decided on my shoes yet.

The last few rows of this chart are slow going - so many beads.

08-26-2022

8/26/22: I finished the first repeat of Chart E. I took the project off the needles and roughly blocked it to check the size. I will still have to do one more repeat of Chart E, but I need a break from all the beading.

I might start on the top part of the dress and finish the skirt later.

09-21-2022

9/21/22: I finished the skirt a few days ago! I put in an elastic waistband, as well.

I’ve decided to make this dress as separates, so the skirt is fully off the needles. I cast on the top as a crop top since the skirt is so high waisted.

10-15-2022

10/15/22: We got some sneak peeks back from our photographer! I ended up making a top based on Lauren Grutzeck’s Chambourcin Halter but since I am not very good at sewing (because I hate sewing) I didn’t end up liking how it looked once I lined the top, so I scrapped it. Luckily I was able to find a top that worked beautifully the day before the wedding!