Basic Ballgown Bodice
TSB-130

          Of all the garments you will make from the Civil War Era, the ballgown has the least number of restrictions.  The neck-line can be high or low, with or without ruffles.  The gown can have any number of sleeve options.  The style and design was guided more by the wearer and her style than by convention. 

          This Basic Ballgown bodice has all the features of the bodices of the Era:
·        the princess line and the boning allow for a tight,
     close-fitting garment
·        shoulder seams fall to the back of the shoulder to
     help emphasize the width of the shoulders
·        the side seams are to the back to help give the
     illusion of a smaller waist
·        the bodice ends in a point at both the front and
     the back
·        the bodice closes with eyelet and laces down the
     center back
·        the bodice is finished at the neck edge and the
     lower edge with piping

             This pattern is designed on the principle of making a very simple ballgown and adding options over time, to adapt and change the look of your gown for many different occasions, and many years of wear. 

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            This ballgown bodice when combined with one of Timeless Stitches skirt patterns (look for Standard Double Opening Skirt TSS-201, The Gauged Skirt TSS-202,  Gored Skirt TSS-203) will make a wonderful, easy to adapt, garment.  Timeless Stitches also offers TSS-206 which is a pattern for making a skirt with a ruffled underskirt, and TSS-207 which is a scalloped ballgown skirt.  These patterns are great if you want a fancier skirt.

            This pattern includes options for a round or a sweetheart neckline, as well as a Bertha style collar, lappets and coordinating center front panel,  a chemisette lace trim at neckline, a ruffled neckline, as well as many trim ideas including beadwork.

            Timeless Stitches also offers patterns which have been designed to compliment this pattern.  They are: TSB-131 Berthas that can be added to your basic bodice and  a selection of sleeve options TSB-132, which can be stitched to your bodice after completion, or during sewing.  TSS-205 is an overskirt pattern designed to top any of the basic skirts.

Timeless Stitches
7060 Joy Rd
Everson, Wa. 98247
360.966.5132 / 360.966.2665