Era Contest: I sew my version in Japanese fabric

When Coralie asked me to be a partner in this great contest, I immediately said yes because I love it the lovely patterns she offers us every month. They are always great, well-cut, and modern patterns. Plus, I especially like Epoque because of its 18 variations! So are you ready to sew Epoque and win amazing prizes? I am! And for the girls in the workshop, we can sew it together and take a group photo... so who’s going to start?

The model

The Epoque pattern is an ode to Victorian elegance revisited for today’s tastes.

It is offered with 3 different neckline options, 2 sleeve options, and 3 body options. By combining them, you get 18 possibilities with the same pattern, so it’s time to have fun!

Among the collars, you can choose between a flattering V-neckline, a timeless and ultra-feminine Peter Pan collar, or a gathered high collar to add a touch of sophistication.

For the sleeves, we have the choice between balloon sleeves for a romantic elegance or gigot sleeves for a bolder and very current look.

Finally, for the body, we have the choice between a simple silhouette, a peplum blouse for a feminine touch, or a dress for complete Victorian elegance, summer or winter.

Practical information for sewing this model

This pattern is available for free in PDF format on Coralie Bijasson's website until March 19 to participate in the contest. After that, it will become paid.

Epoque is categorized as difficult level but I would rather choose intermediate/advanced because the variations allow you to create versions that are more or less challenging. So don’t be too afraid to get started.

Available sizes range from 34 to 48

In the seamstress's basket

To sew Epoque, you will need:

- of fabrics
- of buttons
- fusible interfacing suitable for your fabric choice
- fusible straight grain (V-neck option)
- bias tape
- good quality thread matching your fabric
- overlocker cones if you choose the overlocker option

Coralie invites us to select a medium to lightweight fabric for this model, such as a poplin, a crepe, a voile, lace, or even broderie anglaise with a weight between 150 and 250 g/m2.

For my part, I think you can even go down to a weight of 110g/m2 because this pattern can be perfectly made in a cotton poplin or even a cotton lawn.

My supplies

I had fallen for a Japanese floral and fruity fabric... a perfect match with the Epoque dress.

So I chose this cotton poplin and managed to fit my pieces (in size 36) into 2.3m of fabric with a width of 110cm. Beyond size 36, you will need to increase the yardage by at least the sleeve length.

I chose a white thread to sew my fabric.

For the buttons, I rummaged through my personal stash and came across some pink glitter buttons I had brought back in my suitcases from Barcelona; just perfect in color to match my dress!

Difficulty levels and technical points

Epoque is rated difficult but depending on the version I think an "intermediate" person can definitely make it; and maybe you can get help from a good sewing teacher or a more experienced acquaintance for the trickier steps?

I find the tunic version with V-neck and balloon sleeves the easiest. The dress version with a high collar and leg-of-mutton sleeves is the hardest. It’s up to you to find the ideal combination!

The technical points common to the different versions are:
- the bust darts
- making the button placket
- attaching the hidden bias tape
- assembling the sleeves
- for the dress version, assembling the skirt and waistband
- making the buttonholes

But Coralie made video tutorials for all of this 😊

My sewing experience

As for me, I didn’t make a toile because I’m really getting used to sewing Coralie’s patterns and I know I can make a 34 or 36 depending on the model.

I chose the V-neck dress option with balloon sleeves for a guaranteed romantic effect.

I chose to make it in size 36. I had no assembly difficulties, the instructions are well detailed and the steps flow easily.

My only changes are more about stature and aesthetics.

Indeed, I decided to remove 3cm from the bust height because I found the waistline was too low. I have a relatively short back (I’m 1.53m tall, so that explains it).

For the balloon sleeves, I removed 5cm in length because I wanted the entire sleeve to be above my elbow for a guaranteed Snow White effect 😂 but at the same time I really wanted that romantic floral dress look and I’m not disappointed with the result!