News — formal

  Advanced 5-piece pattern, design originally by McCall. I draped to create this pattern, as I did not have the original at the time. This is an advanced design for the evening gown with back stays and sash in self or contrasting fabric.  The bodice is cut on the bias and the skirt may be cut bias or on straight of grain.  3/8" seams are given. Sizes: Size set A fits 14-20 (32" to 38" bust, 26" to 32" waist, 35" to 41" hip). Size set B fits 20-42 (38" to 42" bust, 30" to 34" waist, 41" to 45"...

  6-piece pattern originally by Vogue, this would also make a stunning sleeveless gown!! ‘Princess frock with low-back fullness from graduated panel. Straight skirt in front extends above the waist line in point. Button-trimmed blouse front drapes high about the throat above a cut-out and continues into a dropped neckline in back, finished with a large bow tie. Long set-in sleeves are pointed at wrists.’ 5/8" seams are given. Sizes: Size set A fits 14-20 (32" to 38" bust, 26" to 32" waist, 35" to 41" hip). Size set B fits 40-46 (40" to 46" bust, 34" to 40" waist, 43"...

  10-piece digitally-drafted pattern originally by New York, 'Waist with low neck front and back is marked for V-neck also, short sleeves. Attached five-piece gored skirt. Bolero with tie collar and short sleeves which may be omitted'.   This style would also make a stunning dress in shorter length! RECOMMENDED FABRICS: Alpaca, challis, matelasse, cottons, metallic, net, lamé, printed crepes. 3/8” seams are given. Sizes: Size set A fitting 14-20 (32" to 38" bust, 26" to 32" waist, 35" to 41" hip). Size set B fitting 40-46 (40" to 46" bust, 34" to 40" waist, 43" to 49" hip).   I created...

  12-piece pattern originally by Butterick, ‘The decorative detail on the bodice of this women’s one-piece dress adds a distinctive note.  Sleeves are in three lengths: short (note the curved lines), below-elbow, or long.  The skirt has soft fullness in front and a three-gore back'. 5/8" seams are given. See this style featured in Threads Magazine Pattern Review, page 24 of issue #188 (Dec. '16/Jan. '17). The V-neck and shoulder cut outs follow the heavily emphasized design element of the 1940's to frame the face in the most flattering way. I am always onboard with using organza to create crisp corners or...

  11-piece pattern originally by Butterick. Known for its full, dropped waist skirt at a time of popular straight-cut dresses, this Robe de Style pattern comes with pieces and instructions to make the paniers (to go under the dress), as well as, the bows, fabric flowers and leaves for embellishment.  There are two options for cutting the front neckline and three options for cutting the back neckline.  I have added a page as a light tutorial on making 1920’s ribbon leaves. 3/4" seams are given at underarm (all side) and shoulder seams and 3/8" seams are given on all other...