Again, I’ve had nothing but success with Past Patterns. This bodice is a fairly simple variation on the fan front, using a few rows of gathering at the waist to create the “fan”. It would be easy, however, to do a more complicated fan using this pattern. I would also recommend using a fabric not quite as stiff as synthetic taffeta, since the fabric has too much body and will create more of a “poofy” effect than the sleeker look of this era. Live and learn. The only adjustment I had to make was to shorten the bodice a few inches.
Rated 4 out of 5
Lisa Prindle –
Don’t be afraid of this pattern. The shirring on the front is not that time-consuming and has such a lovely period-appropriate look. You will want to have a friend help with the fitting, as it closes in the back. I shortened the sleeves from the original pattern. I had no problems using a nice cotton fabric to create the pleats at the shoulders and gathers at the center front which are attached to the fitted underlining. A bonus of this pattern is that you can use the fitted underlining pattern as a bodice pattern itself. It is correct for the more fitted 1840s bodice style.
Sarah Lorraine –
Again, I’ve had nothing but success with Past Patterns. This bodice is a fairly simple variation on the fan front, using a few rows of gathering at the waist to create the “fan”. It would be easy, however, to do a more complicated fan using this pattern. I would also recommend using a fabric not quite as stiff as synthetic taffeta, since the fabric has too much body and will create more of a “poofy” effect than the sleeker look of this era. Live and learn. The only adjustment I had to make was to shorten the bodice a few inches.
Lisa Prindle –
Don’t be afraid of this pattern. The shirring on the front is not that time-consuming and has such a lovely period-appropriate look. You will want to have a friend help with the fitting, as it closes in the back. I shortened the sleeves from the original pattern. I had no problems using a nice cotton fabric to create the pleats at the shoulders and gathers at the center front which are attached to the fitted underlining. A bonus of this pattern is that you can use the fitted underlining pattern as a bodice pattern itself. It is correct for the more fitted 1840s bodice style.