The Great Pattern Review
Pegee of Williamsburg
1776 Ladies' Dress
Trystan L. Bass
The instructions are inadequate and confusing; however, it is a simple dress and a careful beginner can figure out how to put it together. I made this dress three times. The first time I followed the pattern and made the bodice with the front closure. It gaped horribly and had to be covered with a large fichu. The next two times I made it with a back closure.
1776 Girls' Dress
Helene D'Auria - Recommended
This is a great pattern to use if you're just starting with historical patterns, mainly because of the small size. It's so easy to take something out and start over when you're not dealing with yards and yards of fabric. The pattern has some minor errors. You're directed to construct the bodice lining exactly the same way as the bodice, which makes it backwards when you try to attach it to the bodice. On the whole it was an easy, straightforward pattern and fun to put together. The finished dress is really pretty.
1776 Men's Breeches
Philip Rayment - Not Recommended
The pattern pieces didn't fit together. I had to struggle to make it work.
1776 Men's Military/Civilian Coat
Trystan L. Bass
The instructions are somewhat terse. I was surprised at how well the coat went together. The pattern pieces matched well. I added width to the sleeves (they're rather tight, especially with full shirt sleeves underneath). I also exaggerated the cuffs and collar. The coat has lots of potential for decoration and modification. Thomas Dowrie is wearing the coat made by Trystan in the photo above.
Janet Canning - Not Recommended
Difficult. There is a slit in the back that didn't lay flat. I followed the instructions and had to take it apart and redo it several times. I'm still not happy with it. Fortunately, men's coats in the 18th c. were lavishly trimmed so I can cover up the flawed area with braid.
1776 Men's Waistcoat
Trystan L. Bass - Recommended
Straightforward construction. No surprises. The fit is snug, so be sure to check the measurements and fit before sewing. Good for beginners. Thomas Dowrie is wearing the waistcoat made by Trystan in the photo above.
1810 Ladies Dress (Out of Print)
Sally Norton - Highly Recommended
Very easy pattern. Straightforward. Good instructions. The cross front bodice is flattering for medium to full bust sizes. I particularly like the shoulder pattern piece with the dropped seam in front and back; completely accurate and easy to do. Great for beginners. I added the bodice inset and the sleeve caps. These were easy additions; I drafted the pattern pieces in muslin. Pictured on the left.
Gladys Campbell - Highly Recommended
Very good pattern. No problems at all. The dress turned out very well. I'm extremely satisfied with the gown. Pictured on the right.
Janet Canning
It did not fit well. I think you must have at least a medium bust size for this pattern to fit properly.
Gone With The Wind - Barbecue Party Dress
Rachael Franklin - Not Recommended
This pattern is a Gone with the Wind reproduction. DON'T buy this pattern!! It is a nightmare! I'm sure the misery was compounded by using an embroidered, edged organza for the overskirt, but the pattern would have been terrible even without it. The bodice isn't meant to be finished properly, just have the bottom edge turned under and whip-stitched. The arm holes only have HALF of a facing (???); the collar is made of circles that are supposed to be slashed to the middle, hand-hemmed and attached by hand. The bodice has two darts in odd places to cover the drafting mistakes, etc. I finished the dress, but it is barely recognizable as the BBQ dress.
Gone With The Wind - Burgundy Dress
Maria Smith - Not Recommended
This pattern is a Gone with the Wind reproduction. It did not fit well in bust area. It was too large all over even with the darts.