Although the lack of goods and the means to procure them meant a homesteader's wardrobe needed to be durable and serviceable, innovative women found ways to incorporate decorative details that not only added to the attractiveness of their clothing but also extended the life of their wardrobe as well. The three piece County Girl ensemble by Thimbles and Acorns shows how some of these carefully chosen features add charm to a very practical work dress. The dress itself features a lightly gathered bodice that allows room to move and grow. A flat collar not only dresses up the neckline, but protects it from wear and tear - a worn collar was easily replaced. The straight sleeves have a delicate puff and while they fit closely to the arms not to be an encumbrance, they are roomy enough to be pushed up out of the way when necessary. The skirt has two rows of growth tucks that can be let out to add length to a growing girls skirt or to fix a ragged hem. Side pockets are useful for a hard working girl to keep necessary items close at hand. The full apron features two decorative and handy drawstring pockets to keep belongings secure as well as side slits that allow easy access to the dress pockets. The sturdy slatted bonnet provides full coverage from the wind and the sun. Its flat design and removable slats make it easy to launder and press. The dress and apron close in the back with button, snap, or hook and loop fasteners. The classic design translates well into a more modern "present" look with a layered tier skirt and sleeveless bodice.
This PDF sewing pattern is sized to fit 18" dolls such as American Girl®. Please see our other listings to view this pattern for 16" A Girl For All Time dolls as well.
Mix and match pattern pieces from our Prairie Rose and Town Girl patterns to create your own unique designs!
Recommended Fabrics: Dresses, Hem Facing, Apron, and Slatted Bonnet in lightweight to medium weight woven fabric such as cotton, cotton blends, linen, or silk. Not suitable for knits. Present Dress Lining in lightweight woven fabric such as cotton, cotton blends, linen, or lace. Not suitable for knits. weight batiste, tulle, or lace.
Supplies Needed:
Fabric:
Past Dress ~ 2/3 yard (2/3 m)
Past Dress Hem Facing ~ 1/6 yard (1/6 m)
Apron ~ 1/2 yard (1/2 m)
Slatted Bonnet ~ 1/2 yard (1/2 m)
Present Dress ~ 1/2 yard (1/2 m)
Present Dress Lining ~ 1/3 yard (1/3 m)
Notions:
Thread. For Past or Present Dress ~ three 3/8-inch buttons or small snaps, one medium snap. For Apron ~ One 3/8-inch button, 12-inchs of 1/8-inch wide twill tape or ribbon. For Bonnet ~ thin cardboard such as from a cereal or shoe box.
Skill Level: Intermediate
What You Get: One 38 page sewing pattern that you digitally download as a PDF file so you can start your project immediately! The PDF sewing pattern provides digitally drawn step-by-step illustrated instructions and full size pattern pieces. A PDF reader is required to view and print the files (example: Adobe Reader or Preview for MAC). The download link is received immediately after the transaction is complete. Print copies are NOT available.
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