Around the World: Poland Krakowiak Dancer

I'm taking a little break from the Nutcracker Suite, and am starting a trip around the world.  This lady is from Poland, and is based on a Krakowiak dancer.  My dear neighbor Phyllis introduced me to the idea, and since then I've discovered the dresses come in a myriad of colors and details.  More to come in the future!  

The costumes tend to have some features in common:  white, wide blouses, a tight vest, and full skirt with an apron.  Flowers in the hair are frequently seen, with intricate embroidery throughout the costume.   For her skirt I embroidered "lazy daisy", or chain stitch for the flowers with a French knot in the middle.  The hem is a blanket stitch.  The vest also features the lazy daisy flowers and cross stitch.  

I gave this lady a strip of pretty lace for her apron, but I've made another with a larger apron:

When you are stitching the vest, tie a double knot a quarter inch from the end, then go in at the top.  The  quarter inch sticking out at the top is meant to represent the laces used for the bodice.  Stitch one half of the cross stitch from top to bottom, then come back up stitching the second half of the stitch.  Your final stitch can come up the top.  Double knot, then trim both threads to the same length.