The Rosy Christmas Dress

I recently joined a remarkable group of women known as the Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society.  At the moment, I am a "Budding Rose", a Victorian Rose in training.  I was able to participate in my first parade this month, and wanted a new dress to wear in the parade, and for the San Diego Costume Guild annual holiday dinner.  

I decided to use my favorite Truly Victorian pattern, Parisian Trained Skirt.  I paired it with the Truly Victorian Day Bodice.  Off to the fabric district I went with my friend Val in search of rosy colors.  On a limited budget as usual, I narrowed my search to two fabrics: a burgundy with embroidered flowers, and a pale pink.  We met up with our mutual friends Karin and Adam, and had a great time searching for what we all needed.  I found the perfect embroidered burgundy at Home Fabrics, on sale for $5 a yard.  At LA Fred's, I found a matching pink faux dupioni for $3 a yard! 











I made fabric covered buttons for the bodice, and since it was for Christmas, lots of bows-three down each side and a large one near the bottom of the bustle.  I backed  some pretty white lace with the pink fabric.  I also pleated the pink around the cuffs and put the lace on top.   I put the same lace around the neckline.   The most expensive part of the skirt was the burgundy tassel trim. Six yards on the skirt!




Breakdown:
 $35     Burgundy fabric 7 yards at $5     
$12     Pink fabric  4 yards at $3    
$15     Trim  6 yards at $2.50
$5       Covered Button kit
Total    $67

Following are some photos from the parade and in front of my mother's Christmas tree, before the Costume Guild holiday dinner.  Everyone at dinner was in their holiday finest, and its such a joy to celebrate with this wonderful group of people.