The patterns linked on my Pinterest albums and the items you see on my Instagram feed are just the start! Here are some ideas of design modifications that can be made:
- Lengthening or shortening sleeves, body, or legs
- Lower or raise the neckline or change the shape
- Interchange waist darts, pleats, or gathers
- Change darts to elastic
- Change the sleeve style - flutter, bishop, lantern sleeve, add or remove a cuff, etc
- In dresses with a waist seam, change the skirt style - circle, half circle, panelled, gathered, straight etc
- Shorten a dress to a top or lengthen a top to a dress
- Change pocket style - patch, inseam, slash, welt etc
- Add colour blocking or embellishments such as lace, applique, or embroidery
Examples:
Melilot blouse by Deer and Doe
Version 1: as designed - long sleeves, round collar, covered button placket (linen viscose blend)
Version 2: as designed - short cuffed sleeves, round collar, regular button placket (bamboo double gauze)
Version 3: dress hack - simple skirt and elastic waistband added (rayon challis)
Version 3: dress hack - collar and button placket removed; the front and back are each one long piece with elastic stitched to the inside. (cotton double gauze)
Scout Tee by Grainline Studio
Version 1: As designed - scoop neck, cap sleeves, and straight hem (sewing in polyester crepe)
Version 2: Add pintucks to the front (sewn in polyester crepe)
Version 3: Change to a v-neck and add a box pleat to the front, plus slightly longer sleeves and hem (sewn in a linen/viscose blend)
Version 4: Change the hemline (longer overall, curved, and longer at the back) (sewn in a rayon voile)
