Are you ready to dive into new sewing patterns, or do you want to challenge yourself to create something amazing with the ones you already have?
In our example pattern, Vogue 7538 was released in 1968. The sewist noted a similarity to Simplicity 7467, released in March 1976, albeit with a wider neckline and the addition of a ruffled, tiered skirt included in the pattern.
Here are some ideas based on her notes.
1. Lengthen the blouse to wear over pants
2. Substitute a buttoned cuff instead of elastic at the wrist. How dramatic would this look with a cavalier cuff? A frilled or ruffled cuff? What about an entire wardrobe of detachable cuffs to suit any mood?
3. Smock the top of the sleeves or the bodice---or both--- instead of gathering.
4. Use color blocks, prints, or different textured fabrics (e.g., eyelet and cotton voile), which might be a stash-buster if you don't have enough of either fabric!
5. Lengthen the bodice to dress length. Use a 20" zipper for opening or widen the neck for pullover dress.
6. Convert back opening to front opening and self-face or bias-bind. Close with buttons or tie.
7. Add a frill or ruffle to neck.
8. Change the jewel neckline to something else.
9. Consider fabric choice. Vogue 7538 recommended "soft fabrics such as broadcloth, surah, crepe, and jersey." The sewist suggested voiles and sheers. Simplicity 7467 recommended "crepe, crepe-back satin, crinkled muslin, gauze, challis, chintz, sateen, cotton broadcloth, printed voile, flocked fabric, lightweight knit." How would your fabric choice affect drape and wearability?
10. Consider belts as accessories! A self-fabric or contrasting fabric obi belt or macrame belt would rein in fullness. There are many online obi belt pattern tutorials. Here are a few:
DIY Reversible Obi Belt Tutorial
DIY Loewe Denim Obi Corset Belt
Working from a pattern you’ve already sewn gives you so many advantages. You already know what alterations will be required, you understand the fit, and it’s likely to coordinate effortlessly with pieces already in your wardrobe.
The sewist who had Vogue 7538 in her collection wrote notes to herself on the outside of the envelope. What’s your favorite way to experiment with a pattern you already love?
How do you organize or keep track of your sewing projects?
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