Fashion dresses

Here is a simple pattern for a strapless empire waist dress:

Materials:
- 2-3 yards of fabric (depending on your size and desired length)
- Matching thread
- Elastic for the empire waist (measure around your ribcage and subtract 2 inches for a snug fit)
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Pins
- Measuring tape

Instructions:
1. Start by taking your measurements. Measure around your bust, under your bust (empire waist), and from your empire waist to your desired dress length.

2. Cut out the following pieces from your fabric:
- One rectangle for the skirt, the width should be your bust measurement plus 2 inches for seam allowance and the length should be your desired dress length plus 2 inches for hem.
- One rectangle for the bodice, the width should be your bust measurement and the length should be from your empire waist to just under your bust.
- Two rectangles for the bodice lining, the same size as the bodice piece.

3. Sew the bodice lining pieces to the bodice piece at the side seams, right sides together. Press the seams open.

4. Fold the top edge of the bodice over by 1 inch and stitch in place to create a casing for the elastic. Leave a small opening to insert the elastic.

5. Cut the elastic to the measurement of your empire waist, minus 2 inches. Thread the elastic through the casing and stitch the ends together securely. Close the opening in the casing.

6. Gather the top edge of the skirt piece to match the width of the bodice piece.

7. Pin the bodice to the skirt, right sides together, and sew along the waistline.

8. Hem the bottom edge of the skirt to your desired length.

9. Try on the dress and adjust the fit as needed. You can add a zipper or buttons to the back for closure if desired.

And there you have it, a simple strapless empire waist dress! Feel free to customize and embellish the dress to suit your style.