Traditionally you would unpick an existing garment to create your template. I liked the dress I was copying the shape from and didn't want to ruin it. So I free styled it.
I measured and dress a copy of a smaller sun dress, added 2 inches around the edge and adjusted the style.
Instead of an A-Line skirt I incorporated pleats by cutting x2 the width of material I needed and folding and pinning at regular intervals.
