From just 5 basic patterns elements, learn to mix and match these elements to create over 80 different bespoke garments that are unique to you. With full-size patterns to cater for dress sizes 2 to 42.
Creative Book Awards 2024 - Winner - Best Sewing Book from Crafts Beautiful Magazine
Let Dressmaker Helen Rhiannon guide you through every step of the process to help you create a classic, customized dress that’s perfect for your body and your personal style.
There’s a pattern for every size and shape (2-42). Simply choose the size closest to your own measurements, trace off your pattern pieces, create a sample in calico and alter it to your unique shape. Then, choose from a selection of basic, but beautiful, neckline, sleeve and skirt options – from classic V-necklines to flouncy Fifties-style circle skirts – to make your dress your very own.
Basic techniques needed are covered at the start of the book – including seam allowances, notches, cutting out, pinning, machine sewing and finishing.
The basic sewing kit you need is covered, as well as fabric advice and advice on lining.
There are
4 style options
each for sleeves and necklines, including a flared sleeve, a capped sleeve, a sweetheart neckline or a boatneck; and
5 skirt options
, including a fitted pencil-style skirt, a zhuzhy circle skirt, and an A-Line, with or without pleats.
The 5 patterns can be put together to create
80 different dress styles
; adapted to make 4 different skirts or 4 tops; or the pattern for the straight skirt can be joined to any of the bodice patterns to make a straight dress.
Let Helen take you from novice to creator of your own bespoke clothes with this exhaustive guide