Ever since I was a little girl, I always dreamed of having a “Santa” dress. The rich red velvet and white fur trim around the neck, cuffs, and hem would give me festive feelings of delight. Watching the classic film, “White Christmas”, would heighten this desire every year.
Despite my intentions, the hectic holiday season would always get in the way of my December dream. However, when I was approached to give a program to a retiree group highlighting the Christmas songs of the ages, I knew my time had come. The premise of the program was for me to wear an era-specific costume to match a song that was to be played after I modeled its corresponding outfit. The audience, in turn, had to guess when the song/carol was originally written based on my costume. For the 1990s, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” was on the list.
Hooray ! The Christmas program gave me a fitting excuse to create my Santa dress. While the task seemed simple, it certainly had its challenges. I can’t count how many mock-ups I sewed of different bodice patterns, only to have them be too tight when sewn up in the desired stretch velvet. What was wrong ? Almost giving up, I tried one last pattern.
The Tessa Sheath Dress from Love Notions Patterns popped into my e-mail inbox one Friday as part of the company’s Feature Friday. For $5, I thought I would give it a try.
My first mock-up was promising and when I added length to the bodice, it was perfect. Because I knew I was going to attach a circle skirt to the waist seam, I didn’t bother printing the rest of the PDF pattern. Once sewn together, I measured the circumference of the waist seam and used Mood Fabric’s Circle Skirt Calculator to map out my radius and fabric lay. The calculator worked its magic and gave me one circular piece of velvet, with no back seam to sew.
Fluffy faux fur purchased from Amazon was sewn/glued to the appropriate places and… that was it ! I finally had my Santa dress.
This dress is so much fun ! I have worn it constantly over the season and love giving its skirt a twirl.
One of my favorite features of the dress is its red stretch velour, which hangs heavy in its drape.
Just look at those folds !!
Merry Christmas !
Toi, Toi, Toi,
Mary Martha
Costume Closet Couture 
MM, your Christmas dress is adorable!
I love the fact that you are reaching out to those who are retired, perhaps lonely and enjoy the program you share.
Sounds to me this could be a lovely Christmas season tradition!🎄♥️
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So beautiful!!! Actually, the apparent simplicity enhances the effect. I didn’t know this fabric came in a strechy version. Hopefully, you can use this dress for many years to come. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
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Came out amazing!
Merry Christmas!
Cindy Battisti
Opera Bracelets
http://www.operabracelets.com
Opera Gifts
http://www.operagifts.com http://www.operagifts.com
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Such a stunning Santa dress!
The craftsmanship and creativity behind it are truly inspiring. Hearing the story of how it came to life makes it even more special—what a wonderful combination of talent and festive spirit!
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Adorable as always, looking like a model and wearing the dress well. This was worth the wait. Those dreams of yesteryear have come to fruition with great gladness. Merry Christmas my dear friend.
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Merry Christmas Mary Martha,
Now that is truly a Christmas dress with its white furry trim and full circle skirt, perfect for twirling! And, the shoes are perfect with it. I hope you will have lots of opportunities to enjoy it during the Christmas and Holiday Season. Thank you very much for sharing your story and lovely photos. As I recall, you have opportunities to attend fun parties now and then with a friend.
It is great to see you online again.
Christmas blessings to one and all!
“Miss Jo”
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MM, Great job with the dress. I think the folds make it more even than awesome ! Please tell your mom and dad hello for us from way up here in Alabama !
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Thank you ! Will do — Merry Christmas !
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meant to write make it ‘even more than awesome !’ Tom
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to YOU!!! I love your Santa dress! It is a perfect dress for YOU!!!
I hope 2025 brings you all “good things”!!!
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Oh my goodness!!! I love the Santa dress! It fits you and your personality perfectly! I hope you got to wear the Santa dress during the holidays! Love you!Beverly Lynne863-528-9720volsinfl@verizon.net
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