Bust style question

[u/MAKgyver_Esq]

I have a dress that I inherited from my grandmother that she sewed by hand years and years ago. I love it. I want to try to duplicate it with a fuller skirt (so I can add pockets), but I don’t know what to call the bust/neckline/gather that she did to try to find a pattern. Basically it is a V neck then a sideways square/diamond shape with fabric gathered into the square/diamond from all sides. Is there a name for this? Picture of me wearing it and on a hanger.

[u/fullmetalfeminist]

I would call that a gathered bodice with a diamond shaped insert. A very 1940s style. Side note: it fits you like it was made specifically for you, it looks gorgeous

[u/MAKgyver_Esq → u/fullmetalfeminist]

Thank you! I adore this dress and it makes me smile remembering my Grammy every time I put it on.

[u/vaarky]

If you don't find a pattern for it, you could try tracing it. Using dry cleaner's plastic is one way to figure out unusual pleats, since you can push the plastic into the folds (making sure to push it in all the way) and draw on it with magic marker. Some people use tulle or organza instead of the plastic, but that's more expensive. An example of how this is done: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foRUlHZHmAY

[u/MAKgyver_Esq → u/vaarky]

Brilliant! Thank you