It’s an expensive but, wonderful pattern. I purchased this pattern because I was looking for a dress that was a similar style to the simple day gowns worn by the Dashwood sisters in Sense and Sensibility (1995) and one that was front-opening. I got exactly what I was hoping for. The finished product also looks just like the picture on the pattern cover.
The construction was also simpler than I thought it would be, though I would not necessarily recommend it for beginners (maybe a very patient beginner). There are some unusual construction techniques; this is not your typical “sew front to back, gather sleeves into armscye” type of pattern… the sleeves are sort of square-shaped with gussets, and form part of the back and shoulder. The center back piece is very narrow but very flattering, and the shoulder straps form a V-shape (which can be seen in the photo).
The front closes with a drawstring at the neckline and waist, and is gathered to fit. There is a bodice lining is separated from the main bodice piece at front, and overlaps (I fasten it with a safety pin, though the original was fastened with a straight pin). The skirt on this dress is supposed to be pleated in back with box pleats that gradually increase/decrease in size, but I was in a hurry so I gathered it across the back, which still looks very nice. This is a very flattering dress, even made in a size 20D. And very comfortable to wear.
Rated 4 out of 5
Susan de Guardiola –
Recommended for sewers with some experience. I made this gown and the stays (from Hunisett’s “corset bodice” pattern) to go under it for my friend Sandy in one day for an event the next day. I was cutting down my size 16-18-20 pattern to Sandy’s petite size 4 (but very curvy) figure on the fly, so I tossed out period construction techniques and assembled the bodice and lining separately. As a result I ignored the instructions, but was able to assemble a very good-looking gown very quickly. I did pleat the back, though I ignored the official template and just eyeballed the pleats.
The picture shows Sandy in her gown; the skirt normally looks very graceful, but there was a stiff breeze blowing when we took the picture. The fabric is a reproduction print from Old Sturbridge Village. The fichu was made following the somewhat confusing directions that came with the dress pattern.
Amy Denison –
It’s an expensive but, wonderful pattern. I purchased this pattern because I was looking for a dress that was a similar style to the simple day gowns worn by the Dashwood sisters in Sense and Sensibility (1995) and one that was front-opening. I got exactly what I was hoping for. The finished product also looks just like the picture on the pattern cover.
The construction was also simpler than I thought it would be, though I would not necessarily recommend it for beginners (maybe a very patient beginner). There are some unusual construction techniques; this is not your typical “sew front to back, gather sleeves into armscye” type of pattern… the sleeves are sort of square-shaped with gussets, and form part of the back and shoulder. The center back piece is very narrow but very flattering, and the shoulder straps form a V-shape (which can be seen in the photo).
The front closes with a drawstring at the neckline and waist, and is gathered to fit. There is a bodice lining is separated from the main bodice piece at front, and overlaps (I fasten it with a safety pin, though the original was fastened with a straight pin). The skirt on this dress is supposed to be pleated in back with box pleats that gradually increase/decrease in size, but I was in a hurry so I gathered it across the back, which still looks very nice. This is a very flattering dress, even made in a size 20D. And very comfortable to wear.
Susan de Guardiola –
Recommended for sewers with some experience. I made this gown and the stays (from Hunisett’s “corset bodice” pattern) to go under it for my friend Sandy in one day for an event the next day. I was cutting down my size 16-18-20 pattern to Sandy’s petite size 4 (but very curvy) figure on the fly, so I tossed out period construction techniques and assembled the bodice and lining separately. As a result I ignored the instructions, but was able to assemble a very good-looking gown very quickly. I did pleat the back, though I ignored the official template and just eyeballed the pleats.
The picture shows Sandy in her gown; the skirt normally looks very graceful, but there was a stiff breeze blowing when we took the picture. The fabric is a reproduction print from Old Sturbridge Village. The fichu was made following the somewhat confusing directions that came with the dress pattern.