Draping a Magic Dance Frock

from Fashion Service Magazine September 1928, page 20.

          Turquoise taffeta, faced in deep orchid and trimmed with a large bow of the same color, makes this youthful dance frock, charming in its appeal and unusually simple to make.
          For it, you will need two blouse lengths of the fabric with generous seams plus 2 7/8 yards for the skirt and 2 ¼ yards of contrasting color for the facing and bow.
           Directions for cutting are given below with clear illustrations; follow these carefully for success. Points to remember are the need for accurate folds, also the importance of the straight thread of the fabric, such as the lengthwise thread at the center front and back and the crosswise thread at the bust and low waist lines.

Fig. 1 (a) – Fold blouse length through center lengthwise. With fold at center front, upper edge 1 ½ inches above highest shoulder point, pin at top of under arm. Cut up from lower edge 2 inches beyond pin.

Fig. 1 (b) – Smooth to under arm at hip line and pin. Fold in dart and pin. Mark shoulder, armhole, and under-arm lines.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2 (a) – Place folded blouse length with fold at center back, upper edge 1 ½ inches above shoulder. Pin at top, center, and lower edge of under arm. Cut up from lower edge 2 inches beyond pins. Mark shoulder, armhole, under arm, and tentative neck line.
          Remove back and front and mark center lines with basting. Cut away to within ¾ inch of marked seam lines. Repin underarm darts.

Fig. 2 (b) – Place back and front together on figure, center lines in correct position, pinning seams. Mark finished neck line. Remove blouse and stitch seams, shirring under-arm dart fullness.

Fig. 2

Fig. 3 – Cut skirt crosswise of material, folding one end 27 and the other 24 inches toward center. On the first fold, the center-front, measure front skirt length; on the second, the back length, and place pins. Cut straight out 9 inches from each pin and continue on a slanting line, curving it where it meets the straight 9-inch lines. Join the left-side seam. Face with material provided, removing ¾ yard for bow and splitting the remaining piece in half on the length. Shape like skirt edge and apply.
          Shirr upper skirt edge and attach to blouse. Face neck line and arm-holes and apply picot-edged bow.