Continued from page 1
Chain three, turn and double crochet back to
breast areas, DECREASE
same number of stitches to form
"cups" and double crochet to
end of
row.
If you have a rather large doll, then you will want to do a row of double crochet stitches before you close
"cups" to make sure that
cups fit snugly.
Chain three, turn and crochet one more row of double crochet stitches.
Now try your bodice on your doll, pinning it closed in
back, to make sure that it fits snugly.
If it fits, you’ve done a great job and can continue to
skirt. If it seems to be too tight in some areas, you will need to unravel and start again increasing stitches in those areas.
Once you get used to using this method, you’ll find that you won’t have to unravel as often as you may when you first start designing. If you do need to unravel, don’t get upset. You’re just now learning something new, and as with everything that you learn, practice makes perfect.
Once you have a snug fitting bodice, you will need to determine what type of skirt you would like to make.
First, do rows of double crochet until you get to where you would like
waist of your skirt to be.
Once your bodice is
desired length, then you will want to double crochet in each stitch across. This makes
waste form outward to fit over your dolls hips.
Now you can begin designing your skirt. If you want a skirt that flairs, then do a row of three double crochet stitches in each stitch across. If you want a tighter skirt, then do a row of one double crochet stitch in each stitch across.
Chain three, turn and double crochet in each stitch across. Now you can close your skirt into a circle by joining
edges together with a single stitch. Try your bodice on your doll again to make sure that it will pull onto
doll snugly then complete your skirt by crocheting it to
desired length.
Once you skirt is completed, you will have completed your basic dress. You now have a wonderful dress, designed completely by you, and as you can see it wasn’t hard at all!
You can add sleeves by joining your yarn into
arm loops, and crocheting ruffles around
edges.
You can also add ruffles into your skirt.
Once you get better at designing
basic dress, then you can use other stitches to make fancy details and patterns in your designs.
Ad ruffles or single stitches around
neck for collars, or sew beads onto
necks for a decorative edging.
Before long you’ll be designing your own doll dresses like a professional in no time!
Don’t forget to always write your instructions down, and for ways to profit using
patterns you design then please visit
following URL to obtain your copy of "Profitable Crafts ~ Consignment Sales And Getting Your Projects Published".
http://www.daintywork.com/crafts/vol2main.htm

Maria Vowell is a published designer that has crocheted since she was 11 years old, who has successfully mentored literally hundreds of crafters, both online and off, and who has over 13 years experience at designing her own crochet patterns. Ms. Vowell also provides a series of manuals to help other artisans and crafters profit from their arts & crafts related sales. Learn more at: http://www.daintywork.com/crafts/volumes.htm