Going through some old photos the other day, I came across that photo and it reminded me how much I liked that crocheted dress that my Grandmother made for me.
I liked it so much - because it spinned - that I didn't want to get rid of it when it became too short for me... So, Mamie F. [z'l] had to make it longer and I remember that she couldn't find the same red yarn... So, she decided to use some Navy. She undid few rows of the bottom of the dress and improvised a little striped design of her own. She also added a thin edge around the neckline and the sleeves to make it look "meant-to-be-that-way". She was a creative Lady.
I guess I got the Love of Knitting and Crocheting from her... I don't think she ever used patterns for what she was making for us or herself: sweaters, scarfes, skirts, dresses, jackets, vests and she even made me few coats! I remember her taking my measurements before starting a project for me and make me trying it on at different stages of the progression. She was a professional and I think she could have written great pattern books!
When she passed away, naturally the family gave me her (small) stash but there were no personal notes or patterns to be found. She took her knowledge and secrets with her...
I wish I was able to make a little dress like that for my daughter now... but I am not as great as my Mamie was; I do NEED patterns - for elaborated items anyway...