I think this is so adorable. It was easy to put together and there are so many variations you could employ in the future.I followed the pattern, making a few errors along the way with no problems, even though I didn’t go back to correct them.
The recipient of this gift is too young for it right now so I hope it will fit her eventually. Once the bodice somewhat fits, I think this is a garment that can be worn for quite some time, while the child grows. The author of this pattern used Caron Simply Soft which I’ve used many times. I like the subtle sheen and the fact that it is a bit thinner for a worsted. However, I think it would be a bit too delicate and would begin to pill. The yarn I used is also soft and I actually like the heft--perfect for chilly Autumn and Winter!
I decided to heed the advice of adding more rows around the neckline to improve the fit; however, it did not indicate when advising another row of decrease, how much to decrease. I followed the same amount as the last decrease, which was 2 sc, dc2tog, repeat. Instead of following with a row of dcs, I followed with a row of hdcs to finish. Final row count was 66.

Had I realized the turning chains would eventually become the middle back seam, I might have started the ruffle trim at a different point so that the seam would line up on the left side of the body.
Finished dimensions:
At widest point: appx: 16” across
From center of front neck to hem: appx. 18-3/4 long
Inner shoulder-to shoulder neck opening: 7” across
Headband: 17” around