Introductory Post? Pssh...

.. I prefer to get straight down to business.

So without further ado, I present my first pattern, a fitted strapless top for Pullip dolls.

Strapless Top
You will need:

• Size 1 US needles.  I suggest using a circular needle or two DPN's with point protectors.
• 2 small snaps or hook-and-eye closures.
• Size 10 crochet cotton.  You will very likely need less than a tenth of a 50g ball.  You could also use lace-weight wool yarn.
  
• Used for example: Aunt Lydia's Classic crochet cotton in Purple.
• Needle and sewing thread in a color matching that of the crochet thread.
• Scissors & ruler
  

You will need to know:

• Stockinette stitch
• Cast on & bind off
  
• 1x1 ribbing (K1, P1 ribbing)
• Make one, abbreviated m1
• Slip-slip-knit, abbreviated ssk
• Knit 2 together, abbreviated k2tog

Gauge: 11 sts/per inch in stockinette stitch on size 1-US needles.  To ensure accurate sizing, be sure to check your gauge.

Note: slip the first stitch of every row purlwise (pwise) for a neater edge.

Instructions:
CO 45 sts with size 1 needles.  Work 3 rows in 1x1 ribbing.
Setup row: p11, pm, p22, pm, p12.  You are now ready to begin decreases.

Shape for ribcage:
Decrease row 1: k to 2 sts before marker, ssk, slip marker, k all sts between markers, slip marker, k2tog, k to end.
Next row: p all sts.
Decrease row 2: k to marker, slip marker, ssk, k to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, slip marker, k to end.
Next row: p all sts.

Work as above, decreasing 2 stitches every other row, until you have 31 sts on the needles (this will be after a decrease row 1). P the next row as set.

Shape for waist:
K 1 row, p 1 row.


Shape for hips:
Inc row: *k to 1 st before marker, m1, k1, slip marker, k1, m1, repeat from * to end.
Next row: P all sts.

Repeat last 2 rows twice more.  You will end with 43 sts.

Work 3 rows in 1x1 rib.  BO all sts.

Block (wet method or pin-and-spritz) to keep flat.  DO NOT OVERSTRETCH the top when you block it, or it will not fit Pullip properly!  Sew snaps to the back of the top; I sewed mine at the top and about halfway down so that the bottom edge of the top can "open" to accommodate the top of pants or a skirt.

Note: for a dress, you could keep going instead of working the ribbing at the bottom until you have 55 or 59 sts.  Then knit straight for the length desired.