I have chosen this as the first pattern drafting project to put on my page because it can also be used to make the basic sheath dress, and teaches a basic sloper really well. By adding design elements, one could customize this basic template endlessly — as I intend to.
I highly recommend Make it Your Own by, Lori Bottom and Rhonda Chaney. It gives lots of practical instruction on how to modify necklines, add collars, change sleeve designs and generally customize any pattern you might already have. Between this book and learning pattern drafting, I am unlikely ever to buy a commercial pattern again.
To draft any pattern, though, you’ll first need to take your measurements.