Pattern comes in half scale on a 1" grid to make enlarging easier. Inspired by Balenciaga's Opera Coat of the 1950's, this half scale designer is actually a full circle with set-in sleeves. The collar is a large fold which has been both pleated and gathered into the neck band. A variety of closures is possible at the center front neck and a separate neck "tie" is attached at the center back and ties in the center front. Lining is optional. This is a digital pattern. After purchase you will receive a link. Please download and save to your desktop as soon as possible to avoid any confusion. 

This pattern consists of the bodice and skirt of the front and back of a straight sheath dress (the basic dress) and includes the sleeve and a dress form arm pattern for padding.  This pattern enables you to develop a flat pattern design in half scale and try it out on a form before you go to the greater effort of working in full scale.  It's perfect for use in crowded classrooms to teach flat pattern design more efficiently, completing more assignments in the time available. Designers will be able to quickly experiment with various concepts, either by draping or flat pattern, before committing to the sample making stage.  It's really good for Zero Waste try-outs!The pattern fits the American made Dress Rite form, size 6/8, with measurements of Bust-17", W-13", H-18" and BWL-15.5.  It may be altered to fit other forms.  It is best to work in gingham when experimenting since the behavior of the grain is immediately obvious and opens up many clever uses for unusual grain-based textile characteristics in the finished design.

You will receive a link to a digital file. Please download and save to a computer desktop. This is a one piece pattern, the file is for 30 pages on US letter that will need to be taped together. For A4 please adjust size in your printer preferences and check the 3” test square on page 6.  YardageAllow approximately 1.25 yards of 45” fabric. If you are working with wider fabric this will allow you some room to play with extending the sleeve or entire length of top. This is a low waste pattern so please use the extra fabric scraps to make bias binding for the edges or other details if you choose. For the toile (sample) choose a fabric which will drape such as a rayon challis or other soft fabric, muslin is too crisp.Sizing and FitPattern includes the sizes - small, medium, and large or bust 32 to 40. Please grade up according to your preferences - this is very easy but slashing and spreading. Theoretically this pattern can fit any size but this pattern assumes the sewer will be able to enlarge accordingly to his or her body measurements. You don’t necessarily have to be “advanced” but just fearless in your sewing. I also recommend slashing from edge to edge and spreading in the areas you would like to enlarge considerably. For larger sizes wider fabric and possibly more yardage is recommended. You may need to incorporate piecing depending. As is the large will just fit on 45” wide fabric so if enlarging or lengthening is desired a wider width fabric will be preferred. This pattern is also a great point of departure for more designs and variations so play with the shape and have fun. The bottom of the top sits around the lower waistline. This is a little top great on it’s own or as a layering piece under jackets and sweaters. A perfect top to make with silk - it feels great against the skin and works well with panels and larger prints. You don’t necessarily have to be “advanced” but just fearless in your sewing. I also recommend slashing from edge to edge and spreading in the areas you would like to enlarge considerably. For larger sizes wider fabric and possibly more yardage is recommended. You may need to incorporate piecing depending. As is the large will just fit on 45” wide fabric so if enlarging or lengthening is desired a wider width fabric will be preferred. For beginning to advanced skills depending on how creative you want to be. A Word About CFPD PatternsOur patterns are meant to be ‘educational patterns’ that is they are unusual and most often have some feature that is a learning experience which is the whole point in publishing them. Therefore they may not contain detailed sewing instructions or additional pieces such as linings and/or facings since the focus is on the cut of the main pieces, leaving secondary details to the preferences and skills of the cutter. As in all unusual patterns, it is best to make a toile - a sample - to work out the construction and also to adjust the fullness and ease to your chosen fabrics if necessary.

About the Pyramid Dress: This pattern in an example of Julian Roberts’ Subtraction Cutting system of pattern design. It is so named for its debut at the Pyramids in Indianapolis and its method of construction in which it is drawn up into a pyramid and stitched. You can find out more about Julian Roberts’ work via his website: julianand.comGeneral Information: This garment hangs on the bias. Therefore, depending on the give of your chosen fabric it is difficult to give exact finished garment measurements for each size. Pattern includes sizes 6 to 14, bust sizes 32” to 42” approximately.Suggested fabrics: satin back crepe, loosely woven woolens, linen, silk with body, anything with drape on the bias. Striped crisp weaves also yield interesting results. Best when using fabric at 55” and up, the wider the better. With narrower fabric piecing will be required.Yardage varies but usually 1.5 to 2.5 yards for a tunic and 5 yards for a tea length dress. You are the designer, feel free to be creative with this pattern. There are no rules.Seam allowances are not included.

Next Level Sewing! Wool Fold Over Binding woven as a petersham grosgrain ribbon, made in Japan. Finely woven, not heavy and bulky - the quality you expect from L'Etoffe. Please do not hesitate to request a complementary swatch. Also available in more colors to order. Price is per yard. Width: Actual width is 1 1/8" to allow for the fold but each side will be 1/2" when folded Content: 100% Wool Source: Japan

Classic Italian suiting in a hard to find blend, colors are a plain weave of navy on navy with light blue in check. Mix and match, juxtapose with other colors and textures. Suitable for suit jackets, tailored dresses, etc. Spring/Fall.  1.75 "x 1.75" check repeat Width: 61" Content: 37% silk, 33% linen, 30 virgin wool hand selected and imported by L'Etoffe made in Italy

Classic Italian suiting in a hard to find blend, colors are a plain weave of tan and pale lilac with chocolate brown check. Mix and match, juxtapose with other colors and textures. Suitable for suit jackets, tailored dresses, etc. Spring/Fall.  1.75 "x 1.75" check repeat Width: 61" Content: 37% silk, 33% linen, 30 virgin wool hand selected and imported by L'Etoffe made in Italy

Classic Italian suiting in a hard to find blend, mix of coral, mustard, brown, sage. Spring Fall weight, suitable for suiting, jackets, tailored dresses. Sold by the yard.  2"x2" check Width: 61" Content: 37% silk, 33% linen, 30 virgin wool hand selected and imported by L'Etoffe made in Italy