220 Garden Party Dress

Women's Sizes XS-2XL

Although the fashions of the 1910-12 incorporated a new straight, slim silhouette as a departure from the Edwardian S-curve and full, swishing skirts, there seemed to be a reluctance to abandon the lovely lacy detailing of that earlier period.  This type of dress was sometimes referred to as a "Lingerie Dress" on account of the sheer, white delicacy of the fabric and trim with which it was made.

The bodice of our sewing patter for the Garden Party Dress reflects the less constricting tailoring of the post-Edwardian era.  Soft gathers below a square yoke and at the waist provide a comfortable fit.  Two wide flanges emphasize the princess line.  These were typically made of lace or eyelet as in View B.

View A, our contemporary interpretation, has a self-bias bound jewel neckline, self-fabric flanges, and a gathered mid-calf length dirndl skirt.  View, B, the traditional version, has a lowered square neckline.  The ankle-length skirt is darted into the waistline for a very flattering, slimming fit;  purchased lace or eyelet on the flanges, cuffs, front yoke, and back add elegance and femininity.  Both views feature three-quarter length sleeves eased into wide below-the-elbow cuffs and a buttoned center back opening.  

The straight cut of the skirt makes this dress a natural for border prints and eyelet.

This sewing pattern is available as a paper pattern or a PDF pattern.  Choose the format you want in the drop down menu.  The PDF pattern has files for instructions, print at home, and copy shop versions.

Suggested Fabrics:  Soft, sheer to lightweight fabrics such as cotton batiste, voile, lawn, gauze, or eyelet; rayon challis; silks; wool challis or blends.   

Sizing and Yardage Chart (pdf)

LEARN MORE:

• Want to make this dress with a zipper instead of the traditional buttons on the back? We have a blog post showing you how to do it! Well, it's two blog posts, but find the first one here, and the second here. 
• Note: Small correction on early version on STEP FIVE: SLEEVES AND FINISHING- Baste along seam line of three notched edges, instead of unnotched.