Christmas Dress Embossed

Laurel, fighting off the passion vine which is tumbling down the arbor

Hurrah!  The problems with my server seem to be resolved so Janice Ferguson Sews is back!  After all this time, I hope there are still a few readers left.  There are so many things lined up that I want to share with you.  This is the first.

Granddaughter Laurel’s dress was meant to be just a church frock.  But when time got away from me, it was upgraded to her Christmas dress.  Nonetheless, she wore it to church the first Sunday of Dec. because I had nothing else made up for her.

These pitiful pictures were taken in a rush after church and before Laurel had to hurry off to another event.  And if you think this photo is bad, wait until you see the others!  But they do show you the details of the dress.  I should have taken a minute or two to press her dress and sweep the walk.

bodice embossed with Embossed Frame Monogram Alphabet from Designs by JuJu

The bodice is burgundy cotton velveteen, the skirt a heavy poly silk.  The sleeves and neckline are bound with poly silk bias.  Since I first saw the embossed designs, I’ve been wanting to stitch one.  When planning this dress,  I realized the velveteen was a perfect fabric for this  technique.

The embroidery design is Embossed Frame Monogram Alphabet from Designs by JuJu.  By simply placing a sheet of water soluble stabilizer over the velveteen, the design manages to compress the area around the letter, much like stippling does in quilting.  The “L” is simply the base fabric velveteen bursting out above the dense cross hatch stitching around it.

The pattern is Martha Pullen’s Pascale, size 8. Having never used this pattern, I was torn between making the size 8 and the 10.  Laurel is 9 1/2 years old and a little small for her age, but I surely didn’t want it to be too small—or  too large.  So I cut a quick muslin bodice and found that the 8 fit her generously.  I love this pattern and so does she so there will be more, especially now that the fit/sizing is  no mystery.

I regret making the sash narrower than the pattern indicated.   And I wish I had made the ribbon carriers burgundy instead of the soft gold.  Oh well.

The hairbow is not really a bow at all but rather two yo-yo’s with an antique pearl button in the center.  Korker ribbons and a few lengths of 1/8″ knotted were attached.

So  this is what my precious Laurel will be wearing Christmas Eve when she and her brother sing with the children’s choir.  Not only will she look like and angel, she will sing like one, too.

Ahhh…I love Christmas.

Speaking of singing, I found this video on You Tube and thought you might enjoy it.  Can you recite all the 12 Days of Christmas?  Neither can  these guys.