Size 8-18 Work Dress c. 1795

Empire gown sewing pattern for the early Jane Austen period of the transitional style with a higher waistline. The bodice front neckline is low and curved. The bodice also ends high under the bust and has three darts on each side for shaping and extends around the body as in the earlier” en fourreau” style. The shoulder strap is constructed in the same manner as earlier styles and has two sets of patches. The sleeves are two-piece construction with a narrow hem. In The Providence Gazette of 1796, “Ran away . . .  a Negro WOMAN . . .  She stole and carried off . . .  a light Calicoe new Gown, a striped Tow and Linen Gown”.