This is the second of two new multi-size patterns in honor of my Flirty 50's Pattern Challenge, the 1953 Evening Dress:
A small pleat is taken in each side of the center front skirt piece and the pleat is then lapped over each skirt front/skirt side front seam to create the box-pleats. The same process is done with respect to the skirt back.
The front and back gathered drapes are assembled and basted to the stitched bodice; then the top edges are finished off when the lining is stitched along the top edge and turned to the inside. In the case of View A (with the sleeves), the lining is stitched to the top edge after the sleeves are joined to the top edge of the bodice over the gathered drapes:
As I have posted about this pattern elsewhere, 'No place to wear a 1953 box-pleated evening dress? The bodice would make a great top with or without the sleeves and worn with jeans, trousers or your favorite skirt. Just sew a peplum extension to tuck in or leave out!'
I determine pattern prices according to printed square footage, so to keep the pattern cost down, I included the skirt pieces in just the shorter 31" length. The longer length is 43" so I have added instructions on how to lengthen the pattern as such, if desired.
The original pattern provided a 1-1/2" hem for the shorter skirt length. I bumped that to the expected 2" hem per today's standard.