Which wax is best?

It depends on what you’re using it for. If you want to make rolled candles, beeswax is best because it’s more malleable than paraffin. Spiral candles are fun and easy to make. You just warm a beeswax sheet a little until it softens and then cut the sheet into a triangle, place the wick along the edge and roll. Beeswax generally requires a thicker wick than those used with paraffin.

Paraffin is an inexpensive wax and easy to work with. You can purchase it in slabs, beads or pellets.

Soybean wax is gaining in popularity because it’s less sooty and safer for animals and children. It also burns longer than paraffin and is easier to clean up. There is a blend called Para-Soy wax which is a 70/30 blend of soy and paraffin.

Candle gel is very pretty and because it is translucent you can display decorative objects inside of your candle. It also burns slower than paraffin. Candle gel is mineral oil made into a gel with the addition of a polymer similar to vybar which is a common additive for candles.

Bayberry is an expensive type of wax that comes from bayberries. It’s a hard wax with a strong smell that burns well.

Howtmakecandles.info goes into the various types of wax in greater detail. They also have a lot of interesting historical trivia such as the fact that William Proctor was a candle maker and James Gamble was a soap maker.

What’s your favorite wax? I haven’t tried them all and surely have missed one.

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.

Have you read?