A princess seam construction makes this bodice easy to fit and sew. Many women were married in their best dress. If their best dress was a ball gown they would probably have worn it to their wedding. The puff sleeve with bows or the bell sleeve change the bodice from fancy to tailored.
The bodice closes and fastens in the back with lace that is drawn through eyelets. The bodice is boned. The point may be made shorter without changing the overall look.
Looking for a skirt to wear with this bodice? Order the #700. We sell a hoop skirt pattern dated to 1863. For the hoop skirt order the #712.
The original fabric was a black silk faille trimmed with a heavy black lace and small black jet beads. A watered taffeta, a changeable silk taffeta or a plaid weave taffeta are particularly good choices.
The pattern is multi-sized 8 through 26 and a B, C & D cup.
To make the bodice with the puff sleeves purchase 45" wide fabric: 2-1/8 yds. for sizes 8-14, 2-1/4 yds. for sizes 16-20, and 2-1/2 yds. for sizes 22-26. To make the bodice with the short bell sleeves purchase 45" wide fabric: 1-5/8 yds. for sizes 8-14, 1-3/4 yds. for sizes 16-20, and 1-7/8 yds. for sizes 22-26.
