The Book Dress

 

I just finished making this dress for my lovely friend C.

She picks such fun print fabrics. This one is books with flowers!

Its based one Simplicity 9122 with the rather wide neckline brought in by an inch on each side and the cap sleeves extended into short dolman sleeves. I've added side pockets and moved the position of the front tucks down a little to suit C's full bust.

Making a Complete Wardrobe from 4 Basic Patterns by Rusty Bensussen

I ordered the book 'Making a Complete Wardrobe from 4 Basic Patterns' by Rusty Bensussen as a used book and it came today.

I thought that I sort of sew in that way already, since I seem to have a favourite knit top, trousers, skirt etc. but that it would be nice to have some more ideas.
The book was published in 1987 and uses self drafted patterns that are very simple for a loose top, an A line skirt, a circle skirt and drawstring trousers. As such I probably wouldn't want to use the actual patterns.
What I do like about it is the way it encourages you to think a little more widely about the patterns you do have and how they could be made in different fabrics, and have changes applied to them.
Especially if you have to make a lot of alterations this is a really good approach as you are just adding details onto your already fitted patterns.