overdress(ed) pattern!

Realize that this dress was knit for me, but because I love it so much I needed to share it-you can use this pattern as a guide for yourself, and enjoy creating something uniquely you.

overdress(ed)
size 18/20 (with instructions for modifying)
Yarn: Patons Lacette 4 skeins, with about half a skein left over. This yarn is discontinued, but can currently still be found at JoAnns craft stores, Michaels craft stores, and Big Lots clearance stores.
Needles:
US 10½ / 6.5 mm, 29" circular and 1 set double point needles
US 13 / 9.0 mm, 29" circular
Notions:
stitch holders, or spare circular needles, darning needle, and something to wear underneath this lacy little number...

Feather and Fan Stitch in the Round (from Gaby Monson )
Round 1 and 2: Knit around
Round 3: *K2tog 3 times, (yo, k1)6 times, k2tog 3 times. Repeat from * around to beginning marker.
Round 4: Knit around

Gauge: approx 3.5 stitches per 1 inch, but the yarn is stretchy.
Size: finished measurements (lots of stretch, people)
I have a 42 inch chest, a 38 inch waist, and my butt/thighs are probably 48, but my mother put in on and it fit her as well. She is a 36 inch chest, a 36 inch waist, and a 40 inch butt/thighs. Use your imagination, or just modify the number of pattern repeats you cast on in the beginning-remove or add stitches in groups of 18.

Start Here:
With the size 13 needles, cast on 144 stitches LOOSELY (I used the e-wrap/backward loop cast-on)
Knit one row, placing a marker every 18 stitches, then place final marker and JOIN stiches, doing the usual check to make sure nothing is twisted, etc. etc.
Begin Feather and Fan pattern on Round 2, and work six repeats of the 4 round pattern, work will measure approximately 12 inches.
Switch to stockinette stitch (knit every round) and knit until work is approximately 15 inches from high point on bottom scallops, switch to size 10 1/2 needle, and continue until dress is the length you would like up to your chest.
Eyelet Round-*Knit 7, Knit2together, yarnover. Repeat * from until end
Knit 3 Rounds Stockinette stitch, then begin Feather and Fan pattern again
Complete 7 repeats of the 4 round pattern, then knit one round
Get ready for some serious binding off, LOOSELY, and grab those stitch holders.
Bind Off 18 stiches for the Back, K 18 stiches for Left Back Strap and move to holder, Bind Off 18 stiches for the Underarm, K 18 stiches for the Left Front Strap and move to holder, Bind Off 36 stitches for the Front of the dress, K18 stitches for the Right Front Strap and move to holder, Bind off 18 stitches for the Underarm, K18 stiches for the Right Back Strap and turn (we will work the straps individually now)
P2tog 3 times,(p1 yo)6 times, p2tog 3 times
Knit 1 row
P2tog, P14, P2tog
Knit 1 row
P2tog 3 times, (p1 yo) 4 times, p2tog 3 times
Knit 1 row
P2tog, P10, P2tog
Knit 1 row
P2tog 6 times
move these 6 stitches and about 24" of tail yarn to a stitch holder, and rejoin working yarn to the next set of strap stitches with right side facing.
K2tog 3 times, (k1 yo) 6 times, K2tog 3 times
Purl 1 row
K2tog, K14, K2tog
Purl 1 row
K2tog 3 times, (k1 yo) 4 times, K2tog 3 times
Purl 1 row
K2tog, K10, K2tog
Purl 1 row
K2tog 6 times
move these six stitches and about 24" of tail yarn to a stitch holder, and repeat this sequence for remaining two straps.

You will now have four straps with long tails-work 6 stitch i-cord on front straps until strap is long enough to meet the corresponding back 6 stitch strap-join with kitchener stitch. I played with mine, tried the straps straight, decided I liked the look of crossed in the back better-knitters choice!

Now, make a 4 stitch i-cord long enough to go around your midriff, through the eyelet row, and tie in the front (or back).

Wear it over your pajamas as you dance around the house, then find something much sexier to put underneath for the real unveiling!