Simplicity 8390 Vintage Blouse – Holly Dress

Here is the second dress I made using the vintage Simplicity 8390 pattern. In case you missed it, the first was this green dress. I guess I was sort of on a roll making things from this pattern. When I found this holly fabric in the store, I knew I had to make a dress from it, and this pattern was the one I thought of.

I did this one a little differently from the green dress. For that one I simply measured down from the waist and marked a partial circular shape onto the fabric, making the skirt and bodice one piece. The holly fabric had a border design along the selvedges, which I thought would be perfect to have at the hem of the skirt. Obviously, that wouldn’t fit with a circular hem. So instead, I marked the bodice down to the waist, adding some extra for a seam. Then I cut rectangle shapes for the skirt, with the fruit border at the bottom edge. I don’t remember how wide I made it; it may have been the entire width of the cloth. Then I gathered the top edge and sewed it to the bodice waist.

I found this sparkly lace and ruffle trim at the store and I used it here to trim the neck ruffle. It really adds the perfect finishing touch to this dress! My sister made an identical dress with a green trim instead of red.

Isn’t it beautiful? Perfect for Christmas!