I didn’t have any grand plans to make a new dress for Christmas this year, but the stars (and a couple stashed and scrap fabrics) aligned and boom—New Dress. It’s been so long since I made a simple fitted bodice/full skirt dress that I forgot how much fun it is! To be honest, I could use a few new dresses like this. It’s been years since I was in the “always sew dresses” phase of sewing, and it would be nice to have my wardrobe better reflect my current tastes.
All these photos were taken on Christmas Eve… I thought about retaking proper blog pics but I figured that wasn’t likely to ever happen!
Anyway, I cut the bodice from the skirt of a failed dress from a long time ago. It’s a cotton sateen I picked up for $4/yd at a local shop eons ago. Despite the bargain price, it happens to be really nice fabric. The skirt is also a cotton sateen that I bought a year and a half ago from the same shop. It was one of those cool fabrics I stumbled upon and just had to take home with me. I always had this particular dress in mind, but never took the time to sew it up until now.
I didn’t use a single pattern, but rather a combination of two. The bodice is highly tweaked and modified from it’s origins as the Colette Patterns Hawthorn. I spent so much time fitting that pattern perfectly that I traced it off and altered the design details (eliminated the button front, made a scoop neckline, added CB seam for a zipper) to work as a kind of bodice sloper. So glad I did, because it was there right when I needed it. For the skirt I used McCalls 6833 (previously used HERE) because I love the deep pleats, and the hemline is straight—perfect for this sort of print.

This is the only side view photo I have… no idea what’s going on here!
I drafted an all-in-one facing for the bodice, which I cut from a plain cotton since I didn’t have enough of the sateen. I could have fully lined the bodice, but I just really like facings, especially with a thicker fabric like this sateen. I didn’t line the skirt, but I plan to add a lining in the future to keep it from sticking to my tights.
I also made a quick dress for my oldest daughter, Anastasia. I used the Flashback Skinny Tee as a base, chopped off at the waistline. This tee is cut straight down at the sides, so I brought the side seams in at the waist, and curved the front waistline down a tad so it wouldn’t ride up in the front. I did a narrow binding at the neckline, and drafted a half circle skirt. The dress is still a little big, but she’s 11 and bound to grow. 😉 The fabric was purchased from Joann’s. It’s a thick stable knit, but thinner than a ponte. It has a hint of shimmer, which makes it a little special.
As it turns out, everyone was wearing a garment I had made at some point! The grey wrap sweaters were from two years ago (and finally fit like they’re supposed to!), the white dress is a first communion dress I shortened to a more casual length, the green dress I made five or six years ago, my son’s button down was made over a year ago, and even my husband’s shirt was made by me.
Happy 2016, everyone!
—lisa g.
What a great looking bunch! I love the 2 dresses you made. Sometimes simple is best! The “cityscape” fabric is one of my favorite stash fabrics. I bought 5 yards to make a duster coat. I really need to get it out now that I have been reminded! I love the way you used it! Happy new year!
You have this fabric too? How cool! That would make an amazing coat! Thank you 🙂
Wow! Your whole family dressed in handmades? You’re amazing!
I didn’t even plan it that way! But the kids do try to wear things I’ve made for special occasions. So glad they appreciate them! Thank you!
These dresses (and all of your handmades on your family) look great. I love the black bodice with the black and white patterned skirt. It’s pretty amazing that you could take outside photos in a sleeveless dress on Christmas Eve!
Right? It was so warm that day! I wore my Butterick jacket to church but had to take it off because I was too hot. Thank you!
Well, that is quite an achievement. I am impressed that everyone was wearing something you made. Aspirations … You all look great!
I love that there are hand-me-downs from over the years; I’m just glad so much of it has stood up to the wear! Thank you!
Yay! How wonderful it is that you dressed your whole family! They are quite lucky to have your skills around.
Thank you! It was pretty special to look at them all and see my handiwork. I’ll keep sewing for them since they really appreciate it!
You guys are all so cute in your you-mades! I am also a big fan of the black bodice/b&w print skirt dress combo 🙂 And there’s nothing better than finding just what you need for a last minute event dress in the stash!
Thank you! You and I were totally on the same page with our B&W dresses!
Very stylish family! Lovely!
Now that’s impressive – an all handmade family! Cool!
I was pretty pleased with myself! Even more so that I only had to make something for 2 out of the 6 of us. Yay for hand me downs!
Haha … even better!
What a great dress! I love that skirt fabric. Your whole family looks great!
Thank you!
What a good looking crew! I love your dress. The skirt fabric is great. And I’ve been looking at some more traditional dress patterns lately. Maybe I’m finally tiring of all my slouchy things? Probably not but I think I need some variety!
Thank you! I’ve been feeling the same way about wanting a few more fitted things. I love the slouchy tees and sweatshirts, but some variety is good!
Wow! Beautifully mummy made christmas! I think I will try to do that for this christmas.