This traditional dress worn by nomadic women in Afghanistan is ideal for mixing fabrics and embellishments. This dress has an extremely full skirt and sleeves. It is traditionally worn ankle length, but can be adapted to a shorter variation. The raised bodice is fitted and connects to skirt by the front waist band and underarm gussets. The neck opening can be placed at the front or back, although the opening is traditionally worn to the back. The skirt is gathered by a double line of even stitches, forming tiny, unpressed pleats. The back of the skirt has two tiers and fabric can be mixed or one kind. There are three optional bodice embroidery treatments, using chain stitch, mirror cloth, and satin stitch which are all authentic detailing. PATTERN DETAILS: This is a paper pattern and is sized (American sizing) from SMALL to LARGE. FABRIC SUGGESTIONS: Soft, medium-weight fabrics such as cotton, rayon challis, or silk; the upper sleeve and/or skirt may be of soft rayon or silk velvet. This dress is often made in many prints, which is a wonderful opportunity to mix different prints and patterns.
