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$16.95 $19.95
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Sizes Extra Small to 3XLarge.
With this sewing pattern, you can create two beautiful versions of a typical tea frock from the 1920s. We offer a simple-sew version requiring no handwork, as well as a traditional hand-worked frock, circa 1927, with designs and instructions for smocking and embroidery.
View A features a V-neck, small collar and cap sleeves on a dropped-waist bodice that is eased into a snugly fitted hip panel. The skirt is gathered into the pointed hip panel and falls just below knee length.
View B is collarless; smocking provides a close fit over the hips and at the wrist of the long sleeves, while creating gathers in the skirt and a ruffled effect on the sleeve cuff.
Sleeves and collar are interchangeable on both Views; the dress is also very pretty without sleeves. You can even make it as a shirt. The neckline in both Views and armhole (View A) are finished with self-bias, or you may use purchased bias.
And for handwork, this pattern has a lot to offer base on vintage designs from the 1920s. Beautiful hand-worked clothing was much appreciated in the “peasant look” dresses of the mid to late 1920s, though many working women in the prosperous “Jazz Age” had little time to devote to elaborate needlework. This demand was met by pastel gauze “Genuine Philippine Hand Embroidered” frocks. Like much ready-to-wear clothing today, some more affordable American dress designs in the 1920s were sewn in the Philippines, where the delicate floral embroidery, smocking, and openwork became a significant cottage industry.
Optional instructions and designs for the traditional embroidery motifs are included and can be worked on either View.
Suggested fabrics: Soft, very light-to medium-light fabrics such as cotton gauze, crepe, batiste, voile, georgette, rayon challis, silk.
Era: 1920s
Sizing and Yardage chart (.pdf)
This pattern is available as a Paper pattern and PDF pattern. Choose the pattern format you want at the top. The paper pattern will be mailed to you and is printed on 18# lightweight white paper. The PDF pattern has instructions, detailing (embroidery and smocking instructions), and layered files for copy shop (36” and A0) and print at home (A4 and 8.5”x11”), as well as a projector file.
