Dressmaking patterns were not a regular feature in women's journals until the mid-nineteenth century. The dress shown here was published in Godey's Lady's Book March, 1854. It is a simple creation which could be elaborately trimmed if one wished. The caption reads: "The above is a pattern of a fashionable lady's walking-dress made of velvet or cloth. It closes down the front, and ornamented with gilt buttons."
Only the bodice pattern is given. It and the lining would be cut together. Note how low the shoulder line comes; this feature, going back to the 1830s, continued to the end of the 1860s. The skirt, composed of straight lengths, did not require a pattern.
A difficulty with these patterns was that they had to be enlarged to fit the person. Once this was done the pattern was, no doubt, handed round to friends and relations.
Courtesy: Black Creek Pioneer Village, Downsview, Ontario
