The Blythe Dress
Introducing the Blythe Dress… She’s a velvet turtleneck sweater dress and the official dress for Team Namaste and Crochet for the 2020 Dressember campaign!
I have participated in Dressember a few times now and absolutely love everything about it. I mean, Dress up and make a difference? This is my kind of activism!
I love it because I get to be over the top with my fashion and dress up in situations that I normally wouldn't. In fact, my wardrobe choices have often been conversation starters and sparked opportunities to share about human trafficking which has led to people becoming aware and getting involved.
The hardest part about the challenge for me is trying to find a dress warm enough to wear in December (I’m one of those people that’s always cold). I can’t really complain about being cold in California, but even still, sometimes wearing a dress in the dead of winter is a tall order. I really wanted something super warm and super chic to rock during Dressember.
I had been passing the velvet yarn at my local craft store for far too long and decided it was high time I venture into velvet. I chose a festive emerald green and decided to make a simple and elegant turtleneck that I could easily throw on.
The design of the dress is very simple. My pattern testers lovingly referred to it as a rectangle with sleeves and, because of the simplicity of the design, I decided it would be the perfect official “Dressember Dress” for Team Namaste and Crochet. It’s beginner-friendly and easily customizable for every body type.
2020 has been a wild year for all of us. It’s been one of the worst years in many regards but it has also been one of the BEST years of my life!
This time last year I didn’t know anything about reading patterns, I had limited knowledge about many basic aspects of crochet, and I was not connected to the crochet community.
When I look at my life now it is unbelievable that I have only been a part of this amazing group for such a short time and I could not imagine life without this community.
I am so impressed with how people in the crafting community champion one another and have created a culture that is so encouraging, open, and real.
One of the things that I am enjoying immensely with this new-found love of pattern writing is pattern testing!
I have learned SO much because of my testers. Each and every one has been an absolute lifesaver and has enriched my life with their friendship and love of the craft. I think my testers could all attest that I am not the best with math or being grammatically correct and lord knows I have needed extra help in these departments. It has been amazing to me how generous all of my friends have been with their crochet knowledge. People I only knew online took the time to explain concepts and pour into me out of the goodness of their heart and I am so incredibly thankful for that.
My desire to lead a Dressember team stems from this place of gratitude and love for the fiber community. I have seen my yarny friends come through and champion so many things and I know that this will be no exception. I am truly inspired by their passion and social awareness.
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank my testers not only for the Blythe Dress but also for every pattern I have released this year. It’s because of you that I have been able to step into this new phase of my business and understand this art form on a whole new level. THANK YOU!
But can we just take a moment to recognize these gorgeous queens who tested Blythe?!
Denise @TheCajunCrafter
Nkese of Cosmic Crochet Creations
I hope you enjoy the Blythe Dress as much as I do.
The Blythe Dress is named after the founder of Dressember, Blythe hill. I was trying to decide on a name and decided to google names that mean “free” and there is was on the list- Blythe. It was meant to be.
Because 1 in 3 women experience sexual violence, 33% of proceeds for the Blythe Dress will be donated toward our Dressember campaign. Treat yourself to this cushy velvety dream and make a difference in the lives of those affected by human trafficking. It’s a win/ win if you ask me!
Happy Dressember, my loves. Thank you for your friendship and support. You make my life brighter.
Namaste,
Dominique