Christmas Dress-Wowzer Wed

When I was a child my mother ALWAYS made my Christmas dress to match my sister's. Usually different colors but the same pattern. It is a family tradition that I have carried on with my daughter.

I just love reusing things that others have forgotten about of left behind. Last summer I was going through my MIL's scraps and came across this wonderful black tulle with red polka dots. As it was in the scrap pile there wasn't a lot of it but I knew I wanted to use it for something. So I thought about it for awhile (like 4 months) before I decided to use it as a lining for my daughter's Christmas dress. I wanted something Christmasy but classic, and versitile enough that she can wear it past Christmas. I wanted something full and fluffy, a special dress for special occasions. I bought some of my favorite eyelet from fabric.com, fancy eyelet in black. This eyelet is so beautiful with a great design and just the right amount of shimmer. Here is the end result:
I started with the bodice creating a pattern from a t-shirt. Then I added a ruffle neckline from the salvage end of the eyelet. I lined the bodice with basic black cotton and used a button closure in the back. Then I took 2 yards of the eyelet to make the skirt portion (10 inches long). I gathered at the top to attach it to the bodice. Then I gathered the tulle and another hemmed rectangle the same length for under the tulle. I sewed all the layers together and attached the layers to the bodice. I finished it off with sleeves, two buttons down the front, and a red taffeta sash.

I am so happy with how it turned out. Exactly how I pictured it.
My son will be wearing a match black and red tie with a white collared shirt and argyle sweater. I just love dressing up for the season.