Afghan Nomad Dress - by Folkwear

Women's Sizes 6-16

The women of nomadic tribes in Afghanistan wear this extremely full-skirted above-ankle-length dress. The tight high-waisted bodice, with an opening in the back, is connected by a front waistband and underarm gussets to the skirt and to the full three-piece sleeves. The skirt is gathered by a double line of even stitches, forming tiny, unpressed pleats; it has two tiers in back. Exotically romantic as a party or wedding dress. Fabric requirements and instructions are also given for a Westernized Narrower Version with a sash. Designs and instructions are included for three optional bodice embroidery treatments, using chain stitch, mirror-cloth, and satin stitch, as well as for other optional decorations, all completely authentic. Suggested fabrics: Soft medium-weight fabrics such as cotton sateen, cotton or rayon challis, or silk in brilliant solid colors or floral or paisley prints. The upper sleeve and/or skirt may be of soft rayon or silk velvet. This dress is often made in many prints. Fabric requirements are broken down by Pattern Piece. Yardage Requirements: Authentic Version, One Fabric Only, without nap - Sm & Med: 36" wide 9 1/2 yds, 45" wide 8 1/3 yds. Lg: 36" wide 9 5/8 yds, 45" wide 9 1/8 yds. Narrower Version - Sm & Med: 36" wide 6 1/4 yds, 45" wide 5 1/2 yds. Lg: 36" & 45" wide 6 1/3 yds. Fabric by Pattern Piece, with or without nap, 36" or 45" wide - Skirt front & lower back Authentic version 6 yds, Skirt upper back Authentic version 7/8 yds, Skirt narrower version 3 1/2 yds, Bodice without nap Sm & Med 3/4 yd, Lg 7/8 yd, Waistband & Gusset 1/4 yd, Upper sleeves 3/4 yd, Middle sleeves 2/3 yd, Cuffs & lining 1/2 yd. Afghan Nomad Dress pattern by Folkwear. Sizes S-L.