A new dress for Christmas. The embroidered lace bolero is a gift from my mom.

The inspiration for this project begins with the wave stitch.

Crochetology problem:

Use the wave stitch and improvisations thereof for the bodice (section B) of a crocheted sleeveless dress. Use glitter thread in combination with cotton to create an embellished effect. In this project, I used white cotton with gold glitter thread, as well as a very very soft green color of cotton thread.

Schematic for the dress.

For the straps and upper section of the bodice (section A), select a simple openwork but sturdy pattern, for example, I selected a pattern for a camisole but used two strands of thread for strong fabric.

You may also use a color lighter (rather than glaringly different) than the bodice so that the embellished bodice may stand out but not too much. I used white cotton thread in combination with white rayon thread.

The lower section (section C) of the decorative bodice is now worked in the main body color of the dress. For this project, I selected an aquamarine color cotton thread. The lower section of the bodice uses a very fancy open-work pattern which I found in a magazine.

To create a transition of golden embellishment from the upper to the lower bodice, some gold beads were hand-sewn over the holes of the fancy open-work pattern of the lower bodice. Refer to the photograph for the position of the beads.

The back, waist and hip (section D) of the dress may be worked in variations of basic crochet stitches, for example basic single crochet, back loop single crochet, front loop single crochet, alternating rows of  single and double crochet, single crochet cluster stitch, double crochet cluster stitch, and space and block filet crochet.

The idea is to find stitches and combination of stitches that create a good support for the back, waist, stomach and hips. Generally, the waist section may have a more open weave pattern, and the hip section may be more tightly woven and closed.

The skirt (section E) of the dress may vary in length, depending on your preference – it can be short, mid-length or an elegant long dress. Select a pattern that contrasts in texture and structure with the previous section of the dress. For example, you may select a lacier open-work pattern or a looser and softer pattern. For this project, I selected a floral pattern from a Japanese pattern magazine, originally for a crocheted purse, which I slightly modified so that the fabric created is not too tight.

For the straps and upper section of the bodice (section A), select a simple openwork but sturdy pattern.

Use the wave stitch and improvisations thereof for the bodice (section B).

This pattern is used for the lower section (section C) of the decorative bodice. Gold beads are sewn by hand onto this section, specifically where the 3-ch picots are located.

The dress in progress. I removed these long rectangular straps and opted for the triangular ones which provided better support.

Detail of the golden beads.

For the skirt (section E) of the dress, I modified this pattern to create a contrast in texture to the previous section of basic crochet stitches.

The finished dress.