(Originally published 2019 — refreshed for Tips & Tricks)
At the time of this post, none of the following links are affiliate links — just my honest thoughts on the pattern and yarn mentioned below. 💜
Pattern Overview
Pattern: Once Upon a Dream Dress
Designer: Stephanie Piper, By Stephanie Erin
Pattern Cost: $4–10 (see notes below)
Where to Buy: Etsy or Ravelry
Find the Designer: @by.stephanie.erin, Website & Linktr.ee
This pattern delivers such a classic, fairy-tale look. I’ve always loved off-the-shoulder designs, and this one is no exception — it’s elegant, flattering, and surprisingly easy to work up.
Yarn Details
Yarn: Caron x Pantone Bamboo
Colorways Used: Purple Scribbles & Little Bud
Fiber: 60% Acrylic, 20% Nylon
Weight: Worsted (4)
Yardage: 180 yds / 165 m (3.5 oz / 100 g)
Care: Machine washable & dryable
Purchased From: Michaels website
💜 Project sizes made: Child 8 (Jozie, age 7) and Child 6 (Edie, age 5)
Pattern Notes
This dress was a joy to crochet — relaxing and fast, with a beautiful finished texture.
I loved the off-the-shoulder style, ribbed detailing, and that delicate lace edging at the bottom. It’s both timeless and playful, which makes it perfect for children or adults.
Because this was a pattern test, I didn’t make modifications on the first version (the purple size 8).
However, on the second, I:
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Skipped a stitch before color changes to clean up the transitions.
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Counted the new row’s chain as a stitch to balance the skipped space.
If you use color-blocked yarns like this one, I recommend changing colors along the back for smoother transitions — it really helps minimize any mid-row breaks.
Pattern Pricing Note
Stephanie has structured pricing to make her patterns accessible for more makers:
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Etsy: Fixed price
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Ravelry: Sliding scale options
This lets crocheters pay what they’re able while still supporting her creative work — such a thoughtful model that I hope we’ll see more designers adopt.
Yarn Thoughts
Truth time: I hate weaving in ends. 😅
But I love the color palettes that Caron x Pantone puts together — they always feel coordinated and modern.
Working with this yarn felt wonderful. The fibers are silky, soft, and glide easily while crocheting. I did notice some untwisting while working, but it rarely snagged on my hook.
The finished dresses are buttery soft and comfortable to wear — just keep in mind that the yarn stretches a bit, so lighter designs or reinforced shoulders help maintain shape.
Community Inspiration
Check out #onceuponadreamdress on Instagram to see all the gorgeous variations — from toddler sizes to full-length adult dresses. The range of colors and fits people have achieved is truly inspiring!
💜 Final Thoughts
The Once Upon a Dream Dress is a quick, rewarding make with a stunning finish. The Caron x Pantone Bamboo yarn adds a soft shimmer and luxury feel that makes it stand out.
I’d absolutely make it again — maybe even in a matching mommy-and-me version next time!
Love trying new patterns? Explore more handmade designs and printable patterns in the EZ Angel Creations shop 💜