Period Impressions (#464) 1812 Bib Dress Pattern

[cosmoblue]

Has anyone used this pattern?

It can be found here:
www.burnleyandtrowbridge.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=79

Thoughts, opinions, advice?

[Mme de Beaufort]

This is the Period Impressions 464 pattern that Jenni told us about. I've heard it compared to a dress that is part of the Ravenrook package.

Curious myself.

[dawnluckham]

This is one of my favourite patterns! This is my daughter wearing the Bibb Front pattern by Period Impressions in indigo linen.

[cosmoblue]

It looks lovely. Is it super easy to do?

[dawnluckham]

Period Impressions patterns are not known for their great directions. I've never had troubles with them and I almost always love the cut of the garments they produce. However, I'm a fairly advanced seamstress and I would have the ability to put it all together without any direction at all.

The "Bibb Front" directions are brief, as are most of the instruction for Period Impressions. They are not impossible, but if you like long detailed, well illustrated pattern direction, you won't find it in this line of patterns.

[Mme de Beaufort]

I just ordered it.

[cosmoblue]

Can't wait for your review (and pictures).

[Mme de Beaufort]

Is that a hint? ;D

[cosmoblue]

hint? me? never!

[Mme de Beaufort]

This pattern just arrived today. I'm very excited! I also ordered the women's caps pattern for good measure.

[cosmoblue]

I can't wait to see what you make.

[tess]

Hello All,

Can anyone advise me regarding what size to order?

In the Simplicity 4055, I made a 16 and it was too big. I think a 14 (or maybe even the 12) would have been better.

How does the Period Impressions run?

Do you think the 12/14/16 would be right, or are those numbers referring to today's dress sizes?

I wear about a 10 in modern sizes.

Thanks in advance

P.S. Steph- Since you have made this pattern as well, do you think it is manageable? I had no trouble with the last dress, but I had the S&S directions to use. I'm a little intimidated by the scant instructions that come with the Period Impressions pattern.

[dawnluckham]

Hi Tess. I wear a ready to wear size 10 and I cut the Period Impressions size 16. Don't go larger than that as there is "room" in the bibb front design as you pin the inside lining shut to fit your individual shape. If you're not full busted or broad shouldered you may even be able to cut the size 14.

[Mme de Beaufort]

I can't imagine it would be any other size than what's on the package -- what I mean is, they're likely modern sizes... I hope so, because I buy based on my size... It wouldn't be good if it were the wrong size.

I haven't made this pattern yet... Dawn has though. I just made a bib-front just looking at the pieces--and did it directly on my dress-form... I like the back a lot.

It looks really daunting but it's not that hard. I think most of these gowns are pretty intuitive. Don't let the pieces overwhelm you. Dawn will give you good advice abou tthis pattern... she's the Queen of regency costuming.

[tess]

Thanks so much! I just wanted to make sure I was ordering the right pattern set.

I just hope I can piece it together now!

[dawnluckham]

LOL! The QUEEN?!!! Tee! Hee! ;D

Just al little bit of info about sizing:

Pattern sizing is not the same as “ready to wear” (bought from the store) clothing sizing. And to add to the mix, there is no standardization in North America. (Europe has standard specifications, which makes life easier).

This is why so many women don’t know their own size and when you ask what size dress or pants they wear you get an answer something like, “I wear a 14-16-18, depending…” It’s not the women; it’s the fact that so many clothing manufacturers have subscribed to “vanity sizing”.

What this means is some “marketing genius” in the 1940’s or ‘50’s realized that women were flattered when they could purchase a size smaller than what they were used to. So if they normally purchased a size 12 and with such-and-such a brand they perfectly fit a size 10 they would tend to return to the brand with the size 10. It didn’t matter that the measurements for the size 10 were actually the 12 measurements. This interesting idea built brand loyalty. Unfortunately, over the years it’s become a wild free-for-all and our sizes in North America mean next to nothing.

Pattern sizing is closer to the original set sizing. However: Like I said, there is no standard. So you must read the individual pattern company size charts and work from there.

www.longago.com/sizes.html

You’ll note that they are all slightly different: And then there are some companies like Simplicity that build a ton of (unwanted and unneeded) wearing ease into ALL their patterns whether it’s historically correct or not. In this case – if you know about the too much wearing ease – you can start one size smaller and work out your muslin fitting from there.

Just to add to the complicated mix; every company has their own individual figure (fit-dummy) that they build for. This means that one company will suit the curvy figure, one company will design for a slim figure, one company will work with slim-hipped and thick waisted figures, one will work with small-busted figures, etc. So, it may mean that every time you work with (for example) a Vogue pattern you will need to make the same adjustments over and over again because they design for a fit-dummy that doesn’t match your figure shape.

In general, pattern sizes will be 2 to 3 (but don’t be shocked if it’s even 4 to 6) sizes larger than your ready to wear size.

You must read the individual pattern company size chart!!!

[missmardi]

My Pattern should be here tomorrow. Can anyone tell me if the sizing chart on this pattern is accurate? I know that some just are not. I can handle the scant directions. The reason that I ask is that I have to cross the border into the USA to get my pattern (past experience has taught me not to get it sent through the border, Canada customs can hold onto it for as long as they want), as I will be there, I thought I would slip over to Jo-Ann fabrics while I am there.

[dawnluckham]

Here is a size chart for the Period Impressions patterns. I've found they run pretty true to size. I will say, however, that you will find the Bibb Front pattern very forgiving and you can make a size smaller or larger and still get a good fit because of the design of the closure.

www.longago.com/sizes.html

I hope you only are going fabric shopping at Jo-Ann Fabrics. You don't think you can purchase a Period Impression pattern from them??? These historical patterns aren't always carried by the main stream fabric shops. You can buy the pattern in Canada through Spencer's Mercantile in Hamilton. She'll do mail order for you.

www.spencersmercantile.com/

[Val]

I used Period Impressions pattern for the 1770 polonaise, and I was very surprised when it fit me w/o needing any adjustments. I've never had that happen. Of course now that I've lost more weight, I had to have it taken it.
And the directions were very well done, and it was easy to sew. No, not done yet, but getting there.

[missmardi]

Oct 30, 2008 7:21:57 GMT -5 dawnluckham said:

I hope you only are going fabric shopping at Jo-Ann Fabrics. You don't think you can purchase a Period Impression pattern from them??? These historical patterns aren't always carried by the main stream fabric shops. You can buy the pattern in Canada thrugh Spencer's Mercantile in Hamilton. She'll do mail order for you.

www.spencersmercantile.com/

I ordered the pattern from Smoke and Fire Co., but I just had them send it c/o the UPS Store in Ogdensburg. It is conveniently right next door to Jo-Ann's, and I live right across the river. It saves me a lot of waiting for customs to forward things on, and usually works out at least equal if not a little cheaper than paying for international shipping