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This dress was a labour of love. Mary Eleanor was my Great Aunt. Everyone called her Ciss as she was my Granddad’s older sister. She was a tough woman who built munitions during the 2nd world war and worked hard all her life.

She never had children and cared for her elderly mother, my Great Gran. But, she was more than a Mum to her nephew’s, all five of them and adored all of their kids. She never liked her given name, preferring Ciss or Cissie, but I always loved it. This one’s for you, Ciss.

The dress is sized from 6mths to 7 yrs approx. I used Patons 100% Cotton DK in two colours, but you could go with white or cream for a special occasion.

It would work with other yarns, Stylecraft Special DK would be an affordable alternative or a superwash merino would be awesome for a warm dress over a long sleeve T or jumper.

The dress is worked bottom up, in the round using circular needles. The skirt features a pretty lace pattern and can be lengthened (though you will need extra yarn).

At the waistband, I changed colour for the upper body and front/back are worked flat in a pretty dot pattern with garter borders to front and back bibs. Fastenings at the shoulders make it an easy garment to put on baby or child and one they can learn to fasten themselves.

Size
Size 1 6-12 mths, Size 2 1-2 yrs, Size 3 2-3 yrs, Size 4 4-5 yrs, Size 5 6-7 yrs

To fit Chest
18, 20, 22, 24, 26 in
46, 51, 56, 61, 66 cm

Chest Size - (All around at underarm when finished)
18, 20, 22, 24, 26 in
46, 51, 56, 61, 66 cm

Length from back neck to hem – when fastened
13 ½, 14 ½, 17 ¼, 21, 22 ¾ in
34, 37, 44, 53, 58 cm

Skirt length
below waistband to hem
7 ¾ in 8 ½ in 10 ¾ in 14 in 15 ½ in
19.5, 21.5, 27.5, 35.5, 39.5 cm

Bodice length
Shoulder to start of waistband
5 ¾, 6, 6 ½, 7, 7 ¼ in
15, 16, 17, 18.5, 19.5 cm

Shoulder to shoulder
Incl side borders
9 ¼, 10, 10 ¾, 12 ¼, 12 ½ in
24, 25, 27, 31, 31.5 cm

Centre Back Neck
3 ¾, 4 ½, 4 ¾, 5, 5 in
9.5, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 12.5 cm

Skirt Width
Laid flat lightly blocked
14, 15, 15, 16 ½, 16 ½ in
37, 38, 38, 42, 42 cm

Patons 100% Cotton DK MC 1, 2, 2, 2, 3
Patons 100% Cotton DK CC 1, 1, 1, 1, 1