Now that I have 2 bodices that fit me well thanks to the class I took with Gretchen Hirsch I was thinking that those two bodices can be the basis for lots of future dresses.
I’ve never been a pattern maker and so this felt like a good step on my journey. So I started with the bodice pattern I used to make this dress.

I took those pattern pieces and laid them over another pattern that had a round neck because for a dress to wear in the winter I wanted to be little more covered. I just lined up the shoulder seam lines on the two patterns and laid a piece of tracing paper over both patterns and just traced the lines from the patterns that I needed.
I did that for both the front piece and the back so that the neck lines would match.
And this is the resulting dress.

I’m really happy with this. I have read often about creating sewing pattern blocks and now I’m on my way to a collection of basic patterns for myself that can be altered and and changed to make as many different dress styles as I want.
I don;t know if you have been following along with me for a long time but late last year I talked about how I am good at fitting others but have always had a hard time making clothes for myself that fit well. I think I’m over that hurdle now!
My next step is improving on making dresses with fitted bodices for customers who may not be able to come and see me in person.
If you’re curious, the fabric for this dress cam from Minerva.com . They also have a ton of great fabrics. Check them out when you can’t find what you are looking for close to home.