Like most Period Patterns, #53 has problems with the instructions being vague and confusing, and the pattern pieces being difficult to cut. The yardage requirements on the back of the envelope are also hard to interpret. I found an error or two in the instructions, even after I had taken the time to write them out sequentially to avoid further confusion. However, once I had omitted a couple of blatantly modern elements (use of interfacing in the cuff of the gown, etc.), the finished result looked very authentic and was very comfortable for the wearer. I would recommend this pattern only for the intermediate or better sewer, and would add the caveat that a muslin is a necessary step! I had to do a lot of fitting but the wearer is taller than average.
Rated 4 out of 5
Michelle Burchett –
I made up this costume for my son. It was a Shakespeare play “The Tempest” he played Stephano. The tunic is #3 with the #2 blouse. I would say the best thing to do is to read and re-read the pattern before you start. I would suggest only for the intermediate or better sewer. Once you understand how the directions work by going back and forth it made a lot more sense. Not a fussy pattern very little detail on the pattern pieces themselves. I did have to cut the pattern down a bit, the wearer was only 14 and it worked beautifully. Pictured above-right.
Jessica Wilber –
Like most Period Patterns, #53 has problems with the instructions being vague and confusing, and the pattern pieces being difficult to cut. The yardage requirements on the back of the envelope are also hard to interpret. I found an error or two in the instructions, even after I had taken the time to write them out sequentially to avoid further confusion. However, once I had omitted a couple of blatantly modern elements (use of interfacing in the cuff of the gown, etc.), the finished result looked very authentic and was very comfortable for the wearer. I would recommend this pattern only for the intermediate or better sewer, and would add the caveat that a muslin is a necessary step! I had to do a lot of fitting but the wearer is taller than average.
Michelle Burchett –
I made up this costume for my son. It was a Shakespeare play “The Tempest” he played Stephano. The tunic is #3 with the #2 blouse. I would say the best thing to do is to read and re-read the pattern before you start. I would suggest only for the intermediate or better sewer. Once you understand how the directions work by going back and forth it made a lot more sense. Not a fussy pattern very little detail on the pattern pieces themselves. I did have to cut the pattern down a bit, the wearer was only 14 and it worked beautifully. Pictured above-right.