The basic Butterick skirt pattern is an easy one as is the Voque skirt. I believe is less is more when it comes to sewing. I basically have to readjust the two patterns to into one. The Voque pattern is the one I have to adjust and that is just 4 pieces that are triangles. The Butterick is also four pieces but they go to the side in the swirls. I was actually thinking of contacting McCall's for advise on this. I will be using a lot of throw away material but I hope it will be worth it!

Someone mentioned going onto quilters cache and I found the following patterns that might work. I am looking for simple patterns without a lot of pieces per square that will lend themselves to going in a line of sorts. I might be doing just the squares and placing a border around each one. I will really have to get the pattern so I know the best size square to use.

Calling for a vote as to which pattern might work best:
Ladies Aid Block
Attraction Block
Grandmother's Puzzle
Attic Window
and my favorite - Bouquet

Since you all know more then I do, please give me some advice. The swirls will be about 12 inches wide finished circling downward and around to form the skirt and of the 4 to 6 swirls only 2 to 3 will be the quilt pattern. I also have to remember that the material will be shades of white.

I will try to copy the Butterick pattern here so it will help you understand my idea. I am doing view D and remember I will be making the skirt way fuller and every other swirl will be a quilted section.

My advice:

Measure the person that you are making this for.

Pattern sizing may or may not match the sizing used for the ready-wear-garments that you buy and wear.

If using a Vogue pattern, believe the measurements given in the book.

Make a muslin (trial/test run garment) to check out sizing issues.

Good luck.

I will do that and thanks. Once I get her fitted for the Voque pattern I can then adjust the swirl to that. Knew you all would be a great help!

I am thinking the easiest would be a braid.

I love that you are wanting to take on such a wonderful project. However, the little "devil's advocate" flag started waving. :( Does your future DIL know about this project? I would hate for it to be a surprise for her... if she already has other dress ideas.

I agree totally - your future DIL has to be part of this process - or it could backfire dreadfully

First make the basic dress in inexpensive muslin using the pattern you selected. Dress patterns aren't always easy to follow or understand without experience. You can do all the fitting and alterations on the muslin dress, take it apart and use it as the pattern for the real dress. It will save you tons of frustration and heartsickness.

I want to see pictures!