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-the home of Simple, Speedy Sewing.

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Meri Blouse is a traditional dress worn in the Pacific Islands, originally introduced by missionaries I've heard. I made these four for a concert at church for some New Guinean ladies. The pattern cutting is very simple with little fabric wasted. And
To finish Me Made May, here's my favourite make of all time, worn by the lovely Emily. It's 5 metres of Ikea upholstery fabric, patternmaking uses subtraction cutting methods (google Julian Roberts, he has lots of free resources). As you can see from
What can I say? I'm in no danger of running out of handmade clothes for Me Made May (last count- more than 50 items in my wardrobe) but they are getting more...unusual. This flatpack shawl (it is a flat shape with armholes) was a college design proje
I made three of these dresses, because they look more complicated to make than they really are. This is black linen with a bit of sashiko stitching - cool to wear in summer or over a tee shirt when the temperatures go down. #memadewardrobe #sewers of

Daisy Dress Variegation

The Daisy Dress pattern is quite loose fitting around the waist and hips to allow it to slip on, as it has no zips, buttons or closures. This pink Daisy variation in a crisp cotton has sewn in ties and is custom fitted at the back.

Ties inserted in side seam

Ties inserted in side seam

TO SEW TIES

Cut 2 straight strips  each measuring 75 x 8cm (30 x3"), fold  in quarters ( so you won't have to turn them inside out!) and topstitch all around, tucking in short ends.  Mark your waist level (make sure it's the same on both sides by measuring distance from bottom of  armhole). Insert tie into side seam, sandwiching between front and back.  (Unpick a small section if you've already stitched the sides.)

 

Back view before altering back

Back view before altering back

 
Back view after adding a seam down the centre back.

Back view after adding a seam down the centre back.

TO ALTER BACK

Make back of dress narrower by sewing in a new seam in the middle of the back.

Make back of dress narrower by sewing in a new seam in the middle of the back.

Crisp fabrics that don't drape well can make your Daisy dress look a little voluminous, particularly at the back.  A quick alteration to reduce the back by 5cm (2") in width is to create a centre back seam.  Fold dress  carefully along centre back and stitch a 2.5 cm (1") seam in.  (Check to see you can still get in and out of your dress first!)  Trim seam back to 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance and zigzag/overlock to finish.  

NB:If you'd like to reduce the back width but don't want a seam here (maybe your flowers look disjointed!) adjust the pattern piece before you cut out the back.  Simply fold under 2.5cm (1") at centre back (long straight edge of the pattern piece) before you cut it out.

If you'd like to try these variations but are a bit confused, just let me know.  I'll explain more fully and draw some diagrams for you!