This pattern, by Genniewren Designs, contains everything you need to make a modern-style Welsh costume: blouse, skirt, apron, bonnet, Welsh hat, and shawl.
- The blouse has lace applied to the front, gathered lace at the collar, a center back fastening and long sleeves with elasticized ruffles at the wrist.
- The skirt features unpressed pleats and a hip yoke with an elasticized waist for easy fit. Instructions are included for applying a straight or chevron band of ribbon to the skirt if desired.
- The rectangular apron is gathered at the waist and ties at the back. Sometimes you will see shorter, curved edge aprons (waitress-style) on purchased costumes, but the rectangular shape is more traditional and is required for school dancing.
- The shawl is a simple square of fabric, with fringed edges. The most common type of fabric used for modern Welsh costumes is red and black plaid, but Paisley print shawls are also worn in some areas.
- The bonnet is cut in one piece. Lace is applied to the front edge that surrounds the face. The ruffle is created by attaching narrow elastic a little distance from the curved hem edge. Narrow ribbons are used as ties.
- The Welsh hat is made from felt and is fully lined. It is based on the modern conical style of Welsh hat. This hat is sewn together rather than molded. The hat can be stiffened with a card, template plastic or heavyweight interfacing. Lace can be applied to the underside of the brim of the Welsh hat, or the bonnet can be worn under the hat. Either is acceptable. Some schools wear just the bonnet for dancing, others wear just the hat, so it is largely a matter of personal choice whether you apply the lace or wear the bonnet under the hat.
The style of Welsh costume you can make with this pattern is based on the clothing worn by school girls on St David's day.
So, whether she wants to explore her Welsh heritage, or to enjoy a little school dancing on St David's day, your 18 inch doll is sure to love this charming ensemble.
FABRIC RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Blouse: lightweight woven cotton or poly-cotton blends, such as batiste, lawn, chambray, or shirting-weight fabrics.
- Skirt: medium-weight woven cotton fabric, such as quilter's cotton, gingham, broadcloth, poplin, percale or sheeting fabrics.
- Apron: lightweight woven cotton or poly-cotton blends, such as batiste, lawn, chambray, or shirting-weight fabrics. Traditionally the aprons were made from homespun fabrics, gingham is often used as a substitute for dance school uniforms.
- Shawl: light to medium-weight woven fabric with a soft drape, such as lawn, chambray, or challis. Checkered fabric such as gingham or houndstooth is traditional in some parts of Wales, and Paisley style fabric is traditional in others.
- Bonnet: cream, ivory or white lightweight woven cotton or poly-cotton, such as batiste or lawn.
- Welsh Hat: Felt. Acrylic craft felt is acceptable but may not be as hard-wearing as felt with a high wool content. A medium weight woven fabric is suitable for the lining. For the stiffener, you will need home dec heavy weight interfacing, card or template plastic.
Supplies Needed:
Blouse:
- A quarter of a yard (fat quarter 18" x 22" or from the bolt),
- 9" of 3/8" wide pre-gathered lace,
- 9" of small guipure lace daisy trim, or other lace as desired,
- 9" of 1/8" (3mm) wide elastic,
- four snaps or 4" of ¼" wide hook and loop tape (both sides),
- four buttons (optional – for decoration only).
Skirt:
- A third of a yard of plain or striped fabric cut from the bolt,
- 10" x 3/8" wide flat elastic,
- Ribbon or other trim (optional – for decoration only).
Apron:
- A quarter of a yard of plain or gingham fabric, cut from the bolt. (If you prefer to use a fat quarter you will need to join the fabric for the waist ties),
- Trims such as ribbon or flat lace if desired.
Shawl:
- minimum 13" x 13" square of fabric.
Bonnet:
- One fat quarter (18" x 22") of fabric, OR one-third of a yard cut from the bolt
- 7" of 1/8" wide flat elastic,
- half a yard of 3/8" wide flat lace,
- half a yard of 1/8" wide ribbon,
Welsh Hat:
- 12" x 22" of good quality felt (at least 1mm thick),
- 8" x 14" woven fabric for the hat lining,
- 8" x 22" Quilter's template plastic, medium weight cardstock, or home dec style heavyweight interfacing,
- 24" of 1" wide ribbon (white or black are traditional colors),
- 1 yard of 1"-1¼" wide pre-gathered lace or two yards of the same width flat lace.
Skill Level: Intermediate
What You Get: One 72 page sewing pattern that you digitally download as a PDF file so you can start your project immediately! The PDF sewing pattern provides full color step-by-step illustrated instructions and full-size pattern pieces. Each pattern contains a Summary of Instructions section so you can print out just the text version if desired to save on printer ink! 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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