-
Sewing Patterns
-
Fabric
- Sewing Supplies
- About
- Blog
- Gallery
-
The 261 Paris Promenade Dress dates from the second decade of the 20th century, when a revival of the 1795-1800 Directoire fashions produced loose, flowing gowns reminiscent of Classical Greek costumes. This style of dress liberated women's bodies from the punishing constraints of the Victorian corsets.
Our sewing pattern is based on this elegant dress style from the 1918-1920, and is made from just three main pattern pieces. The very full main dress is defined at the waist by a self-fabric sash that passes underneath the bib-shaped overdress in front and ties in the back. In the 1910s and 20s, the accessories of choice were long strands of pearls and cords with tassels or beaded pendants.
The large area around the lower skirt is perfect for creative embellishments, as well as the shaped overdress, or even along the bateau neckline. Add embroidery (machine or hand), beading, piping, or applique. Plus, the different sections of the dress are perfect for putting together coordinating prints and/or colors, stripes, or textures. You can even add a vintage touch with decorative tassels or beaded pendants at the elbows of the dress (and the bottom of the handbag). Instructions are in the pattern for making tassels.
261 Paris Promenade Dress also includes the perfect period accessory pattern -- a drawstring handbag. The bag features 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.
Here we will list some resources you can use to make your own Paris Promenade Dress:
A note on sizing, this pattern has tons of ease, so many people find they like it made in a size or two smaller than they normally would.
See what two customers made with this pattern, and what they had to say about it on our blog: Sew and Tell and Personalizing my Folkwear patterns.
A blog post on constructing the Paris Promenade Dress. This dress is not made as typical dresses are -- the construction is very different from what you might be used to. We made this post so you could visualize how the dress comes together.
We also have a video to show how the dress comes together. We used small pieces of tracing fabric to show how this works, so that it would be easy to see. The pattern uses a lot of fabric and showing that much fabric can be difficult. So the small paper pieces are perfect.
If you decide to use velvet for the overdress, Tips for Sewing with Velvet.
If you decide to use lace or sheer fabrics: Tips for Sewing with Lace or Sheers.
If you are using a slippery or silky fabric, this post on sewing with bias fabrics can be helpful.
