Naya Organics

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Kelsey of Naya Organics at a workshop she was teaching on organic body products. While there, I also had the opportunity to sample some Naya products and I was impressed both by the products and Kelsey’s commitment to creating a simple and organic body care line.

Naya Organics products are founded on the philosophy of “Less is More” when it comes to your skin. Everything that Kelsey creates is natural, organic, sustainable, and of course, cruelty free. As our skin is our largest organ, what you apply to it is very important to your health and well being.

The Naya line consists of body scrubs, balms, and oils in a range of scents and essential oil benefits. My favorites are the Bloom organic body scrub, which includes jasmine (my favorite!) and lavender buds for a calming combination; and the Linden Flower body oil. The body scrubs are moisturizing without being greasy and the body oils absorb quickly and both leave just the right amount of scent on the skin.

Naya offers sample packs of the oils, scrubs, and a sampler with the entire line in addition to the full sized items. Naya Organics products are available at select stores in the Bay Area and in several states, in addition to online. Find more information and the full product line here.

There is something especially charming about a vintage baby dress pattern, and this Crocheted Cutie Dress #3112 has all the details that make older crochet designs so appealing.

The dress features a neatly shaped bodice, short sleeves, contrast stripes and a full lace skirt with a scalloped finish. It has that classic heirloom look without feeling overly formal, which makes it suitable for birthdays, family photos, baby showers or simply as a special handmade outfit.

One of the nicest things about this design is the balance between the structured upper section and the much softer, more decorative skirt. The bodice is worked in a simple repeating texture, while the skirt opens into a detailed lace pattern that gives the dress plenty of movement and fullness. The white trim around the neckline, sleeves and hem also helps define the shape beautifully.

The pattern includes instructions for sizes 1 and 2, with the second size shown in parentheses throughout. As with many vintage patterns, the sizing does not line up neatly with modern age labels, so it is important to check the gauge and finished proportions rather than relying on the size number alone.

This would be best suited to an intermediate crocheter, or a confident beginner who is comfortable reading traditional pattern instructions. The design uses chain stitches, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, colour changes, shaping, repeated lace sections and separate pieces that are sewn together during finishing.

The sleeves and collar are made separately and attached to the completed bodice. The back is finished with three buttons, giving the dress a practical opening while keeping the front clean and decorative.

The original version uses pink and white mercerized crochet cotton, but the design works beautifully in more modern combinations too. Sage and cream give it a soft botanical feel, lemon and white make it fresh and summery, while orange and ivory create a much warmer retro look.

Because the pattern was originally written for vintage crochet cotton and a steel hook, I would strongly recommend making a gauge swatch before beginning. Modern threads and hook-sizing systems can vary, and the bodice needs to fit correctly before the lace skirt is added.

The professionally reformatted PDF is much easier to follow than an unedited scan. It keeps the original stitch counts and construction while improving spacing and readability. It also includes a modern mockup and the original vintage reference image, which is helpful when visualising the finished shape.

Overall, this is a lovely pattern for anyone who enjoys making vintage-inspired baby clothes. The lace skirt is the real highlight, but the striped bodice and matching collar give the finished dress a polished, complete look.

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