Misses Extra Small to Extra Large.
In the second decade of the 20th century, a revival of the 1795-1800 Directoire fashions produced loose, flowing gowns reminiscent of Classical Greek costumes. It liberated women's bodies from the punishing constraints of the Victorian corsets.
Our sewing pattern for this simple but elegant dress, from the 1918-1920 period, is made from just three main pattern pieces. The full dress shape is defined at the waist by a self-fabric sash that passes underneath the bib-shaped overdress in front and ties in the back. A length of decorative cord can be used, instead of the sash, to suggest the wrapped waist of ancient Grecian gowns. The accessories of choice were long strands of pearls and cords with tassels or beaded pendants.
The designs created perfect areas for creative embellishment around the lower skirt, on the shaped overdress, or along the front and back of the bateau neckline. The different sections of the dress provide a good opportunity to create interesting fabric combinations, such as coordinating prints and/or colors, striped fabrics running in different directions, and contrast effects such as matte and shiny or smooth and texture.
For the perfect period accessory, make the drawstring handbag included in the pattern. It featured free-hanging tabs that complement the airy drape of the dress. The tabs can be embellished to match the dress or made of contrasting material for an interesting accent.
One could add a vintage touch with decorative tassels or beaded pendants at the elbows of the dress and the bottom of the handbag. Instructions for making your own tassels are included.
Suggested fabrics: Light to medium-weight fabrics with drape, such as silk, silk velvet, rayon, featherweight cotton, or jersey. For a more defined look, choose fabrics with more body, such as crisp cotton, lightweight linen, and silk taffeta.
Yardage chart (.pdf) This pattern adjusts to fit most sizes. There is a large amount of ease that is brought together with the sash or tie/cording. Measurements for size medium are below.
Finished Measurements:
Center back neckline to hemline (all sizes) - 49¾ (126cm)
Bust (MD): 62 (157cm)
Waist (MD): 81 (206cm)
Hip (MD): 83 (211cm)
The PDF pattern has instructions, optional embellishment details and files for copy shop (36” and A0), print at home (A4 and 8.5”x11”).
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Note: Some customers find that they prefer the pattern made in a size smaller than they would normally wear. There is a lot of ease in this pattern (see finished measurements above). You can make a muslin or take measurements to see what size you think will work best.
We have a tutorial for how to make this dress -- in a doll-size (because it is easier to photograph in smaller pieces). You can see how the dress is made here: Sewing the 261 Paris Promenade Dress.
If you would like to know a little more about how the pattern goes together (it's not difficult, just not quite the same as most dresses), please see our blog post about the construction of the 261 Paris Promenade Dress.
Also, you can see how to do this on our YouTube video (also posted below)!