Christmas Dress Pattern Hack

Last month I asked if you'd be interested in dress patterns from Carli and I got a great response! However, we realized that it's not feasible at this point to be making all sizes so what we're going to do is take an existing pattern that you can buy and then adjust it in a few simple steps. We're calling it Pattern Hack. 
I realize it's rather late to be making a Christmas dress at this point in the game, but it's still so adorable that you will want to make it and have it in your wardrobe. I've already worn mine three days in a row. 
And with that, I'm off! Merry Christmas! Enjoy the beautiful holiday. I'll be taking off a few days but I have a couple of New Year's ideas coming atcha! 
Photos by Caitlin WatsonDress by Carli Randolf
See the full instructions below.
Materials: Basic pattern (this one is great!), scissors, ruler, pencil, paper
Step 1: Choose your pattern size and adjust pattern for your measurementsStep 2: Lay out your dress front piece. If wrinkled, iron on a warm dry setting.Step 3: Lay a piece of paper over your pattern and trace cutting lines, notches, darts, and any important markings.Step 4: Based on your intended design, draw in the seam lines. Since the pattern is placed on the fold, you will be drawing for half of the front. At the neckline, I made a mark 1 inch from the fold line. At the hem I made a mark 8 inches from the fold line. I then take a long ruler and draw in a line between your marks. Step 5: In the middle of your line draw in a notch (a single notch on the front dress piece and a double notch on the back dress piece) to mark where to join the fabric together later. Step 6: Cut the pattern piece on the line. Step 7: Add 5/8 inch at the line to both pieces. This is for seam allowance. Remember to keep your notches in the right place. Step 8: Label your pieces (dress front center cut 1 on fold, dress front side cut 2)Step 9: Repeat steps 2- 8 for dress backStep 10: Cut out and sew up!
The great thing about this technique is that it doesn't alter the size/shape of the dress, but gives you the ability to be creative with a store bought pattern! You can design endless dresses with one basic pattern! 
As this is our first time doing this column, let us know if you have any questions so we can clarify and make it a fluid experience for you!