Before December bids us farewell (which is very, very soon), it seems only proper to share the “December Dresses” I made for my two little granddaughters. Actually, I finished them in November, but the intent every year is to have them delivered either by hand or by post to their home in Massachusetts (USA) in time for them to wear them to various December events.
Every year I try to vary the look of the dresses. While I like to surprise my daughter in addition to my granddaughters with what I make, this year I asked my daughter what she thought the girls would like. Her response was immediate, telling me that they love the birthday sundresses I made for them last Spring so much, and could I perhaps get the same look in a winter dress? So I went from this:
To this:
I did it by sizing up the patterns I used for last year’s December dress and substituting the ruffled collar which I adapted from the pattern for the birthday dresses. Still with me at this point? I had pattern pieces all over the place!
I found the lovely plaid cotton at Farmhouse Fabrics, as well as the lace and the buttons. It took a full five yards of 58” wide fabric for the two dresses. Once again, the dresses sort of evolved as I made them. I originally was going to use picot edging for the collars, but it did not look right. That’s when I switched to the lace, and just as a precaution, I ordered enough to edge the hems should I decide to do that. As it turned out, the lace rimming the hem was the perfect finishing touch. I had all of two inches of the lace remaining when the dresses were complete. Whew! That was cutting it close!
Thank goodness for the quick delivery of the lace from Farmhouse Fabrics!
I put the cuffs on the bias just to add some interest and to pick up on the bias binding at the neckline.
I lined the bodices with soft cotton batiste.
There is something magical about sashes and bows and a buttoned back on little girls’ dresses.
All the time I put into these dresses was well worth it when the girls were so excited to wear them to The Nutcracker, performed by The Pennsylvania Ballet at The Academy of Music in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA), on December 24th at noon.
Aida posing with one of the Sugarplum Fairies.
Carolina, Aida and Susanna during Intermission. We were all spellbound by the performance!
Thanks to my daughter, Susanna, for taking this cute picture!
What a wonderful day that was. Here’s hoping your December was also filled with magical moments and ruffles and sashes.
And next up – my last make of the year – and of the decade…
fiftydresses 
Such gorgeous dresses! Happy new year!
Thank you, Peggy! Happy New Year to you, too. May it be filled with lots of fashion sewing for you and me.
You are so right. There is just something special about little girls, ruffles and sashes! Just precious.
Isn’t there? Thank you, Jackie – lovely to hear from you!
So lovely Karen…..your grand daughters will certainly remember this occasion forever! The dresses are absolutely adorable. Happy New Year
Thank you, Arleen. The day was certainly memorable, and I must admit the girls looked darling!
What a golden day to remember.
Yes, it was – the best kind of day!
Beautiful dresses and the lifelong memories you are creating.
Thank you, Pat – and I suppose lifelong memories are what grandmothers are meant to help create!
These are just precious!! I always enjoy seeing the dresses you make your granddaughter’s and the additional pictures of them wearing them are such an added bonus!
Thank you, Dianne! I was so worried about the length of the dresses, unsure if they would be too long, but as it turns out, the girls like them mid-calf. Makes twirling more fun!
❤️❤️❤️ That lace is so wonderfully old school, I need to check out FarmHouse Fabrics! Beautiful job as always, Karen, and how wonderful,to have a three generation date for the Nutcracker!
Thank you, Kathy! I really felt it was the perfect lace for this application. Yes, please do check out Farmhouse Fabrics. They have beautiful fabrics for all ages.
Absolutely adorable.
Thank you, Mary!
These dresses look beautiful on your granddaughters. I totally get your feelings about magical buttons and bows on the back of little girl dresses. Wishing you a magical 2020.