Edelweiss Patterns For nearly every year since 2012, I have endeavored to recreate a costume from a classic Christmas movie and share it with you all here. In 2012 I recreated the blue “Sisters” dress (and now sell a similar style on my website), and ever since I have been bombarded with requests to make the red ballgown worn by Rosemary Clooney in the finale of the film. I’m happy to report that I have recreated it and I’m ready to share it here, just in time for Christmas.
This is actually the second version of the costume I made – the first one is currently under a Christmas tree somewhere for an unsuspecting lady whose daughter commissioned me to sew one for her, and I loved the first gown so much that I knew I needed to make one for myself after I shipped off the package to my customer!
I patterned this version after the gown that Rosemary Clooney wore in the final “White Christmas” scene. It was a rare instance where I thought Rosemary’s (“Betty’s”) costume was more flattering than Vera Ellen’s (“Judy’s”). It has a tiny shawl collar, fitted bodice, gigantic satin skirt, and yards of white fur trim.
It feels magnificent to wear! The weight of the skirt is quite heavy, and it has a lovely “swish” when you walk.
Unfortunately the sequin embroidery isn’t as obvious on camera as it is in person, but there are snowflake shaped motifs of sequins which I embroidered underneath each shoulder.
This project crossed over from strictly sewing project into the “craft” category when I needed to make the silver leaf and red berry accessories for the bodice and the headpiece.
The white fur trim was carefully placed and stitched – it is quite bulky so it requires slower sewing.
Whenever I wear a dress like this, it almost makes me wish I had lived back in the 50s… But since we live in the 21st century and there’s not a lot we can do about it, I think we should do our part to keep the spirit of classy dressing and polite manners alive and well. The ladies I watch on old classic films are such an inspiration to me, and I think there’s nothing that says we can’t be just a little more proper and fastidious with our dressing if we wish to.
Thank you to everyone for following along with my costumes, and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Hannukah! (I celebrate both.)
Till next time,
Katrina Holte
I think you did a wonderful job! I love creating Christmas outfits and yours are always so delightful!
You look gorgeous and did a beautiful job recreating this gown! Are you planning to sell the pattern for it?
Margaret, we now offer the ready made dress on our website! website
Hi Katrina,
Did you know you look similar to Mia on Princess Diaries 2?
I think you would look great in a curly hairdo like princess Mia’s the day she is crowned queen.
The curls on the top of the head and around the face are especially pretty!
Hello, Audria,
Aw, thank you! I’ve been told I look like Anne Hathaway for the last ten years, which is quite a compliment! I love her regal updos and I’ve actually done quite a few hairstyles like that for my ballgowns.
Thank you for the lovely comment,
Katrina Holte
Are the silver decorations customizable to gold? I really love this dress and had an idea for it!
Hello, Kacey,
Thank you for your inquiry! The decorations are not customizable right now, but thank you so much for your interest!
All the best,
Katrina Holte
Can the pattern be purchased. Im wanting this for my wedding dress
Hi Billie! No, at this point I only offer the completed costume, not the pattern version. Thank you for your interest!
Edelweiss Patterns, my community theatre is going to do a small Christmas show, with the scene where both girls wear that red dress. As their costumer, I would really like to make those dresses for them, but have not been able to find a decent pattern where I’m having to put two or three patterns together. We are a volunteer only theatre and a 501c exemption. Most of what we run on are donations. I’ve picked up about 16 yards of red velvet and some white fur for the edging and was hoping that your pattern is now available to buy. I would love to surprise them with these dresses, since they bought some awful renditions of them off of Amazon. Or if you have any suggestions, I would welcome them
Thank you
Marnie Bartolini
Hello, Marnie,
That sounds like a great project! Unfortunately the red ballgown pattern is not available for purchase by this Christmas, but hopefully next year it will be available.
Good luck and Happy Sewing!
Katrina Holte