Forest Nymph Corset with Leaf Cape and Floral Crown, Custom Fit Botanical Ensemble

I first begin by getting your measurements. I will need your waist, shoulder width, length you want the back center leaf to hang and head circumference.

I use your waist measurement to create the corset. I crochet this by holding two strands of worsted weight cotton together and use a smaller hook. This makes a dense and slightly stiff garment so it can hold its shape as it is worn. A smaller hook also helps to minimize the stretching of the corset.

The corset is made in three sections: the front two sides are made first and the eyelets for lacing and the crab stitch edging is made right in with the garment. The crab stitching not only adds a pretty design to the front edges, but it also adds a row of tight and structured stitches to strengthen and support the front lacing. The back section is made last, and it is sewn to the front two panels using the same crab stitch technique. The reason I make it in three sections is because both front panels must end with the lacing row and crab stitch. This keeps both front panels identical and even. The back panel is easily adjusted in length to create the perfect size and fit for you.

Please note that the corset is made completely of yarn and will stretch lightly with use. This makes a very comfortable garment that moves with your body. However, this corset will not have the true "cinching" power of a traditional corset.

After the corset is made, I add the bottom ruffle in the medium jade green DK weight yarn, attaching it directly onto the corset. The top ruffle is then crocheted in dark green to match the corset. Both ruffles are then trimmed with the bold honewdew green yarn. The ruffles are then steam blocked. I use a larger crochet hook for the lightweight ruffles. This creates a delicate and very flirty ruffle that moves with your body and motion. 

The leaf capelet is next. I work this garment completely with one strand of DK cotton yarn. The main portion of the capelet is made in the beautiful medium jade green. By using a pattern of single crochet, double crochet and chain stitches (and a crazy amount of counting!), a shape and design of leaves appear. The size is based on your shoulder measurements, and the center leaf is worked until it matches your desired length in back. The leaf embellishments are created by using a very large crochet hook and the matching dark green yarn. I surface crochet the leaf veins and stems directly onto the capelet. This process is worked freehand style, and I go with the flow lol. This simply means that no two capes will be the same. The final edging is worked with a beautiful honeydew green and the two tie straps are made in the same gorgeous shade.

The finishing touch is the beautiful floral head wreath. The base of the wreath is made first and that is based on your head circumference measurement. The base is approximately 1" wide and has two crocheted ties for a perfect fit every time. The tie ends are adorned with a cute leaf. The main part of the wreath is the leaves. They are crocheted in medium jade green and the dark green utilizing both worsted and DK yarns. They are made in a variety of sizes and shapes and are hand sewn in place on the band. The dainty crocheted daisy flowers with golden centers are made separately and hand sewn in place. The leaf and flower placement is also random and freehand, making each piece unique.