This pattern is a good start for making your first teens ensemble. It goes together quickly and easily. The peplum looks particularly nice. I made a few changes to make it more historically accurate. Instead of elastic, I pleated the skirt and attached it to a waistband. I also narrowed the sleeves. Instead of the bodice insert, I made a simple under-bodice, then I finished the front edges of the jacket with an interfacing. I moved the skirt swag to the center front (instead of the side) and changed it to pleating, instead of shirring.
My guide for making these changes was Patterns of Fashion 2 by Janet Arnold. The skirt of this pattern is similar to the 1913-14 dress shown in illustration 22A.
Rated 4 out of 5
Annette Stubbs –
Intermediate level. This pattern lends itself well to a variety of fabrics, pattern changes and creative trimming. I made it from a “well-known film” midnight navy velvet and followed the pattern instructions closely. Most directions make sense (when they are thought out) and the pattern pieces fall together nicely, tailoring to fit the modern form. The only issues I had were minor. The side-closing on the tunic calls for a zipper, but as the waist is fitted and sewn to the peplum, there’s not much room to pull it over your head!
Since I was sewing this at midnight the night before an Ascot event, I was zooming around and mistakenly put the zipper in upside-down. Surprise! It worked! (Is this how great inventions are created?) I think the theatrical style of see-saw hook and eye would work well, too. The underskirt length can hang longer than the overskirt, but careful hemming will solve this problem. My skirt is made of a heavy navy bridal satin, but perhaps a material with more give would be more comfortable for movement (the skirt is in the hobble style, and one must adjust one’s footsteps to walk accordingly. The tassels do make it fun to walk in). The cummerbund sash defines the waist, and can give that “waspish” look. Overall, even under time constraints, this pattern sews well, is flattering, and creates the right look without wearing foundation garments.
Kij Greenwood –
This pattern is a good start for making your first teens ensemble. It goes together quickly and easily. The peplum looks particularly nice. I made a few changes to make it more historically accurate. Instead of elastic, I pleated the skirt and attached it to a waistband. I also narrowed the sleeves. Instead of the bodice insert, I made a simple under-bodice, then I finished the front edges of the jacket with an interfacing. I moved the skirt swag to the center front (instead of the side) and changed it to pleating, instead of shirring.
My guide for making these changes was Patterns of Fashion 2 by Janet Arnold. The skirt of this pattern is similar to the 1913-14 dress shown in illustration 22A.
Annette Stubbs –
Intermediate level. This pattern lends itself well to a variety of fabrics, pattern changes and creative trimming. I made it from a “well-known film” midnight navy velvet and followed the pattern instructions closely. Most directions make sense (when they are thought out) and the pattern pieces fall together nicely, tailoring to fit the modern form. The only issues I had were minor. The side-closing on the tunic calls for a zipper, but as the waist is fitted and sewn to the peplum, there’s not much room to pull it over your head!
Since I was sewing this at midnight the night before an Ascot event, I was zooming around and mistakenly put the zipper in upside-down. Surprise! It worked! (Is this how great inventions are created?) I think the theatrical style of see-saw hook and eye would work well, too. The underskirt length can hang longer than the overskirt, but careful hemming will solve this problem. My skirt is made of a heavy navy bridal satin, but perhaps a material with more give would be more comfortable for movement (the skirt is in the hobble style, and one must adjust one’s footsteps to walk accordingly. The tassels do make it fun to walk in). The cummerbund sash defines the waist, and can give that “waspish” look. Overall, even under time constraints, this pattern sews well, is flattering, and creates the right look without wearing foundation garments.