This gown is knitted in 4-ply wool using 3.25mm needles.
Begin at the neck edge and cast on 24 stitches loosely (this is important, to allow a little give at the neck edge).
Knit one row
Next row: K1 yfwd K2tog repeat to end of row [please note if you prefer to sew ties at neck instead of threading ribbon through the holes then omit this row]
Next row: k, placing markers for the increases to shape the bodice, as follows: K4, place marker, K4, place marker, K8, place marker, K4, place marker, K4.
Next row: Begin increases: K3, [inc. in next stitch] twice, K2, [inc. in next stitch twice], K6, [inc. in next stitch] twice, K2, [inc. in next stitch] twice, K3.
Next row: K2, P to last 2 sts, K2
Keeping the 2 stitches at each end of the row knit, continue in stocking stitch, increasing into the stitches either side of the marker, as set, until there are 72 stitches. The last increase row will be:
K8, [inc. in next stitch] twice, K12, [inc. in next stitch] twice, K16, [inc. in next stitch] twice, K12, [inc. in next stitch] twice, K8.
Next row: K2, P68, K2
Next row: K10, [yfwd K2tog] 8 times, K20, [yfwd K2tog] 8 times, K10.
Next row: K2, P68, K2
Next row: K10, cast off 16, K19, cast off 16, K to end [40 sts]
Continue with the skirt by working straight across these stitches
[Please note the next 3 rows to be used if you want to thread ribbon through holes]
Next row: Knit
Next row: K1 yfwd K2tog, * K2 yfwd K2tog repeat from * to last stitch K1
Next row: Knit
[If you prefer to sew ties at waist then omit last three rows and your next row will be K2, P36, K2
Next row: Knit into front and back of every stitch [80 sts.]
1st pattern row: k4, P72, K4
2nd pattern row: k4, *[K2tog] 3 times, [yfwd, K1] 6 times, [K2tog] 3 times, repeat from * to last 4 sts, K4
3rd pattern row: Knit
4th pattern row: Knit
Repeat these 4 pattern rows [or a pattern of your choice] until the skirt measures 5 inches.
Work 3 rows knit Cast off