[rebecca]

I haven’t sewn every Liesl + Co/ Lisette pattern, yet, though I own them all. I’m really, really wanting a trapeze/tent dress, super flowy. I’m wondering, from any of y’all have sewn a pattern and thought it would be an easy flat-pattern change to make it trapeze/tent, any suggestions??

I’m going for this: http://www.rachelcomey.com/womens-store/sale/long-sleeve-poise-top.html?color=Black&size=2 (the back has a keyhole opening with a single button; no darts or shaping that I can see, just a true tent/trapeze style)

[rebecca]

Well, looking at the Gallery dress, it seem like the easiest to alter. When looking at the design sketch, it is the closest, I believe. Any other thoughts?

http://oliverands.com/liesl-and-co-patterns/OLV-LC015GT-D.html

[Rpankow]

Rebecca:

After seeing your photo, which is a gorgeous top by the way, possibly altering the metro tee to have long sleeves and to make it swing out per Liesl’s tutorial on how to alter the raglan tee to an A-line as seen here? http://oliverands.com/community/blog/2014/02/customizing-the-raglan-the-a-line-t-shirt.html

The metro tee automatically came to mind when I saw that beautiful example was made out of a knit material. Good luck!

-Rebecca

[rebecca]

@rpankow what a lovely idea, to start with a top!!! I want to make one out of woven (linen, perhaps), as well, so I’ll peruse some of the older lisette fitted tops to see if any oblige. Thanks!

[Rpankow]

Rebecca:

Oh how fun! I wasn’t sure of the material you were going for. Maybe a modified Portfolio? Similar A line but you could ultimately omit the pockets and then size out?

[rebecca]

And it looks like the Lisette 1878 would be a great start, too, since there is no seaming below the bust (in front), and in back, I could simply release the darts, and shorten the zipper. What fun to explore this idea. Thanks for the idea; I really hadn’t even thought of starting with a top, which really makes it so easy.

http://www.simplicity.com/p-7451-misses-dresses.aspx

[Rpankow]

Oh goodness, I didn’t even think about the Diplomat, what a great idea! I think it would be easy to modify!

[rebecca]

HAHA. Now I’ll have to post a draft of my first try, since it’s become a project of collaboration. I’ll try both a knit (from the Liesl tee) and a woven (from Diplomat) to compare!

When posting that link, I hadn’t even realized that I could by a PDF version of the Diplomat dress. How modern!

[Rpankow]

LOL, sounds like a great idea! That’s the fun kind of experimenting and you get to reap the benefits! 🙂

[Liesl Gibson]

That’s a cute dress! I love Rachel Comey’s designs.

It’s difficult to see the details in the photos, but I’d tend to start with the Gallery Tunic if I was doing it. It’s the closest silhouette to this dress, but you’ll still need to do some work to get the right look. I hope it works and you keep us posted on your progress!

[rebecca]

@Liesl — I know, I covet most of Rachel Comey’s designs!! I love the simple minimalism of them.