Hello everyone. Before I get into this camouflage maxi, let’s talked about patterns for just a second. I have been buying store-bought patterns for years, and I love them. Especially when they are on sale for 99 cents or $1.99. [Big Smile] Honestly, at this point, there are not many patterns that I want, that I don’t already have. I know, it’s shameful, but I have an addiction. So be patient with me. Because I sew so often, and mostly for myself, it is likely better for me to self-draft patterns, and just continue to make patterns from those self-drafted patterns. It guarantees a perfect fit with little to no modifications.
The self-drafted patterns always fit, as long as you don’t lose or gain weight, and even with that, they can easily be modified. Probably more easily modified than a store-bought pattern. I always have to alter pants patterns. Always. the front and back crotch always have to be modified, and for this reason alone, it is probably better for me to draft my own pants patterns. I did not say, however, that I draft my own pants patterns. I said, “I SHOULD” probably draft my own patterns. I have drafted two pants patterns. But I should probably draft every pants pattern to make sure the fit is always good, knowing that a commercial pants pattern is not going to give me a perfect fit.
Okay, so let’s talk about this self-drafted knit dress. It’s summer. Kinda. It’s close anyway, and it is getting hot and sweaty outside. Unfortunately, I sweat a lot, so I need clothes that are light. I wanted to draft a t-shirt dress, but I didn’t know if I wanted a true t-shirt dress, with straight lines, or if I wanted an A-line dress to fit the waist and flirt out. As you can see, I went with the flirt out. Not too full in the hips, but full enough.
I self-drafted a T-shirt a few weeks ago, but this is not the pattern I used for this t-shirt dress. This one is a little different in that it is shorter and the backc is two separate pieces instead of one like the tshirt. I drafted the skirt years ago but just checked the measurements to see if they still applied. I added a few inches to the bottom to make sure it was a true maxi. I wanted it all the way to the flo [floor].
The fabric came from Fabric Mart Fabrics. I rarely order fabric from them, but they had a sale and I could not resist. I have been wanting to make more casual wear and this fabric, plus the others I purchased allows me to make a few casual pieces for my changing wardrobe. This is a lightweight cotton knit blend. About the weight of a t-shirt with about a 20 percent stretch. Perfect for this dress.
This t-shirt dress came together rather nicely, and because it was self-drafted, I was not even worried about whether it would fit or not. I knew it would. And the beautiful thing about drafting your own patterns, is that they will always fit. Give an inch or two here or there. With self-drafted patterns, you will know where to make the adjustments, if you need to make any at all. I also like that I can make this dress again, anytime I want and every time I make it, depending on the fabric, of course, it will turn out well, not to mention the many combinations I can create just from these 4 pieces {skirt front and back, [same piece] bodice front, bodice back, and sleeve. Also, the neckband. Just by changing the length of the skirt, bodice, or sleeve, I can create several different garments and still have the option of the first dress.
That’s it for now. I hope you are making some really great pieces for yourself and for others, if that is your desire. Thank you for letting me share a little of my passion with you. If you have not already done so, consider subscribing. You can subscribe below. Until next time, Let’s make life better, one project at a time.
Someone once asked, “If you could do anything and was guaranteed success, what would you do?”
