I ended up completing the pattern for the Idlewild Dress in a size 6 using a size G crochet hook and three balls of Bernat Softee Baby: Baby Denim Marl yarn that I already had in my stash at home. The pattern is available in children's sizes 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 and women's sizes S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, and 5X.
The lacy bottom (skirt) part is worked in rows of four that are each started and finished slightly differently from one another. This means that it was hard to just pick up the project and work on it when I only had 15 minutes of free time. I learned quickly that if I didn't have enough time to devote to completing all four rows, it was better for me to not get started so that I wouldn't lose my place since I was working from the pattern on my iPad.
The video tutorials were a great help too, so keep them in mind if you'd like to tackle this pattern. I would definitely say that it is more for intermediate crocheters than beginners. While many of the stitches are basic, the pattern involves seaming, blocking, and some more advanced stitches like the crab stitch.
The pattern is also written somewhat like a "choose your own adventure" book - so the crocheter has to make some decisions along the way about how she wants to proceed, and those decisions will inform which parts of the pattern to follow next. That may confuse someone who is new to reading patterns.
Thumbs up for this pattern - it may be the perfect project for you to complete this season! Doesn't little Lexi look adorable in her new dress?
Add this pattern to your Ravelry queue here: Idlewild Dress
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