Do you ever get sick of tracing/cutting loads of pattern pieces and fiddling with fitting a new pattern?
Well, you have plenty of company, my friends. Some days we just want a new dress. We want it to be comfortable AND flattering, easy to launder, travel nicely, and most of all, we want it NOW.
Enter the t-shirt pattern. That’s right, the one you use for your basic-not-very-exciting-but-essential wardrobe staple. For me, The Perfect T-Shirt by Pamela’s Patterns is the ticket. Yep, those 3 simple pattern pieces will make you an attractive dress in a blink, by just adding to the length.
Here’s the proof!
I made two of these dresses before heading to London last November, and I have plans for at least 1 more from a yummy wool blend cable-knit. It was as simple as adding enough inches to the front and back pattern piece to cover my wrinkly-old-lady-knees. No flaring. Just a straight line down from the hip. Easy-peasy. I used sweater knits for both versions, and I don’t remember the exact fiber content, but it was definitely a blend.
You can add stretch trim to the neckline and sleeve hems if you want a bit of contrast; I added some black “faux piping” I made in about 2 minutes on my serger, just to add a bit o’ pop. It is subtle, but I like the finish.
Grrr! Animal prints are always fun.
I.Love.These.Dresses. They are my new go-to wardrobe staple. With a belt, tights, boots, and a bit of jewelry I feel polished and put-together, and it takes almost zero effort. My kind of dressing!
Have you ever altered an existing top pattern to create a dress? Are you a dress or separates kind of gal?
Happy sewing!
Maris