The old: Advance 5799, circa late 1940’s.

The new: Summer Soiree fabric by Paula Prass for Michael Miller.  Together, you get this:

It will be Clare’s Christmas Day dress this year. I made it a little longer than the pattern, and she’ll be wearing it without a boofy petticoat underneath (although she has requested one).

There’s a nice big bow on the back – I have really got the hang of the rolled hem with the overlocker now and used it along the sides of the ties. The armhole and neck facings are wide bias binding.

This pattern was so old it wasn’t printed – all the pieces were cut to size with notches and circles for marking. I had a couple of construction challenges, since the instructions assume that you completely know what you are doing, but overall I’m pleased with the dress. Stella’s Christmas Day dress is almost done too – just buttonholes and buttons to go!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. Hold your loved ones close and let them know how much they mean to you.