I’ve been thinking about classic designs lately, and wondering-

What exactly is THE PERFECT LITTLE BLACK DRESS and can you crochet it?

sketch and photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright

The perfect little black crocheted dress absolutely must:

1.Be Comfortable – it has to fit without binding, drooping or emphasizing places that prefer to be blessed, not blushed over.

2. Be Versatile- The Perfect Little Black Dress must be a champion of  multi-tasking. It needs to be able to be worn in several different ways, and be suitable for many different occasions and events.

3. Be Layer-able- Worn over, worn under, worn with …. shrugs, shawls, sweaters, fancy tights, bluejeans, leggings, bare legs

4. Be  Timeless- Well, perhaps not ~quite timeless~ but certainly needs to be able to stand up to several seasons of changing fashion.

5. Be Fun to make- That may mean that it is incredibly complex or it could mean that it is super simple. Both are definitely fun.

6.  Be Yarn appropriate- It must be made in a yarn that is a pleasure to work with and wears well.

7. Probably have drape through the skirt.  Having drape integral in the skirt is going to mean that it moves beautifully and won’t get pulled out of shape by sitting. Nothing looks worse than having the bum of a skirt go all droopy.  A little flex and drapability goes a long way in alleviating humdrum bumdrop on the back of the skirt.

8. Have a stitch structure that gives stability over the shoulders. Have lots of stability through the upper bodice and over the shoulders is essential. It’s going to make the dress much more durable and will sustain the shaping, which will make it fit better.

9. Make you feel absolutely DIVINE! There has to be a certain something that is totally magical about it, that makes you want to hug it to you like a teddy, but makes you feel like a million dollars when you wear it.

10.  Inspire your Creativity! Perhaps the PERFECT LITTLE BLACK CROCHETED DRESS  IS NOT A DRESS!  It might just be a wonderful tunic, like Doris Chan’s, or a spectacular skirt (like the tunisian stitch skirt that I designed for Crochet! magazine), paired with a brilliantly designed little top ( like Angela Best’s Sweetie Pie Top) , or Halter top (Like Amie Hirte’s spectacular Amelia), and possibly topped off with Doris Chan’s fabulous circle jacket

11. The most important and final rule: It has to be something that you will enjoy. So, get out your hook and black yarn, and a really good light (crocheting black yarn can be challenging!) and  ENJOY your perfect LBD!

So, tell me, have you crocheted your PERFECT LITTLE BLACK DRESS? I would love to see pics!

Post from: Hankering for Yarn