3 reviews for J.P. Ryan Pet-en-l’air or Robe a la Francaise
Rated 4 out of 5
Kendra van Cleave –
This pattern is for Intermediate to Advanced sewers. I say that, not because it is a terribly hard project to sew, but because the fitting was just awful. Granted, I decided to make things harder for myself by changing the dress front piece to have a separate bodice and skirt. I really feel this type of garment needs to be draped in order to fit correctly. Given that, I do think this is close to being the best pattern it could be. All the pattern pieces match and the instructions are helpful and clear. Don’t be intimidated by the fact that you have to lengthen the pattern if you choose to make the full robe; this is very easy. Beyond the fact that this is a tricky garment, the only things I didn’t like about the pattern was the fact that the bodice front and skirt were cut in one piece. This makes for an imprecise fit and dates the dress to the 1750s. You have to cut the skirt and bodice separately for later decades in the 18th century. I think there is too much fullness in the petticoat. I did not like the effect from the pleating instructions. The petticoat front need to be relatively flat in order to hold the trim. Go really slowly when fitting the robe. Measure everything carefully, especially the bodice length. I made a mistake in measuring this part and made the bodice too long. It caused all sorts of fitting problems. Definitely make a muslin for the bodice lining and the dress itself.
Rated 4 out of 5
Robert Brooks –
The Robe à la Française needs stays. For historical accuracy you should always start with the correct undergarments. The fitting of the stomacher into the bodice took a little bit of fiddling but this would be expected at this stage of the garment as I was going for the full length version. The instructions for lengthening the stomacher are simple. I really appreciated the quick formula for creating a matching petticoat to go over pocket hoops. Even the daunting prospect of the pleating at the back of the garment was quickly defused with the detailed instructions given.
Rated 4 out of 5
Lauren –
Used this pattern along with American Duchess Guide and Patterns of Fashion to make this dress, especially with the instructions, which can be vague at places. I think this pattern works well for not small busts, if you are curvy and busty then this pattern may not work for you. I did add space to arms because they were tight on me. I have large shoulders so didn’t have bad shoulder gaps. I did not bag line this, but sewed the lining as fitting then sewed the finish fabric on top.
Kendra van Cleave –
This pattern is for Intermediate to Advanced sewers. I say that, not because it is a terribly hard project to sew, but because the fitting was just awful. Granted, I decided to make things harder for myself by changing the dress front piece to have a separate bodice and skirt. I really feel this type of garment needs to be draped in order to fit correctly. Given that, I do think this is close to being the best pattern it could be. All the pattern pieces match and the instructions are helpful and clear. Don’t be intimidated by the fact that you have to lengthen the pattern if you choose to make the full robe; this is very easy. Beyond the fact that this is a tricky garment, the only things I didn’t like about the pattern was the fact that the bodice front and skirt were cut in one piece. This makes for an imprecise fit and dates the dress to the 1750s. You have to cut the skirt and bodice separately for later decades in the 18th century. I think there is too much fullness in the petticoat. I did not like the effect from the pleating instructions. The petticoat front need to be relatively flat in order to hold the trim. Go really slowly when fitting the robe. Measure everything carefully, especially the bodice length. I made a mistake in measuring this part and made the bodice too long. It caused all sorts of fitting problems. Definitely make a muslin for the bodice lining and the dress itself.
Robert Brooks –
The Robe à la Française needs stays. For historical accuracy you should always start with the correct undergarments. The fitting of the stomacher into the bodice took a little bit of fiddling but this would be expected at this stage of the garment as I was going for the full length version. The instructions for lengthening the stomacher are simple. I really appreciated the quick formula for creating a matching petticoat to go over pocket hoops. Even the daunting prospect of the pleating at the back of the garment was quickly defused with the detailed instructions given.
Lauren –
Used this pattern along with American Duchess Guide and Patterns of Fashion to make this dress, especially with the instructions, which can be vague at places. I think this pattern works well for not small busts, if you are curvy and busty then this pattern may not work for you. I did add space to arms because they were tight on me. I have large shoulders so didn’t have bad shoulder gaps. I did not bag line this, but sewed the lining as fitting then sewed the finish fabric on top.