Introducing the Brunch Dress
It's finally here! Thank you so much for your patience; I'm now delighted to share the Brunch Dress.
The Brunch Dress, based on Hollywood Patterns 1854 from c1939, is a versatile zipper front house dress or afternoon frock. Features wide, pointed revers collar and short sleeves with a puff shoulder and topstitched tuck for a tapered shape (not as shown on original pattern envelope).
The four-piece bias circular skirt is joined to the blouse by a shaped mid-section in front. A touch of ease in the waistline makes this dress comfortable to wear at home or about town, hence the name!
My version also includes in-seam pockets, rounding out the utility of this great dress.
View 1 is made in all-over fabric; View 2 has collar in contrast fabric. The collar can be embellished with trim, or omitted for a collarless V-neck version (view 3, not pictured) as shown on the original pattern illustration with ruffle trim.
I've graded the original (30" bust) pattern to a range of six sizes, each with four cup size options. As someone who has to make bust adjustments to every commercial pattern I use, it was really important to me to offer bust variations. Full details and size chart are included in the attached instruction booklet.
Make it in novelty cottons for a casual everyday dress, or add a touch of glamour with luxe fabrics like velvet or taffeta. This pattern is an established staple in my daily wardrobe and I can't wait to make more. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Comments (13)
I absolutely cannot wait to make this one!
I have mostly made my hopefully wearable muslin, but I’m stumped on the attaching of the collar. Would you be able to post more photos of how it attaches and looks when finished and I should be able to figure it out. That or a link to a random tutorial that covers the same sort of technique? Thank you! 😘
Thank you. I hope to begin on monday. 😊 It says back skirt in the instructions, but is it supposed to say front since that is what we are working on?
Ahh yes, sorry that’s a copy-paste error! Thanks for pointing it out
Was going to make this one today, but after Reading the instructions a million times I just don't understand the zipper part. 🙈 Can someone help me with some more instructions? Explain it as you would to a 4 year old 🤣 I'm from Norway so I don't know everything in english sewing language 🤔
Hi Anette, can you let me know which instruction number you're struggling with and I'll try and talk you through it
Hello! Also a new Patron here.... Wondering what the best way to shorten this skirt would be? From the bottom, middle, measure from the top? I prefer my skirt lengths 21"-23" I'm short with a short torso, so I'm looking forward to not needing to adjust the bodice much (fingers crossed) but I like a shorter skirt than was typical in most vintage patterns. I would love notes on where to shorten (or lengthen) for skirts depending on style. :) Thank you! These all look fabulous!
Hi! This dress is based on an original 1940s pattern, so would probably have been designed for the average height at the time which was 5’2”. For reference, I’m 5’5” and somewhat short waisted. Hope this helps!
Thank you so much!!!!
Hello! Newbie here. I absolutely LOVE this pattern and am getting ready to make one. As I am quite short (5'0 and short waisted) I was wondering what height the pattern was originally drafted to accommodate as it would really help me figure out some initial adjustments.
Would this work in rayon as well? My favorite fabric!
Yes, it should work well in rayon, though if it's quite drapey you may want to interface the zipper placket and collar, and stiffen the puff sleeves.
How very exciting! Can't wait to make this one! 🤩