This dress, which creates the optical illusion of an hourglass, is particularly suited to curvy figures. It is worked from side to side, rather than bottom to top, making it easier to create slimming vertical stripes. Worked in Stockinette and Garter Stitches, with slipped stitches to shape the waist, this project is within the skills of a Beginning Knitter. Though knitting a dress may seem intimidating, this dress should be no more work than knitting an ordinary sweater. Less work, in fact, since it is sleeveless. Detailed instructions for sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, and 5X Bust/Hips: 31 ¼ (34 ¼, 38, 42 ½, 46 ½, 51 ¼, 54 ¾, 57 ¾, 62 ¼) inches 79.4 (87.0, 96.5, 108.0, 118.1, 130.2, 139.1, 146.7, 158.1) cm Length: 31 (32, 32 ½, 33, 33 ½, 34, 34, 35, 35) inches 74.7 (81.3, 82.6, 83.8, 85.1, 86.4, 86.4, 89.0, 89.0) cm Yarn requirements: Knit Picks Comfy Sport (75% Pima cotton/ 25% acrylic, 136 yd/50 g per skein) Black 1 (1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5) sk Seafoam 4 (4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6) sk Marlin 4 (4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6) sk Yarn substitution: cotton/acrylic (at least 60% cotton), Sport (2) or Fine weight - 12 wpi, solid colors Materials:1 40” (or larger) circular needle size 4 US/3.5 mm (or size to achieve gauge), 1 16” circular needle size 3 US/3/25 mm (or 1 size smaller than main needle), 4 stitch markers, yarn needle