I made an Anna dress, by By Hand London, to wear on Christmas day. I had a very pleasant Christmas Eve making it, while watching lots of old movies. It was going to be a birthday Anna as I’ve had the pattern and fabric for some time, but I missed by birthday (back in November) and it took me until the Christmas break to find the time.

Now I know why everyone loves this dress so much. It was a really quick make and it fits perfectly! I love the front pleats, they give a lovely finish & are a nice unusual detail. I graded between two sizes to get a smaller fit on the top, grading to a larger size at the bottom of the bodice and on the skirt. As you can see I cut the fabric along the selvedge for the skirt and against the selvedge for the bodice. I was too lazy to attempt pattern matching!

The fabric is a President Holland fabric, an African-style wax block print. It has a lovely waxy feel to it. I bought it from a shop on the Goldhawk Road when I was last in London. I was actually there for a friend’s birthday so didn’t get to the Goldhawk Road until Sunday when most shops are closed:( Luckily there were a couple of shops open so I did manage to treat myself. I bought quite a few metres so have lots left – I’m thinking this fabric would make great cushions.

And, as it was made for Christmas, here is the dress in front of our Christmas tree.