Working on Anne's Easter Dress

. . .and trying to convince myself that it's okay to not do stroked gathers at the waist. I want to, but realistically I do not have time to do them before Sunday.

I wanted to make Anne a frilly and fluffy 1950's style dress for Easter and bought yards and yards of pink netting for a fluffy petticoat. However, she begged me instead to make her a dress to wear over her hoopskirt and she picked out some delicate pink fabric and we got to work.

The fabric is a very sheer and lightweight cotton that I got almost 5 years ago, before Anne was even thought of. It was originally meant to become a regency gown but, as often happens, plans change. It's not quite correct for the 1860's as the print is not as regular as it should be. It is, however, certainly a double pink and Anne is all about pink!

We looked through many cdv images and Anne was very specific in the style she wanted. A "big neck" (she hates "chokey" necklines) and "plain long sleeves" and "a big skirt". I wanted to do short sleeves but she would have none of it. So, long it is!

So far we have the bodice sewed together and the skirt hem and tucks done. Now I need to do all the hand finishing of the bodice and then attach the skirt to the waist. Then attach fasteners.

Luckily, Rose is of a perfect size to fit into Anne's Easter dress from 3 Easters ago, so I do not need to make her a new gown. She looks just as cute as Anne did!

It needs a good pressing, but it fits!

Sweet Baby Anne 3 years ago!

Hopefully we will get this done in time for Easter!