Block Patterns
Before I started working on my own and studied fashion design I would use my measurement of my body or clothing I liked the fit of and lay them down on fabric before cutting out. these days I buy Kraft paper from Kmart which is a waterproof layer on one side and is wide enough for 1/2 sized patterns at an adult size 12. the roll is about $5 in the office supply section.
Making a 1/2 sized block pattern: rule a line with a ruler half the length of your bust measurement (mine is 19 inches) now measure from your underbust to the belly button and mark a line for where your waist measurement and rule a line what half your waist measurement is. now to measure your waist to hip bone, document the measurement on the kraft paper. it is all just squares making up a long requital I mean bigger square.
to get the arm holes, use a fench curve and on the front block dress pattern i have a few necklines outlined but the options are endless
