I decided that I wanted a simple, straight bodice dress. While my self drafted shirt dress is lovely, I feel that something simpler is in order. Not wanting to go through the whole drafting process again, I decided to give Bootstrap Fashion custom patterns a go. I have one of their knit patterns, and it is a staple for winter tunics.
This is the Bootstrap Fashions V-Neck Pleated Skirt Dress With Pockets, entering my measurements to get a custom fit pattern. After deciding to not “leap in” with my good fabric and doing this muslin first, I discovered that the waistline on this dress was as least 2 inches too big; I think I measured wrong.   I have found out the hard way, that while I can measure others properly, I obviously don’t measure myself the right way. I think perhaps, I tend to hold the measuring tape a bit lower when I am measuring my waist. oh well, a lesson learned.
That being said, I actually quite liked the fit across the shoulders, bust point and the back. I decided on putting a 1in dart between the main dart and the side seam (pretty much where I pinned out the bulk).
Went back to the sewing room, laid out the dress, and proceeded to draw up and stitch in a basic dart ….. yep, in the back. So, tried on, decided it could do with a bit more, so also put the darts into the front. I have transferred these changes to the pattern, putting the extra dart on the front, but just increasing the main dart on the back. I will have to adjust the skirt panels, but they are a straight rectangle, so shouldn’t be a problem. I used a dress zip, because I didn’t have an invisible, but will do it properly next time.
It has pockets!!!!!
Now, to cut out the special fabric.
