I have an Etsy shop for some things at www.etsy.com/shop/joysinstitches and a fabric/sewing supply shop at www.etsy.com/shop/thetimelytailor

Sounds like you have already done a good job of problem solving...but if you want a pattern that fits better without a lot of alterations, I'd definitely recommend trying raglan sleeves and/or gathers under a yoke. I think the dress you are referring to is this one: https://verityvintagestudio.typepad.com/my-blog/2022/02/late-1950s-leaf-dress.html Basically instead of gathering the fullness, it's just pleated into the yoke with one large center pleat. I top stitched it down above the waist because I liked the look better. But yes, it does extend the reach of the dress.

Hi Lynn, You are right, often there is some restriction on arm movement with some of these patterns. It doesn't generally bother me that much, but if it's a big deal, you can easily find vintage patterns, especially from the 1940s, that have shoulder gathers in the back, or raglan set sleeves, which allow for complete range of motion.

Hi Mary - yes, that would be fine. If you look at old photos of wedding parties, you’ll often see no gloves or short gloves, despite the more formal style of dress.