Petite Plumeria

Plumeria is a flowering tree with fragrant blooms in an incredible array of colors that are used in Hawaiian leis. They are found in many Florida yards, including that of my family.

They can be grown from seed or cuttings. After Hurricane Irma last year, there were damaged plants lying in many of the debris piles that graced my neighborhood. My nephew planted some of the battered remnants in his yard, where they flourished.

Petite Plumeria chronicles the life of plumeria from seed to bud and flower, before returning to seed once more. A baby tunic/dress that starts out with seed stitch knit in the round, flows into a floral lace, textured bud stitch and back to seed stitch in the bodice and straps. The stitches are challenging to an adventurous beginner but should keep the experienced knitter engaged.

Petite Plumeria can be worn as a dress with leggings or tights, or as a vest/top as the owner gets older. It would make a great layering piece for the transitional weather of spring or fall.

Details:

Yarn Used:

Malabrigo Arroyo DK (100% Superwash Merino, 335 yds / 305 m, 3.5 oz / 100g skein); 1 skein

The sample used Fucsia.

Yardage:

6 mos: 205 – 235 yds / 187 – 215m

12 mo: 229 – 280 yds / 209 – 255m

18 mos: 260 – 310 yds / 238 – 283m

24 mos: 290 – 330 yds/ 265 – 302m

Yardage estimates include 10% +/- those used in sample.

Needles:

US 6 (4.00 mm) circular, 24” (61 cm)

Notions:

Stitch marker to mark beginning of round, tapestry needle, two buttons, additional markers (optional) and thread for lifeline (optional)

Gauge:

22 sts and 28 rnds = 4” / 10cm for Plumeria Bud (swatched in the round on US 6 needles).

22 sts and 28 rnds = 4” / 10cm for Plumeria Lace

(swatched in the round on US 6 needles).

22 sts and 32 rnds = 4” / 10cm for Seed Stitch in Round

(swatched in the round on US 6 needles)

Sizes:

6 mos, (12 mos, 18 mos, 24 mos) to fit a chest size of 17” (18, 19, 20)/ 43cm (45.5, 48, 50.5) the pattern allows for at least 2” (5cm) of positive ease.

Special Techniques:

Increases using yo, kfb,

Decreases using k2tog, k3tog, p3tog

Final Measurements after blocking:

Circumference at chest: 20 (20, 22, 22)”/ 51 (51, 56, 56) cm

Circumference of at hem: 27 (27, 29, 29)”/ 68.5(68.5, 73.5, 73.5) cm

Armhole Length: 4.25 (4.5, 5, 5.5)” / 11 (11.5,12.5,14) cm

Hem to Armhole Length: 9.5 (10, 11, 12)” /24 (25.5, 28, 31) cm

This pattern has been professionally tech edited.