I love this pattern. Simple as that. I’ve made two bodices from it, ten years apart, and both fit like a dream. The current bodice is a somewhat altered version, with double points added to the front and a button opening at center front, instead of the hook and eye closure. The one issue I have with the pattern is that it is a bit longer waisted than I am. This is simple enough to fix, however, so always make a mock up and check the fit before proceeding. I used the full pagoda sleeve pattern and simply added a double row of box pleated ruffles to it. The under sleeve is fudged a bit, as somewhere over the last 10 years, I managed to lose that part of the pattern. Still, overall, it is a great bodice. I’m very happy with it.
Rated 4 out of 5
Kat Crippen –
These garments by Past Patterns (#700 and #702) are remarkable easy and straightforward to put together. For the bodice, I used nine buttons rather than the hook and eyes that the pattern calls for. Also, I varied the sleeves from the pagoda shape to a full cuffed sleeve. Note that the arms-eye for the pattern is historically accurate; that is, if you are wearing a corset, your shoulders and arms will be the right position for the sleeves. Otherwise, if accuracy is not as important as comfort, you may want to reposition the armholes and the set of the sleeves.
Rated 5 out of 5
Lorraine Carson –
It’s fine for a beginner. I found the pattern markings do not match up for sizes larger than 16. The smaller sizes are accurate.
Rated 4 out of 5
Danine Cozzens –
The first time I made this bodice, I made a hysterically funny mistake. The sleeves are supposed to curve demurely inward. I had the sleeve curing ‘outward’ and, do to time constraints, I had to wear it that way! (And, no, there are no photos!). It is supposed to be completely assembled in front and back with hooks and eyes installed and then, the fit is adjusted at the sides and shoulders. This is really very clever construction. The adjustments don’t show. The bodice can be refitted if your shape changes in the future. Danine is wearing the corrected bodice in the picture.
Rated 5 out of 5
Leigh Ann Hildebrand –
I’ve made it up twice, the first time in gray dupioni and the second time in cotton homespun. In the second version, I didn’t put in the darts and used it as a “gathered” bodice, tucked into my skirt waistband. In the largest size, the neck opening seems a bit large — or maybe I just have a small neck. As others have mentioned, the side seams make it especially easy to fit and adjust.
Rated 3 out of 5
Alaina Zull –
The inexperienced seamstress should be aware of a few minor problems with the darted bodice. First, in all sizes, the back center tucks should end at the bottom no more than 1 inch apart (in sizing up the pattern, the gap erroneously grew to several inches, which is not unheard of on originals, but far less common) The three-piece back seems to be less common than the full-piece back, with narrow tucks forming the curves, topstitched through all layers. Fitting is very important, and the seamstress should be forewarned that the bodice will most likely need to be shortened, the neck hole is rather long in front (raise 3/8″ at Center front and neck when cutting), and the armhole shaved a bit in front. Aside from these really minor problems, this is probably the best pattern out there for this type of dress, and the historical notes are excellent.
Rated 5 out of 5
Patricia Cannata –
The directions are clear and in order. The pattern pieces fit together well and are clearly marked. It was an easy piece to assemble and went together quickly. If you are a novice, go slowly and follow the instructions closely. It’s a good pattern for beginners. Patricia changed the collar and added under sleeves.
Rated 5 out of 5
Rachel Franklin –
I made this version with the modified pagoda sleeve, except I combined the bottom of the under-sleeve pattern with the top of the pagoda sleeve pattern to create a semi-full sleeve with a cuff. The directions on this pattern were very clear, and the historical notes were fascinating. I would highly recommend this pattern to anyone. In the attached image, Katy (on the left) is wearing the dress that Rachel made (combined with Past Patterns #700 skirt).
Sarah Lorraine –
I love this pattern. Simple as that. I’ve made two bodices from it, ten years apart, and both fit like a dream. The current bodice is a somewhat altered version, with double points added to the front and a button opening at center front, instead of the hook and eye closure. The one issue I have with the pattern is that it is a bit longer waisted than I am. This is simple enough to fix, however, so always make a mock up and check the fit before proceeding. I used the full pagoda sleeve pattern and simply added a double row of box pleated ruffles to it. The under sleeve is fudged a bit, as somewhere over the last 10 years, I managed to lose that part of the pattern. Still, overall, it is a great bodice. I’m very happy with it.
Kat Crippen –
These garments by Past Patterns (#700 and #702) are remarkable easy and straightforward to put together. For the bodice, I used nine buttons rather than the hook and eyes that the pattern calls for. Also, I varied the sleeves from the pagoda shape to a full cuffed sleeve. Note that the arms-eye for the pattern is historically accurate; that is, if you are wearing a corset, your shoulders and arms will be the right position for the sleeves. Otherwise, if accuracy is not as important as comfort, you may want to reposition the armholes and the set of the sleeves.
Lorraine Carson –
It’s fine for a beginner. I found the pattern markings do not match up for sizes larger than 16. The smaller sizes are accurate.
Danine Cozzens –
The first time I made this bodice, I made a hysterically funny mistake. The sleeves are supposed to curve demurely inward. I had the sleeve curing ‘outward’ and, do to time constraints, I had to wear it that way! (And, no, there are no photos!). It is supposed to be completely assembled in front and back with hooks and eyes installed and then, the fit is adjusted at the sides and shoulders. This is really very clever construction. The adjustments don’t show. The bodice can be refitted if your shape changes in the future. Danine is wearing the corrected bodice in the picture.
Leigh Ann Hildebrand –
I’ve made it up twice, the first time in gray dupioni and the second time in cotton homespun. In the second version, I didn’t put in the darts and used it as a “gathered” bodice, tucked into my skirt waistband. In the largest size, the neck opening seems a bit large — or maybe I just have a small neck. As others have mentioned, the side seams make it especially easy to fit and adjust.
Alaina Zull –
The inexperienced seamstress should be aware of a few minor problems with the darted bodice. First, in all sizes, the back center tucks should end at the bottom no more than 1 inch apart (in sizing up the pattern, the gap erroneously grew to several inches, which is not unheard of on originals, but far less common) The three-piece back seems to be less common than the full-piece back, with narrow tucks forming the curves, topstitched through all layers. Fitting is very important, and the seamstress should be forewarned that the bodice will most likely need to be shortened, the neck hole is rather long in front (raise 3/8″ at Center front and neck when cutting), and the armhole shaved a bit in front. Aside from these really minor problems, this is probably the best pattern out there for this type of dress, and the historical notes are excellent.
Patricia Cannata –
The directions are clear and in order. The pattern pieces fit together well and are clearly marked. It was an easy piece to assemble and went together quickly. If you are a novice, go slowly and follow the instructions closely. It’s a good pattern for beginners. Patricia changed the collar and added under sleeves.
Rachel Franklin –
I made this version with the modified pagoda sleeve, except I combined the bottom of the under-sleeve pattern with the top of the pagoda sleeve pattern to create a semi-full sleeve with a cuff. The directions on this pattern were very clear, and the historical notes were fascinating. I would highly recommend this pattern to anyone. In the attached image, Katy (on the left) is wearing the dress that Rachel made (combined with Past Patterns #700 skirt).