PA017 - 1836-1855 Workdress Pattern. Available in sizes 8-26.

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A Work Dress with Three Sleeves & Optional collar. Circa 1833-1856.

View A has short sleeves and square collar.

With the exception of the square collar the sleeves can be dated as early as 1833 even though the pattern from which it is made is printed in the 1838 edition of the Workwoman's Guide.

Images can be found with the gathered bodice and square collar dating from the late 1830s to 1842.

View B with long sleeves can be dated circa 1843-1856. Past Patterns #017 pattern is created from patterns in the Workwoman's Guide titled A full High Gown, To Open In Front."

The cutting and construction directions were adequate in the mid-nineteenth century but would be difficult for today's sewer to understand. To make it easier to sew, we copied the construction and sewing methods used in original mid-nineteenth century work dresses found in private and museum collections. According to the author a full high gown that open in front is . . . particularly suitable for house-maids, dairy or kitchen-maids, char and washerwomen; they should be made of the strongest print, . . . It is bad economy to buy a cheap poor material for a working dress, under the idea that is will do very well for common purposes, when they should stand a good deal of wear and tear." A darted lining secures the gathered calico shell. As with Past Patterns #801 bodice, the lining pattern, cut from calico, may be used instead of the gathered calico shell.

The darted calico bodice is sewn in one with the lining. Order this pattern in B, C & D cups in sizes 8-14, 16-20 or 22-26. Fabric requirements in 45" width: View A with collar, Sizes 8-14 needs 6-7/8 yds., 16-20 needs 7 yds., and 22-26 needs 8-1/4 yds. View B with long sleeves, Sizes 8-14 needs 6-½ yds., 16-20 needs 6-5/8 yds., and 22-26 needs 7-7/8 yds.