Teen dress advice

[LissaWilson]

Alright, teen ladies, I need your help. Dh's cousin stays with us sometimes and she has decided to come with us to Brigade Encampment next summer. I'm going to fit her for a dress in the next couple of weeks while she is here visiting for the holidays. She is 13, but looks more like 16. I want to make her a dress that is age-appropriate, but will still fit (I think she is taller than me). I don't really know how to drape a toile, so are there any patterns I use successfully for a teen bodice? Do I bone the bodice for a young teen? I'm thinking a basic calico dress with short sleeves. Thanks for your help!

[Anna G.]

As for teen bodice patterns, unfortunately, there are none really out there specifically aimed at teens. (Which is very unfortunate and makes portraying a teen girl at events that much harder!) So, you'll either have to completely create your own through a toile or modify an existing pattern.

For a girl of 13 (if she is portraying 13, although if she looks older, she could portray an older age if she chose to), her skirts will be shorter, at least above the ankle. I would definitely go with short sleeves, as it's in the summer. A sheer cotton dress would be lovely and quite cool in the summer. A gathered bodice in the front with a back opening would be easy and very appropriate. Likewise, you can bone the bodice if you desire but you really don't have to. (Both of my summer dresses were never boned and they work just fine). You could do an off-the shoulder style, as well, but that's not necessary either (if you do an off-the shoulder, make sure she has plenty of sun screen on her shoulders, as they will get burnt!)

As for existing patterns, the Simplicity can work but are a hassle, and you'd have to completely redo the front placket to the back (which isn't too hard - you simply take out the overlap in the front, divide the bodice in the back into 2 pieces and then add 2" or so for a placket on either side). Making a custom toile is going to be your best bet, although to achieve a good fit she'll need a corset (Does she have one? That may be a good place to start). Practical Prinkery is a great book that will make the process way less frustrating, but I don't know how ordering it will work with the new baby.

Good luck on your adventure into sewing for a teen and I look forward to meeting this young lady next year!

-Anna

[Nona Nelson]

Dittos with Anna!

A good place to start is underthings. They will very likely fit her next summer and you can add tucks to petticoats and make the waistband an inch or so big on her just incase she grows between now and then. You can make her dress a little on the big side too.

Well...if she is 13, I wonder if she could fit in one of my sisters things? Do you have her mesurements? I have no idea through if my sister is going to be coming to Birgade next year, but she'll probaby need a new dress then anyway. Maybe I can get my sister to come then and so she can have a friend to hang out with.

Both Anna and I will be glad to help you!