Pattern and Instructions: The Peggy Bodice
Can you believe it's time to release the final pattern for the Charm Artist Collective?
You're going to love the Peggy Bodice! It is such a classic addition to your mix-and-match wardrobe, and extends the Lamour-series into warm winter wear. You've been requesting this one!
This chic bodice with a high jewel neckline is designed to be paired with any of the Lamour-series bottoms to create an elegant dress or jumpsuit. The cut-on sleeves are a true vintage look, and the underarm gussets will give you a wide range of movement–while also increasing your sewing skills.
And it's not just for winter! With three sleeve lengths and myriad fabric choices, this will become a four-season staple for you to wear year round. (I personally can't wait to sew this in a floral cotton border print with a full gathered skirt and short sleeves!)
Suzie and I got cozy with our wool Peggy dresses. I've used the Charm Circle Skirt and self-fabric belt in an embroidered flannel from our stash. (Here's a tutorial on how to make your own fabric-covered belt).
Suzie is divine in a boiled wool Peggy-Wanda dress, for a sleek and elegant look. This bodice is perfect for showing off your vintage brooch collection!
For all the fabric and supplies, check out the written instructions at the bottom of this post for links and recommendations.
You'll also 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 pdfplotting.com). Please note that we now have two size blocks, so make sure to download the correct files for the size you're making. If you have any questions about the new range, don't forget to read our blog post with all the details!
xoxo,
Gertie
P.S. As a gentle reminder, please do not share these photos or patterns anywhere (including to other social media sites) so that we can keep creating exclusive new content for you.
Comments (107)
Is there a link for Peggy Crowdcast?
Where is the purple fabric from? Can't seem to find your post about your supplies
Hi there charm sisters! I'm sewing the original charm scout skirt but couldn't find a chat specifically for that one here in the patreon. A beginner here finished my pattern, win! Now I am little confused by the diagram on cutting out the fabric from my pattern pieces. Two questions: 1. Should the fabric be folded with the right sides together exposing the wrong sides out and pinning the pattern pieces there? 2. It says for the skirt back (pattern piece number 2) according to the diagram/key it should be the "wrong side of the pattern piece". Does that mean that I flip the pattern backwards and lay it on the fabric? Thanks for any tips 🙏
1. yes 2. yes There should also be a pattern layout key and it should show you where to place your pattern pieces and whether they are 'right' or 'wrong' side up. You should know the difference because there should be a key that shows the meanings for shaded, striped or white filled pieces. I hope this helps and you're able to get your pieces cut.
Love this pattern, am planning to pair with the Wanda (love the princess seams) but feel the Wanda lining improves the hang of the skirt so much. Any tips on how to line the bodice too?
Why is the front neck width so much shorter than the back? Made first muslin with no neck width changes and found severe pulling at front neck. Wondering about reason for small front neck width before I start making changes. Thanks!
Loooove cold weather options! All the winter wear!❄️Also, what is the fabric Gertie is wearing in the first pic, the cream floral? I love it!!!
Every time I try downloading it, it keeps failing :(
I adore this and I want this to be my first Gertie bodice I try. I’m kinda curious how I could get a neckline like Barbie but on this bodice, to look more like the red vintage dress in the sneak peek. Hmmmmm…
Gertie, you are just darling but- Susie is KILLING this look!! Rawr!
I am very thankful for the options to use either stable knits or wovens. I enjoy knits for very casual items in my travel wardrobe. I feel so much more comfortable and like my authentic self in crisp woven fabrics. I find ironing to be relaxing and meditative.
would Vilene work instead of organza in the gusset?
Is this interchangeable with the Stanwyck Skirt? Id love to have the pockets like the red christmas-dress in the sneak peak :D
Forgot to say I love the pattern and you both look so lovely!
Love this pattern so much. It reminds me of Butterick 6284 which I made last winter and absolutely adore. I'm excited to try the bust gathers. This style is right up my street. Thank you! <3
Can this pair up with stanwyck skirt. I'm out of time to try the Wanda and have my perfect stanwyck all fixed up lol
It's not meant to match, but I'm going to try as well. I really love the Stanwyck.
I've been wanting to recreate a specific dress Peggy wore on Mad Men and this top was almost exactly what I need. This is the best Christmas gift!
I’m so excited about this one, it will be stunning with a floor length circle skirt for an elegant - and warm - holiday evening look!
Ahhhhhhhh!!!!! 😍😍😍 C’est magnifique!!!!
I’ve been waiting for a dress like this!!! LOVE the 3/4 sleeve option and higher neckline!
Huzzah!
We so need a close up of Susie's vintage brooch.
I like this one quite a bit--only problem is that the Lamour dress only goes to a size 20, so those of us that are on the larger size grouping, can't use that skirt easily. Would have to alter it to get it to fit. Wish they had a full sized skirt pattern in the larger sizes to make it a bit easier to make. Yes I'll be making one. Just wish they had more inclusive skirt patterns.
The Circle skirt and Double Circle skirt combine with Lamour. Those are available in the larger size range for free.
Fabulous bodice! it will make awesome dresses. Gertie and Suzy are awesome models! I love this bodice with both style of skirt.
Yayyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!
This is fantastic! Beautiful canvas to wear brooches! LOVE! Suzy looks fantastic! Gertie...you always look fantastic too! LOL! I was worried about my boobs, but I think they will be fine in this!
Yey! Love this! I have been hoping for some top ptions with move coverage because I get sun burnt so fast and love where it is way too hot for layers and the sun is extra mean!
I love it SO MUCH. I’m getting grown-up Ballet Shoes off-duty vibes.
I feel like I have lokey been wishing for this one for years. ❤️❤️❤️ (edit) I also love the link to the mix and match section on your site!!
I LOVE IT!!! A modest but gorgeous and elegant option for those of us who need a little more coverage. ❤️❤️❤️
For me personally, this could be one of the best this year. Thank you so much for this!
Love it!!
Really love this. It looks like an easy Christmas project. Love the roomy underarm
Home run, Gertie… out of the park!!! Thank you so much. Honored to be a patron ❤️❤️❤️
This bodice is beautiful! Thank you for making something for the cold weather! And I'm excited to finally learn how to make an armpit gusset! Happy Holidays and thanks for all the inspiration!
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! There are just so many good things here! Way to finish with a bang Charm team! 🧨❤️
This is absolutely stunning. I can’t wait to make it!
I love the underarm gusset, but where is the horizontal seam supposed to land? Is it supposed to be where a bust dart would be or is it supposed to be situated under the bust?
It should land under the bust! Some people like it right where your bra underwire would be, I personally go just a smidge (1/4" or so) higher as it gives the bust a visual lift ;)
You mention a stable knit as an option for fabric in the directions. Do you think that’s compatible with all of the skirt options or will a stable knit only work for some of them? Love this dress, btw! Thank you for designing an L bodice with sleeves!
Great question! I personally think of stable knits for pencil skirts, so the Wanda is a great choice for a stable knit. But you could also try a flared skirt and see how you like it!
Sleeves! SLEEVES! And the gusset is perfect for someone with chunky upper arms like me. This is so beautiful! 😍😍😍
Love this!! So good with addons to existing patterns and this is just perfect for a winter dress
soooo great !!! I've been wanting a cozy long sleeved bodice compatible wtth existing pants or dresses. And I'm in love with that incredibly gorgeous lavender embroided wool :O !!!!!!!
Very nice! Can't wait to make it!
Suzie is SMOKING in that purple dress!! Brava!!
You had me at cut-on sleeves!
Same! You’ve outdone yourself this time, ladies! Can’t wait!
sorry, i just have to comment again because that last photo of suzie is slayyyyying me. 💜 gorgeous!
Sitting here watching the snow fall and loving the long sleeve option! I need this dress.
YES!!! I love it - it has sleeves! I can’t wait to make one.
This is absolutely glorious 😍 I’ve been hoping for a gathered bust like this!!!
This is fabulous!!! I just got a microplaid silk fabric that will be perfect 💜
I am SO EXCITED. I have a RTW dress with this sort of shell pleated bodice detail that I love dearly, and I've been searching for a pattern for similar. That underarm gusset is super cool. It reminds me of the historical chemises/tunics I have made. Incredibly useful and I don't know why I never thought of it for fixing some of my fit issues with wovens.
Ok, so I LOVE this. Imagine how cozy in a flannel.
oh that’s CUTE. you both look like true vintage goddesses. and i love the gussets! i have been wanting to try those! and cut in sleeves are so nice - easy peasy! but the gathered bust! so precious! my fave thing about the rita but in a totally different style! so flattering even on my A bitties. i want to make this immediately! thank you gertie!
I love the cut on sleeves!
Amazing!!!
Love this so much! This is also proof y'all actually read and consider our suggestions from the previous year. I remember specifically asking for this and here it is! I can't wait to make it!
We definitely listen!
Love this! Really hoping the Lamour Dress will get an update with the 18-34 size range. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
Oh, it looks so elegant and fancy. Also, convenient. Moroccan husband is planning a trip there and this is perfect for their dressing culture.
Just what I wanted!
Yes!!!
Votes to call Peggy/Wanda dress Panda
APPROVED
Love this so much. This is one of my husband's fav styles on me because it tends to be such a great fit for a full bust. Now I just need time to sew it!
Love!!! I want to see if I can squeeze a Christmas dress in with this... But the lavenders are so so beautiful!
Love!!!!
And such a great style for wool, now that all schools temperature are down at 19c for energy saving. Feel I can rock my teacher style very fab in this
I love it, but I worry that it doesn't fit big busted ladies like me. The seams always arrive mid-boob, that's why I stear clear of dresses like that. I haven't opened it yet, but do the booklet explain if it's possible to tackle this problem?
Susie is the biggest busted person I know, and I think she looks spectacular in it! (We used the H cup for her, and did not need to adjust the bust at all, just made a short waist adjustment for her in the midriff. She wears a bra size bigger than an H, for reference. Also, the boiled wool has a little stretch which I think worked nicely on her figure.) I do talk a bit about full bust adjustments in the pattern pieces chapter of the video, but I would also recommend checking out our fit clinics from this year, especially the bust fitting one. It's all about having the correct width and length though the bust and midriff. Definitely plan to make a muslin or two to get it just how you want it!
Squeee! I was wearing a dress with a nearly identical bodice yesterday and wished I had a pattern for it! Such a great look on me, and so comfortable. I may have to draft that neckline into a V neck as well.
I'm having mixed feelings. I do like it, but there's something about that space in-between the breasts that's bothering me. I would like a bow or something there I think.
A pussy bow yes, with long tail would look dope.
Does that gusset prevent the fabric folds at the bust that are typical of cut on sleeves? Those folds are why I usually avoid this style but these pictures don't have them so I am cautiously optimistic.
Cut-on sleeves are always going to have some folds in the underarms, gussets or not. Bust folds are a different issue and I did not notice that at all in the fitting process for this pattern. :)
Thank you.
Ahhhhh I love it!
This is so lovely!!
This is so great!!! I like the underarm gusset revisited from one of your books and the gathered shaping is nice!
This may be my favorite bodice to date. It is stunning. I'm in love
STUNNING 😍
Finally! I’ve been waiting for a cut on sleeve pattern like this from Gertie.
Absolutely gorgeous! 😍❤️
LOVE it!! Thank you so much for non-dramatic long sleeves!!
Very nice addition. I particularly love the idea of the Lamour sarong with this.
Perfect!!!!
Oh this is FANTASTIC! Stoked to have another winter option!
I love under bust dart gathers like these! I have a vintage dress with them and its SO flattering
😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Omg! This is exactly the pattern I have been looking for :D
This is fantastic 😍
Ahhhh!!! I am so excited for this one!!
Beautiful!!!!
😭🎄❤️
Yas!!!!! Now I don’t have to figure how to expand the sleeves on the stanwyk bodice! Yay yay yay!
I'm so in love.
OMG THAT FABRIC
Such a classy look! I love it ❤️
Beautiful 💕
I asked for a gusset sleeve in the questionnaire, how'd you do that! 😂
Oh wonderful!
LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love it 😌💜