Here we are! Free Pattern Friday and today I have for you are really elegant pattern that I think is really simple. Just scroll down to look at it. This one too has a front and back bodice and a front and back skirt. With only four pieces total, the shaping of the collar really comes from any interfacing or stitching you choose to use. Other notions would be a side zipper and some buttons and trimmings (if any are desired). Here in this gown, you can use all one material or else use two different ones like illustrated in the image. I think here your imagination is your only limit as you could make this one from rayon, silk, lace, and even velvet.
Studying the pattern, you will notice too that the sleeve is cut on in the bodice like a raglan sleeve. This sleeve is interesting to note because it shows up a lot in 50s fashion. With that said, the book this one comes out of, 1949, is truly a transitional book balancing 40s and 50s fashion. As another side note for the pattern, you will see that on the skirt pieces, there is a dotted line, I think that line is there to let you know that there may be some piecing required in the material to get the full desired width. Of course, if you are using material that is side enough, you can disregard that line as it is only a suggestion I believe.
On the front bodice piece, there is a dotted line there too, that is an indication of where the facing is. To elaborate, take that pattern and cut along the dotted line, and boom, that is your facing pattern. The dart is just roughed in and there is no indication of where exactly it goes . . .I recommend trial and error here because with darts, since everybody is different, where I place my dart may not be where your dart goes. For the back, there is not indication of a facing there but I think adding one maybe a good idea. Where it goes exactly is up to you.
Also, there is no right or wrong way to these patterns.
As an ending note, although this is featured as an evening pattern, you can use this a pattern for a day dress too by using the bodice pattern and just substituting a plainer skirt pattern. I think the best way to use these patterns is to look at them as blank checks . . do with them whatever you want. They are templates more than anything. Need the ruler like shown here? Let me know!
