It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad Christmas!

Myself and Mom, in front of the family Christmas Tree.

Before I post about the fantabulous costume-related gifts the wonderful people in my life got me for Christmas, I will report on That Mad Christmas Dress.

It turned out great! I made it in a total of about 3 afternoons, with some noodlings on the zipper, the hooks, and an interior tape. It's made from a gold brocade with metallic threads woven in, lined in unbleached muslin, and worn over a short quilted petticoat (I didn't bother with the net this time).

"Mmmm, Sausage Rolls!"

The bodice fit like a glove through the waist, which proved to be pretty uncomfortable after sausage rolls, Scotch eggs, date bread, prime rib, green beans, ambrosia, one crescent roll, ham, potatoes, more green beans, carrots, and entirely too much New York cheesecake, plus a plethora of Christmas candies of various sorts.

I'm happy with this dress, though I did discover a mistake - when I transferred the draped muslin pieces to paper, I added seam allowance, mindlessly, to the center front, where I intended it to be cut on the fold, which added an additional 1" to the front, causing the shoulders to set further out than intended, and a little extra fabric to puff out near the armpits. I've since cut that darn seam allowance off the pattern and will not have the same problem next time!

The back - I love the deep "V" of early 60s cocktail dresses. This photo was taken later-in-the-day. Can you tell? The hair came down, the shoes flattened, lol.

I do plan to make additional versions of this dress - one with a straight/pencil skirt, and a different shape to the back and maybe a higher neckline in front. That's the glory of simple yet effective mid-century shapes!

I hope you all enjoyed your holiday and will have a great New Years too! Merry Christmas!! Happy Boxing Day!