Simplicity 2813 was the pattern that I originally sewed up and used as my first fitting with Cinderella.

I personally wasn’t crazy about the bodice as it’s got two front and two back darts, a centre front seam and a centre back seam with a zipper opening.  I just wanted something with a bit more room for fitting, like a well-designed bodice with princess seams.  Also, during the first fitting, Cinderella mentioned that she really didn’t like all the gathering and extra fabric in the skirt across the front of her abdomen.  It just added a little too much pouf. I liked that the skirt was very full and swung nicely over and about her crinoline, but I did understand the extra fabric issue.  Food for the dressmaker’s thoughts.

Hey! And a great opportunity to piece together some patterns from my stash that could possibly work.  So I’m working with Vogue 1672 for the bodice with some changes.  I re-drew the neckline into a high scoop, redrafted the back so the neckline is at the base of the neck, and am going to put in a centre back zipper.  I’m also using the bow pattern (not the train). The side back panel will be in a stretch poly fabric for ease of movement and some give as Cinderella likes to play games, read stories and generally play with her little party guests.  A stiff proper gown is out of place.

I’m using the skirt pattern from Vogue 2928 without the train since it tapers into 9 meters (!) of width from the waistline.  This will give the swishy skirt without the bulk at the bottom of the bodice.  I will not be doing the underlining with netting or building in attached petticoats, but I will put in 5” horsehair braid around the bottom to keep maintain the skirt’s shape at the hemline.