General scheme: choose a lace pattern that will give a scalloped lower edge, cast on a multiple that makes about 10 inches. Knit the skirt up to about mid-thigh (since Barbie apparently doesn't wear underwear) and change to stockinette. Decrease evenly (6 stitches every other round makes a nice taper) to the hip, and ease into the ribbing for the waist.
I chose Barbara Walker's Vine Lace, and cast on 54 stitches for 6 repeats. [Note: "ssk" means slip, slip, knit. It's an easier way of working what is usually written as slip 1, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over. You work it by slipping two stitches -- one at a time -- as if to knit, then sliding the left needle into the fronts of these two stitches, and knitting them together.]
Round 1: knit.
Round 2: *yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo, k1* around.
Round 3: knit.
Round 4: *k1, yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo* around.
Knit in pattern for 4 1/2 inches and change to stockinette.
Decrease six stitches every other round five times (24 stitches remain). (Center the decreases above the decreases in the six lace panels, and use ssk and k2tog on alternate decrease rounds, avoiding making a vertical line.)
Do 4 rounds in k3 p1 rib. Arrange this rib so that the first k stitch of one of the ribs falls above the center of a lace panel decrease. This will be the center front of the dress.
Change to k1 p1 rib for 3/4 inch for the waist.
Bodice: on the first two rounds do p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1 at the center front. On the next two rounds, do p1, k1, p1 at the center front. Then do 2 rounds, slipping the center stitch, knit one round, do 2 rounds slipping the center stitch, and bind off. The slipped stitches pull the dress down a bit at the center.
And...I think this lacy pink dress needs a lacy stole or mantilla, don't you?
Copyright ©Judy Gibson, 1997. No commercial use or publication of this pattern is permitted, in print or on the Internet. All copies made for personal noncommercial use must carry this notice. jgibson@cts.com
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