Marian Martin no. 9201.
Description: An unlined halter dress with a diamond midriff (the pattern refers to this as the girdle), lapped back that leaves a back key-hole opening. Buttons at back of neck, waist and down the back of the skirt. Skirt has center front seam.
The pattern is unmarked and perforated. This Marian Martin pattern doesn’t contain a list of notions on the pattern’s envelope. After reading the instructions I learned I’ll need: bias facing and nine (9) buttons.
Review Specifics: Dress only; made in seven (7) pieces.
Issues/Concerns/Tips
Pieces to be cut on fold are notated with triple O’s. Other pieces were Cut 2 on assumption. Examine pattern pieces carefully because vintage pattern pieces aren’t always correctly perforated or marked. For example, in this pattern pieces 8 and 6 weren’t numbered correctly. Examine the pattern pieces diagram.
Initially, I make the entire garment in muslin. In doing this I’m able to work out any kinks in construction without ruining the final garment and wasting time and material. Muslin is cheap and easy to work with. You can mark all over it, if need be. Think of a muslin as a practice piece.
In this photo I’ve marked each piece with whatever information I felt would help in construction of the pattern:
- the name of the pattern piece
- the number of pieces to cut
- the straight of grain (the full length of the pattern piece)
- standard pattern markings
- indications for the seam lines. NOTE: the pattern indicates a 1/2 inch seam allowance must strictly be adhered to or the pattern will not work.
The back neck band and back and front girdle should be faced, but I don’t complete facings in my mock-ups. It doesn’t mean you can’t if you’d like.
Muslin mock-ups don’t have to be pretty. They’re kinda like a seamstress’ drawing board.
For specifics on sewing with Marian Martin patterns click here.
Marian Martin update.