I see why you love the material in this dress. I think the problem is the gathers right beneath your bust. Your ribcage down to your waist looks like the skinniest part of you. If you played that up with a dirndl (http://dirndlstore.com/) type of bodice of bodice you'd be more balanced. I don't know where you get that sort of bodice by itself (maybe crochet one?), but at that website you'll get the idea.
I absolutely love these mandalas! Can't wait to try this myself. The idea of using yarn reclaimed from old sweaters is perfect.
Seems like everyone I know is crafting these days~ Especially, my grown up children and their friends.
Love that little sweater! So glad you rescued it!
I love this hat! I'd wear it to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day (which is today!)
I'd go with the purple if I made it (and I might just take a crack at it). What I might shift the chartreuse color in the leaves a little more into the bluey shades. Greens and purples are some of my favorite colors together, but you have to have the shading right. Beautiful piece of work!