Some time ago, I was gifted a vintage pattern called “BJ’s Gown and Blouse” by Albe’s Creations. I made one up in a beautiful Liberty of London and posted it to Instagram and Facebook. I was overwhelmed by the positive feedback and questions about the pattern. On a whim, I started searching for the pattern designer, Brenda Raker. I was hoping she may have more patterns in her basement somewhere as it was impossible to find any for sale online or anywhere else. I reached out to my followers with her name, did some googling, and asked around in an attempt to find her. You all came through (as usual!) and one of you reached out to her daughter-in-law. Her daughter-in-law was kind enough to give me her phone number and I was able to reach out to Mrs. Raker.
She was lovely, she lives in North Carolina and is retired from pattern designing. She does sew regularly though. She gave me her blessing to digitize and update her original pattern so that more people will have access to it. I promised to mail her a copy of the new version and to stay in touch.
My pattern is based largely on her original pattern but does have some changes. I raised the back neckline a bit and lowered the front neckline. I also added a lining to the front inset. The instructions are incredibly detailed with lots of computer drawn images as well as real-life pictures. If you have smocked and constructed a bishop, this pattern will be a breeze for you. If you’ve never smocked or pleated anything, I do not advise that you start with this pattern but stay tuned, an unsmocked version is in the works!
Lately, I’ve seen a ton of smocked adult garments on sites like Net-a-porter, Dondolo, Matches fashion and Tuckernuck. I’m hoping the art is becoming more popular and that by keeping the old patterns alive, more will be introduced to one of my favorite parts of sewing. There is nothing quite as relaxing as sitting down to a smocking project after a long hectic day and losing yourself in the stitches.
If you’re interested in seeing more pictures, or in purchasing the pattern, click here for the immediately downloadable PDF version, or here for a paper pattern pre-order. The pre-order will close on February 15th so if you’d prefer a paper one, make sure to snag yours now!
10 Comments
stepcp
Beautiful! Congratulations!!
Abbey Wilkinson
Thank you so much 🙂
Andrea L. Golding
Hi. I have a question about the PDF pattern and can’t find a better place to ask it. 🙂. Does the pattern come a in a copy shop format or only in home printing format? Thanks!!
Abbey Wilkinson
Hi! Yes it is available is a US letter size, an A4 size, a copy shop print size and a projector file. All four of those options come with the pdf purchase. Hope that helps!
Anonymous
So excited!! Already had my pattern printed today. Can you post a photo of the front of pink and white dress without the collar?
Abbey Wilkinson
That’s great! There are some on the listing if you scroll down a bit. I’ll wear it this weekend and snap some more too 🙂
Brittany
I LOVE that you were able to get ahold of the original designer. Very cool.
Abbey Wilkinson
yes! I was so happy when I got her number. She received her pattern today!
Mary Kaye Bailey
It’s my fault! I let a sewing project occupy my time not realizing there was a deadline for ordering the paper pattern. Do you plan to reissue the opportunity to purchase a paper copy of the smocked tunic pattern?
Abbey Wilkinson
Its available now! 🙂