Handmade Christmas: Christmas Dresses

(Sorry that I'm still posting about Christmas. I'm pretty sure this is the last one. But don't hold me to it.)

I've never been much of a Christmas Dress kind of mom, but for some reason, this year I got the bug. I think it is because I now have two little girls, and the idea of matching dresses, made by mom, was more than I could pass up.

Miss Lily Christmas dress. Please ignore the bright green hanger.

My oldest daughter just started highland dancing, and is in love with all things plaid (Please note, I had nothing what-so-ever to do with this. I swear. Really!) When the new Fabricland 5 minutes from my house happened to have Christmas plaid 60% off before Christmas, I had it home before I could think to myself, "When are you going to have time to make these stinking dresses?" Somehow I found the time, and my oldest even wore hers for her school concert.

I purchased a PDF pattern here called the "Miss Lily" by The Homemade Dress. (Don't you just love downloadable patterns?) I picked it because it had sleeves, a cute bubble skirt, and it looked pretty easy.

Sisters!

Overall, I was pretty happy with the pattern. My oldest is pretty petite, so I got away with using the size 4 pattern (she's almost 5 and a half) and adding a few inches to the length. The sleeve and bodice pieces are extremely similar, and at one point I sewed a six-month sleeve to the 4-year bodice. Enter my friend the seem ripper.

Other than that, the pattern went together pretty well. The elastic neck and arms are very forgiving, so I didn't worry too much about being perfect. I also didn't match up the plaid, but I'm okay with that.

I finished off the dresses with black velvet ribbon because everything is fancier with velvet ribbon. I love having Fabricland 5 minutes from my house (it only opened this fall). I may not like most of their fabric, but they have a great selection of ribbon and notions.

I also made my son a tie with the same fabric. He wore it under duress to mass on Christmas Eve, but I didn't get a photo of the three kids together because sweet Miss S was already asleep and stayed home with Grandma. We still have our tree up (I'm waiting till Epiphany to take it down), so I'm still holding out for a group shot. The tie was quick and easy to make. I used this pattern/tutorial because it has a velcro closure. This is a necesity if you are putting the tie on by force. How is it that boys come hard-wired to hate dressing up? If you are looking for a good round-up of tie and bow tie tutorials, check out Erin's post.

A Christmas Tie.

I was pretty proud to have my kids wear Mama Made clothes for Christmas. Next year, I may go for more coordinated than matching, but we'll see.

What about you? Did you make holiday clothes for your kids?