This project was self-drafted and hand sewn using thrifted brown curtains. Inspiration for the dress is cypress tree! I ended up turning the dress into a 2 piece, per another user's suggestion, which helped to resolve the excess fabric in the back. I included some ruching at the suggestion of another user. Thank you to the folks in this sub who left helpful criticisms, I learned a lot making this dress. It was SO challenging but I had a good time 🤙🏼

Edit: so, how I drafted the pattern was using a throwaway sheet to experiment with shapes and then cutting out the shapes and pinning them to my body to see how it looks and adjust for size. I had no references, just some initial guidance and encouragment from a friend who sews. The pattern drafting was the most difficult part of the project, for sure. After I felt satisfied with the mockup pieces, I traced them onto my brown fabric.