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Hey Frances Suzanne readers!  I’m Rachel from Stitched Together and I am so happy to be here today to share my flip with you!

While I absolutely love altering patterns, I have to admit my brain usually operates in the reverse of ‘Flip This Pattern.’  I generally start with a idea and then find a pattern that I can alter to make my vision a reality.  So this was an interesting challenge for me.

I started with my favorite part of the pattern – the sleeves.  Then I went to my favorite source of inspiration – Pinterest.  I landed on this pin and decided to try to replicate it.

Given I loved those sleeves so much, the only change I made to them was to shorten the cuff by about an inch or so.

Next, I removed the bodice pleat, drawing a standard bodice top while being sure to keep the Hattie’s underarm curve shape.

I knew I did not want a fitted bodice, so I kept the Hattie’s A-line shape and simply shortened it to hit at my daughter Iris’s belly button.

Then I added a gathered, but not too gathered, skirt.

I really debated as to whether I should line the bodice.  I ultimately decided not to, to give the dress a flowy feel.  This allowed for easy construction being the Hattie pattern is also unlined.

This left me with an unfinished neckline.  I knew I wanted to finish it with bias binding.

The final small change I made was to make a fabric button loop rather than an elastic one.

Whenever I work with plaids, I’m always careful (and maybe a bit obsessive) about making sure my plaids match.  Whether it’s the neckline binding, the cuffs, or the side seams, I’m always mindful when cutting plaids to hopefully add more character to my dress.

I loved having the opportunity to Flip This Pattern.  This was such a fun pattern to work with and I look forward to sewing the Hattie straight up some day, too!  Thanks for having me, Emily and Ashley!

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