ETHER DRESS • Pattern
By PATTERN FANTASTIQUE, Ether Dress is a paper sewing pattern.
Garment Details: The Ether Dress has a simple construction, maximising volume and texture, the Ether will make you feel like you are from another world.
The structure is anchored by a rope that ties off at the centre front split. The rope crosses at the centre back into a loop radiating gathers. The loop detail lowers the centre back volume for an elegant silhouette. The pattern includes two views, one with sleeves and one without. It has pockets!
Sizing: This is a multi-sized pattern in Australian sizes 6-30. Sizing chart can be found here.
The Ether dress is drafted two sizes to a grade with the flexible gathering to be used to adjust the fit.
The mid-centre front and back are adjustable for width, the armholes ungathered sitting smoothly against the body. The centre back neckline sits approximately
11-14 cm • 4 ⅜" - 5½" below the centre front neckline. The necklines can be raised and lowered to your preference but keeping the depth ratio will maintain balance and keep the side seam and hem straight. The body and sleeve lengths are graded for each size. The centre front neckline to finished hem lengths are written on the pattern for each size.
Fabric Suggestions: The construction of the Ether is simplified for textured and speciality fabrics. If you are concerned about rope casings or binding pieces being difficult to handle, use a plainer contrast fabric for these parts. The Ether works well in light to mid weight fabrics that gather well, including silk, cotton and linen. Fabric weights that are generally below 200gsm and compress well are recommended.
Fabric requirements: For fabric width 135 cm (54") No sleeve - 270 cm (106 ⁵/₁₆")
& with sleeve 340 cm (133 ⅞")
Trims required: Matching thread, Rope Trim: Cotton rope 300 cm x 1.25 cm (78 ¾" x ½"). This is available from many haberdashery stores (often sold as a macrame rope and at hardware stores). Rope ends (optional) Electrical shrink-wrap tubing
20 mm wide (¹³/₁₆") x trim to desired length (this can be found at most hardware and electrical suppliers)
Skill Level: Suitable for an intermediate skill level.
Seam allowances are included in the pattern.
The paper pattern comes packaged in an envelope and includes highly detailed fully illustrated instructions.
Photo credits: Pattern Fantastique.