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This summer I spent some time drafting patterns for clothes that really fit me, using the advice in Cal Patch ‘s excellent book, Design-It-Yourself Clothes . And I can tell that efforts are paying off, because I recently created a new dress pretty much from scratch—though with heaps of design inspiration from Oliver+S’s School Photo Dress pattern for a little girl’s dress.

I love the details on this pattern–cuffed sleeves and standup collar on the bias, a-line silhouette, yoke, and front kangaroo pocket—and I could see its potential for adult wearers. Knowing how clear and understandable Liesl Gibson makes her pattern sewing instructions (you can learn so much following her guidance), I decided to give it a go. I did skip the kangaroo pocket (thinking it might neither so cute nor so slimming on a near-forty-year-old) but otherwise I drafted my own pieces and then followed along, step by step, with the construction.

After first making a muslin (yes, I’m learning), I cut and sewed up the final version using some grey and lavender dotted wool of uncertain vintage that I unearthed on a visit to Maxie’s Daughter while in Philadelphia this fall. And this past weekend, I wore my dress to the Desk Set ‘s Biblioball, where my husband and I had our portrait taken. An appropriate adult alternative to a School Photo, I think.

Next up in my dressmaking, once I find the right fabric: a dress made using the Uniform Project pattern , which arrived in my mailbox tucked inside its little tote a few weeks ago! But in the meantime, there is knitting, reading, and holiday merrymaking.

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Liesl February 16, 2011 at 9:56 pm Jessica, it’s fantastic! I’m very proud of you, and I think you’re smart to combine sewing instructions with your own patterns. That’s frequently the hardest part about sewing–knowing the order of steps. Reply ↓ Jessica Post author February 28, 2011 at 5:16 pm Liesl, thanks for sending Holly my way. Her work is great! Reply ↓

Jessica, it’s fantastic! I’m very proud of you, and I think you’re smart to combine sewing instructions with your own patterns. That’s frequently the hardest part about sewing–knowing the order of steps.

Jessica Post author February 28, 2011 at 5:16 pm Liesl, thanks for sending Holly my way. Her work is great! Reply ↓

Liesl, thanks for sending Holly my way. Her work is great!

Holly February 17, 2011 at 1:29 pm Found your blog today, from a recommendation from Liesl. I’m dying to re-grade the Oliver & S Bubble Dress pattern. You’ve done a great job here! Reply ↓ Jessica Post author February 28, 2011 at 5:15 pm Thanks so much, Holly. You should really make that Bubble Dress. With some fitting across the upper bodice it would be a sweet summery dress for grownups too. And speaking of adult patterns, I’m so psyched about Lisette ! You too? Reply ↓

Found your blog today, from a recommendation from Liesl. I’m dying to re-grade the Oliver & S Bubble Dress pattern. You’ve done a great job here!

Jessica Post author February 28, 2011 at 5:15 pm Thanks so much, Holly. You should really make that Bubble Dress. With some fitting across the upper bodice it would be a sweet summery dress for grownups too. And speaking of adult patterns, I’m so psyched about Lisette ! You too? Reply ↓

Thanks so much, Holly. You should really make that Bubble Dress. With some fitting across the upper bodice it would be a sweet summery dress for grownups too. And speaking of adult patterns, I’m so psyched about Lisette ! You too?

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