Charm Patterns by Gertie sewing pattern "Liz Dress"

Meet the Liz Dress! This gorgeous and feminine dress has beautiful details: a shelf bust with a pleated bra inset, a lovely underbust band that becomes a flattering shoulder strap, a pretty V-neck back, and a full and fabulous gathered skirt that you’ll love to flounce about in. It’s all topped off with a waist tie with optional hand-sewn fringe ends. As always, my “choose your own adventure” instructions will show you the best techniques for a beautifully fitted and constructed garment while letting you be the mistress of your own sewing destiny.

This dress is classic 1950s fashion, and I borrowed many of the details from one of the most beautiful vintage dresses I own. I also borrowed the name Liz from one of the most beautiful women who ever lived: Elizabeth Taylor. There are photos of a young Elizabeth wearing a dress similar to this design in a beautiful, pale sage green satin, so I’m pretty sure she would approve.

This dress is a continuation of the Charm Patterns Lamour Dress, in some ways: the bodices and skirts are all interchangeable. This means that you can easily pair the Liz Bodice with the Lamour Three-Quarter Circle Skirt or the Sarong Skirt. Or use Liz’s Gathered Skirt to extend the already-brimming-with-choices Lamour bodices. And don’t forget the matching boleros! The Charm Patterns Dorothy Bolero was designed to be paired with both Lamour and Liz.

Fabric Notes

Main Fabric: Light- to medium-weight wovens: cottons like poplin, broadcloth, shirting, sateen, eyelet, pique, and lawn; silks with body like dupioni and shantung; linen and linen blends; brocade; silk/wool blends.

Lining: light- to medium-weight cottons and lining fabrics.

Note: instructions are included for lining just the bodice or the entire dress.