Pattern and Instructions: The American Beauty Gown Expansion with Roses
The American Beauty Gown Expansion pattern takes Charm’s American Beauty Dress to the next level.
This gown is directly inspired by Ann Lowe’s 1966 American Beauty dress, now housed at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
With a dramatically lowered back neckline and gathered skirt back panels, it is deceptively simple in silhouette, but exquisitely detailed in construction.
This expansion also includes pattern pieces and step-by-step instructions for creating the couture-worthy rose embellishments that are a standout feature of Lowe’s work.
For more information about the original dress and Ann Lowe, please see the instructions for Charm’s American Beauty Dress.
And for a video tutorial on the roses, check out Part One in this quick YouTube Short and Part Two of the video.
IMPORTANT: You'll find the tiled file (for printing at home on A4 or letter size sheets and taping together) and the A0 file (for printing at a copy shop like ThePlottedPattern.com). Please note that we have two size blocks, so make sure to download the correct files for the size you're making. If you have any questions about which size to sew, don't forget to read our blog post with all the details!
Don't forget to share your makes with the hashtags #americanbeautydress and #charmpatterns!
xoxo,
Gertie
Comments (37)
The day I saw Gertie in the white American Beauty dress was the day I became a patreon member. The dress is beautiful, adaptable, and easy to fit. I plan to make a wardrobe of them.
Starting on the flowers tonight! We bought all the fabric today. Junior Prom on April 18th!!!
I am going to be making this dress for Dandy Wellingtons Easter Strut party on NYC!!!
LOVE
Thinking of making the skirt only knee lenght for daily wear. It would maybe give a nice moving back.
How did it come out?
Absolutely stunning, just wow!!!
Amazing xxx
Wow! I’m looking at your hair! It’s a masterpiece. Tell me you didn’t just go home, that’s a do to show off!!
Love love love this! Question: is the gathered back of this expansion work with the higher cut bodice back of the first version? I’d love to have a high back (for more bust support) but love the gathered back to this skirt! Thank you!
Yes, you can totally use the gathered skirt with the higher neckline!
Can you please post the video for the roses here on patreon? I dont use IG
Here's a link to YT: https://youtube.com/shorts/9eaBEV7DLF0?feature=share
I love this but just curious what kind of bra us big busted gals are wearing for this kind of back? Because obviously I need a new bra
Do I love the dress? Yes. Do I need this dress? No. Am I instead slightly obsessed with the idea of making a pink, rose covered version of the Child Catcher's coat from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? Absolutely.
I can't wait to get started.
Gorgeous 😍
This is so incredibly beautiful!!
Soooo beautiful!!
Would like to see closer pictures of the roses, petals
I can see this in all white, white flowers screaming wedding gown!
I'm in awe at the design. How can something soooo simple be sooo elegant💗💗💗
Didn’t love the American beauty dress. But the gown version is stunning!!
GORGEOUS!!
This would make a very beautiful wedding or bridesmaids dress
Any plans for a video on the flower-making? Or photo tutorial?
I'll be posting a two-part video tutorial to Instagram soon.
you re so pretty and this amazing dress suits you very well :)) thanks for this pattern
So pretty 🌷
Perfect pattern for today's snow storm ❤️. I 100% want to recreate this dress. It's stunning!!!
I needed this today, thank you
I love it 😍
What sleeve could you add to this?? Love it
She mentioned Maria goes well with it. But really you can use any sleeve pattern as long as the armsyce is the same shape as the sleeve.
😍beautiful
I really want to do a super goth version of this. Love it.
Same. I'm wondering if the flowers can be made in lace. With skull/spider/bat beads in the centre. Thorns on the vines.