The Gown by Jennifer Robson

Ann Hughes is fourteen when she goes to work as an embroiderer for fashion designer Norman Hartnell. Eleven years later, she has become extremely good at her job and is chosen to work on Princess Elizabeth's dress for her wedding. Miriam Dassin, one of Ann's coworkers, is also selected to help with the gown. Miriam has recently immigrated from France and suffered much trauma during the war. The Gown recounts the friendship of Ann and Miriam throughout the time that they work together at Hartnell. Alternating with that story is a contemporary one of Ann's granddaughter, Heather, in Canada as she discovers her grandmother's interesting past. A really enjoyable story of life in London after World War II. As an added bonus for Robson's fans, the book features characters from her novel, Goodnight from London.