What's Your Happily Ever After Style?

The "Happily Ever After" Crochet Pattern is one years old this month, and is still my number one, top selling pattern to date!

If you have been following me for the last year, you'll know that "Happily Ever After" is my most popular crochet pattern and you may even have your copy already. 

If you're new to Rebeckah's Treasures, you may be wondering what is the big deal with this "Happily Ever After" pattern, and what exactly can you do with this amazing set?

Whether you are new or returning visitor, already own this pattern or are still on the fence about purchasing it, I am going to break down just what you can do with this pattern, and show you how you can become a top fashion doll designer too...

So what is "Happily Ever After"?
"Happily Ever After" is a crochet pattern for 11 1/2" (29 cm) fashion dolls like Barbie, where you get to mix and match various designs to create fresh, hip and elegant dresses and tops to suit any and all occasions.

What kinds of dresses can I crochet?
You can crochet all sorts of dresses with this pattern. Need something for your doll's prom, dinner date, beach party, or wedding? This pattern has you covered. Do you need a short, sweet dress, or a long, flowy one? How about a train too? No problem. If you can think of a dress style, you can make it with this pattern!

What kinds of tops/blouses can I crochet?
There are 2 basic top lengths you can make with this pattern. The shorter length stops at the doll's hips and the longer length goes passed the doll's bottom. Of course, you can easily make your top longer or shorter by increasing or decreasing the number of rows, respectively.

In addition, you can add some extra flare / elegance to your doll's blouse by adding a row or two of ruffles, which is really just the first few rows of the a-line/princess dress.

All that's left to do, is choose which neckline you want your doll's top/blouse(s) to have, and there are so many fun ones to select! 

With 20 different necklines, 2 top lengths and 2 finishes, you can create at least 80 unique blouses. I'll leave you to your imagination to come up with even more!

What is a neckline?
Neckline refers the cut or shaping around the neck, shoulders and bosoms. As previously stated, there are 20 unique necklines you can choose for your doll projects.

There are 2 strapless styles, 2 illusion cuts, 3 sweetheart cuts with either straps or off-the-shoulder sleeves or capped sleeves, 3 halters, a Queen Anne cut, a jewel cut, 2 scoop cuts, 2 square cuts, 2 asymmetrical straps, a v-neckline and finally a bateau cut.

All of these necklines are pictured in the the photo above. The two lovely ladies to the left are modeling the Sweetheart neckline with Straps - this is the shorter top length with ruffles, and the Bateau neckline - this is the longer top length without ruffles. Then, to the right the remaining 18 necklines are pictured... Top row shows the Straight-Across Strapless neckline and the 2 Illusion necklines. The next row shows the Sweetheart Strapless neckline, the Sweetheart with Off-the Shoulder Sleeves neckline and the Sweetheart with Capped Sleeves neckline. Third row shows the 3 Halter necklines. Fourth row shows the Queen Anne neckline, the Jewel neckline and the Scoop neckline. The following row shows the Low Scoop neckline and the 2 Square necklines. Finally, the last row shows the 2 Asymmetrical necklines and the V-Neckline.

What is a silhouette?
A silhouette is essentially the form of the dress, and in the case of this pattern, it refers to the section of the dress below the waist.

---

What silhouettes are included in this pattern?
A-line/Princess - These are the light and dainty dresses. There are several variations of this of dress included in this pattern. 

The shortest a-line dress goes to the doll's mid-thigh. The next length goes to the doll's knees, followed by one that goes to the doll's mid-calf, and a full length dress that goes to the doll's toes. The longest length incorporates a gorgeous train. 

There is also a 50's High-Waist variation where the skirt of the dress starts higher up and goes below the doll's knee. 

Finally, there is a High-Low variation that is short in the front and long in the back.

---

Ballgown - These are the lush and flowy dresses. Like the a-line dresses, there are also several variations of this of dress included with lengths that go to the doll's mid-thigh, knees, mid-calf, and toes. The longest length of the ballgown dress also incorporates a magnificent train. 

There is also a 50's High-Waist variation and finally, there are two High-Low variations - one is a shorter dress and the other has a luxurious train.

Column - These are the simple yet elegant dresses. There are many variations of these types of dresses from that saucy little black dress to a super comfy maxi dress. 

You can choose from several lengths like you would for the a-line & ballgown dresses, and you can also decide whether you would prefer a tight or loose fit.

---

Mermaid - These are the truly tight with a touch of flair dresses, and are the ones that hug every single curve straight down to the doll's thigh/calves. 

Variations include an a-line or a ballgown flair, each with the option of adding a train.

Trumpet - These are also grouped into the tight with a touch of flair dresses. This time they only hug the doll's curves up to the thigh. From there, it drops straight down. 

Variations are the same as for the mermaid silhouettes.

Fishtail - This silhouette is also grouped into the tight with a touch of flair dresses. There is only one variation of this silhouette. 

Like the mermaid dresses, this one hugs all curves, only this time a special segment is added into the back of the dress which also forms a train. This train literally looks like a fishtail, so I am guessing that's probably how it got its name in the first place.

Two more silhouette variations are included in this pattern. These are the two 50's High-Waist silhouettes and the three High-Low silhouettes I talked about above in the A-line and Ballgown silhouettes.

How does this crochet pattern work?
First, you decided what kind of dress or top you want to crochet. Pick which neckline and silhouette you would like to use. Then, basically all you have to do is combine the instructions for both and crochet them.

So, how many dresses exactly can I crochet with this pattern?
In all, there are 8 basic silhouettes with at least 32 variations between them. Combine them with the 20 different necklines, and you can crochet at least 640 unique dresses. 

More ideas for variations and ideas are included in the pattern. So, once you add in those possibilities, you are looking at thousands of unique designs.

If you're looking to make a barbie wedding set, "Happily Ever After" will help you with all the bridesmaid dresses and the wedding gown. Take a look at all the gorgeous trains you can create for your barbie brides...

---

To complete your bride and bridesmaid outfits, be sure to check out the FREE wedding accessory patterns here.

---

To celebrate Happily Ever After's first birthday (May 4th, 2015), this crochet pattern will be available for only $3.95 for a limited time (normally priced at $10.00)! Learn more here, or ADD this crochet pattern and the code "EVERAFTER1" to your cart automatically by clicking "BUY NOW".

---

Now I'd love to know, what's your "Happily Ever After" style?

If you have pictures of your "Happily Ever After" tops and dresses, I'd love to see them. Come share them with me on my Facebook Page and/or on Ravelry.

Do you have more questions about this pattern? Leave me a comment below, or contact me...