La Mode Bagatelle Pattern vs S & S Pattern(s)

[unkemptseeker]

Greetings!

I've been lurking for a few days and now I have a question.
Has anyone here used the LMB pattern?? It has the drop front bodice and a few other things I really like but dang is it pricey. S & S patterns seem nice but I've read they aren't totally period correct, plus drop front bodice is just a picture tutorial on her site... also the yardage for a dress in my size for LMB is 5 7\8 yds and for S & S is 3 7/8 yds....that's quite a difference.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[dawnluckham]

I have and have used the LMB pattern. I like it well enough. I also have and use the S&S patterns. Both the LMB and the S&S patterns have some accuracies and inaccuracies with regard Historical documentation. It also depends on which year you’re aiming for in your garments.

Things I like about the LMB pattern:

I like the full wardrobe. I like that the pattern pieces mix and match and it’s all thought out for you.

The pattern pieces go together nicely.

I’ve heard if you are a small framed, slim person there might be some major fitting modifications, but I’ve not had these issues. I’ve not used this pattern for a tiny or slim person and I’ve found fitting modifications to be “normal” anytime I’ve used it. The people I’ve used this pattern for are “medium” sized to larger sized people. That is – probably from a ready to wear size 10 to 12 and upward to a size 22.

I’ve found sewing these patterns to be easy. I find the book of instructions to be easy to use.

I like that there are larger bust sizings.

Things I would caution about the LMB pattern:

For my own uses, I aim for War of 1812 period. I find the sleeves in the LMB pattern way too big for that time period. I need to take a lot of fullness out of the sleeves to get the proper look.

The Bib Front option in the LMB pattern is a MOCK bib front. In other words, it’s useless. There is NO reason to make a bodice with a back button closure and to put a mock bib front on the front of the gown. It’s not period accurate and it’s not useful. In period the bib front was a front gown closure so one could dress oneself. If you are looking for a bib front gown pattern I’d suggest either the Period Impressions Bibb Front Gown or the Country Wives Bib Front Gown pattern. Both are period accurate and make up very nice gowns.

[dawnluckham]

My thoughts on the S&S patterns:

They make up beautifully, though over the years I’ve noticed some people “get” the fitting better than others.

Again, it depends what years you want to replicate. For historical accuracy you need to do your research and figure out what modifications you need to do in order to get the right historical look.

To make up the bodiced petticoat from the S&S pattern you need to follow the on-line instructions and make your own pattern. The LMB pattern has the bodiced petticoat bodice pattern already there for you... One thing though: The LMB pattern suggests that the bodiced petticoat can be used as bust support. That is not a documentable period solution. The petticoat supports your skirts and makes the gown hang properly and helps with transparency issues: it’s not a “bra option”: or a replacement for a set of stays.

Both patterns offer chemises.
Both patterns offer a spencer jacket.

The S&S patterns have the “original” dress pattern and the ELC dress pattern.

The ELC pattern offers an over the head drawstring gown (I’m not sure the over the head option is period correct, but the drawstring aspect is) and a side wrap. There is a sleeve issue with the ELC dress, but it makes up very nicely once you’re past that. The over the head gown works MUCH better without the flap front lining. Simply make the gown with a bag lining. It generally looks great on people.

The original dress pattern makes up well and looks good. There is controversy over the shaped skirt. The debate: Documentable period skirts were either rectangles of fabric or they were rectangles and had a side triangular gusset added. The shaping on the upper body in the S&S pattern (a little scoop inward at the natural waist) is probably not “period correct”.

Comparison of the two boils down to purchase of a bunch of patterns or a single pattern.

[unkemptseeker]

Ah! thank you so much for the replies. I can only skim them now, my toddler wants a snack, I will type out a proper response later.

[unkemptseeker]

dawnluckham,

Thank you again for the replies, you really touched on my concerns with both patterns. Thank you, thank you for the dress pattern suggestions they are exactly what I've been looking for, not sure how I missed them.

As for historical accuracy I would like to be able attend a Regency event and not feel like my gown was way off, does that make sense? (Hence why I am thrilled with your pattern suggestions!)

Now to do more research!


:-D