This is a very simple and straightforward pattern taken from an original and adjusted for simplicity and the modern shape. I’d rank it an Intermediate pattern, because of the finishing required (French seams, plackets, freeform cummerbund.) However, even a Beginner could tackle this with help. I added a lot of added trim; because it was so simple I felt it needed more decoration to fit my style. I included additional tucks and lace on the skirt pieces and the center front. Because it is rather loose fitting, I’d say you’re OK without doing a mock up of the bodice; even if you are a little bigger than their largest size. I’m about 2 inches bigger in the bust than their biggest size (20), so I added about an inch to the bodice front and yoke, which made it too large for me. Both the skirt and the bodice have instructions to “adjust to fit your waist size.” So, here, too, you have a lot of leeway in making this work for you. I did not have the patience to do the hand gathering and used a machine, instead. I had no problems and saved myself a lot of time by doing so. You should probably use buttonhole thread if you do this by machine or by hand, as the stitches are not sewn over to secure them. A tip for doing the tucks – I use a very fine lead pencil and draw the line onto the fabric a few millimeters lower than the fold will be sewn. Then, I iron the folds in before sewing them thus creasing so that the line is hidden under the fold. You have much more freedom to adjust as necessary that way. After sewing, steam them down again and you’ll get a smooth error free set of tucks.
Lorraine Carson –
This is a very simple and straightforward pattern taken from an original and adjusted for simplicity and the modern shape. I’d rank it an Intermediate pattern, because of the finishing required (French seams, plackets, freeform cummerbund.) However, even a Beginner could tackle this with help. I added a lot of added trim; because it was so simple I felt it needed more decoration to fit my style. I included additional tucks and lace on the skirt pieces and the center front. Because it is rather loose fitting, I’d say you’re OK without doing a mock up of the bodice; even if you are a little bigger than their largest size. I’m about 2 inches bigger in the bust than their biggest size (20), so I added about an inch to the bodice front and yoke, which made it too large for me. Both the skirt and the bodice have instructions to “adjust to fit your waist size.” So, here, too, you have a lot of leeway in making this work for you. I did not have the patience to do the hand gathering and used a machine, instead. I had no problems and saved myself a lot of time by doing so. You should probably use buttonhole thread if you do this by machine or by hand, as the stitches are not sewn over to secure them. A tip for doing the tucks – I use a very fine lead pencil and draw the line onto the fabric a few millimeters lower than the fold will be sewn. Then, I iron the folds in before sewing them thus creasing so that the line is hidden under the fold. You have much more freedom to adjust as necessary that way. After sewing, steam them down again and you’ll get a smooth error free set of tucks.