Ladies' 1958 Party Dress ePattern
I had many requests from customers for an easy dress pattern that even a beginner could tackle. I decided to create a party dress that would provide glamorous results without tears for beginners and also satisfy long-time vintage fashion enthusiasts. I hope this pattern fills the bill!
I grew up watching classic films with my parents and siblings and always sighed over the beautiful dresses worn by some of my favorite ladies of the golden era. Doris Day, Kathryn Grayson, and Grace Kelly just seemed to me the epitome of feminine elegance, and I begged my mother for full-skirted dresses to match the ones I loved on film. I’ve felt for the past several years that it was time to add the 1950s to my pattern lineup, and when the 1950s won my customer poll in late 2010, I knew it was time to get cracking!
All sizes from 6-26 included in one ePattern.
Illustrated instructions make construction easy!
Kimono-sleeve bodice style makes this a great starter pattern for sewing newbies.
Options for fun daytime dress and for evening gown with long skirt and dramatic “V” back.
Bonus instructions in the appendix for creating a full-skirted crinoline petticoat.
Download the yardage chart for this pattern.
Available for instant download!
Girls’ version also available!
This pattern is rated experienced beginner, only due to the zipper step (I’ve had rank beginners tackle it beautifully!)
(Looking for the paper version rather than the ePattern? Purchase from one of our many retailers worldwide! Please note that Patterns of Time carries my entire line and is well stocked.)
A huge thank-you goes out to Katrina Casey over at Edelweiss Patterns, who offered to test-sew the new pattern for me and create four model dresses. Her glorious work is showcased above. My jaw dropped when I saw these fantastic dresses! Be sure to visit Katrina’s site and check out her beautiful line of “Sound of Music” patterns! The other photos are from a shoot we did in Nairobi with the talented Steve Anderson and D. David Morin of Slingshot Productions–all inspired by Ruth Orkin’s iconic “American Girl in Italy,” which served as yet another muse for this pattern.
